Zhang Yiyi clearly understood that the murderous intent she felt was real, and not merely a test on the Path of the Heart. What was even more terrifying was that she could precisely predict that the source of this murderous intent was from somewhere above the eight hundredth step.

Without any hesitation, she firmly believed that her limit was at the eight hundredth step and was certain that taking another step forward would lead only to death.

That premonition of danger penetrated her soul. Within a breath, Zhang Yiyi decisively made her choice, crushing the wooden token and leaving the Path of the Heart.

In the moment she vanished, a beast resembling a dragon or tiger appeared out of nowhere, darting toward the spot where Zhang Yiyi had disappeared. Failing to find its target, it let out a reluctant roar before turning and diving back into the barrier beyond the eight hundred steps, disappearing without a trace.

However, because the Path of the Heart was completely closed off with the departure of the last person, this scene went unnoticed.

After the trials, only seventy-three individuals remained.

Apart from the three who reached the seven hundred steps, there were five who reached the six hundred steps. Except for Zhang Yiyi, all of these individuals had either single spiritual roots or very high purity dual spiritual roots, with exceptional qualifications and dispositions. Among the new disciples of this realm, their achievements were considered remarkable.

Fu Jin, who reached the seven hundred and ninth steps, was directly accepted by the head of the first peak of the Cloud Immortal Sect (Yunxian Sect) as a core disciple. Subsequently, Zhang Tongtong also became the first disciple of the ninth peak's female peak master.

The other five youths who reached the six hundred steps were directly admitted as inner sect disciples and would later choose their own masters.

The remaining sixty-six individuals, excluding Zhang Yiyi, had no particularly outstanding results in their Path of the Heart achievements or spiritual root qualities, so they naturally fell into the outer sect, distributed across the first to ninth peaks.

Outer sect disciples were taught uniformly by the outer court of the sect and did not receive individual instruction, which was one of the biggest differences between inner sect and outer sect disciples.

Soon, everyone had found their place, except for Zhang Yiyi, who remained in an awkward position.

"Little girl, although you performed outstandingly on the Path of the Heart, according to sect regulations, you still cannot be admitted to the inner sect this time. You can only become an outer sect disciple of our Yunxian Sect. Are you willing?"

Sect Master Dongfang hesitated for a moment before making the final decision. Without the Spirit Cleansing Grass to improve her spiritual root attributes, and lacking significant opportunities, it would be detrimental rather than beneficial for her to enter the inner sect now.

"I am willing!"

Zhang Yiyi had no complaints. The sect was following its rules, which was reasonable.

Seeing that the young girl accepted the outcome with calm and composure, Sect Master Dongfang was even more satisfied. He nodded, privately praising her for her remarkable composure and determination at such a young age.

"In that case, from today onward, you will go to the outer sect's ninth peak to diligently practice. If you can rank in the top ten in the next sect competition, you can also be promoted to an inner sect disciple."

Sect Master Dongfang offered words of encouragement. The sect competition tested comprehensive strength, especially combat power. Those who made it into the top ten were naturally worthy of being heavily cultivated by the sect.

Of course, even if one did not make it into the top ten, the top twenty would still receive a Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward, which greatly increased the success rate of the Foundation Establishment. Any disciple who established their foundation could directly leave the outer sect and become an inner sect disciple.

Sect Master Dongfang had high hopes for Zhang Yiyi and wished her to go as far as possible on the path of cultivation.

"Disciple accepts the command. Thank you, Sect Master, for the guidance."

Zhang Yiyi did not rush to think further but appreciated the Sect Master's encouragement.

With that, Sect Master Dongfang said no more. He then took out three storage bags in front of everyone as an additional reward for those who reached the seven hundred steps on the Path of the Heart, allowing Zhang Yiyi and the other two to draw one by chance.

Each storage bag contained a medium-grade magic weapon, suitable for use by Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

Most ordinary Foundation Establishment disciples usually only had high-grade magic tools, and very few even had medium-grade magic weapons. Although the quality of the magic weapons was the same, their value and usefulness varied, making the random draw from the storage bags a fair approach.

Zhang Yiyi's heart raced as she realized the importance of what she was about to draw.

According to the plot in the book, if nothing unexpected happened, the storage bag she drew would contain a large-capacity storage ring with limited practical use. However, in reality, even Sect Master Dongfang was unaware that this ring contained hidden treasures.

The seemingly empty space within the ring not only concealed a drop of priceless ancient divine blood but also a large amount of high-grade and supreme-grade spiritual stones, more than enough for the protagonist to use even when ascending to the higher realms.

In the original story, Zhang Yiyi was the first to obtain the ring, but when the protagonist saw it, she felt a strong sense of connection and cleverly swapped it for another item, earning praise for her thoughtfulness toward her sister.

This ring ultimately became the protagonist's greatest advantage, leading her to achieve great success and ascend to the immortal realm.

In contrast, Zhang Yiyi in the book, having lost the protective divine blood in the ring, was unexpectedly devoured by a mountain guardian beast during the journey to the outer ninth peak.

In reality, as a member of the Zhang family's direct line, Zhang Yiyi's blood could also unseal the ring's seal and gain this rare opportunity. The innate attraction to the ring also made Zhang Yiyi have a natural affinity for it and did not intend to trade it away.

However, due to the protagonist's clever manipulation, the book's Zhang Yiyi ultimately lost the great opportunity and her life as well, becoming the perfect cannon fodder for transporting the protagonist's advantage.

Now, with knowledge of the inner details, Zhang Yiyi was determined not to follow the plot.

After opening the storage bag and confirming that it was indeed the storage ring, she relaxed and stored it safely without the thorough examination that the original owner had done.

Zhang Tongtong, on the other hand, seemed to sense something and instinctively walked over to her cousin.

Although she had no idea what her cousin had drawn, she felt an irresistible attraction to the contents of the storage bag, as if it possessed some magical allure, even creating a strong desire to obtain it.

"Yiyi, what kind of magic weapon did you draw? If you don't like it, we can swap. Didn't you always want a good sword?"

Zhang Tongtong smiled and offered the sword she had drawn to Zhang Yiyi. Her considerate and generous attitude was quite endearing.

The sword was indeed an excellent one, with strong attack power and nearly approaching the quality of a high-grade magic weapon, surpassing other medium-grade magic weapons.

"Thank you, but I don't need to swap. I quite like this one," Zhang Yiyi declined directly and then turned to join the group of outer sect disciples.

Zhang Tongtong did not expect her cousin to completely disregard the usual script, not even mentioning what she had drawn, let alone showing it publicly.

Although she was quite frustrated, with the crowd having dispersed, she could not insist on swapping things in front of the Sect Master and elders. She had to restrain herself and plan for the future.