
Buzz... Buzz...
Nine resounding bell tolls echoed throughout the Grand Sky Sect.
The moment the various members of the Grand Sky Sect heard the bell, they rushed to the Grand Sky Hall.
At this moment, the Grand Sky Hall was already filled with countless people. Chu Xinghe, as one of this year's new disciples, stood among the crowd, not particularly noticeable.
***
Three months ago, Chu Xinghe unexpectedly arrived in this world. Before he could figure out what was going on, he passed the entrance exam of the Grand Sky Sect and became a disciple.
The Grand Sky Sect was the top-ranked sect on the Blazing Sun Continent, reigning supreme for four hundred years with unmatched power and prestige.
Becoming a disciple of the Grand Sky Sect was a dream beyond reach for countless people.
Just as Chu Xinghe was marveling at his seemingly awesome path ahead, something even more bewildering happened.
A strange object called the Compass of Misfortune inexplicably appeared in his mind.
After some investigation, Chu Xinghe figured out what the Compass of Misfortune was.
Simply put, the Compass of Misfortune contained various tasks to complete. By completing specific tasks, he could receive corresponding rewards.
But before Chu Xinghe could even celebrate for a second, he was stunned by the tasks within the Compass of Misfortune.
"Destroy the Grand Sky Sect... Compass of Misfortune rewards peak Martial God cultivation level..."
"Make the Grand Sky Sect lose its position as the number one sect, Compass of Misfortune rewards peak Martial Emperor cultivation level..."
"Get expelled from the Grand Sky Sect, Compass of Misfortune rewards peak Martial Emperor cultivation level..."
After reading the tasks from the Compass of Misfortune, Chu Xinghe was utterly shocked.
Goodness! This is a trap!
All the tasks were related to the Grand Sky Sect. As long as he did anything detrimental to the sect, he could instantly reach the pinnacle of life.
No wonder it's called the Compass of Misfortune; it truly lives up to its name.
Though it was quite damaging, Chu Xinghe was genuinely excited.
For others, becoming a Martial Emperor was a lifelong pursuit, but for him, getting expelled from the sect would immediately grant him Martial Emperor cultivation?
How thrilling!
As the saying goes, it's hard to learn good, but easy to learn bad.
The Grand Sky Sect was a colossal entity ranked number one in the world. Destroying it? That seemed harder than directly becoming a Martial God, right?
Making the Grand Sky Sect lose its top position? Just with him, a rookie? Let's not kid ourselves.
But getting expelled from the sect, that should be simple, right?
***
"Chu Xinghe, what are you thinking? Did you remember what I just told you? Stick to the story I gave you, or you'll be in big trouble!" A young man with a hooked nose whispered beside Chu Xinghe, not forgetting to give him a threatening look.
His name was Chu Cheng, and like Chu Xinghe, he was from Hillside Village, selected together to become disciples of the Grand Sky Sect.
The small Hillside Village producing two disciples for the Grand Sky Sect at once nearly made the village chief faint with excitement.
Both entered the Grand Sky Sect together, but now Chu Cheng was already a squad leader, and Chu Xinghe was in Chu Cheng's squad.
The nine tolls of the Great Bell were also due to their squad.
***
Half a month ago, the new disciples of the Grand Sky Sect were divided into numerous squads for an entrance trial. This trial was usually just a formality to familiarize the disciples with each other and then conclude.
But unexpectedly, this supposedly peaceful trial turned disastrous. Two talented disciples from Chu Xinghe's squad, due to receiving incorrect information, mistakenly entered a dangerous area and both perished.
These two had been under the tutelage of the Great Elder. A simple trial resulting in their deaths was something the Great Elder couldn't let go of, hence the nine tolls today as the Great Elder personally investigated who was responsible for the death of his disciples.
***
"I got it..." Chu Xinghe replied impatiently, glancing at Chu Cheng.
"Watch your mouth. If you dare say one more word, I'll break another arm of yours!" Chu Cheng threatened Chu Xinghe again. During the trial, this guy had broken one of his arms, relying on his higher cultivation level, and now mentioning it made Chu Xinghe grit his teeth in anger.
This little brat had no idea who he was dealing with. Just wait until I'm expelled from the sect; you'll be the first I deal with!
Various members of the Grand Sky Sect gathered in the Grand Sky Hall, and the Great Elder, with a stern expression, stepped out from among the elders, scanning the crowd with cold eyes.
"The Grand Sky Sect has stood for a thousand years, earning the title of the number one sect four hundred years ago, a Holy Land in the hearts of martial artists. Over these four hundred years, the sect has produced countless Chosen, surpassing even the past. Every disciple who enters our sect is a Chosen of the heavens, yet in this new trial, two disciples were misled by a traitor and perished. This is the first such incident in four hundred years!"
The Great Elder, with a look of deep sorrow, continued.
"I have thoroughly investigated the truth of the matter. Today, I have gathered everyone to address this issue. No matter who plotted against those two, I will not show mercy."
As the Great Elder spoke, all eyes fell on the members of Chu Xinghe's squad.
The Great Elder walked directly to Chu Xinghe's squad.
"Will you confess yourselves, or should I speak for you?"
Everyone trembled, and Chu Xinghe noticed that Chu Cheng was shaking the most. Considering this guy didn't get along with the two deceased, could it be him?
While Chu Xinghe was pondering, the Great Elder began questioning, and the disciples stammered through their accounts of the trial, all claiming they didn't know who was responsible.
The more the Great Elder questioned, the angrier he became. When he reached Chu Xinghe, he spoke again: "If you confess now, considering your youth and ignorance, I will expel you from the Grand Sky Sect. But if I have to uncover the truth myself, your life will be at risk!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the squad, except Chu Xinghe, looked terrified, and Chu Cheng appeared as if he couldn't hold it in any longer.
But Chu Xinghe was so excited he could barely contain himself.
Holy crap! Expulsion from the sect? Is this really happening? The opportunity is here!
The Great Elder stood before Chu Xinghe, asking him to recount what happened during the trial.
But as soon as the Great Elder finished speaking, Chu Xinghe declared, "Great Elder, there's no need to ask further. It was me. I am deeply guilty and ashamed to remain in the Grand Sky Sect. I ask the Great Elder to expel me as a severe punishment!"
Everyone in the squad was stunned by Chu Xinghe's words, including the Great Elder.
Chu Xinghe was ecstatic, urging the Great Elder to expel him quickly, as the peak Martial Emperor was already rushing towards him.
But just as Chu Xinghe was imagining his carefree life as a Martial Emperor, the Great Elder fell silent.
After an unknown period, under Chu Xinghe's expectant gaze, the Great Elder's initial cold demeanor suddenly vanished, replaced by hearty laughter!
Surely he's confused with anger! Next, he should be expelling me, Chu Xinghe thought, full of anticipation.
"Good... Good... Good!"
The Great Elder repeated "good" three times, leaving Chu Xinghe a bit confused.
"Good child! How did you discover that those two were spies from the Demonic Shadow Sect and lead them into danger to eliminate them before they could cause chaos?"
Chu Xinghe: "???"
What the heck? Spies from the Demonic Shadow Sect?
And leading them into danger before they could cause chaos?
This isn't leading them into danger; this is leading me into trouble!
The Great Elder then explained everything to the bewildered Chu Xinghe. It turned out the two deceased were spies from the Demonic Shadow Sect, intending to cause destruction within the Grand Sky Sect. Their plot was thwarted by incorrect information leading to their deaths.
So, Chu Xinghe, who had no idea what was happening, ended up taking the blame but was not only blameless but meritorious!
Seeing the bewildered Chu Xinghe, the Great Elder happily patted his shoulder.
After all, those two had been under the Great Elder's tutelage, and if something had really happened, the Great Elder would have been held accountable.
After explaining everything, everyone around exclaimed in unison, "God Bless Grand Sky Sect!"
The Great Elder, even more pleased, waved his hand, "For eliminating the spies from the Demonic Shadow Sect and protecting our disciples, Chu Xinghe is promoted to elite disciple, rewarded with ten Spirit Gathering Pills, and will study under my tutelage!"
Upon hearing this, all the squad members looked at Chu Xinghe with envy and jealousy.
But only Chu Xinghe was bewildered. What the hell? My peak Martial Emperor is gone, and you think ten Spirit Gathering Pills can heal my broken heart?
Seeing the dumbfounded Chu Cheng beside him, Chu Xinghe suddenly had a bright idea.
"Great Elder, I am unworthy. It was actually our squad leader, Chu Cheng, who first discovered the spies from the Demonic Shadow Sect. I was merely the executor. If anyone deserves credit, it should be the leader. I deceived the Great Elder and ask to be expelled from the sect."
Chu Xinghe's words left everyone stunned, especially Chu Cheng, who was in disbelief.
He never expected Chu Xinghe to transfer such a huge credit to him.
But just as Chu Cheng was getting excited, the previously kind Great Elder turned to him with a cold expression, "Your name is Chu Cheng, right?"
"Yes..."
"Today, I deliberately tested you to see if you had the courage to stand up yourself!
But as the squad leader, you showed no responsibility, failing to admit your actions to me immediately, bringing disgrace to our Grand Sky Sect. You and Chu Xinghe are from the same village, right? Chu Xinghe was willing to accept expulsion from the sect for the sake of your friendship, yet you remained silent. How can you now claim credit?"
Chu Cheng was dumbfounded.
Chu Xinghe was also dumbfounded.
"Pass my elder's decree, expel Chu Cheng from the inner sect of the Grand Sky Sect, and from today, he will be an outer disciple as a warning to others!"
Chu Cheng was taken away, and the Great Elder, once again amiable, patted Chu Xinghe's shoulder, "Reward without pride, good child!"
***
The commotion ended with the Great Elder's departure, and countless new disciples gathered around Chu Xinghe, congratulating him on being the first elite disciple among this year's newcomers, with the Great Elder's favor and limitless prospects.
But Chu Xinghe's smile was more like a grimace. My peak Martial Emperor...
What elite disciple, what Great Elder's favor... it's all bullshit...
I just want to be expelled from the sect...
Lol
The reason I got interestest in this story because of the hilarious name of the chapter that just got updated: ,,Losing the face of our own sect is my unshakable duty´´ or something