It didn’t take long before some Sword Sect disciples, having finished dinner, arrived in small groups, preparing to study the sword puzzle’s mysteries by lamplight. However, none of them acted rashly or tried to solve it with their willpower; they only remained in a state of meditation.

Solving the sword puzzle was no simple matter. Without sufficient confidence, a reckless attempt would result in backlash and injury—one could not be careless.

Gary Reed coughing up blood from backlash was clear proof of this.

At this point, it was naturally inappropriate for the menial workers to remain inside. Only then did Deacon Reed, in a rare act of mercy, allow Brian Carter to go out for dinner.

Chapter Four: It Wasn’t Me

Night fell, the north wind howled, and the lights shone brightly throughout Zhongnan Sword Sect.

In the inner sect, inside a sword chamber belonging to an inner disciple, Gary Reed sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed, resting. Three other male disciples in blue inner sect robes stood in the room, all watching Gary Reed’s complexion with concern.

There were over two hundred new generation disciples in Zhongnan Sword Sect, but only a few dozen had made it into the inner sect. Those present in the room were all friends who usually got along well with Gary Reed.

Today, Gary Reed failed to solve the sword puzzle and suffered backlash, leaving his condition far from optimistic.

After about half a cup of tea’s time, Gary Reed finally opened his eyes and got out of bed.

“Senior brother, how are you feeling?”

“Senior Reed, are you alright?”

Words of concern poured out one after another.

Gary Reed smiled slightly and said, “I’m fine. Heh, although I failed to solve the sword puzzle today, it wasn’t without gain. I’ve already grasped the key trick. I believe if I try again tomorrow, I’ll definitely be able to solve this lower-mystic grade sword puzzle.”

Hearing his confident words, the other three showed delighted expressions and praised him:

“Big Brother Reed, well done.”

“Haha, tomorrow when Brother Reed solves the sword puzzle in one go and stands out, I bet Samuel Price’s face will look terrible.”

“Of course.”

“Tsk tsk, if that’s the case, senior brother, you’ll be taking a big lead in the competition for the true disciple assessment. Congratulations!”

—Zhongnan Sword Sect has stood for a thousand years, with strict rules. Disciples are divided into three ranks: outer disciples, inner disciples, and true disciples.

True disciples are extremely important, being groomed as candidates for the next generation of leadership. Both their cultivation and loyalty are repeatedly assessed, and only those who pass can be chosen.

There is also a rule: the current sect master may take two true disciples; each of the four elders may take one. Thus, there are six true disciple slots in total. Only in cases of dismissal, death, or other unexpected events are replacements made.

But at present, Zhongnan Sword Sect has only two true disciples—less than half the quota.

As the saying goes, better to have none than to lower the standard. The position of true disciple is too significant for anyone to be chosen lightly. The related assessments are constant, mainly targeting the inner disciples.

Gary Reed was already a standout among the new generation and a key candidate for assessment. As long as he performed outstandingly in the Sword Lecture Hall, he would undoubtedly earn more points in the eyes of the elders.

This way, compared to other competitors, he could stand out.

Tomorrow is truly something to look forward to!

……

Clang, clang, clang!

The melodious sword practice bell rang—the new day had arrived.

After sword practice and breakfast, the disciples all headed to the Sword Lecture Hall.

“Big Brother Reed, look, Samuel Price is over there.”

A companion whispered beside him.

Gary Reed looked up and saw his usual rival, Samuel Price, also entering the hall surrounded by several inner disciples.

At the same time, Samuel Price sensed his gaze and looked over. Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly.

Gary Reed narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, “Judging by his look, he’ll probably try to solve the sword puzzle today too. No, I can’t let him get ahead.”

Although he suffered backlash and injury yesterday, it was a blessing in disguise—he’d figured out some key tricks and was now much more confident. Samuel Price might not succeed in solving the puzzle, but what if he did? If the other solved it first, it would be too late for regrets.

Samuel Price was half a head taller than Gary Reed, graceful as a jade tree. After exchanging a glance with Gary Reed, he looked away, but waves stirred in his heart: yesterday, he’d also wanted to step forward and try to solve the puzzle, but hesitated for a moment and Gary Reed beat him to it, which left him a bit annoyed at the time.

Fortunately, Gary Reed failed and ended up coughing blood.

Seeing this, Samuel Price felt a bit schadenfreude. So he decided to bide his time, rest up for another night, and make his move today.

Hundreds of disciples sat on their own meditation mats. They were not a disorderly rabble, but sat upright and silent, waiting for Elder Henry Clark to arrive.

Soon, the short, stout figure of Henry Clark appeared, hands clasped behind his back, striding onto the platform. He habitually swept his gaze over the disciples, cleared his throat, said a few routine words, and then asked, “Is there anyone who still wants to come up and try to solve the sword puzzle?”

He wasn’t ready to reveal the solution just yet, still holding out hope.

“I’ll do it!”

In perfect unison, both Gary Reed and Samuel Price raised their hands and spoke at the same time.

All eyes immediately turned their way.