Stealing My Peaches Right Outside My Door?!

The more excited the five elders were now, the more despairing they would become next.

Because Lin Fan was serious!

He insisted on seeing his rules through to the end.

Testing talent?

Sorry, no tests!

He even had Fourth Elder Chen Erzhu carry away the Talent Stone Tablet.

What despaired them most was that even when they spotted some promising candidates with excellent talent—several whose talent was no less than Lin Fan's, disciples who would become the backbone of the Moon Embracing Sect once they matured—Lin Fan still refused to accept them!

Even when they hinted at it, even said they were willing to take them as personal disciples, Lin Fan would not agree.

They were so anxious they practically jumped in place.

They really were anxious.

How many years had it been since the Moon Embracing Sect had been this lively? It was also the first time in nearly a century that so many people had come to pay their respects at the mountain. With so many people, the pool was larger, and naturally there were some with decent talent.

And he really would not accept them?!

Just as they could no longer hold back from speaking, Lin Fan said quietly, "Elders, we agreed on this. Since you made me Sect Master, let me make the decisions!"

"If anything goes wrong, I'll take the blame. Even if it costs blood!"

"At a time like this, please do not hold me back."

"You may keep an eye on those you favor for now. If we fail to accept any disciples who meet the new rules later, you may naturally take them into the sect."

"But if there is someone who meets the requirements..."

"One person will be enough!"

Lin Fan's eyes gleamed.

If he could really find a disciple with a Protagonist Template, why accept any other disciples? Would that not be a waste of resources? The Moon Embracing Sect was poor enough already!

Hearing this, the elders could only nod and endure it.

As more and more people arrived in the square and the noise grew louder, Lin Fan cleared his throat. "Fifth Elder, please help keep things under control."

"Certainly."

Duan Qingyao nodded lightly.

"Enough."

Boom!

Her soft voice shook the entire Spirit Mountain.

The visitors, who were still ordinary people, were immediately left dizzy and disoriented, no longer daring to make a sound.

Their gazes toward them were filled with fear and worship.

"So this is an immortal?"

"So powerful!"

"I must join an Immortal Gate."

At that moment, they silently steeled themselves.

It was then that Lin Fan looked to the First Elder and nodded lightly.

The latter stepped forward and announced loudly, "This is the Sect Master of our sect!"

"Our Sect Master is merciful and is willing to offer all living beings a chance at survival. Thus, starting this year, our sect will no longer accept disciples based solely on talent, but on fate!"

"Those with fate, even if they possess no talent at all, may enter our sect to cultivate."

"Those without fate, even if they are exceptionally gifted, will not be accepted into our sect."

"Perhaps some of you know this already, while others do not. Now, I must make it clear to all of you."

"Therefore, this year's assessment differs from the usual one."

"You must remain in the square for three days. After three days, there will naturally be a result."

"Our sect will provide for your food, drink, and other needs during that time."

"Do you understand?"

Boom.

The crowd immediately erupted into commotion.

Everyone was stunned.

"It's true!"

"Then... then I also have a chance to join an Immortal Gate?"

"Quiet, beware angering the immortals."

"..."

Seeing this, the First Elder continued, "During this period, you may move about freely and converse as you wish. As for how those with fate will be identified, you need not concern yourselves with that."

"We will make the decision ourselves."

"Yes, Immortal Lord."

The crowd buzzed noisily. Some responded, while others babbled excitedly.

At that moment, the Second Elder stepped forward. "Those surnamed Xiao, Ye, Shi, or Lin, take one step forward."

The crowd froze, then quickly reacted. More than ten people hurriedly stepped forward.

Several elders smiled bitterly to themselves.

According to the rules set by the Sect Master, people with these surnames were to receive priority acceptance. But they could not accept so many now.

Still, priority did not necessarily mean they had to be accepted, did it?

The Second Elder continued, "Those who have survived three or more great calamities, and whose fiancées are mysterious, take one step forward."

The crowd quieted, but no one stepped forward.

"Those whose engagements were broken off, whose parents mysteriously vanished, or who were once geniuses but were unexpectedly crippled, take one step forward."

Still, no one stepped forward.

Clearly, no one met the requirements.

Yet these questions left everyone utterly confused.

Just as they were about to ask further, Wu Xingyun spoke again. "That will be all. Do as you please."

The crowd: "...?!"

That was it? No explanation?

They did not understand, yet they still held onto hope.

Some could not remain calm, some tried their best to restrain themselves, some deliberately showed themselves off, and some put on airs in hopes of earning a few points.

All manner of human behavior was on full display.

The First Elder waved a hand and set up a soundproof barrier. Looking at the bustling crowd, he sighed. "I have never observed them so closely before. The many faces of life truly are..."

"Some are rather hard to look at." Duan Qingyao sighed. "I had originally taken a liking to two disciples with good talent, but their character is truly somewhat..."

She no longer wanted to accept the disciples she had originally intended to take.

Talent was important, certainly, but if one's character was poor, entering the sect might not be a good thing.

Lin Fan said nothing, but he kept watching the dozen or so people from the "four great surnames."

He silently thought, As expected, Protagonist Templates are too rare. Finding one among a mere ten thousand people is practically like buying a lottery ticket.

I hope they can give me a pleasant surprise.

Time passed...

No one showed any impatience.

By afternoon, growls of hunger rang out without end.

Seeing this, Lin Fan said softly, "Could one of the elders make a trip and hunt a few Demonic Beasts? Share some meat with them. We promised to provide their meals for these three days, so we cannot break our word."

"Eating Demonic Beast meat can improve their physical condition somewhat as well. At least their trip here will not have been in vain."

"I'll go." Third Elder Li Changshou immediately rose into the air, transforming into a streak of light as he departed, drawing waves of astonished cries.

Meanwhile.

The higher-ups of nearby sects such as the Peach Blossom Sect and Five Elements Gate all frowned.

"Why has the number of disciples coming to pay respects at the mountain dropped so drastically this year?"

"We don't know."

"Investigate it!!!"

They soon found the reason.

"The Moon Embracing Sect has covered the foot of our mountains with slogans. They do not look at talent, only fate?!"

"What audacity. They even dare steal our people."

"I think they are like dogs driven to jump over walls!"

"Should we make a move and teach them a lesson?!"

"Hmph. Let them enjoy themselves for a few more days. Once this batch of new disciples gradually settles in, bring them along to visit the Moon Embracing Sect. It will let them broaden their horizons and understand that not just any stray cat or dog can be called a sect."

"Indeed. After that, give them a few more days off and let them return to their hometowns to spread word of our sect's might. There will naturally be even more disciples coming next year."

"Wonderful~!"

Many sects were deeply displeased.

They were stealing their peaches right outside their own doors—who could be happy about that?

However, at this juncture, they were unwilling to make a major fuss. They all decided to deal with the Moon Embracing Sect after they finished handling this busy period~

Meanwhile, back at the Moon Embracing Sect, bonfires had already been lit. Enormous Demonic Beasts sizzled as they roasted, their rich fragrance filling the air. No one had the mind to speak anymore, and "sweat" continuously streamed from the corners of their mouths...