Chapter 9: The Inner Disciple Advancement Competition
The next day.
At the Yang Sect Outer Area Arena.
"There are so many promising disciples this year." An old man with a long white beard furrowed his willowy brows while scrutinizing the hundred-odd Outer Disciples gathered below.
This old man was an Outer Elder of the Sect, one among three who volunteered to oversee the Inner Disciple Advancement Competition this year. And with a keen pair of eyes, he noticed several among the sea of Outer Disciples that stood out like dull gems waiting to be polished.
"Five at the 5th Layer of the Martial Apprentice Realm," a different Outer Elder commented. "They already qualify as Inner Disciples, and though there are more of them than usual this year, they are all going to advance. I’m certain about that."
The final Outer Elder, surprisingly a beautiful middle-aged woman, giggled in an elegant manner. With a hand covering her bright red lips, she added, "With five definite Inner Disciples and possibly more among the common disciples, we are sure to receive a large number of Contribution Points from the Sect."
The other two Outer Elders revealed small grins. They knew the female Outer Elder was right.
In normal years, maybe one or two in one of these competitions would emerge as an Inner Disciple, which, although still good, was just average.
However, now, things were different, and they could be looking at upwards of three times their typical gains!
Profitable indeed!