Chen Bogong was truly surprised. Kong Shuo, who had previously been so insatiably greedy, had returned the Immortal Fate right after the Outer Sectâs monthly exam concluded.
For a moment, he couldnât make sense of the situation, so he immediately sent Kong Shuo a message.
"Whatâs going on? What are you playing at?"
Kong Shuoâs reply came quickly: "I canât handle this job. Youâd better find someone else!"
"Give me a reasonable explanation!"
"The Outer Sect Potential Ranking should have changed. Go look for yourself, and youâll understand.
"By the way, Iâll probably be in seclusion for the next year or two. Donât come looking for me for any reason!"
After sending that message, Kong Shuo said no more.
Chen Bogong frowned. If that guy hadnât been on the other end of a message, he wouldâve loved nothing more than to slap the cryptic jerk to death.
After a moment, Chen Bogong had no choice but to follow Kong Shuoâs advice and check the Outer Sect Potential Ranking.
In truth, he already had a faint inkling of what had happened.
It was just a truth he found incredibly hard to believeâor rather, one he was unwilling to accept.
"Zou Feng, Outer Sect Potential Ranking, number... two hundred and ninety-first!?"
Chen Bogong quickly found Zou Fengâs name on the list.
But he still wondered if he was seeing things.
It was no wonder he was in such disbelief. Zou Feng clearly hadnât even formed his Spirit Body yet.
How could he suddenly appear on the Potential Ranking, and so high up at that!?
But no matter how incredible Chen Bogong found it, he could only doubt his own eyes, not the list itself.
The various Alternate Spaces used as the testing grounds for the Outer Sectâs monthly exam were all under the control of the Celestial Dao Cauldron and certain powerful experts of the Immortal Sect.
Therefore, there was only one possible reason for Zou Feng to appear on the list.
He must have encountered and defeated the disciple originally ranked two hundred and ninety-first during the monthly exam.
Stunned, Chen Bogong stood frozen for a long moment. He had to admit that what was supposed to be a simple task in the Outer Sect on behalf of the Purple Cloud Association had now spiraled completely out of his control.
He could no longer worry about his senior brothers in the association thinking him incompetent. He had to report this matter immediately...
ăInner Sect, Profound Tier Spirit Beast Arena.ă
The Pinnacle Celestial Immortal Sect had so many disciples that it was simply unrealistic to rely on hunting wild Demon Beasts and Spirit Beasts to satisfy the daily meat consumption of the Dining Halls.
Thus, the grounds within the Immortal Sect dedicated to raising edible Spirit Beasts were immense.
Of course, not all Spirit Beasts were suitable for consumption. Special breeds were given to disciples who cultivated the art of Beast Taming to be specially raised as powerful companions.
This particular Profound Tier Spirit Beast Arena, however, was dedicated almost entirely to raising beasts for consumption.
On the boardwalk built around the Spirit Beast Arena, Inner Sect Dining Hall Elder Xue Cang was making his habitual inspection, checking on the growth of these "ingredients."
This time, however, he was accompanied by He Wenxuan from the Outer Sect Dining Hall.
Before the Outer Sectâs monthly exam, He Wenxuan had extended an olive branch to Zou Feng, hoping he would become Elder Xue Cangâs disciple.
And though He Wenxuan could understand Zou Fengâs refusal, that didnât mean Xue Cang himself was as understanding.
Today, He Wenxuan had been specifically summoned for questioning.
"Elder Xue, the boy only just joined the Immortal Sect. Itâs understandable that he might not see the full picture yet. Perhaps we could give him a little more time..."
"Especially after this monthly exam... Even if he manages to survive, heâs bound to suffer a major setback. Iâll have a good talk with him then and persuade him..." Seeing Xue Cangâs clear displeasure, He Wenxuan continued to speak up for Zou Feng.
"Thereâs no need!" Xue Cang said coolly. "The fried rice he made was indeed excellent, and since I havenât accepted a disciple in many years, I was briefly intrigued."
"Heh. And in the end, it seems the boy feels that I, an Elder of the Inner Sect Dining Hall, am not worthy of him!"
This was a serious accusation. He Wenxuan quickly tried to placate him. "Elder Xue, as arrogant as that kid might be, he wouldnât be so tactless. From my observation, he likely still wants to strive for more in his Cultivation and isnât ready to devote himself entirely to the art of the Spirit Chef just yet."
Xue Cang gave a smile that didnât reach his eyes. "Since he has no intention of furthering his studies in the art of the Spirit Chef, then the position of Head Chef at the Taian Mountain Dining Hall should be given to a disciple who is more dedicated to the path!"
He Wenxuan froze, then lowered his head with a wry smile.
This was a clear move to strip Zou Feng of his post, removing him from the Head Chef position.
He Wenxuan, however, couldnât understand why Xue Cang was so fixated on a mere Outer Disciple over such a trivial matter.
âCould it really be as the saying goes? The older you get, the pettier you become?â
"What? Do you have an objection?" Seeing He Wenxuanâs lack of an immediate response, Xue Cangâs tone grew heavy.
He Wenxuan sighed inwardly. He bowed and said, "This subordinate wouldnât dare. Elder Xue is correct. As soon as I return, I will relieve Zou Feng of his duties as Head Chef."
"Donât be in such a hurry. Judging by the time of day, the Outer Sectâs monthly exam should be over. If the boy has already fallen, thereâs no need for you to rush back."
From Xue Cangâs tone, it was clear he didnât believe an arrogant brat like Zou Feng could have survived the monthly exam while being targeted by the Purple Cloud Association.
Upon hearing this, He Wenxuan immediately took out his Token, intending to personally message Zou Feng and see if he was still alive.
However, as soon as he took out his Token, he saw several messages that had already arrived from his own confidants.
As he read through them, He Wenxuanâs expression grew increasingly odd.
He then quickly opened the Outer Sect Potential Ranking, and his eyes went wide in shock.
"What is it?" Noticing He Wenxuanâs strange expression, Xue Cang stopped and turned, staring at him with a puzzled gaze.
The question snapped He Wenxuan back to his senses. He then respectfully held his Token up for Xue Cang to see.