A few minutes after Zhou Tan adjourned the council meeting, he strode purposefully out of the chamber, his mind already racing with the preparations that needed to be made. As he reached the exit, the First Elder materialized beside him, his presence as silent and unobtrusive as a shadow. The rest of the elders, their faces a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, began to file out of the hall, their footsteps echoing in the vast chamber.
"They understand what it means right?" Zhou Tan asked as his face was stern
"I have already passed the word to the junior elders," the First Elder replied, his voice low and respectful. "They will be waiting at the entrance of the sect, ready to begin the selection process."
Zhou Tan nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The task ahead was daunting, but he had faith in his elders, in their ability to discern the true potential of the aspiring disciples. They have their work to do, as they never stop
Three hours later, a sea of faces stretched out before the gates of the Righteous Sect. Ten thousand hopefuls, their hearts pounding with anticipation, lined up in neat rows, their eyes fixed on the towering figures who stood before them. They had come from all corners of the land, drawn by the promise of power, immortality, and the chance to leave their mark on the world.
A hush fell over the crowd as Zhou Tan stepped forward, his presence commanding their attention. He stood tall and proud, his gaze sweeping across the assembled throng. He looked left and right, but the true question was, "what was he looking for."
"Citizens of Han County," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "today is the day you will be tested, the day that will determine whether you are worthy to walk the path of cultivation."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, their eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This was it, the moment they had all been waiting for, the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of joining the ranks of the Righteous Sect.
Zhou Tan paused, allowing his words to sink in. He knew that many of these aspiring disciples were driven by naive dreams of immortality and godhood. But he also knew that the path of cultivation was fraught with peril, a treacherous road that led to both unimaginable power and unspeakable horrors.
"But let me make one thing clear," he continued, his voice hardening. "Cultivation is not merely a path to immortality or godhood. It is a path of sacrifice, of dedication, of unwavering resolve. Many of you will die before you even leave Han County on your journey."
A murmur of unease spread through the crowd, their faces losing some of their initial enthusiasm. Zhou Tan's words had struck a nerve, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their ambition.
"Therefore," Zhou Tan continued, his gaze narrowing, "we must ensure that only those with the true mettle, only those with the unwavering commitment, are allowed to join our sect. Talent alone amounts to nothing if you lack the will to persevere. Hard work, on the other hand, will never betray you."
He paused, his eyes filled with a distant memory. He was reminded with some who tried, someone who never wanted to give up and try to do something to work harder than ever before. The determination has come to make him very excited and what was to come.
He forced himself to focus on the present, his voice regaining its firmness. "I myself did not possess extraordinary talent. But through sheer determination and relentless effort, I have reached the second stage of cultivation. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, a proof that anyone can achieve greatness if they are willing to pay the price." This was his world to make, as others tried to say they were here to love you.
Zhou Tan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with intensity. He was no longer the distant, aloof Sect Leader, but a man who had clawed his way to the top, a survivor who had overcome impossible odds.
He was in their position as them, it was what makes it difficult for the pain.
"You will all be tested today," he announced, his voice ringing with authority. "You will be tested for your spiritual roots, for your aptitude for cultivation. But more importantly, you will be tested for your resolve, for your ability to withstand the trials that lie ahead."
"Those who fail to meet our standards will be eliminated, without exception. There will be no second chances. This is not a game, this is reality." He stepped back, gesturing towards the elders. "Begin!"
Fifth Elder Yang Hao, his face etched with both weariness and determination, stepped forward, his body radiating with power. He soared into the air, his robes billowing in the wind, and hovered above the assembled disciples.
"Your first test," he announced, his voice booming across the courtyard, "is the evaluation of your spiritual roots. Your spiritual roots determine your potential for cultivation, and will determine your place in our sect. They determine who you are and who you will be."
With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy, flooding the courtyard with an ethereal glow. The disciples gasped, their faces contorted with a mixture of awe and fear.
Those with spiritual roots began to glow, their bodies radiating with a soft, colored light that corresponded to their elemental affinity. Those without spiritual roots remained shrouded in darkness, their faces etched with disappointment and despair. This was the choice that will change who they where.
Fifth Elder Yang Hao, with a flick of his wrist, divided the disciples into two groups. Those with spiritual roots were directed to the right, their faces filled with hope and anticipation. Those without spiritual roots were dismissed, their dreams of cultivation shattered.
After all that effort.
Out of the ten thousand aspirants, only one thousand possessed the innate potential to cultivate. The rest were forced to return home, their hopes dashed, their dreams unfulfilled.
The First Elder, his masked face impassive, stepped forward, his presence radiating an aura of power and authority. He surveyed the remaining disciples, his eyes gleaming like emeralds behind his mask. It was a hard and strong thing
"Now," he announced, his voice sending a shiver down their spines, "for your second test." He raised his hands, his body radiating with an immense spiritual pressure.
"All great things comes with great things," he whispered "that all can feel in your heart."
A wave of oppressive force crashed over the disciples, their bodies trembling under the immense weight. Those with weak wills buckled under the pressure, their knees giving way as they collapsed to the ground. Their faces were contorted with pain, their eyes pleading for relief. But the First Elder remained unmoved, his gaze unwavering.
"Anyone who faints within one minute does not possess the resolve to become a cultivator," he declared, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Only those with unwavering will can withstand the trials that await them."
The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Disciples continued to fall, their bodies unable to withstand the immense spiritual pressure. Some cried out in agony, begging for mercy, but the First Elder remained impassive, his face hidden behind his mask. The test had to be this cruel to what the others have never wanted.
When the minute had passed, only a handful of disciples remained standing, their bodies trembling, their faces strained with effort, but their spirits unbroken. They had passed the test of resolve, proving themselves worthy of joining the ranks of the Righteous Sect.
As the spiritual pressure dissipated, the surviving disciples gasped for breath, their bodies drenched in sweat. They looked at each other with a mixture of relief and respect, knowing that they had shared a trial that had forged an unbreakable bond between them.
As all the things were happening. A silent figure with all those people was there. Jun Hao, was protected, the wrapped Jun hao body with a silent shield, that could not be seen with the normal eye. The first elder noticed Jun Hao's unwavering gaze, and a flicker of something akin to approval crossed his masked face.
"That kid…" he murmured under his breath, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "His potential is enormous." He said it, filled with happiness of what was to come from one another, or he never knew what
From an outside perspective. He seemed calm and collective.
Why and what did he do? The first elder took one look at Zhou Tan, Zhou looked at Jun hao with suprise in his face he couldn't believe his eyes nir unsee what he Just saw.