From Cellar to Throne: Zen's Quest for Immortality
Chapter 29 The Imperial Capital (Part Two)

Keeping his eyes closed, Zen nodded. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes and saw a youngman standing in front of him. Zen noticed the young man had a benign face and was abouteighteen or nineteen years old.

When the young man saw Zen's eyes open, he smiled slightly and said, "This is my second time!""What's the initial exam?" Sensing kindness in the young man, Zen felt comfortable enough to ask.He knew the Cloud Sect's requirements for disciples to be recruited were very strict, and applicantshad to pass multiple exams to qualify for admittance to the Cloud College. However, he was notfrom the Imperial Capital, so he wasn't very clear about the processes used in selecting recruits forthe Cloud Sect.

The young man smiled congenially and said, "The Cloud Sect is a prominent place famous forhaving the finest refining instructors in the world. Countless people want to join the Cloud Sect, andeach needs to be assessed. Since there are too many candidates, the Cloud Sect stipulates that,except for people from the noble clans, applicants must pass the initial exam before they becomeeligible to take the Cloud Sect's exams."

"Thank you for sharing that. If you don't mind, would you tell me, what are the contents of the initialexam?" Zen had heard it was difficult to gain admission into the Cloud Sect. After listening to thisyoung man explain the exams, Zen realized there were a lot of rules which made him wonder whatPerrin had sacrificed. Because Perrin not only got into the Cloud Sect but also was recruited as aninner disciple immediately.

However, as kind as Nory was, Zen politely declined his invitation. After living in slavery for the pasttwo years, he understood how cold the world was, and through his experience, he knew there was aprice for everything. While he wouldn't suspect everyone completely, Zen also would not trustanyone easily.

Just then a group of people came through the gate from the Cloud Sect. A few were wearing blackrobes, but most of them wore white robes.

Noticing Zen watching them thoughtfully, Nory offered, "The ones donned in white robes are theouter disciples. We will earn the right to wear those if we pass the initial exam and the Cloud Sect'stest.”

"What about the black robes?" asked Zen.

"Black robes? They are the inner disciples! The standings of the inner disciples, as well as the pillsthey receive every month, are superior to the disciples in white robes. My father's goal for me is thatI can become an inner disciple and wear a black robe," stated Nory with a look longing on his face.Acknowledging Nory with a nod, Zen reflected on the day Ken declared that Perrin was enrolled asan inner disciple. What was the reason behind that? Was it for the effects of the Magical Pill thatPerrin could progress more rapidly with his refining skills?

While Zen was lost in thought, six or seven disciples dressed in black robes walked towards him.One of them stared at Zen with a strange look on his face. "Zen! Well, isn't this a surprise? You'renot dead! Do you want to study at the Cloud Sect? How dare you come to sign up for the exam?That's absurd! Ha!"

Hearing his name, Zen squinted, looking at the man who was shouting at him. Inside, his chestconstricted with disgust when he got a good look at the man. What a coincidence! He was justthinking of him, and now, surprisingly, Perrin was standing in front of him.00O