The numerous rewards promised by the Sect Master, with the Foundation Establishment Pill as the ultimate prize, finally brought pleasant surprise and liveliness among the disciples, who even began whispering amongst themselves. Sect Master Wu, perhaps wishing to allow the Outer Sect disciples time to digest his recent words, maintained a slight smile and did not object, letting them discuss freely.

Seeing that the Sect Master and Elders paid them no mind, the Outer Sect disciples grew even more animated in their discussions.

Ye Qin mingled amongst the crowd, head lowered, focused on the ground, calculating the sheer risk involved in this impending operation.

Suddenly, an Outer Sect disciple behind him nudged his shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Hey, Junior Brother, what do you make of all this?" This disciple had arrived late and kept to the back of the assembly hall. Ye Qin hadn't seen his face until now.

Ye Qin turned around and was startled to see a familiar, honest, and large face. The fellow disciple standing behind him was someone he knew—Shen Bao, the burly man who had joined the sect at the same time as him three years ago. Shen Bao had even competed with him for a registration spot back then.

Shen Bao was equally taken aback when he saw Ye Qin, feeling a flicker of recognition. He frowned in thought, then suddenly exclaimed with immense surprise, "It's you! The Junior Brother surnamed Ye who joined with me. What a coincidence! You're participating in this cave trial too? This usually requires at least the seventh layer of Qi Condensation to qualify."

Shen Bao intentionally or unintentionally used his Spiritual Eye Technique to probe Ye Qin's cultivation base and was utterly stunned. The ninth layer of Qi Condensation? He distinctly remembered that when they first entered the sect, Ye Qin’s cultivation seemed slightly weaker than his, though he hadn't paid close attention to the exact difference. Yet, in just three short years, Ye Qin had now surpassed him by a full layer.

Ye Qin scrutinized Shen Bao's expression, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Junior Brother Shen. You’ve progressed from the seventh to the eighth layer within three years; your cultivation speed is quite fast. For an ordinary cultivator, achieving this takes at least eight or ten years. I wonder if Junior Brother Shen has encountered any fortuitous encounters these past few years?"

Shen Bao blinked, momentarily stunned, then swiftly broke into an ingratiating, honest smile. "Ah, Senior Brother Ye knows even that much! Your junior brother has been scraping by in the sect for three years and accidentally picked up some minor benefits, speeding up my cultivation slightly. But it’s still far behind Senior Brother Ye. Right, what’s the meaning of the Sect Master having us act alongside those Blue Robe disciples? I just can't figure it out," Shen Bao scratched his head, appearing genuinely perplexed.

Ye Qin let out a cold laugh internally. This fellow was as cunning as a ghost, always gravitating towards any opportunity. It would be strange if he didn't understand. He didn't expose him, merely replying, "Who knows? We’ll surely know when the operation begins."

Shen Bao was clearly still feigning ignorance. He sighed mournfully, "We people without backing have such hard lives. We are all fellow disciples who joined in the same year. We must look out for each other in the future. If Senior Brother Ye comes across any benefits, don't forget your junior brother."

Ye Qin paid Shen Bao no mind, his thoughts deeply immersed in the nature of this trial. He had begun to grasp the intentions of Sect Master Wu and the other high-ranking figures.

To put it politely, it was about seeking fortune through risk—high-risk endeavors yielding high rewards. With good luck, picking up the Mine Tunnel Map scroll inside the cave could potentially lead to a Foundation Establishment Pill reward. To put it bluntly, they, the Outer Sect disciples, were being deployed as the first wave of cannon fodder into the cave. Heavy casualties were inevitable. As for how many would survive, only the heavens knew.

Whether the Outer Sect disciples viewed this mission as a tremendous opportunity or themselves as mere cannon fodder depended entirely on their individual perspectives.

Most Outer Sect disciples wore expressions of shock and excitement, likely perceiving this as a chance.

In truth, being the first wave of cannon fodder entering the cave did carry its own obvious advantages.

They would be the first to scout the cave’s interior, locating the remains of low-level cultivators who mined here thousands of years ago. These remains would surely possess numerous discarded items, perhaps spiritual artifacts or spirit ores. While they might not be top-tier treasures, they were certainly worth something. The cannon fodder could pocket these findings without anyone objecting. Combined with the various elixirs, artifacts, and the promised Foundation Establishment Pill from the sect, the benefits gained would undoubtedly surpass those of the cultivators entering later.

Of course, all sect rewards were distributed after the event. If one died in the cave, that reward would certainly be forfeited.

Ye Qin scanned every Outer Sect disciple present with his gaze.

Among the dozens of Outer Sect disciples in the assembly hall, only a sparse few were in their twenties or early thirties, with relatively smooth faces. The vast majority were over forty or fifty, possessing cautious and guarded demeanors. Most of these individuals had risen from the ranks of rogue cultivators. Despite their frail and withered appearances—lacking powerful cultivation or impressive spiritual artifacts—when fighting for their lives, they were absolutely ferocious.

These Outer Sect disciples had endured hardships to reach this point; few were ignorant of the mission's danger. However, the temptation of the Foundation Establishment Pill, the sole path to true Immortal destiny, was so immense that even knowing the extreme peril, they were unwilling to withdraw from the operation.

Ye Qin was less than enthusiastic about being among the first group sent into the cave. But observing the expressions of the Sect Master, Vice Sect Master, and the Elders, he realized the decision was already settled, and withdrawing would likely not be easy.

Sect Master Wu watched the disciples whisper amongst themselves for a while, noting that no one suggested withdrawing, and felt great satisfaction. He smiled genially, "Very well, since none of you have objections, it is thus decided. In total, seven small squads will be dispatched into the Ten Thousand Withered Cave. Each team will consist of four or five members. The captains will be chosen by the seven Blue Robes themselves. Prepare yourselves well. At noon today, the sect will simultaneously dispatch disciples to scout the Ten Thousand Withered Ridge Cave."

The Blue Robe disciples immediately showed expressions of joy; they had been waiting a long time just to select their team members. Sect Master Wu's son, Wu Hao, Vice Sect Master Xu's son, Xu Feng, and other high-status senior disciples immediately approached the Outer Sect disciples to select those who would act alongside them.

As the selection process was just beginning, the tent flap was suddenly pulled open, and a female Blue Robe disciple entered without any prior announcement.

The hall instantly quieted, and everyone turned toward the entrance.

The young woman wore a white veil cloak, obscuring her features. Yet, beneath the sheer fabric, her skin was like powder and jade, a peerless beauty, likely only in her mid-to-late teens, certainly not exceeding seventeen. She moved with light steps into the center of the tent.

Wu Hao, Xu Feng, Yan Xuan, and the other seven Blue Robe disciples were all momentarily stunned. They quickly retreated to one side of the tent, somewhat constrained but forming a neat line to salute with cupped hands: "Greetings to the Eldest Senior Sister!"

The Outer Sect disciples were utterly dumbfounded.

The Eldest Senior Sister? The Azure Pill Sect had an Eldest Senior Sister, and they had never even heard mention of her?

Although the young woman was young, she merely gave a faint nod to the seven Blue Robe disciples, showing no particular warmth. She proceeded to the center of the hall and bowed slightly to Sect Master Wu and the others. "Greetings to the esteemed Martial Uncles and Elder Uncles."

Sect Master Wu, the two Vice Sect Masters, and several Elders dared not be disrespectful; they quickly rose to return the greeting.

Sect Master Wu chuckled, "No need for formalities, Martial Niece. Weren’t you in closed-door cultivation recently? Why have you suddenly come to Ten Thousand Withered Ridge?"

The young woman replied, "I heard this trial offers a Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward. I am in need of one, so I specially came to participate in the trial."

Sect Master Wu forced a dry laugh. "This trial is extremely dangerous, Martial Niece. It would be improper for you to risk entering the cave. Should anything happen, the responsibility would be too heavy for us Uncles to bear. Truly, if you require a Foundation Establishment Pill, a single word would suffice."

The young woman cut Sect Master Wu off. "Before coming here, I informed my father that I would participate in this trial. I have also signed the life-and-death waiver at the Logistics Hall, taking full responsibility for my own life or death. I merely came to inform all the Uncles. Martial Uncle Wu seems to be organizing an operation; may I join?"

Sect Master Wu and the others exchanged glances.

This was an act of imposing one's will; they had no choice but to agree.

Sweat began to bead on Sect Master Wu’s forehead. "Since Martial Uncle has no objection... Very well, Martial Niece may select a few Outer Sect disciples and enter the cave for the trial at noon today, following you."

The young woman glanced over the assembled Outer Sect disciples, paused in thought, and said, "There is no need. I shall enter the cave alone."

With that, she departed the assembly hall.

Sect Master Wu and the other Vice Sect Masters and Elders exchanged looks, all showing resignation.

The seven Blue Robe disciples respectfully watched the young woman depart. Once she was gone, they visibly relaxed, clearly feeling immense pressure from the presence of the Eldest Senior Sister.

The Outer Sect disciples were internally terrified but too sensible to utter a sound. Anyone whom the Sect Master addressed as Martial Uncle must be an ancestor-level figure within the sect—certainly not someone their lowly status qualified them to inquire about.

What followed was much simpler. Ever since the Eldest Senior Sister's appearance, the Blue Robe disciples had lost any inclination to be picky when selecting teammates. Furthermore, the thirty-odd Outer Sect disciples were generally similar in strength; picking a few at random sufficed.

Ye Qin, Shen Bao, and two other Outer Sect disciples were casually chosen by Elder Yan Xuan, the eldest daughter of Elder Yan. After Sect Master Wu gave the disciples a final set of instructions, they left the hall to make their final preparations for the cave trial.

Shen Bao followed closely behind Yan Xuan, laughing obsequiously. "It is truly my honor to follow Senior Sister Yan. Senior Sister Yan, who was that Eldest Senior Sister just now? Why have I never heard anyone mention her before?"

In front of these Outer Sect disciples, Yan Xuan maintained an air of extreme arrogance. Coupled with her cold and stunning beauty, she had countless suitors in the sect and rarely showed kindness to ordinary male disciples.

She snapped sharply, "Silence! You do not need to know such matters."

Shen Bao flinched back, daring not to press further. However, he seemed incapable of remaining quiet for long. "Senior Sister Yan, how are we arranged for going to the Ten Thousand Withered Cave this noon?"

"You enter the cave first!"

"What? Why me?"

Shen Bao was struck with dismay.

Yan Xuan let out a cold laugh. "You are too glib and don't seem like a serious person. If I don't send you first, who should I send? Should I send the other honest Junior Brothers? Look at these three Junior Brothers, so quiet, not saying or asking a single extra word."

Ye Qin and the other two silent disciples nearly burst out laughing. Shen Bao was too talkative and had accidentally run afoul of Senior Sister Yan's temper. It was true that speaking too much often led to mistakes. With the vanguard chosen, they wouldn't have to worry about their own safety until Shen Bao was taken out by a demonic beast.

Danger looms, requesting monthly tickets! (To be continued. For the rest of the story, please log in to www.qidian.com for more chapters, support the author, and support genuine reading!) First published.