Zheng Yi hid many things for fear that the other party would notice something.
If that Outer Elder saw, would he deduce anything? Would his situation be in danger?
Taking a deep breath, Zheng Yi forced himself to walk into the residence and hurriedly saluted.
"What brings you here?"
A strange voice sounded in his ear, and Zheng Yi couldn't help but be taken aback, but his heart was filled with joy, and his anxiously hanging heart was also put at ease.
It seemed that the information he obtained before coming here was true.
The previously responsible Elder Gongsun, who handled his entry ceremony and sold him the Soul-Attracting Array, had already been transferred away.
Zheng Yi had previously worried because that Elder had witnessed his entire process of cultivating the Black Evil Technique.
Although he concealed the true aura of the Black Evil Technique, that Deacon Elder's strength and cultivation were higher than his, and with intent, it was hard to ensure no flaws would be seen.
If that Elder inquired, Zheng Yi would really find it difficult to answer.
Fortunately, he had inquired secretly before coming.
The Soul Catching Sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect were at war over a Spirit Stone resource vein, currently in a fierce fight.
The previously stationed Elder Gongsun here had been transferred to the battle front, and the means Zheng Yi prepared had not been used.
"Honorable Steward, I have heard that upon reaching the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation, one may advance to the Inner Sect Disciple. This time I come to advance to an Inner Sect Disciple."
Zheng Yi respectfully saluted, offering a pouch with both hands upwards.
"The Inner Sect Disciple is the essence of the Sect; not everyone can be promoted to an Inner Sect Disciple. Only by making great achievements for the Sect can one qualify for promotion, you..."
This new Steward, a burly middle-aged man, looked at Zheng Yi, with a business-like appearance.
But then his eyes glanced, seeing the bag presented with both hands, and he couldn't help but pause.
With a casual gesture, this Basic Storage Pouch, without an owner, suddenly felt heavy in his hand, and in his experience, it contained a considerable amount, a significant windfall even for him as a steward.
"...I, ahem."
"Hmm, you're very commendable!"
Holding that Basic Storage Pouch, the middle-aged steward's originally serious expression turned into a full-face smile in no time.
Unnoticeably tucking the Basic Storage Pouch into his bosom, the Outer Sect Steward looked at Zheng Yi with a kind look in his eyes.
"Ahem, I have long heard that during Elder Gongsun's tenure at the Blood Mist Abyss City sub-branch, numerous outstanding disciples were recruited for the Sect. Unexpectedly, I encountered one just as I arrived."
Having taken Zheng Yi's offered tribute, the middle-aged Outer Sect Steward spoke blatant lies, watching what he said.
He didn't care who Zheng Yi was or which connections he used.
The Blood Mist Abyss City, which had Venerable Blood Mist sitting in residence, wielded the authority to select disciples, seeming like a lucrative position.
But within the Demon Realm, the Soul Catching Sect was not ranked at all, just a small sect.
With Venerable Blood Mist overseeing it, various Demon Cultivation Influences had bases here, facing some Loose Cultivators and younger disciples.
This resulted in the Soul Catching Sect's base here having no significant advantage, entirely a bureaucratic position with little opportunity to encounter well-off individuals like Zheng Yi.
"A disciple who knows to pay respects to the sect's elders, if not a good disciple, then who is?!"
Those of Demon Cultivation are very realistic, especially mid-levels in a sect like the middle-aged Outer Sect Steward, who are quite clear-headed.
People die for wealth, birds die for food!
Even cultivators can't avoid the conventions. After Zheng Yi offered Spirit Stones, this prior business-like Outer Sect Steward immediately became more agreeable.
"Disciple Zheng Yi initially followed Elder Gongsun's path and received his guidance. Someday, once my cultivation bears fruit, I am sure to return to the main sect for further study..."
"Now that my state has broken through, fortunately reaching the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation, I earnestly request to return to the main sect for advanced study."
"Secondly, I shamelessly ask for an Inner Sect Disciple status and hope the steward gives me some guidance, which I would be immensely grateful for."
Of course, Zheng Yi could not express the thought that 'wealth moves the heart' aloud; instead, he subtly indicated, following this middle-aged Outer Sect Steward's remarks, that his earlier path was through the former Elder Gongsun.
He was not afraid of Elder Gongsun knowing about this matter.
Besides, given the current war between the Soul Catching Sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect, reportedly over a Spirit Stone resource vein between their territories, with most elites sent to the front lines.
According to Zheng Yi's earlier inquiries, this battle between the Soul Catching Sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect had long-standing animosity, not just thunderous noise without rain, but genuinely fierce skirmishes with flames flaring from both sides.
Even the Elder Gongsun, who originally retired at Blood Mist Abyss City, was pulled back to oversee the front lines.
The intensity of the battle can be imagined.
According to conventional predictions, this war between the two Demon Cultivation Sects would last a year or two at least, or longer, reaching three to five years, potentially extending close to ten years.
By then, Zheng Yi wouldn't even know what level he had reached, possibly having obtained what he wanted and left the Soul Catching Sect.
With such distances and circumstances, Elder Gongsun might have already forgotten who this tiny character was, let alone come to find trouble.
Moreover, Zheng Yi had initially joined the Soul Catching Sect via Elder Gongsun, successfully joining the sect through bribery.
With their connection placed here, to outsiders, he indeed hadn't spoken falsely.
Hearing this, the middle-aged Outer Sect Steward hesitated, pondered for a moment, then looked up at Zheng Yi.
From Zheng Yi's words, both spoken and implied, he understood.
Since Zheng Yi was following Elder Gongsun's path and was so generous, it seemed he had some background; since he now sought him, it warranted extending a bit of face.
Especially since procedurally compliant, with his authority here, it wouldn't be too difficult to manage.
Even if others asked later, no faults could be found.
After hesitating briefly, this middle-aged Outer Sect Steward finally spoke.
"Originally, promoting to an Inner Sect Disciple requires reporting to the Sect's Internal Affairs Hall for approval. I do not have arbitrary authority!"
"However, I have connections within the Internal Affairs Hall, which leaves some room for negotiation..."
"Since you previously followed Elder Gongsun's path and since the sect is now at war with the Hundred Beasts Sect, coinciding with a period requiring personnel, it does warrant selecting the best for promotion, allowing some flexibility in this operation."
"Only within this, dealing with various relationships..."
The middle-aged Outer Sect Steward looked at Zheng Yi, face half-smiling.
He could give Zheng Yi a favor; after all, uncertain of his background, why not build good relations.
His hint was clear too; it depended on whether the youngster in front caught on or not.