A public notice was posted seeking a wife, and a female saint from the Immortal Sect was found.

Liu Can's eyes were red. He was unwilling to accept defeat. If he had lost to other Foundation Establishment cultivators, he wouldn't be in such a state. But he lost to Chen Yi.

The position of an outer sect steward of the Eastern Divine Sect was of paramount importance to him and to everyone else; it was a tremendous opportunity that could change one's destiny.

He couldn't understand why this inner disciple of the Eastern Divine Sect would choose Chen Yi, a mere Qi Refining cultivator.

He really wanted to ask, but he almost immediately suppressed the urge.

I cannot ask, nor dare I ask.

No matter how angry and resentful he was, he shouldn't have questioned it. Even if this inner disciple of the Eastern Divine Sect chose a dog as his steward, he could only praise him for making a good choice.

When there is a huge difference in status and position, this is reality. People will not hesitate to crush the ants who dare to offend them. Those who are stronger and have higher status will also slap the weak who dare to question them without any burden.

Liu Can didn't dare to speak, and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators were not fools either. Although they all didn't understand why a Qi Refining cultivator would become a steward, no one dared to utter a single word.

Zheng Shaoyang ignored everyone's reactions and continued to read out the names of the remaining thirty outer sect disciples.

Eleven Foundation Establishment cultivators came this time. Apart from Li Hong and Liang Shanlong, who had already become deacons, the other nine successfully became disciples of the outer sect.

Add to that the twenty-one Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivators, and the total number is exactly thirty.

Those whose names were called were overjoyed, while the rest inevitably wore expressions of extreme frustration.

However, even though Zheng Shaoyang hadn't called out the names of the cultivators, no one dared to turn around and leave.

After announcing the results, Zheng Shaoyang looked up at all the cultivators present and asked, "A total of thirty-three cultivators have joined. Now, if anyone wishes to withdraw, they can speak up."

The scene was silent. Everyone was terrified of this opportunity, so why would anyone be foolish enough to back out?

Even Liu Can, despite only becoming an outer sect disciple, showed no intention of quitting.

After all, even if they are just disciples of the outer sect, the words "Eastern Divine Sect" are still added before their names.

Seeing that no one was leaving, Zheng Shaoyang nodded, then waved his hand and said, "Those cultivators whose names were not called, do not be discouraged. If there are any vacancies among the thirty outer sect disciples, I will fill them from among you. Now, please leave."

The monks who were not chosen immediately bowed respectfully and then quickly left.

Soon, only the newly appointed outer sect deacons and disciples remained.

Zheng Shaoyang glanced casually at the thirty-three people and said calmly, "This time, the sect sent a total of twenty true disciples and two hundred inner disciples. I am one of the inner disciples."

"Each inner disciple has thirty-three outer sect slots, which means a total of six thousand six hundred people will be recruited."

"Now you are one of the 6,600 people. The main purpose of establishing the outer sect is to search for a female cultivator named Li Changle. Many sects have received missions to assist in the search, so you must know about this female cultivator."

"Now that an outer sect has been established, the sect may have bestowed a great opportunity upon the first outer sect disciple to discover news of that female cultivator. The sect will grant him the status of a true disciple and cultivation resources."

At this point, Zheng Shaoyang knew that these bumpkin cultivators in front of him would not understand what the true disciples of the Eastern Divine Sect represented, so he explained: "The true disciples of the Eastern Divine Sect must be at least at the Nascent Soul stage, and they must be Nascent Soul cultivators who can be ranked on the Prodigy Ranking to be qualified to become true disciples. Among the true disciples of the sect, there are even many who are already at the Deity Transformation stage."

Hearing this, even Chen Yi was almost tempted. The Eastern Divine Sect was generous enough that whoever was the first to discover Li Changqing's news would be soaring to great heights.

The strongest person present was Li Hong, who was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage. He was risking his life to break through to the Golden Core stage from the Earth Vein Spirit Cocoon. For Li Hong, this was an opportunity that was enough to make him risk his life.

The benefits promised by the Eastern Divine Sect far exceeded the value of the Earth Vein Spirit Chrysalis. Even disregarding the cultivation resources that could be obtained, the mere fact of being a true disciple of the Eastern Divine Sect was enough to ignite fervor in the eyes of everyone present.

Of course, this would only be possible if one could find information about Li Changqing.

Zheng Shaoyang saw everyone's reactions, and that was normal. Even he was tempted by the position of a true disciple.

He continued, "Aside from the search for that female cultivator, you all need to do your utmost to fulfill any orders or tasks you may have on a daily basis."

"Of course, the sect will not let you work for nothing. From now on, the three deacons will receive three bottles of Foundation Condensation Pills every month, and the disciples will receive three bottles of Spirit Condensation Pills every month."

"Both of these pills are just pills used for ordinary cultivation. Some of you may look down on them. Let me remind you now: the pills bestowed by the sect are at least ten times more effective than the pills you usually use for cultivation."

"Different alchemists use different proportions of medicinal materials, different control of the heat during the alchemy process, and different techniques for condensing the pills, all of which will result in vastly different medicinal effects."

"In short, just know that the pills you obtained are very good."

"These are the things you'll be responsible for and the benefits you'll receive if you join the outer sect of the Eastern Divine Sect. Do you have any objections?"

Everyone present, including Chen Yi, said in unison, "We have no objections."

There was really no way to object to this. Even Chen Yi became very interested in the so-called Foundation Condensation Pill, which was at least ten times stronger.

The effect is at least ten times stronger. It's hard to say how much it will increase the cultivation speed of other cultivators, but for Chen Yi, if the pill's effect is indeed at least ten times stronger, then his cultivation speed will also increase by at least ten times.

"Very good." After saying so much, Zheng Shaoyang's expression suddenly turned stern.

He stared at the crowd, his aura suddenly becoming powerful, revealing the terrifying aura of someone who had achieved the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still in the entire Zhaiyue Tower. It had been an unknown amount of time since a Golden Core cultivator had appeared in this area. Now, the aura of a Golden Core cultivator at the Great Perfection stage was released, and even Li Hong's legs went weak and he collapsed to the ground. The others were even more disheveled and in a sorry state.

The terrifying aura vanished in an instant. Zheng Shaoyang stared at the thirty-three people who had struggled to their feet and said, "From this moment on, each of the three deacons will lead ten disciples. Report any news to me immediately. If a disciple disobeys a deacon's orders, he/she shall die. If a deacon conceals anything from me or neglects his/her duties, he/she shall die."

This was clearly an attempt to establish authority, but it was somewhat unnecessary. Given Zheng Shaoyang's status as an inner disciple of the Eastern Divine Sect, who would dare to outwardly disobey him?

However, he didn't mind going to the trouble; letting these people understand his power was always a good thing for him.

"We will surely die for Master Zheng. If we are ordered to do so, we will not hesitate to die ten thousand times over." Chen Yi spoke first with a serious expression.

The others quickly followed suit, expressing their loyalty, afraid of falling behind.

Zheng Shaoyang was very satisfied with this and said, "The three stewards are of equal status. You must work together in the future and do not disappoint me. Chen Yi, you only have the cultivation of the Qi Refining stage, so you will choose ten disciples first."

Chen Yi cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate obeys."

He thought to himself with a touch of admiration. "That's a good way to flatter him. It seems that Master Zheng really cares about me. Letting me choose first is clearly a sign that he's completely on my side."

Liu Can, standing to the side, felt a sense of panic for the first time. Zheng Shaoyang not only chose Chen Yi as the steward, but also let Chen Yi choose the people first. Are you two relatives? Why are you taking such good care of him?

He regretted it a little. He had said before that if he became a deacon, he would bring Chen Yi under his command. Now the tables had turned, and he only hoped that Chen Yi could ignore him at this moment.

Chen Yi glanced at the thirty disciples, then his gaze fell directly on Liu Can. He smiled and said, "I've known Vice Sect Master Liu for a long time. It wouldn't be right not to choose him first. So, it's you."

Liu Can: ...

At this moment, Liu Can was almost grinding his teeth in hatred, but no matter how much he hated him, he still smiled and bowed to Chen Yi, saying, "I will obey your orders, Steward Chen. From this moment on, Liu Can will follow your orders."

What a terrible fate! He, a dignified mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, was now a tiger fallen into the plains, bullied by dogs. At this moment, Liu Can felt so wronged that he almost cried.

He never imagined such a day would come.

Chen Yi smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, Vice Sect Master Liu is indeed sensible."

Liu Can quickly replied, "Deacon, you may call me Liu Can or A-Can. From now on, I will never dare to accept the title of Vice Sect Master Liu."

Chen Yi glanced at Liu Can, but didn't say anything more. Then, he selected four Foundation Establishment cultivators and five Qi Refining cultivators.

Although Zheng Shaoyang let him choose first, it would be inappropriate to select all the Foundation Establishment cultivators to his own side. There were a total of nine Foundation Establishment cultivators, and he could still get a great deal by choosing five.

After Chen Yi finished making his selection, Zheng Shaoyang looked directly at Li Hong and Liang Shanlong and said, "The remaining four Foundation Establishment disciples, you two each choose two. The ninth-level Qi Refining disciples should also be divided among yourselves."

Liang Shanlong and Li Hong quickly agreed, but their hearts were filled with great turmoil.

Chen Yi could choose freely, but when it was their turn, they were directly assigned. This difference in treatment was striking, even among outer sect stewards…

For a moment, not only the two of them, but all the cultivators present were deeply surprised, not understanding why Chen Yi was valued so highly.

It's impossible that Chen Yi received special treatment because he and Zheng Shaoyang knew each other beforehand.

The only explanation is that Chen Yi had already impressed Zheng Shaoyang when they first met, which would indeed make Zheng Shaoyang treat him differently now.

Did he also give a gift? And one that suited Zheng Zhenren's taste?

In an instant, countless speculations arose in the minds of the cultivators present.

Chen Yi himself was very calm. He didn't need to give any gifts. The main reason he was doing well was that he understood Zheng Shaoyang too well.

You all shout that you're willing to die for the Eastern Divine Sect, but I'm willing to go through fire and water for Master Zheng.

Zheng Shaoyang ignored the thoughts of the people present. Whatever they thought was irrelevant to him. He might favor Chen Yi, but that was that; he didn't need to consider anyone else.

He sat down in the chair, glanced at Chen Yi, and said, "Deacon Chen, you are a Qi Refining cultivator. With such cultivation, becoming a deacon might cause some people to be dissatisfied."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi remained calm, but the others immediately felt a stirring in their hearts and began to guess what Zheng Zhenren meant.

Chen Yi cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate is weak and fearful. I am afraid that I will not be able to share the burden for the Master, nor will I be able to truly convince the other disciples. If some disciples disobey my orders, it will indeed be difficult to handle."

Zheng Shaoyang smiled and said, "It's alright. If anyone disobeys your orders, I will kill them. However, what you said makes sense. If you are too weak, you cannot convince the masses. So today, let's show you how much you are capable and whether you can convince the masses."

Chen Yi quickly replied, "Your subordinate obeys and will follow your orders. How does Your Excellency wish me to demonstrate my abilities?"

Sure enough, no matter how much Zheng Shaoyang needs a loyal Qi Refining stage cultivator, he wouldn't completely favor him or even treat him as a confidant just because of a few words from him. He's not that stupid.

Sure enough, the test came immediately.

The others understood Zheng Shaoyang's meaning and instantly became excited, especially Liu Can, whose heart beat faster.

He realized that Master Zheng was testing Chen Yi. Although he didn't know what kind of test it was, he was already silently hoping that Chen Yi would fail.

If Chen Yi fails the test, then there will be a new interpretation of the position of steward.

Zheng Shaoyang tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "Ye Nan, Li Fenghuo, Zhou Tianyue, come out."

Among the thirty disciples, three figures immediately stepped forward, bowed to Zheng Shaoyang, and respectfully said, "Your subordinates are here."

Zheng Shaoyang's gaze was already on Chen Yi, and he said, "These three disciples are also at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and have already stepped into the Foundation Establishment stage. Their cultivation level should be slightly stronger than yours."

"Your defeat of these three individuals one by one is enough to demonstrate your talent and strength. Whether you can win over the masses and whether you are capable of working for me depends on yourself."

He needs a loyal subordinate at the Qi Refining stage, but loyalty alone is not enough; the subordinate must also possess the ability to defeat other cultivators at the same Qi Refining stage.

We can't choose someone with poor talent, otherwise it might be difficult for them to retrieve the items from the secret realm.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi instantly understood Zheng Shaoyang's thoughts. He needed a Qi Refining stage cultivator who was both loyal and capable in combat.

For the sake of that Nascent Soul artifact, Zheng Shaoyang was extremely cautious and unwilling to compromise in the slightest.

He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate obeys. I will fight each of the three disciples. If I lose any of them, I am willing to give up my position as steward."

Fighting three Qi Refining stage cultivators was nothing to him. After all, he had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Even if he only used the strength of the ninth level of the Qi Refining stage and did not use techniques such as the Purple Lightning Technique, he had no reason to lose.

The others had completely different thoughts, especially the nine Foundation Establishment disciples, including Liu Can, who wished Chen Yi would be killed in the very first battle.

Only if Chen Yi loses or dies will they have a chance to try their hand at the position of steward.