First Arrival at the Ascension Gathering

At the entrance of the valley, a wide stone slab road led straight into its depths. On both sides of the road stood banners of various colors, embroidered with the symbols of different sects—some were flying swords, some were ancient runes, and some were even lifelike demonic beasts.

The moment Yan Kui stepped into the venue of the Ascension Gathering, the scene before him made him pause.

The entire valley was frighteningly vast, capable of holding at least tens of thousands of people. In the center of the valley, dozens of tall exhibition platforms had been erected, and on each platform, cultivators dressed in magnificent palace attire were displaying various magic tools. Flying swords streaked through the air, emitting piercing screeches; talismans flickered with dazzling light; and some unknown spirit artifacts spun in palms, emitting strange halos.

But the most impressive sight was the sky.

Cultivators continuously flew past in the sky, riding their flying swords. Their bodies hovered in the air, their robes fluttering, like immortals from legends. Every flight would elicit gasps and cheers from the young boys and girls below.

"Wow... they can really fly!"

"I heard that cultivators at the Qi Refining Stage can already control flying swords. When will I be able to do that..."

"Stop dreaming. They say the chance of awakening a spiritual root is only one in a thousand. Us mortals..."

The voices merged into a noisy crowd.

Yan Kui swept his gaze across them, counting thousands of young boys and girls. Most of them were between twelve and eighteen years old, dressed differently but all clean and neat. Their skin was smooth and tender, their eyes sparkling—this was his first impression of them. They were like a flock of sheep waiting to be slaughtered, full of yearning and desire for cultivation.

Yan Kui strode forward, blending into the crowd.

But the integration was not successful.

He was too conspicuous.

His 2.5-meter-tall frame stood out starkly among the teenagers. The heat radiating from him caused the surrounding air to distort slightly. His dark red skin shimmered with a metallic luster under the sunlight, and those eyes burning with dark red flames... were enough to send a chill down anyone's spine from afar.

The most direct reaction was that everyone around him instinctively retreated.

"Hiss... what is that thing?"

"A monster... it's definitely a monster!"

"Oh my god, could it be that a demon has actually infiltrated the Ascension Gathering?"

"That... why is that person's skin red? And it's emitting heat!"

"His eyes... I feel like they're going to burn me to death."

"Quick, retreat! Don't go near him!"

Whispers converged, like a boiling pot of a vegetable market. Many people moved away from Yan Kui's location, with only a few brave ones remaining, looking at him with eyes full of fear.

Yan Kui's expression was blank. He was neither angry nor embarrassed by the surrounding reactions; instead, he appeared completely indifferent. He was like a ferocious beast that had stumbled into a flock of sheep, but he chose not to bite, merely sweeping his gaze coldly over these mortals.

"Move aside."

His voice was deep and hoarse, carrying an irresistible oppressive force. The surrounding crowd immediately parted, creating a wide passage for him.

Yan Kui slowly walked towards the main stage in the center of the valley.

There was the figure of an old man, but it was just a phantom projection – this was a special talisman projection used to transmit sound remotely. An aged and majestic voice emanated from the phantom:

"Greetings, young talents, and welcome to the 72nd Ascension Gathering!"

The voice echoed throughout the entire valley, even producing visible soundwave ripples. The owner of this voice was at least a Golden Core Stage cultivator – Yan Kui could feel it from the faint pressure.

"This year, we have participants from thirty-two sects. They will undergo Spiritual Root Tests, Qualification Inspections, and Combat Matches within three days. Whether you can be selected by a major sect depends on your fortune."

"Furthermore, we also welcome Mortal Warriors without spiritual roots to apply for Menial Laborer, Guard, or other Auxiliary Positions. If you perform exceptionally well, you may also gain the appreciation of a sect and even be taught some Martial Arts Manuals."

The voice paused, as if surveying the crowd.

"Now, allow me to announce the Recruitment Quotas for each sect--"

For the next half hour, the old man's phantom voice continued to recite the recruitment standards and treatment for various sects. Most sects were recruiting geniuses with spiritual roots, and their conditions were extremely harsh. However, some sects also recruited Mortal Warriors as menial laborers, requiring only sufficient brute force.

Yan Kui's ears caught a crucial piece of information--

"Qingyun Sect is recruiting three Strongmen. Requirements: Innate Divine Strength, able to carry a Thousand Jin Weight, and Obey Orders. Treatment: Ten Low-grade Spirit Stones per month, allowed to observe Outer Disciple cultivation, and have the opportunity to learn Basic Body Refining Techniques."

Strongman.

This position was one level higher than a regular Menial Laborer. Moreover, the most critical part was being able to observe Outer Disciple cultivation and having the chance to learn Body Refining Techniques.

For Yan Kui, this was a tailor-made identity.

He didn't need to reveal his strength to compete for precious Sect Disciple spots. He only needed to infiltrate the sect as a Strongman and, while the cultivators were off guard, learn their techniques and absorb their knowledge as much as possible.

When his strength became sufficient, the entire sect would become his prey.

A glint flashed in Yan Kui's eyes.

He turned and left the crowd, heading towards the east side of the valley. There, the Qingyun Sect's booth was set up on a slightly elevated platform. A Middle-aged Man wearing a Deep Cyan Robe sat behind the booth. Behind him were several young people, all wearing Qingyun Sect uniforms, who appeared to be Outer Disciples.

"You are Yan Kui?" The Middle-aged Man's gaze lingered on Yan Kui for a full three seconds, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "I've heard of you... the Demon God of Tianwu City."

Yan Kui narrowed his eyes. He hadn't expected that the reputation he had built in the Mortal World had already reached the ears of the Cultivation Sects.

"Our Qingyun Sect happens to be recruiting Strongmen. Your strength... looks good." A playful smile appeared on the Middle-aged Man's lips. "Interested in joining our sect?"

Yan Kui didn't answer the question, instead asking, "What are the conditions?"

"The conditions are simple," the Middle-aged Man leaned back in his chair. "Able to carry a Thousand Jin Weight, able to Obey Orders, and able to work in the Spirit Beast Garden—that's where our sect keeps its spirit beasts. In return, you'll receive ten Low-grade Spirit Stones per month, have the opportunity to observe disciple cultivation, and even learn Basic Techniques. For a Mortal, this is already very generous treatment."

Yan Kui pondered for a moment. Spirit Beast Garden... Spirit Beasts... This identity would indeed allow him to approach the sect's core resources. Moreover, as a Strongman, his Freedom of Action should be quite high, unlike those Outer Disciples who were strictly constrained.

"I agree," he said concisely.

"Good." The Middle-aged Man nodded with satisfaction. "My name is Li Qingyun, and I am an External Affairs Elder of the Qingyun Sect. The Ascension Gathering will end in three days, and I will send someone to pick you up. Until then, you can move around freely within the Ascension Gathering, but remember—don't cause trouble."

"Understood."

Yan Kui turned and left the Qingyun Sect's booth.

He walked to a relatively secluded spot in the valley and sat on a huge rock, his gaze coldly sweeping over the bustling crowd before him.

Cultivation Sect... Qingyun Sect...

The corners of his mouth curved silently, revealing a dangerous smile.

"Infiltrate the sect, steal their cultivation techniques, and accumulate strength. When I am strong enough..." Yan Kui's fists clenched unconsciously, making a "crackling" sound. "All the resources of this sect will become my nourishment."

In his eyes, the Ascension Gathering and the Qingyun Sect were no longer sacred holy lands for cultivation, but a hunting ground filled with prey. And he was the wolf lurking among the sheep, waiting for the moment to strike.