Chapter 130: Touring the courtyard with the girls

After distributing the rooms, Elder Lu gave a few more important instructions and sternly warned everyone not to cause trouble. Then, together with more than twenty examiners, he left the Yongling Courtyard.

They still had many matters to handle. Not only did they need to report the incident involving the Reaper Bandits, but they also had to submit the list of candidates. Without proper registration, candidates would not even be allowed to participate in the entrance examination and would be expelled directly from Jiuyi City.

Before leaving, Elder Lu also spoke privately with Ryan, encouraging him to continue working hard. This scene drew many envious glances, but no one dared to complain. Ryan’s strength spoke for itself.

After returning to their respective rooms, Ryan soon walked back out and met up with Li Wujie at the entrance of the Yongling Courtyard. He intended to take the Li Clan members to explore the palace and see its prosperity.

Ryan and Li Wujie were both assigned to the male accommodation area, which made things convenient. Li Shu and Li Baijie were in the female area, so they had to wait a bit for them to come out.

However, when the two girls arrived, they were not alone. Wang Bi’er and Mu Xianling followed as well. The four girls standing together immediately drew attention.

“Why are you here?” Ryan asked, momentarily stunned. “I didn’t say I was taking you along.”

“I heard Shu’er say you were going out for a walk,” Wang Bi’er replied with a gentle smile. “I’m more familiar with this place, so I can guide everyone.”

Mu Xianling pursed her lips and said stubbornly, “Why? As long as you can go out, we can’t? Who says we have to follow you?”

But after Ryan shot her a glance, her posture stiffened. She lowered her head, her voice softening to a barely audible murmur, and said nothing more. The once fierce little tigress seemed completely subdued.

“Brother Li, let’s go together,” Li Shu quickly stepped forward, clinging to Ryan’s arm and acting coquettishly. “The more people, the livelier it will be.”

Li Baijie also nodded eagerly. “Yes, Brother Wei. Sister Bi’er knows the place well. With her leading us, we won’t wander aimlessly.”

Seeing everyone’s expectant expressions, Ryan finally nodded. “Fine, we’ll go together. But everything must be done according to my instructions.”

“Of course,” Wang Bi’er said cheerfully. “I’ll just be the guide.”

Ryan glanced at Mu Xianling again. She tensed and quickly said in a small voice, “I… I’ll listen to you.”

“All right, let’s go.”

With four girls and two boys, the group of six left the Yongling Courtyard and headed toward the main streets of Dui Palace to experience its grandeur.

They were not the only ones. Many other candidates from the North District also ventured out, eager to familiarize themselves with Dui Palace and broaden their horizons.

As they walked, Ryan suddenly asked, “Sister Bi’er, have you been to Dui Palace many times?”

From what Ryan knew, Wang Zongyao was an inner disciple of Western Mansion, but Wang Bi’er was not. She was neither a disciple nor a candidate for this examination. According to Western Mansion’s rules, outsiders should not be allowed to enter Jiuyi City freely, let alone stay here.

Yet Wang Bi’er not only entered Jiuyi City but also claimed to be familiar with Dui Palace. This naturally made Ryan curious.

“I’ve been here a few times,” Wang Bi’er answered softly. “But I could only stay for a few days each time. As for why I can come… if Brother Li is really curious, find some time later, and I’ll tell you in private.”

Her words carried a hint of playfulness, leaving Ryan even more intrigued. “Ah, forget it, forget it.”

Ryan waved his hand, laughing lightly. “Just tell me directly. What’s so special about Dui Palace anyway?”

Find a time to tell him alone?

That kind of wording was far too suggestive.

Ryan’s thoughts almost ran off on their own, and his heart stirred for a brief moment. Men and women alone together, speaking in hushed tones… the image formed far too easily.

But the moment Wang Zongyao’s face flashed through his mind, that bit of restlessness was extinguished like a spark drowned in cold water. If he really dared to get too close to Wang Bi’er, Wang Zongyao would probably hunt him down with a blade.

So Ryan rejected it without hesitation.

Mu Xianling, who had been listening quietly from the side, looked displeased when she heard Wang Bi’er’s earlier words. Her gaze toward Wang Bi’er carried a hint of hostility. Yet when Ryan refused outright, her mood instantly improved, and her expression softened, the corners of her lips lifting ever so slightly.

Wang Bi’er covered her mouth and chuckled. “All right then. I’ll introduce Dui Palace to you properly, Brother Li.”

As they walked, Wang Bi’er spoke calmly. “Before talking about Dui Palace, let me first explain the Nine Palaces of Western Mansion.”

“You should already know that Western Mansion is divided into the Outer House and the Inner House. Qian Palace, Kan Palace, Gen Palace, Zhen Palace, Xun Palace, Li Palace, Kun Palace, and Dui Palace. These eight cities belong to the Outer House. The enormous city at the center is the Inner Palace.”

“Let’s not talk about the Inner House for now. In the Outer House, disciples do not cultivate together indiscriminately. Whichever palace you enter determines where and how you cultivate. Each palace is managed by a different hall master, and each focuses on a different path.”

“For example, Qian Palace specializes in the Five Elements and the Tai Chi path. Its disciples focus on elemental attacks. When they use martial arts, they often carry special effects of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Their combat power is extremely strong, and Qian Palace consistently ranks among the top three.”

“What truly makes Qian Palace famous, however, is the Five Elements Hall. The concentration of elemental energy there is astonishing. It is a sacred cultivation ground, and disciples squeeze in at all costs just to cultivate there for a single day.”

“The same applies to the other seven palaces. Each has its own unique cultivation site. Kan Palace focuses on the medical path and has the Healing Hall. Gen Palace focuses on weapon refinement and has the Artifact Hall, and so on.”

“Now, as for Dui Palace,” Wang Bi’er finally said, slowing her pace slightly, “the most noteworthy place is its Divine Will Hall.”

After listening, Ryan frowned in confusion and asked, “According to what you said, Qian Palace cultivates the Five Elements and has the Five Elements Hall. Kan Palace cultivates medicine and has the Healing Hall. Gen Palace cultivates weaponry and has the Artifact Hall. Then what do the disciples of Dui Palace cultivate? And why is their temple called the Divine Will Hall? That name sounds… strange.”

“They cultivate spiritual power,” Wang Bi’er replied.

“Spiritual power?” Ryan was momentarily stunned.

“Yes,” Wang Bi’er nodded. “The disciples of Dui Palace focus entirely on cultivating spiritual power. But spiritual power is vast, elusive, and extremely difficult to train. The process itself is dangerous. One small mistake, and the soul can be destroyed.”

“Other palaces’ disciples may train for a year and see clear progress, but for Dui Palace, a year of cultivation might only equal a few months of results elsewhere. Because of this, Dui Palace has long been considered the weakest among the Outer House.”

“Oh? That really is unfortunate,” Ryan said with a hint of regret.

“Who said Dui Palace is at the bottom?”

Just as the group was chatting and walking, a cold, dissatisfied voice rang out from the side.

They stopped and turned their heads.

A young man stood nearby, his expression icy and his gaze sharp. Judging from his attire and the badge on his chest marked with the character “Dui,” he was clearly a disciple of Dui Palace.

It was obvious that Wang Bi’er’s explanation had inadvertently offended him.

“This senior brother,” Wang Bi’er said politely, stepping forward, “I was merely explaining the general situation of Dui Palace to my friends. I did not mean any disrespect. If my words were inappropriate, I hope you can forgive me.”

The cold youth glanced at Ryan and the others and sneered. “Candidates, hmph. You haven’t even entered Western Mansion yet. Just a bunch of examinees, and you already dare to judge our palace? Who gave you the right to say Dui Palace is at the bottom?”

“This senior brother, please calm down,” Li Shu quickly said, feeling guilty. “Sister Bi’er truly had no intention of belittling Dui Palace. I apologize on her behalf. I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Hah,” the young man scoffed. “What’s the use of apologizing? If apologies worked, who would bear responsibility for reckless words? Do you know that what you say could affect Dui Palace’s reputation and even its future recruitment? Do you really think an apology is enough?”

Li Shu was left speechless, her hands clenched nervously, not knowing what else to say.

Ryan frowned, his expression turning cold. “Senior brother, is there really a need to be this aggressive? She merely stated the situation of Dui Palace as it is. If a few honest words can shake Dui Palace’s recruitment, then perhaps the palace truly isn’t as strong as it claims.”

“You!” The cold youth pointed at Ryan, his face darkening. “Who do you think you are? A disciple of Western Mansion? Look at what you’re wearing. You’re still an examinee. You dare talk nonsense here? You really don’t know the meaning of life and death.”

“Oh?” Ryan sneered. “Why wouldn’t I dare? If Dui Palace is truly strong, why fear being spoken about? Strength doesn’t rely on silence.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep