“This... this is an extremely precious pill for cultivators above the fifth level of Qi Condensation. I’d guess there aren’t many even within the sect, and yet they actually brought one out!”

“With this pill in play, how many people will die or be injured in this outer sect competition?” The crowd buzzed, their gazes fixed on the pill in David Turner’s hand, instantly filled with greed and longing. Especially those disciples on the verge of a breakthrough—their breathing grew rapid.

“Originally, there was no such pill today, but upon hearing that a disciple would be promoted to the outer sect this month, I, as an elder, am quite pleased. If this continues day after day, the glory of Koushan Sect is just around the corner. So, I will give this pill to that person as encouragement.” David Turner smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd and finally landing on Ethan Brooks.

Ethan Brooks’s heart skipped a beat. He already sensed trouble from the elder’s first words, but before he could react, David Turner waved his right hand, and the purple pill instantly appeared before Ethan Brooks, falling directly into his hand as if he had no choice but to accept it.

In that instant, since entering Koushan Sect, Ethan Brooks became the center of attention like never before. All eyes around him focused on him at once.

The greed and ferocity in those gazes seemed as if they wanted to tear Ethan Brooks apart. Even the male and female cultivators beside David Turner now looked at Ethan Brooks. The woman paused when she saw him, but quickly returned to her icy demeanor.

“Haha, so it’s a first-level Qi Condensation disciple who got the pill. This time, the competition should be much easier. He’s now everyone’s enemy.”

“He’s finished. Last time a single pill was handed out, I remember the recipient was at the second level of Qi Condensation. Just because he hesitated for a moment, he was dragged into the public area and beheaded by Senior Brother Robert Clark, who didn’t get the pill and took out his anger on him.”

The murmurs echoed. Many disciples at the second or third level of Qi Condensation, though aware of the danger, couldn’t help but feel greedy. After all, the first recipient of the pill this time was so weak that it made them feel they had a real chance to snatch it.

Cold sweat broke out all over Ethan Brooks. He wanted to throw the pill away immediately, but found it stuck to his hand, impossible to let go. The predatory stares around him made Ethan Brooks feel the shadow of death looming over him. He even saw several people with vicious intent striding quickly toward him.

“Junior brother, you’d better toss that pill to me in a bit, or you’ll regret it.”

“If you dare not give it to me, this time next year will be the anniversary of your death.” Voices as cold as the wind echoed around Ethan Brooks.

Meanwhile, on the mountain peaks surrounding Koushan Sect, two elders sat cross-legged atop a summit, frowning as they watched the scenes unfolding in the outer sect plaza below.

“Mr. Turner Nephew is going too far, giving the pill to this new kid. He’s harming him. It was the same last time.”

“Sigh, you and I have no mind to meddle in sect affairs. We just follow the rules left by the Patriarch. We know it’s unfair, but resources are truly limited. Whether they live or die depends on their own fate. The cultivation world has always been unfair. Besides... before the Patriarch went into seclusion, he strictly ordered that the sect rules must never be changed, that the old ruthlessness must continue. Who would dare change them?”

As the two elders conversed, the nine pillars in the plaza below instantly dimmed. Judging by their appearance, in just over ten breaths, they would lose their light completely. At that moment, the restrictions on the plaza would vanish.

Ethan Brooks’s heart pounded. He didn’t need anyone to tell him—he knew that once the nine pillars lost their light, madness would descend upon him. Even throwing away the pill might anger some people and bring their wrath upon him.

“Why... why did they give it to me?” Cold sweat drenched Ethan Brooks, and he felt the sect was more and more bizarre, full of unreasonable things, yet he was powerless to resist. His mind raced—if he didn’t throw the pill, he’d die; if he did, he might still be blamed later. Ethan Brooks racked his brains, using all the wit he’d gained from three years of study. As the pillars’ light dimmed and David Turner on the rainbow-hued stone platform waved his sleeve to leave, at this critical moment, a sudden inspiration flashed in Ethan Brooks’s mind. He stepped forward and shouted loudly,

“Disciple has something to say!”

“Disciple was able to come to Koushan Sect and feel the magnificent immortal aura of this great sect all because of a stroke of fortune. I am deeply grateful to the person who gave me this opportunity.”

“Day and night, I have longed to see her again and thank her in person. Today, I finally see her.” Ethan Brooks spoke faster and faster, and his words made David Turner on the platform pause, stopping his departure and turning to look at Ethan Brooks.

“That person is Senior Sister Foster. Senior Sister Foster, this junior is endlessly grateful to you and has nothing to repay you with. I offer this pill to you as thanks for your great kindness.” As Ethan Brooks spoke, he immediately raised his right hand, holding the pill stuck to his palm high in the air.

David Turner was taken aback, clearly not expecting Ethan Brooks to say such things. His expression grew a bit odd, but a smile gradually appeared at the corners of his mouth. The silver-robed Ms. Foster beside him was also surprised. No matter how cold she was, her expression changed. Although she was already at the seventh level of Qi Condensation and the Drought Spirit Pill wasn’t of much use to her, even as an inner sect disciple, it was extremely rare. It wasn’t easy for her to obtain one. She thought to herself that if she could refine this pill together with several others, she could produce a batch of Five Spirit Pills that would greatly benefit her. So, at this moment, she couldn’t help but feel her heart stir.