Elder Lai Chang was a pawn and he had no control over his fate.
While Ye Tian Yun was busy in his thoughts, Elder Lai Chang was coercing Zheng Xiang to join the Heavenly League.
Zheng Xiang's reluctance could be seen from his facial expressions, and half-as*sed replies but Elder Lai Chang wasn't backing down.
"You should listen to me very carefully and remember what I have told you. You can't go on taking your future for granted. Join a powerful league, do a good amount of missions and increase your cultivation faster. And if all this works out well, you might even qualify for the Grand Spirit Hunt."
"But you need to understand one thing, Grand Spirit Hunt isn't a small event and even if you qualify, you alone won't be able to succeed. You will need a team, a team to have your back. And the best disciples you can get in your team are part of the Heavenly League."
"I am not advertising that league nor am I forcing you to join it. I only want the best for you. I have seen your potential and I don't want you to wander in this long path of cultivation. Rest is up to you."
Zheng Xiang nodded, "Thank you, Elder. I will keep your words in my mind."
"Good," Elder Lai Chang then turned towards Ye Tian Yun and said, "My words also apply for you too. Your performance was phenomenal in the Inner Court Entrance Hunt yesterday, and I have very high expectations from you."
"In fact, not only me, many Elders have paid attention to your performance. Especially your Dual Sword movements. Don't lose your way, keep focused and steady."
"Yes, Elder."
"This time we have many talented sword cultivator disciples emerging from the Inner Court Entrance Hunt. I won't lie, but though you weren't the brightest, your way of swords was unique. Controlling and mastering dual swords is not easy and the future is uncertain. But if you succeed, then none of your peers will be able to stop you."
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder."
Elder Lai Chang nodded and said, "Alright, it's time for you to receive your token and robes. But before that, I will need your Outer Court Disciple token."
Ye Tian Yun and Zheng Xiang brought out their tokens and handed them over to Elder Lai Chang.
He scrutinized the tokens before nodding for a few moments.
Elder Lai Chang then said, "For being ranked in the Top Three of your Peak's Inner Court Entrance Hunt, the sect will reward you something special."
He then turned around, and rammaged through a bag which was behind him all this time.
From the bag, he took out two tokens and handed them over to the disciples in front of him. Each token had a silverish glow and black stripes.
"Here, take these." Elder Lai Chang said as he put the tokens on their hands, "These tokens are a bit special. They are not artefacts of course, but they are specially made for the Top Three disciples of each peak. See those black lines? They signify your rank."
"These tokens may not help you in your cultivation, but they will help you materialistically. Those who have these robes are given priority in the Martial Mission Hall for top mission, and in Alchemy Peak for pills."
Ye Tian Yun was surprised with this sudden gift. As he accepted his token, he thought things would be less troublesome for him in future.
Then, Elder Lai Chang took out two packets from his spacial ring and said, "Here, these are your robes.They are unique in their own way. And specially made for top disciples. On the left shoulder of these silver robes, is a strap with cross swords. Ranked One disciples have three swords, Ranked Two will have two and ranked three will have one sword, parallel to the shoulders. These are to show your achievement, and make you stand out among thousands of Inner Court disciples."
"Also, in the coming future, when you try for the Gracious Sword Rankings, you will have an advantage due to these robes. There are some benefits which will come with these. But it's a thing of later times. Right now, I wish you good luck.
"And just a hint for you guys, don't become complacent and go after the high ranking mission later. I know you're not yet familiar with the rules, but it's a piece of advice as the deputy in-charge of the Martial Mission Hall that you don't take high ranked missions at least until you have reached Mid Qi Condensation Realm."
"We will keep your words in mind, Elder." Ye Tian Yun and Zheng Xiang nodded.
"Alright, off you go now. Get a good Rank 4 cultivation manual, decide carefully."
Ye Tian Yun and Zheng Xiang bowed a bit as they cupped their fists. Then turning back, they went out.
When they reached the lower floor, Zheng Xiang whispered, "Brother Fang, are you also thinking what I am thinking? I am blown away by what just happened."