Third Grade sects only existed in Fourth-Class prefectures and above, where talented individuals gathered like clouds and experts were plentiful—naturally, their potential was limitless.
But today, at this very moment.
After watching the Iron Bones Clanging Sect disciples’ tests, Elder Zhou gave a Third Grade evaluation—undoubtedly extremely shocking!
One must know, this was only a Seventh-Tier sect!
One must know, this was an unremarkable Ninth-Class prefecture!
Upon hearing Elder Zhou’s evaluation, City Lord Xie’s body trembled with shock, his eyes full of astonishment!
When he learned the Iron Bones Clanging Sect had been certified as Second Grade, he had already found it difficult to maintain his composure. Now, with this re-testing resulting in a Third Grade rating, this was absolutely a tenfold soul-crushing blow!
I… in my territory, there’s a Third Grade sect!
Heavens!
Simply too dreamlike, too unbelievable!
If not for maintaining his dignity as city lord, Xie Guangkun would probably slap himself to confirm whether this was real or not!
A Ninth-Class prefecture, a Third Grade sect!
It was indeed extremely shocking. If word spread throughout the martial world, it would definitely cause tremendous uproar!
“Elder Zhen.”
Elder Zhou said, “Do you have any objections to this old man’s evaluation?”
Elder Zhen fell silent for a moment, then said, “No objections.”
Though he opposed Elder Zhou at every turn, regarding the Iron Bones Clanging Sect disciples’ recent testing, he too had to give a Third Grade certification.
Why?
Because disciples who produced ten thousand pounds of force—comparable to First-Rank Wushi—numbered at least fifty!
And they were only at the Wutu realm!
At such a low level, erupting with Wushi-level strength—their potential was absolutely limitless, absolutely worthy of a Third Grade evaluation!
Actually, if given a few more months, Iron Bones Clanging Sect disciples producing Wushi-level strength while at the Wutu tier would become completely universal.
After all, they had Body Tempering Pills, Body Tempering Rooms, and the Tempering Tower!
Steward Zhao was also stunned for quite a while.
So this was how terrifying the Iron Bones Clanging Sect disciples were when they got serious—turned out he had given too low an evaluation!
“Elder Zhen.”
Elder Zhou said, “Thanks to your doubts, otherwise our Certification Hall would have truly made an error in judgment.”
The way he put it…
Elder Zhen’s face immediately flushed red, as if he’d been viciously slapped across the face.
They hadn’t uncovered fraud, but instead discovered it was a Third Grade sect—this situation was rather awkward.
Elder Zhou cupped his hands. “Sect Leader Jun, we must return to headquarters overnight and won’t impose any further!”
The Iron Bones Clanging Sect being evaluated as Third Grade was a major matter—they definitely had to hurry back to report and record the evaluation officially.
Jun Changxiao said, “Two elders, the Iron Bones Clanging Sect has only just started. Our sect’s first principle is also to act with a low profile, so please don’t publicize this matter.”
Having disciples test seriously—that’s called keeping a low profile?
City Lord Xie was speechless.
My Sect Leader Jun, just how many “first principles” does your sect have!
Elder Zhou, however, was somewhat stunned.
Other sects, even if certified as Third-Class Lower Grade, would widely publicize it to enhance their sect’s reputation.
The Iron Bones Clanging Sect, certified as Third Grade, actually wanted to keep a low profile—truly different from the rest.
Actually, whether Third Grade or not really didn’t matter to Jun Changxiao, because without your approval, he would still be as strong as ever.
Elder Zhou said, “Since Sect Leader Jun has said so, our Certification Hall will keep this certification confidential and not make it public.”
“Much appreciated.”
Jun Changxiao said, “Please stay for a simple meal before leaving?”
“This…”
Unable to refuse such warm hospitality, everyone stayed for a meal, and then… they nearly cried tears of joy while eating.
The two elders had eaten plenty of delicacies before, but after eating the food Liu Wanshi prepared, they realized what they’d eaten before was nothing more than plain tea and simple rice!
A Seventh-Tier sect had such an excellent chef—no wonder the disciples were so formidable.
After eating and drinking their fill, Elder Zhou said, “Sect Leader Jun, we’ll take our leave now!”
Jun Changxiao personally escorted them to the gate.
As the leader of a sect, he naturally needed to show grace. If he said “no need to see us off,” it would only give an impression of arrogance.
Living in another world, one could show off, but couldn’t be brainless about it.
“City Lord Xie.”
Jun Changxiao said, “Why aren’t you leaving?”
Xie Guangkun’s expression turned serious. “Sect Leader Jun, to be honest, Xie hasn’t eaten his fill yet.”
Jun Changxiao nearly stumbled and fell.
…
Our lovable City Lord Xie ate another meal in the cafeteria before finally getting to the main topic: “Sect Leader Jun, under your leadership, in just a few short months, the Iron Bones Clanging Sect has undergone earth-shattering changes.”
These were no flattering words.
The former Iron Bones Clanging Sect had been the most inferior sect in his eyes. Since its brilliant performance at the Hundred Sects recruitment, it had become unstoppable—truly beyond Xie Guangkun’s expectations.
Previously, when Jun Changxiao annihilated the Lingquan Sect and didn’t hesitate to fall out with Alliance Leader Qin, he’d merely felt Jun Changxiao was bold and decisive, a young man with real character.
Jun Changxiao said modestly, “We’ve only just started. There’s still a long road ahead.”
City Lord Xie said, “In Xie’s view, Sect Leader Jun’s sect is like a giant dragon coiled and sleeping on Iron Bones Mountain. When it awakens, that will be when it soars into the heavens!”
This statement touched Jun Changxiao.
Because his nation from his previous life had been described as the Eastern Dragon, slowly awakening through decades of development. One day, the dragon’s roar would surely resound throughout the vast earth and sky!
My country, my home.
Who knew if, in this life, he could ever return!
If there were a possibility of renaming, he might consider changing the sect’s name to Huaxia, to remind himself that though he’d transmigrated to another world, he remained forever a soul of Huaxia!
City Lord Xie continued, “For Qingyang City to have such a sect with limitless potential is truly a great fortune.”
Jun Changxiao said, “City Lord Xie flatters me too much.”
Xie Guangkun chatted idly for a while longer before taking his leave.
When he reached the foot of the mountain and looked up at the peak that had begun to be surrounded by spiritual energy, his expression turned solemn: “Sect Leader Jun, please develop well. The three million six hundred thousand people of Qingyang City will feel deep pride because of the Iron Bones Clanging Sect’s existence!”
The three million six hundred thousand people: We’re being represented again, but we’re happy about it!
In City Lord Xie’s heart, the Iron Bones Clanging Sect was Qingyang City’s hope.
As the saying goes, when one person attains the Dao, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. With the sect in his territory, sooner or later it would bring glory through its growing strength!
…
Because Jun Changxiao wanted to keep a low profile, when City Lord Xie returned to Qingyang City, he buried the news of the Iron Bones Clanging Sect being evaluated as Third Grade in his heart.
Clearly such a glorious matter for the city, yet he couldn’t speak of it—this was undoubtedly very painful.
Even more painful was the Certification Headquarters Hall Master.
A Ninth-Class prefecture producing a Third Grade sect with limitless potential—this kind of matter should definitely be announced publicly to bring fame and glory to their province.
However, since the Iron Bones Clanging Sect chose to keep a low profile, they could only record it internally without making any public announcement.
“Hall Master.”
Elder Zhou said, “In this old man’s view, Sect Leader Jun fears that too much fame would attract unnecessary trouble, which is why he chose to act with a low profile.”
Yi Tianjian shook his head. “Sects that receive a Third Grade evaluation have special protection from the Certification Hall. By choosing not to make it public, he’s equivalent to giving up this privilege.”
Ah?
There’s such a thing?
If Sect Leader Jun knew, he’d definitely collapse!
I kept a low damned profile because I worried about people fearing fame like pigs fear getting fat, but it turns out that with a Third Grade evaluation, the Certification Hall provides protection. If I’d known earlier, I would have shown off with a high profile!