Mentor Wen was stunned by the words, but there was a faint smile on his face.

'Only wants the best, huh?' he thought.

Indeed, the inner sect and outer sect had their differencesthe inner sect had better access to cultivation resources and better conditions.

Fang Lang was ambitious.

Being ambitious was a good thing.

However, any disciple recruited before the Imperial Examination would be placed in the outer sect. The main purpose behind the Gathering of Swords was to recruit students with great potential into the outer sect.

The emperor of the Tang Dynasty had enacted a law against the recruitment of inner sect disciples before the Imperial Examination.

Every sect in the Tang Dynasty followed the same rule when it came to pre-Imperial Examination recruitment. The law maintained the credibility of the Imperial Examination.

Anyone who wished to enter the inner sect must take part in the exam. One must obtain an exceptional result to have any hope of being recruited into an elite sect like the Sword Guild.

Choosing the outer sect path would require one to go through another cruel and rigorous assessment to enter the inner sect.

Otherwise, it was impossible to enter the inner sect.

Mentor Wen failed to talk Fang Lang out of it. Fang Lang had decided to walk a grueling pathhe had chosen to dig his own grave. What could Mentor Wen possibly say to change his mind?

"Victory to Luojiang Academy."

In the battle ring, the umpire announced the outcome of the first round of the second stage.

Jiang Linglong returned, umbrella in hand.

Due to the never-ending rain, the competition was paused. Everyone retreated into the Sword Guild's loft to seek shelter from the rain. They waited for the rain to stop.

In the loft, students used their spiritual energy to dry their drenched clothes. Water vapor filled the air. Through the mist, countless pairs of eyes were fixed on the resting area of the Luojiang Academy team.

The dominance of Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong made other teams wary.

Even the Changan Academy participants were unnerved.

Initially, the Changan Academy team believed their fiercest competitors were Beijiang Academy and Donglu Academy. However, Luojiang Academy's win over Donglu Academy prompted a change in strategy. Changan Academy had to keep an eye on Luojiang Academy.

Fortunately, Luojiang Academy's sword mastery genius, Fang Lang, had revealed his sword techniques while fighting Lin Yun.

He had performed the Spirit Step, Sword Draw Technique and Dual Sword Technique.

This gave the students from Changan Academy an edge as they knew what to expect. At the very least, they could avoid being caught off guard by his special skills.

On the other hand, Jiang Linglong was still a mystery. She had not revealed all her cards yetshe was their most formidable foe.

The rainstorm left just as quickly as it came.

The end of the storm prompted the restart of the second stage.

In the battle ring, matches resumed in full swing.

The second stand of team combat was an elimination roundthe losers would not advance to the third stage.

Therefore, every student gave their all in the battle ring.

As the competition proceeded, the names of the qualifying academies from each group were displayed.

Unsurprisingly, Changan Academy made it through the second stage without any trouble. Beijiang Academy too, dominated over other teams and successfully qualified for the next stage.

All groups except Dark had a well-established academy. The elite academies from the other three groupsHeaven, Earth and Lightqualified with ease.

The Dark group was an exception.

The competition's dark horseLuojiang Academyhad defeated Donglu Academy.

It was, by far, the most unexpected victory throughout this season's Gathering of Swords.

After Donglu Academy's elimination, there was pretty much no other academy in the Dark group that could stand in the way of Luojiang Academy's qualification.

Although Liu Bubai was too injured to participate in the other matches, Luojiang Academy had Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

In the first battle ring assigned to the Dark group.

Fang Lang entered the ring again. After taking the recovery pill, the wounds on his palms were not much of a bother anymore. Fang Lang did not wield two swords. His Sword Draw Technique was enough to secure him two wins.

Then, Jiang Linglong took his place. She raised her blade and a few clashes later, she sent her opponent flying out the ringeasy-peasy.

"Victory to Luojiang Academy!

"Dark group's qualified team: Luojiang Academy."

In the ring, the umpire from the Sword Guild announced at the top of his lungs.

The qualifying results for the third stage team combat were released.

Changan Academy from Heaven group; Beijiang Academy from Earth group; Luojiang Academy from Dark group; Bailu Academy from Light group.

Changan, Beijiang and Bailu were well-established academies of the Tang Dynasty. In comparison, Luojiang Academy was a nameless academy.

Despite that, none of the students from the academies dared to write off Luojiang Academy.

After all, Fang Lang's victory over the God of Blades's disciple, Lin Yun, was no small feat.

Fang Lang had gained a reputation among the participants in the Gathering of Swords.

Mentor Wen stood and his white robe fluttered. After giving the mentors of the three well-established academies a smile of acknowledgement, he left the great plaza of Mount Shu with Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

The crowd gradually dispersed.

The students from the three academies left with their respective mentors to discuss strategies for the next day's battle.

It would be the final stage for the team combat and the ultimate winner would be announced.

As for the eliminated teams, there was the individual event to look forward to after the conclusion of the team combat.

Rumor had it there was a change in the individual event this year.

Mentor Wen stopped in his tracks.

Fang Lang and Jiang Linglongwho were behind himjolted to a stop. In front of them stood a white-haired man in a white robe. The man had his hands folded behind his back.

When Mentor Wen saw the man, his eyes twitched involuntarily.

"Greetings, Vice Leader Chao."

Mentor Wen hurriedly bowed to show respect.

Chao Xiaojian had a cold expression on his face. His eyes roamed over Mentor Wen's face before asking, "Wen Ting? You have the guts to show your face here? Are you not afraid of being beaten to death?

"To give up your position in the sect for some woman How sentimental."

Chao Xiaojian recognized Wen Ting. After all, the bastard's talent in sword mastery had astounded everyone in the Sword Guild then.

However, Chao Xiaojian did not look on Wen Ting favarobly.

'To give up his future in sword mastery for a woman Ridiculous.'

In Chao Xiaojian's eyes, women were mere distractions that hindered his sword drawing speed.

He did not bother waiting for Wen Ting's reply. He turned his attention to Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

At a single glance, he figured out Jiang Linglong's identity.

"I know why you're here. You must have heard the rumors and chose to prove your strength and abilities. I'm thrilled to see you here. You have my admiration," Chao Xiaojian said.

With her veil still shielding her face, Jiang Linglong gave him a slight bow.

Chao Xiaojian responded with a nod. Finally, his gaze landed on Fang Lang.

"You're the reason I'm here, young man. Your sword mastery is quite impressive. Join the Sword Guild when the competition ends," Chao Xiaojian announced.

Fang Lang's breathing staggered. Mentor Wen was rightthe Sword Guild wanted to recruit him. Furthermore, the White-Haired Sword Demon, Chao Xiaojian, had personally come to recruit him.

Chao Xiaojian was a man of renown in the Tang Dynasty.

Fang Lang suppressed the exhilaration in his heart and recalled his conversation with Mentor Wen.

He wanted the best

In his heart, Fang Lang had made his decision.

Fang Lang cupped his hands in obeisance. With determination in his eyes, he inquired, "Will I be accepted into the inner sect?"

Chao Xiaojian raised his brows, then shook his head a moment later.

"No I can't disobey the Emperor; otherwise, I would've said yes."

Chao Xiaojian's reply made Fang Lang all the more determined.

"If that's the case, I'd like to take part in the Imperial Examination. I'm willing to try my luck. Perhaps, with my own strength, I'll make it into the inner sect," Fang Lang said.

His words stunned Chao Xiaojain. Jiang Linglong too, turned to Fang Lang in shock.

On the other hand, Wen Ting was aware of Fang Lang's ruminations and was not too surprised.

Chao Xiaojian stared at Fang Lang with a solemn expression.

Moments later, he chuckled and praised, "How ambitious. Not bad."

The boy had talent and drive.

Chao Xiaojian's offer was rejected.

Nonetheless, he had high hopes for the boy.

Chao Xiaojian reached out and grabbed Fang Lang's shoulders, his fingers tapping.

Chao Xiaojian was feeling his core.

However, after he felt Fang Lang's core, the smile faded from his face. A perplexed expression replaced the smile.

'Huh? This boy wishes to enter the Sword Guild's inner sect through the Imperial Examination?

'Is he pulling my leg?

'His core was weak.

'A white core?!'