C26 Intentionally Making Things Difficult for Him

Time flew by, and before we knew it, the third day had dawned. A multitude of people had converged outside Purple Gold City.

"Looks like there's a hefty crowd aiming to take part in the Dragon Hidden Sect's inner sect disciple exam this time. And judging by their appearance, they seem quite capable. This won't be an easy pass," Ling Yunfan remarked, observing the throngs outside Purple Gold City, most of whom were young.

Despite the advantage of his Divine Devil Bloodline and the Rank One God Devil Exterminating Spell, which granted him the ability to battle above his level, facing the majority of young disciples at Essence Gathering Level Two and a handful at Level Three, the pressure mounted on him.

"Yunfan, you think the Dragon Hidden Sect's inner sect disciple exam is going to be tough?" Pann Shaotian inquired, leaning in to catch Ling Yunfan's soft voice.

"Well, the Dragon Hidden Sect is one of the Celestial Roar Continent's four great forces. The number of people wanting to join is beyond count. But not everyone can make the cut. A top-tier force like this will only select the cream of the crop. So, to discern who truly stands out, one must endure a rigorous trial," Ling Yunfan explained patiently upon Pann Shaotian's questioning.

Upon hearing Ling Yunfan's explanation, Pann Shaotian, Ye Tianwen, and Yuu Mo all furrowed their brows, a hint of concern flickering in their eyes.

They had believed that their status as the top young talents in their hometown, coupled with their Essence Gathering Stage cultivation, would guarantee their success in the Dragon Hidden Sect's exam. But upon arrival, they were faced with the harsh reality that their hometown fame might equate to mediocrity elsewhere.

"Speaking of which, where's your brother? Isn't he here? I thought he was also planning to attempt the Dragon Hidden Sect's Inner Sect Disciple Assessment," Ling Yunfan asked, amidst the buzz of conversation around them.

"Ah, he doesn't have the qualification token needed for the Dragon Hidden Sect's assessment. Each martial arts family gets just one, and my foolish brother is all talk," Pann Shaotian admitted, his face tinged with embarrassment.

After Pann Shaotian's response, Ling Yunfan and the others were left speechless.

Time passed, and as Ling Yunfan chatted idly with Ye Tianwen and company, his gaze suddenly sharpened. He looked up quickly, focusing on the distant sky, and declared, "Such a powerful presence! There are quite a few, and one is so incredibly strong it's beyond belief!"

"What?! Has the Dragon Hidden Sect arrived already?"

"I've sensed it too."

"So have I!"

No sooner had they spoken than Ye Tianwen and the others also expressed their astonishment.

Sure enough, within a short span, nearly everyone noticed numerous potent auras converging rapidly from the sky towards their location.

Soon, a massive ship adorned with intricate purple patterns soared towards them.

"Let us welcome the emissary from the Dragon Hidden Sect!"

As the ship touched down, reverent voices rose from the outskirts of Purple Gold City.

Two men, one tall and one slender, both clad in white robes and sheer veils, descended the steps, followed by an elegantly dressed elder.

Witnessing the indiscernible yet formidable auras of the trio, Ling Yunfan inwardly marveled, "The young men's presence is overwhelming, but the elder exudes a sense of mystery. He must be a venerable elder of the Dragon Hidden Sect. It's unclear if they're allied with Lee Xueer, so it's wiser to keep our identities under wraps."

The sight of numerous young disciples at the Essence Gathering Stage brought smiles of approval to the young men's faces, while the elder remained stoic, his gaze fixed on Ling Yunfan without a flicker of emotion.

"Those holding a qualification token may proceed through the Purple Roc Spirit Ship's formation to prepare for the Inner Sect Disciple Exam at the Dragon Hidden Sect. Anyone without a token will be repelled by the formation. Impersonators will face strict punishment," the slender man announced.

Upon hearing this, the young disciples promptly produced their qualification tokens, crafted from millennium-aged peach wood, and made their way towards the imposing vessel.

"Hey kid, hold up. I've got some questions for you."

After Ye Tianwen and his group had moved on, Ling Yunfan found himself alone and about to board the ship when he was suddenly intercepted by a gaunt man who spoke with clear annoyance.

"If there's anything you'd like to ask, Senior Brother, please feel free. I'll answer to the best of my knowledge," Ling Yunfan responded calmly, realizing that the man must be an associate of Lee Xueer, targeting him specifically. Despite his reluctance, he maintained his composure.

"Are you Ling Yunfan from Swallow Azure City?" The man asked, his brow furrowing slightly after Ling Yunfan's response.

"Yes, I am Ling Yunfan. Do you have any guidance for me, Senior Brother?" Ling Yunfan, understanding the situation fully, knew his chances of boarding the ship to attend the Dragon Hidden Sect's Inner Sect Disciple Exam that day were slim, and replied with a hint of impatience.

"Good, since you've acknowledged it, I'll get straight to the point!" The man said with a surge of excitement, "Elder Bai Mubing has decreed that Ling Yunfan of the Ling Family is barred from participating in the Dragon Hidden Sect's Inner Sect Disciple Assessment. You're not welcome here—leave!"

His declaration left Pann Shaotian and the others, whether already on the ship or preparing to board, in stunned disbelief.

"Senior Brother, why is this happening? Mr. Yunfan isn't a villain; why prevent him from taking part in the Dragon Hidden Sect's inner sect disciple assessment?" Ye Tianwen, frustrated that his close friend couldn't continue the journey with him, asked with a tone of dissatisfaction.

"Yeah, what's the reason for this?"

"Senior Brother, surely an elder can't just arbitrarily deny someone the chance to take the assessment, can they?"

As Ye Tianwen voiced his concerns, Pann Shaotian and Yuu Mo quickly joined in support.

Listening to their protests, the thin young man, clearly irked, raised his voice, "I am Lianhuo, the second-ranked power in the inner sect, and I won't allow you insolent fools to disrespect me. Furthermore, Elder Bai Mubing is a revered Great Elder of the Dragon Hidden Sect, with the authority to revoke the assessment eligibility of anyone she chooses!"

After speaking, the man unleashed his Essence Gathering Level Seven aura, sending Ye Tianwen and his companions stumbling back several steps.

"Excellent, truly excellent. Such a venerable elder, and I, Ling Yunfan, am fortunate enough to witness your presence. It's indeed a worthwhile experience." Ling Yunfan's smile was tinged with both anger and sarcasm after hearing the man's words. He then addressed Ye Tianwen and the others, "Tianwen, Shaotian, Yuu Mo, I can't join you for the assessment. You'll need to stand together."

With those final words, Ling Yunfan cast a brief glance at the lean and portly men before resolutely turning on his heel and walking away.