Unrestricted Dao Lord

In the Inner Sect Grand Hall, amidst the crowd’s uproar, Ye Shuang stood dumbfounded, her mind reeling from the shock.

She herself had failed to achieve the Two-Star Rating on three separate occasions.

She knew full well how difficult the Two-Star Rating was, let alone the even higher Three-Star Rating.

’But now, what am I seeing?’

’Zhang Su... achieved Three Stars in One Day?’

It was simply... unbelievable!

Many other disciples were just as incredulous as Ye Shuang.

However, the Inner Sect Elders were the first to react.

But they regarded Zhang Su with complicated expressions.

’So he’s a disciple of Old Ghost Zhao from the Instructor Pavilion... That old man is all alone, and with that crippled leg of his, what made him suddenly decide to take a disciple? And to think he actually managed to stumble upon such a treasure...’

’Three Stars in One Day... Bamboo Sword Peak is vast and powerful, so perhaps they won’t care too much about losing a Three-Star Disciple from the Guardian Sequence. But if one of us had taken him in, it would have been a fine tale. What a shame...’

’Three-Star Disciples from the Guardian Sequence are rare enough, let alone one who achieved it in a single day. Zhang Su was the top disciple in the Outer Sect, and now, upon entering the Inner Sect, he’s achieved a Three-Star rating and already shown a glimmer of unparalleled talent. So what if he’s a Dharma Protector Disciple? Dharma Protector Disciples can also break through to the Postnatal Realm and become a War God of our Guiyuan Sect!’

Many of the Inner Sect Elders had begun to feel a certain respect for Zhang Su.

After all, the Inner Sect Elders were not like those from Bamboo Sword Peak.

Many of these elders, in truth, had "insufficient talent." Even if they managed to break through to the Postnatal Realm, their potential was exhausted, leaving them with no choice but to become Inner Sect Elders.

According to rumors, Zhang Su had been rejected by Bamboo Sword Peak because he was a Dharma Protector Disciple and his innate aptitude was supposedly poor—in short, he lacked talent and potential. This naturally earned him a sliver of sympathy from these Inner Sect Elders.

Of course, only a Zhang Su with a Three-Star rating could earn such sympathy from them.

Had Zhang Su received a One-Star or Two-Star Rating, these Inner Sect Elders wouldn’t have given him a second thought.

Just then, one of the Inner Sect Elders announced in a loud voice, "Inner Sect Disciple Zhang Su, having defeated ten Two-Star Puppets of the same realm, is hereby awarded the rank of Three-Star Disciple!"

The Inner Sect Elder then presented Zhang Su with a jade token signifying his new status as a Three-Star Disciple.

Zhang Su accepted the Jade Token and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder."

In truth, defeating those ten Two-Star Puppets hadn’t even required his full strength. He felt he still had plenty of power to spare.

However, Three-Star was already the highest possible rating for the Guardian Sequence.

As for the title of Sect’s Celestial Pride, there were no concrete standards. It required the joint recognition of the Sect Leader and the Elders, a very complex process.

Besides, the rank of Sect’s Celestial Pride was usually reserved for disciples from the Inheritance Sequence.

Still, Zhang Su’s Three-Star Disciple rating was now high enough for his master to help him secure a spot in the Fire Melting Cave.

Zhang Su didn’t linger in the Inner Sect Grand Hall.

His master was still waiting for news.

So, Zhang Su turned and left the Inner Sect Grand Hall, making a beeline for the Instructor Pavilion.

At that moment, inside the Instructor Pavilion, Zhao Qianfeng was lying on a recliner with his eyes closed. When disciples sought to enter, he just gave a dismissive wave, completely preoccupied.

His thoughts were far away in the Inner Sect Grand Hall.

’What’s Zhang Su’s rating by now?’

’Two-star?’

’Or Three-star?’

Zhao Qianfeng wasn’t worried in the slightest about Zhang Su only getting a One-Star rating.

Zhang Su practiced the Triple Yang Cultivation and had forged a Supreme Foundation. His Inner Strength was incredibly profound and of exceptionally high quality. Coupled with a perception akin to Martial Sense, Zhao Qianfeng felt that a Two-star rating wouldn’t be much of a problem either.

’But Three-star?’

’That would be a stretch.’

Just then, a gray-robed old man arrived at the Instructor Pavilion.

"Old Ghost Zhao! It’s been too long since we had a drink. Come on, let’s have a few, just the two of us. This is fifty-year-old Drunken Flower Brew, a gift from my filial disciple..."

As he spoke, the gray-robed elder brandished the wine flask in his hand, his tone and expression smug.

Zhao Qianfeng raised his eyes.

Normally, he was a complete lush who loved wine more than life itself, and a fifty-year-old Drunken Flower Brew was indeed a rare vintage that one couldn’t hope to find just by looking.

But today, he just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm; his mind was elsewhere.

His thoughts were consumed by Zhang Su.

Until he knew the outcome of Zhang Su’s rating evaluation, he wouldn’t be able to enjoy a single drop.

"Hm? Old Ghost Zhao, why the long face today? Is it about that business with Bamboo Sword Peak? That Old Ghost Qu is really something else. He actually rejected the disciple you recommended. So much for decades of friendship... Old Ghost Zhao, if you don’t mind, recommend Zhang Su to my Little Stone Peak. Even if the Peak Master won’t take him, I will!"

Seeing the gray-robed elder’s earnest expression, Zhao Qianfeng rolled his eyes. "In your dreams, Old Ghost Wang. Zhang Su is already my disciple. You don’t stand a chance."

"You took him as your disciple?"

A look of shocked disbelief appeared on the gray-robed elder’s face. "Tsk, tsk. What made an old cripple like you finally decide to take on an apprentice? I’ve heard a little about that Zhang Su. The former number one of the Outer Sect. He’s over the age limit, but only by a few months. Even though he’s a Dharma Protector Disciple, his foundation and comprehension are both top-notch."

"If you guide him carefully and let him mature for a few years, he might even become a Two-star Disciple. If he inherits your legacy, in twenty or thirty years, our Guiyuan Sect could have another powerful Postnatal Realm combatant!"

The corner of Zhao Qianfeng’s mouth twitched.

’Mature for a few years just to become a Two-star Disciple?’

’Wang Dakui is seriously underestimating Zhang Su.’

Of course, Wang Dakui didn’t know the full story. He was just making an assumption based on publicly available information. Thinking Zhang Su could become a Two-star Disciple after a few years of training was already a high evaluation.

But before Zhao Qianfeng could respond, he spotted a familiar figure approaching the Instructor Pavilion in the distance.

It was Zhang Su!

Zhao Qianfeng’s eyes lit up. Forgetting all about Wang Dakui, he called out from afar, "Zhang Su, what’s your rating?"

Beside him, Wang Dakui also stared at Zhang Su in surprise.

’I can’t believe Zhang Su went for his rating evaluation today.’

’I wonder what the result was?’

’Judging by Zhao Qianfeng’s expression, he seems to be very expectant.’

"This is..."

Zhang Su asked, looking hesitantly at the gray-robed elder.

"This is Elder Wang Dakui of Little Stone Peak. Don’t worry, Old Ghost Wang and I have a life-and-death bond."

Zhao Qianfeng explained.

The implication was that Wang Dakui was on their side.

"Greetings, Elder Wang."

After a pause, Zhang Su turned his gaze to Zhao Qianfeng and said respectfully, "Master, I am fortunate to have not failed my mission. The evaluation is complete."

"What star rating?"

Zhao Qianfeng’s eyes were filled with anticipation.

Wang Dakui’s eyes were also brimming with curiosity.

Both men waited for Zhang Su’s answer.

And Zhang Su wasted no words.

He simply pulled the Jade Token representing his status as a Three-Star Disciple from his robes.

"Is that... a Three-Star Jade Token? You... you really achieved a Three-Star rating?"

Zhao Qianfeng’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Before, his words had just been meant to "encourage" Zhang Su.

He would have been thrilled even if Zhang Su had only managed to become a Two-star Disciple.

He never expected Zhang Su to actually achieve the rank of Three-Star Disciple.

This was a wonderful surprise!

"Yes, I’ve passed the Three-Star Rating. I am now an Inner Sect Three-star Disciple!"

Zhang Su confirmed it himself.

At once, both Zhao Qianfeng and Wang Dakui couldn’t help but gasp.

"Old Ghost Zhao, this disciple of yours... he’s really something else! A Three-Star Rating... Tsk, tsk. I wonder if Old Ghost Qu from Bamboo Sword Peak will regret his decision when he hears about this."

Wang Dakui’s eyes were filled with envy.

Even for a Dharma Protector Disciple, achieving a Three-Star rating placed him at the absolute top of the Inner Sect.

While his potential might not match that of the Inheritance Sequence disciples...

...he was still expected to become one of the Sect’s pillars of combat strength in the future—a force not to be underestimated.

"Good, good, good! A Three-Star Rating. I never thought... you brat, you actually pulled it off..."

Zhao Qianfeng was overjoyed.

"Master, about the spot in the Fire Melting Cave you mentioned before..."

Zhang Su asked tentatively.

"No problem! Even if I have to cash in every last bit of my reputation, I will get you that spot in the Fire Melting Cave! Right, Old Ghost Wang is here too. He can also lend a hand."

"Uh..."

Wang Dakui hadn’t expected to get dragged into this.

"Thank you in advance, Elder Wang!"

Zhang Su hurriedly bowed in thanks.

Wang Dakui knew he was roped in. He had to help now. After all, he and Zhao Qianfeng shared a life-and-death bond.

Besides, he was genuinely impressed with Zhang Su.

The young man was neither arrogant nor rash, with an excellent foundation and comprehension. He had just entered the Inner Sect and already achieved a Three-Star rating.

Zhang Su also seemed to have a good head on his shoulders when it came to dealing with people.

A disciple like this would surely have great achievements in the future.

He would chalk it up to building good will.

’This is a favor worth doing!’

"Alright, Zhang Su. You can head back for now. You should hear from us before too long."

"Yes, Master."

Finally at ease, Zhang Su took his leave and departed.

"Come on, Old Ghost Wang, let’s drink! I’m in a great mood today..."

His gloomy expression gone, Zhao Qianfeng immediately pulled Wang Dakui over to drink with him.

"Oh, and that matter of Zhang Su’s spot in the Fire Melting Cave—make sure you don’t forget about it..."

Wang Dakui didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Still, it was rare to see his old friend this happy, so he cast his reservations aside and drank to his heart’s content with Zhao Qianfeng, determined not to leave until they were both thoroughly drunk.