Chapter 81: Determined to Win

Yet they could not be underestimated. Lin Hao knew little about itinerant cultivators, but despite lacking superior artifacts or elite techniques, these wanderers had reached their current stage relying solely on their own abilities. He truly dared not look down on them.

Especially with Zhang Hongwei standing nearby—Lin Hao was even warier of this man, whose sly countenance betrayed a penchant for underhanded moves. Moreover, as the foremost itinerant cultivator outside the Azure City Sect, Zhang Hongwei must have far more connections than Lin Hao himself.

As a newcomer, Lin Hao had no choice but to tread cautiously.

But after the elder finished his announcement, Lin Hao’s determination to secure the coveted spot in the inner sect grew unwavering.

To show their regard for the five of them, the sect had also assigned a dedicated attendant to escort them to receive their robes and necessary belongings, and to register them.

“Little Ying, take these five to the clothing storeroom to collect their robes,” the elder instructed.

“Yes, Elder,” replied a disciple in an inner sect uniform, who then approached Lin Hao and his group.

Once Little Ying had acknowledged the order, the elder turned and left.

Little Ying looked at Lin Hao and the others, his tone indifferent, “You five, follow me to the clothing storeroom for your robes.”

Lin Hao and the other four nodded and followed along.

Before long, they arrived at the storeroom. The earlier arrivals had already formed a line and finished collecting their garments; the timing was perfect, allowing Lin Hao’s group to proceed without delay.

Little Ying led them forward. “Old Yuan, I’ve brought these newcomers to collect their robes,” he said to the inner sect disciple distributing the clothing.

“Alright, line up, then,” replied the young man called Old Yuan, glancing at Lin Hao and his group with a brisk nod.

The five of them lined up dutifully. Zhang Hongwei claimed the first spot, and since Lin Hao was the youngest and somewhat ostracized, he was deliberately jostled to the end of the line.

Zhang Hongwei was first to collect his robe. At first, Lin Hao didn’t think much of it, but he soon noticed Zhang Hongwei whispering something into Old Yuan’s ear and slipping something into his hand before receiving his robe and leaving.

One by one, the others took their turn without incident and departed.

When it was Lin Hao’s turn, he noticed that Zhang Hongwei had not left after receiving his robe. He caught Old Yuan exchanging a meaningful glance with Zhang Hongwei, whose lips curled in a strange smile while he watched Lin Hao with an unsettling look.

Lin Hao couldn’t help but be on guard.

He stepped forward to receive his robe, but Old Yuan didn’t hand it over immediately; instead, he kept it in his grasp.

“Kid, what’s your name? You look pretty young,” Old Yuan asked Lin Hao with a mocking tone.

“Lin Hao. Cultivation isn’t determined by age, Senior Brother. You yourself are youthful and accomplished,” Lin Hao replied, feigning ignorance of Old Yuan’s tone.

Old Yuan raised his brows. “Well, you’re quite the talker. As a newcomer, do you know the rules here?”

“I’d appreciate your guidance, Senior Brother,” Lin Hao replied respectfully.

“Oh, that’s easily done,” Old Yuan grinned, making a gesture with his fingers as if rubbing coins together, hinting at Lin Hao.

A fleeting glint flashed in Lin Hao’s eyes, but he quickly donned an innocent, grateful expression. “Really? That’s wonderful. Please, Senior Brother, do teach me.”

Old Yuan, seeing Lin Hao’s act, was unconvinced by this show of ignorance. His expression turned cold and haughty. “So you want guidance? Did you bring any spirit stones?”

At his words, a trace of irony flickered in Lin Hao’s gaze. He played the fool, asking, “Spirit stones? What would those be needed for, Senior Brother?”

“Don’t you know the rules? You think you can get guidance for nothing? You’re just an outer sect newcomer—if you have them, hand them over. Be smart about it.” Old Yuan’s intention to make things difficult was obvious.

The other three, who had nearly left, lingered to watch the unfolding drama with amusement. Zhang Hongwei, in particular, looked on smugly.

Even Little Ying, the attendant responsible for bringing them over, made no move to intervene.

For a moment, everyone watched Lin Hao being put on the spot, and not a single person spoke up for him.

Sensing the hostile atmosphere, Lin Hao’s heart burned with anger—he’d known Zhang Hongwei was up to no good.

He looked at Old Yuan, then at the three other inner sect disciples nearby, narrowing his eyes before speaking coldly, “Why am I the only one who has to pay? Why didn’t the others?”

“Kid, I’m being nice by offering you guidance—don’t be ungrateful. If you won’t pay, then get out. The Azure City Sect doesn’t need someone like you,” Old Yuan threatened, surprised by Lin Hao’s boldness.

He was clearly intent on extracting payment from Lin Hao, as was common practice. The inner disciples of the logistics department rarely had the chance to profit, so they seized the opportunity during the annual selection to extort newcomers for tribute.

It was the usual way—no one had ever dared resist before. Most simply handed over their spirit stones without protest, and though this time Old Yuan was doing Zhang Hongwei a favor by making things harder for Lin Hao, he saw it as nothing out of the ordinary.

But he hadn’t expected Lin Hao to be so obstinate.

A surge of anger filled Old Yuan’s eyes. He looked at Lin Hao, his expression dark. “So you’re certain you won’t pay?”

“Of course. If everyone else pays, so will I.” Lin Hao nodded firmly, as though oblivious to the threat.

He wasn’t stupid; he could see there was something fishy going on. As a newcomer, unfamiliar with the place, it was unwise to provoke conflict and make enemies. Quietly handing over the spirit stones and enduring the slight would be the wisest choice.

But Lin Hao was not one to swallow his anger, especially since his strength was not inferior to Old Yuan’s.

Lin Hao’s refusal was ice-cold.

At this, Old Yuan waved his hand, summoning the three other inner disciples behind him. They all fixed their gaze on Lin Hao.

Yet Lin Hao stood his ground, calm, his eyes full of contempt.

The four inner disciples’ faces clouded with hostility; even Little Ying looked at Lin Hao with disfavor.

The Azure City Sect had never lacked defiant disciples, but such attitudes were only tolerated among the strong within the inner sect. As an outer sect newcomer, Lin Hao was expected to be obedient.

Among those present, not one inner disciple favored a rebellious but capable upstart like Lin Hao.

As the standoff dragged on, Lin Hao quietly gripped his Swallowing Cloud Sword, channeling his spiritual energy.

Just then, Zhang Hongwei interjected with a sneer, “Just pay up. For a new outer sect disciple like you to be so arrogant—the senior brothers might as well deal with you according to the sect rules.”

The other three nodded in agreement. They weren’t the ones in trouble and relished the spectacle. If Lin Hao were disqualified from competing for the inner sect, it would mean one less rival.

Their flattery pleased the inner disciples, whose expressions softened. Old Yuan nodded approvingly. “You’re sensible. Some people, thinking themselves gifted, don’t know their place. What passes for talent in the outer sect is nowhere near enough for the inner sect.”

Lin Hao listened in silence, saying nothing.

“Let me teach you a lesson today—show you some respect for your seniors. Get him!” Old Yuan, seeing that his taunts had met with no reaction, signaled to the others.

The four inner disciples immediately surrounded Lin Hao, their intentions clear.

Lin Hao, unruffled, raised his Swallowing Cloud Sword and looked at them. “Are you all certain you wish to make things difficult for me?” he asked in return.

“Heh, weren’t you seeking guidance? We senior brothers will be glad to instruct an insolent brat like you today—no payment required, of course. Isn’t that right?” Old Yuan scoffed.

“Yes, let’s teach you properly,” the others chimed in, their eyes full of mockery and provocation.

“I don’t need guidance. Just give me my robe and we’ll be at peace,” Lin Hao said, though his anger simmered. Alone and without allies in the Azure City Sect, he didn’t want to stir up trouble the moment he arrived. He still hoped to find a way back to the Clear Breeze Sect.

For now, Lin Hao preferred to keep a low profile and avoid making enemies.

Hearing this, Old Yuan and his companions assumed Lin Hao was yielding. They looked at him with even greater arrogance.

“You can have your robe—for twenty top-grade spirit stones,” Old Yuan demanded.

“Hmph! With the likes of you, I’d sooner feed my spirit stones to a dog!” Lin Hao, unable to contain his youthful anger in the face of their insolence, snapped back.

“You—Lin Hao!” Old Yuan’s smug smile vanished, his face darkening instantly at Lin Hao’s retort.