Chapter 130: The Golden Core Senior of the Skyward Sect

The young man in silk, wealthy and protected by a Foundation Establishment expert, clearly possessed a background of significant influence. Although many cultivators were gathered at the Yuntian Inn, most were low-level Qi Refining practitioners. While some might have felt pity for the siblings Lu Yin and Lu Fang, none dared to step forward to uphold justice.

Under these circumstances, Chu Xin'er's voice, though not loud, cut through the air with striking sharpness. Every eye in the room, including those of the silk-clad youth and his Foundation Establishment guardian, turned toward her. Lu Yin, her young face filled with grievance, brightened instantly: "Sister Chu, you’re here!"

"Hmph, a sharp tongue. Do you really think you’re qualified to interfere in the affairs of Young Master Liu?"

The steward-like elder, sensing that Chu Xin'er was clearly acquainted with the siblings and had only offered triple the price to mock his previous arrogance, glared at her with ill intent.

"Young Master Liu? Never heard of him. And so what?"

Unmoved, Chu Xin'er didn't even glance at the youth in the chair. She walked toward the siblings while speaking to the young attendant: "What is this? Is the hospitality of the Yuntian Inn based on forced sales? Do you drive guests out even when their room fees are paid in full, regardless of their consent?"

"This..." The attendant, caught off guard by her stinging words, was left speechless. He had indeed intended to clear the room for the young master in exchange for a handsome reward, never expecting the low-level siblings to be so stubborn, which had led to this awkward stalemate.

As the elder prepared to retort, the silk-clad youth raised a hand to stop him.

"I am Liu Bi of Liucheng. Greetings, miss. Since you and your companions are unwilling to vacate the room, we shall simply seek lodging elsewhere."

The youth, who had been lounging with an air of disdain, sat upright the moment Chu Xin'er entered. Now, he stood up, cupped his hands, and offered a polite smile. As the young master of Liucheng, he had seen countless beauties, but few possessed Chu Xin'er's ethereal, cold elegance. More importantly, he was acting on a secret transmission from Uncle Fu: "Young Master, this woman is at the Foundation Establishment stage and shows no regard for me. She is either bluffing or has a formidable background. It would be wise to take a step back."

Lingtian City was currently overcrowded, and finding desirable lodging was no easy task. However, with enough spirit stones, someone would always be willing to vacate a room. There was no need to offend a Foundation Establishment beauty, especially since the Liu family of Liucheng was not a particularly powerful clan. Furthermore, fighting was prohibited in Lingtian City. Uncle Fu’s advice was intended to prevent the situation from escalating, which might jeopardize the young master's participation in the second round of selection.

Liu Bi was no fool; he chose to follow the advice. "Yielding a step leads to a wider sky."

With the overbearing Liu Bi choosing to withdraw, the matter was resolved perfectly. As he left with his two elders, Lu Yin and Lu Fang shot grateful smiles at Chu Xin'er. With the spectacle over, the onlookers began to disperse.

At that moment, Chu Xin'er smiled at Lu Yin and spoke loudly: "Everyone, my offer of triple the price was not mere posturing. Any fellow cultivator willing to vacate their room will be compensated by me with triple the value in spirit stones."

While Chu Xin'er was reluctant to squander tens of thousands of spirit stones on a private dwelling, swapping rooms for triple the cost was effortless for her. She wanted to use the next few days to stabilize her cultivation without disturbance.

"Fairy, I am willing to give up my room."
"Fairy, I am as well, and me too."

The situation was different from a few days prior. Some rogue cultivators had already been eliminated and were only waiting for their prepaid fees to be refunded. It was simply the misfortune of the Lu siblings that their room had caught Liu Bi's eye. Consequently, as soon as Chu Xin'er finished speaking, several cultivators stopped to respond eagerly.

With people volunteering, the matter was easily settled. Chu Xin'er soon struck a deal with a woman in green and moved into her room. Lingtian City was the largest cultivation hub within a million miles, and cultivators detested being spied upon; thus, like most inns, the Yuntian Inn was protected by defensive arrays. Once inside, Chu Xin'er activated all the room's formations and sat on her meditation cushion. Knowing her cold temperament, Lu Yin did not disturb her, while Lu Fang could only sigh in resignation.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. Chu Xin'er opened her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. Having broken through using three Foundation Establishment Pills in the valley, she had lacked the time to consolidate her progress, which had left some hidden instability. After days of quiet meditation, her early-stage Foundation Establishment realm was finally stable, better preparing her for the trials to come.

When she opened her door, Lu Yin and her brother were already waiting. The three smiled at each other and headed out of the inn.

The central square of Lingtian City was no longer packed; only about a hundred thousand people remained—the rogue cultivators and clan elites who had passed the initial selection. The Lingtian Sect did not reject those with clean backgrounds, whether they were rogue cultivators or disciples of affiliated sects; the challenge lay in passing the layers of selection. As for how they screened for spies, they had their own methods.

Unlike five days ago, a stone platform a hundred feet wide now stood in the center of the square, engraved with intricate arrays. Jiang Chaofan and several Lingtian Sect disciples stood guard around it. Chu Xin'er scanned the area and soon spotted Jiang Chaofan, who nodded at her with a smile, as well as Liu Bi in the crowd. Liu Bi was no longer accompanied by the Foundation Establishment elder; he stood among a group of elegantly dressed youths, chatting and laughing. It appeared they were all fellow clan disciples.

By mid-morning, all successful candidates had gathered. They received a mysterious jade talisman from the Lingtian Sect disciples, which was said to be related to the upcoming trials.

Just as everything was ready, two streaks of light descended from the distance.

"It is the Golden Core seniors of the Lingtian Sect. It seems the next trial is about to begin."

The two, a man and a woman, were at the Half-Step Nascent Soul stage. Even from a distance, their overwhelming pressure blanketed the area. The square fell into a hush, and as the lights neared, everyone stood straight, not daring to make a sound.