The Unparalleled Sword Emperor
Chapter 432 - 431: The Nine Core Martial Artists

Chapter 432: Chapter 431: The Nine Core Martial Artists

The horses Lin Bai and Ji Bei rode were excellent ones, carefully bred by the Royal Family of the Imperial Capital, offering remarkable speed. This allowed Lin Bai and Ji Bei to return to the Spirit Sword Sect within a short span of only three days.

Ji Bei continued, "Last year’s nine core martial artists were mainly those who were promoted with the wholehearted support of the young sect master."

"Strength-wise, they rank from high to low as follows: Qu Feng, Ye Mobei, Long Xiangtian, Jing Zhonghai, Mei Heyuan, Cai Haoji, Lin Chen, Songzi Huan, Qi Yang."

Lin Bai nodded in silence. Though he had never heard of any of these people, they were indeed formidable to have been made core disciples, so they are unlike ordinary people in every way.

Ji Bei added, "Among these nine core martial artists, the one with the lowest cultivation should be Qi Yang. Last year, in the location battle of the Core Martial Artist Assessment, he fought to the death to secure a place among the core martial artists, damaging his foundation in the process. For this reason, he has made very little progress in the last year."

"The other eight, however, have definitely broken through to the peak of the Heaven Martial Realm Ninth Layer, with Qu Feng even reaching the Initial Stage of the Half-step Divine Pill Realm."

Lin Bai slowly nodded.

Ji Bei laughed and said, "So, if you want to become a core martial artist this year, it’s best to challenge Qi Yang. He’s relatively easy to bully."

"Oh," Lin Bai replied.

Ji Bei didn’t know that Qi Yang had already been killed by Lin Bai in the East Sea.

Now, Lin Bai was still puzzled, wondering how Qi Yang, one of the nine core disciples, could have only the cultivation of the Heaven Martial Realm Sixth Layer. It turned out that last year, in his desperate fight for a position among the core martial artists, he damaged his foundation. This was why he had been stuck at the Heaven Martial Realm Sixth Layer for a year, unable to make any further progress.

Ji Bei continued, "Next, you need to watch out for the top ten experts in the Inner Gate Top Hundred List, starting with Cai Xuan, who’s ranked first."

"His cultivation has already reached the Heaven Martial Realm Ninth Layer. He’s certain to become a core martial artist this year."

Actually, the Inner Gate Top Hundred List consists of two lists.

One is the Heaven Martial Realm Top Hundred List.

The other is the Earth Martial Realm Top Hundred List.

However, as the Spirit Sword Sect gradually declined, fewer and fewer disciples were able to break through to the Heaven Martial Realm. Even a few years ago, there weren’t even a hundred of them.

For this reason, the Heaven Martial Realm Top Hundred List was cancelled. They only determined the top ten, blending it with the Earth Martial Realm Top Hundred List to form the Spirit Sword Sect Inner Gate Top Hundred List.

Hence, those among the top ten of the Inner Gate Top Hundred List were basically the strongest martial artists below the core martial artists.

They were incomparable to the eleventh one on the list.

Lin Bai, who had slain Murong Yeshen, took over the eleventh spot on the Inner Gate Top Hundred List.

Ji Bei said, "The top ten on this year’s Inner Gate Top Hundred List are as follows: Cai Xuan, Di Yuan, Luo Yixi, Yin Jiaju, Tong Xin, Lu Yuan, Qiao Xukun, Hua Wei, Luo Qixiao."

"The only Sword Alliance martial artist among the top ten is Luke Yuan."

"Regrettably, he has already lost an arm. The Sword Alliance is trying to persuade him not to participate in the Core Martial Artist Assessment. But he’s determined to try, even though it’s uncertain if he will gain any substantial results."

Thinking of Luke Yuan evoked a touch of sadness in Lin Bai.

Lin Bai held an appreciation for Luke Yuan. After all, if Lin Bai hadn’t been assigned to attend the year-end tail sacrifice in Shenwu Kingdom, Luke Yuan wouldn’t have been given the task by the second elder of the Sword Alliance to accompany Lin Bai. Luke Yuan wouldn’t have had his arm severed by Luo Qixing.

"I owe Brother Luke Yuan. If he decides to take part in the Core Martial Artist Assessment, I will do my utmost to ensure his safety."

"Brother Luke Yuan, this time it’s my turn to protect you," Lin Bai said calmly.

Ji Bei said, "Luke Yuan’s cultivation isn’t bad as of now. Despite the loss of his arm, he has made tremendous progress since returning to the Spirit Sword Sect. He’s broken through two states, reaching the Heaven Martial Realm Fifth Layer."

"As for the rest of the top ten, aside from Cai Xuan, who’s at the Heaven Martial Realm Ninth Layer, the others mainly oscillate between the Heaven Martial Realm Sixth and Seventh Layers."

Hearing this, Lin Bai nodded.

Ji Bei explained, "The Core Martial Artist Assessment is primarily an assessment of the Spirit Sword Sect’s nine core martial artists."

"If they fail to make further advances in their cultivation, and are replaced by upcoming disciples, then naturally, those disciples replace them in their positions."

"So, this is going to be a tough battle."

Ji Bei said with a slight smile.

"Are you confident, Lin Bai?" Ji Bei asked.

"Of course, I will definitely become a core martial artist this year." Lin Bai said firmly, a resolution showing in his eyes.

Noon time.

Lin Bai returned to the Spirit Sword Sect.

The Spirit Sword Sect today was bustling with activity. All the warriors who were traveling outside had practically returned to the Spirit Sword Sect.

The reason was simple. The core martial artist assessment would begin tomorrow. Regardless of whether they were participating in the assessment, they all had to return to observe the ceremony.

After all, this was the Spirit Sword Sect’s annual grand event.

It was absolutely riveting.

Arriving at the Sword Alliance, Ji Bei went to gather some information, then returned to report to Lin Bai, "Lin Bai, it’s confirmed. The assessment for core martial artist will be held tomorrow. You can just meet at the Martial God Tower."

Lin Bai nodded, "No problem."

After that, Lin Bai returned to the White Cloud Peak.

He arrived at Ling Tianzi’s palace.

"Disciple desires an audience with Master."

Lin Bai softly called out from outside the palace gate.

"Come in." Ling Tianzi said with a smile.

Then, Lin Bai entered the palace where Ling Tianzi chuckled, "Lin Bai, you returned at this time, for the core martial artist assessment, right?"

Lin Bai nodded, "Yes, the assessment for the core martial artist is tomorrow. The disciple will surely become a core martial artist and learn the true skills of the Master."

Ling Tianzi chuckled, "Then you need to work hard. Be careful of Su Cang targeting you. He is already a master at the middle stage of the Half-step Divine Elixir Realm."

Lin Bai asked in surprise, "Did he break through?"

Ling Tianzi laughed, "If I’m not mistaken, he should have just broken through last night."

Upon hearing this, Lin Bai felt a great deal of pressure.

Lin Bai was confident about killing a warrior of the Heaven Martial Realm Ninth Layer. But he had never dueled with a master of the Half-step Divine Elixir Realm and didn’t know the severity of such a duel.

Thus, Lin Bai was unsure if he could withstand a master of the Half-step Divine Elixir Realm.

Especially since this Half-Step Divine Elixir Realm’s master, with his expanded Dantian, would have no fear of delaying any battle. Hence, hoping to win by stalling would be almost impossible.

So, the only option left was a hard battle.

"I should find an opportunity to test Su Cang’s cultivation, and see just how powerful the Half-step Divine Elixir Realm is!"

Lin Bai thought as such in his heart.

Afterwards, Lin Bai said to Ling Tianzi, "Disciple understands. I will go all out tomorrow. Even though I may not be Su Cang’s match, securing the title of a core martial artist is almost certain. Additionally, if I were to truly engage in a match with Su Cang, I don’t necessarily have to lose to him."

"All you need is this confidence. Go, rest well. Tomorrow will be a hard battle for you." Ling Tianzi said calmly.

"Yes."

"By the way, Master, hasn’t Third Senior Brother returned yet?"

Lin Bai asked as he was leaving.

Ling Tianzi took a long breath, "He went to the Dayue Kingdom to handle some things. He should be done soon, should be coming back soon, and the matter should also be coming to light soon."