Supreme Immortal Venerable True Yi Primordial Beginning Sect

At dawn on the second day, Datian Town, which should have been asleep, was bustling with activity. Families with sixteen-year-old eligible candidates hung lanterns and streamers, slaughtered pigs and sheep, and offered sacrifices to heaven and ancestors. Many parents knelt before their household altars all night, praying that their children would be chosen by the immortals and achieve great success from then on.

Qin Haoxuan bid farewell to his parents, who had knelt by the altar all night. Looking at their haggard faces, he, who had slept soundly, walked out of his home with a heavy heart.

Escorted by over twenty robust hunters clearing the way, a group of forty sixteen-year-old youths set off grandly for Pozi Ridge.

Pozi Ridge, a flat grassland, marked the boundary between the inner and outer areas of Xiaoyu Mountain.

Shortly after Qin Haoxuan and the others arrived, two beams of white light pierced through the mist and clouds from the eastern sky, arriving on swords. As they landed, Qin Haoxuan was shocked to find that they were the same two people who had tried to buy his Solomon's Seal at a high price yesterday.

Not only Qin Haoxuan, but the other youths were also stunned that these two were the outsiders who had appeared in Datian Town yesterday.

Zhang Kuang's face lit up with joy. He exchanged a smile with his cousin and junior, Zhang Yang. They knew that after failing to buy the Solomon's Seal from Qin Haoxuan yesterday, they had later bought that very Solomon's Seal from Old Man Chen for the exorbitant price of five hundred taels. They might hold a grudge against Qin Haoxuan, which would make Qin Haoxuan's chances even slimmer.

After the two landed, the flying swords beneath their feet circled the area, dispelling the surrounding mist and creating a small vacuum. The flying swords then automatically returned to their scabbards behind them.

This display of using flying swords to disperse mist immediately captivated the youths present.

When the two immortals arrived, the town mayor was the first to kneel. "Datian Town has forty-one eligible youths this year. Please select them, esteemed immortals."

Forty-one youths, along with the twenty escorting hunters, knelt piously in greeting.

The mayor surveyed the forty-one eligible youths who had come for the test. They were a mixed bunch, with most lowering their heads timidly, while a few held their heads high, appearing confident. However, their eyes betrayed a complex mix of inferiority and self-assurance.

Only one youth, dressed in a gray cloth shirt, carried himself with grace, had a dignified expression, and possessed a calm demeanor. He caught their eyes. Wasn't this the youth who had sold Solomon's Seal at Old Man Chen's pharmacy yesterday? They felt a flicker of anticipation for his test results.

They had also heard of Qin Haoxuan's reputation in Datian Town and had personally seen him selling Solomon's Seal. While finding one or two spiritual herbs might be luck, Qin Haoxuan often produced valuable items comparable to Solomon's Seal, which was definitely not just luck. If they could recruit this young man into their sect, it would be beneficial to them.

"I am Immortal Xu Tunhu, and this is my senior brother, Zhao Jialong," the goatee-bearded Xu Tunhu introduced himself briefly. Without further ado, he stated, "There are two tests: assessing bone structure and testing the immortal seed. Passing both will qualify you."

"First one."

Following the order previously arranged by the town mayor, the first youth stepped forward to undergo the test.

However, before the test, there was a complete set of complex procedures involving incense and cleansing.

The tested youth extended his left hand. Xu Tunhu took it and began to knead it. He frowned and said, "Mortal bone... Next."

The so-called Bone Marrow Assessment was a preliminary examination of the bones and meridians. If one couldn't pass this, there was no need to proceed to the next stage.

Several youths went up one after another, all labeled as "dregs" by Xu Tunhu. Only with great difficulty did one pass the Bone Marrow Assessment and proceed to the Spirit Seed Test, which was handled by Zhao Jialong.

The Spirit Seed Test was to examine the immortal seed. Almost everyone had an immortal seed, but many of their immortal seeds had died after birth. Even if the immortal seed was still alive, they had to wait sixteen years to see if it was still alive, as only at sixteen could one absorb spiritual qi from heaven and earth. Thus, one had to be sixteen to cultivate immortality. During these sixteen years, many people's immortal seeds had dried up and died.

The youth who passed the bone assessment discovered that his immortal seed had died during the Spirit Seed Test.

The selection of disciples by immortals on the mountain was a great Immortal Destiny, not something everyone could receive. It was common for people to come with hope every year, only to return disappointed with nothing.

Following that, several others passed the first Bone Marrow Assessment, but all failed the Spirit Seed Test.

Amidst the regret of the town mayor and others, Zhang Kuang stepped forward, reigniting their hopes.

Although Zhang Kuang was arrogant and not particularly likable, he inherited his father's excellent genes and had shown extraordinary talent since childhood. His father had almost been taken away by the immortals on the mountain and was still one of Datian Town's top hunters.

Taking Zhang Kuang's hand, Xu Tunhu began to knead it. His gloomy expression changed to one of delight, and he repeatedly praised Zhang Kuang.

Zhang Kuang smoothly passed the first stage, the Bone Marrow Assessment. Although this was expected, judging by Xu Tunhu's reaction, his aptitude was truly remarkable. He might become the first disciple of an immortal from Datian Town in decades.

Amidst envious gazes, Zhang Kuang approached Zhao Jialong.

The spirited Zhang Kuang walked up to Zhao Jialong, putting on a humble smile and bowing respectfully.

Upon seeing Zhang Kuang, Zhao Jialong's eyes lit up. However, the unconcealable arrogance in Zhang Kuang's demeanor caused him to frown slightly. But regardless of his personal like or dislike, the test had to continue.

Zhao Jialong exhaled a stream of Spiritual Qi into Zhang Kuang's body. He then pricked Zhang Kuang's index finger and dripped a drop of blood, containing Spiritual Qi, onto a Spirit Flower. If the Spirit Flower remained still, it meant the immortal seed had died. The more lush the Spirit Flower bloomed, the more robust the immortal seed was.

The blood dripped onto the Spirit Flower was immediately absorbed. Then, from a shriveled bud, it rapidly grew large and full, and its petals slowly opened and closed, blooming.

Finally, the Spirit Flower bloomed in full glory, showcasing the fullness and vitality of Zhang Kuang's immortal seed.

The people of Datian Town erupted in cheers and screams. After decades, Datian Town had produced another disciple of an immortal, a future divine being.

Those who had previously had a poor impression of Zhang Kuang now looked at him with complex emotions, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and a desire to curry favor.

Qin Haoxuan's brows furrowed slightly, and he felt a pang of worry. Zhang Kuang had actually succeeded. Judging by the expressions of the two esteemed immortals, his talent was likely excellent. This felt like stepping in dog excrement before a feast – not a good omen.

Subsequently, Zhao Jialong officially announced Zhang Kuang's passing of the assessment.

After Zhang Kuang, several more youths participated in the test and failed. Soon, it was Qin Haoxuan's turn.

Qin Haoxuan had always been a benchmark among the youths of Datian Town. Not only was he agile and skilled at hunting, but he could also find many rare medicinal herbs that even Old Man Chen couldn't find. His reputation consistently overshadowed Zhang Kuang, and the two had always been at odds.

Among the forty-one youths, Qin Haoxuan had the loudest support for being chosen. Now, with Zhang Kuang, who had less support than him, being chosen by the immortals, Qin Haoxuan felt immense pressure.

Taking the left hand Qin Haoxuan offered, Xu Tunhu greeted him with an unprecedented remark: "You're here. Don't disappoint us!"

Qin Haoxuan smiled slightly and allowed Xu Tunhu to feel his hand bones. "Long and slender, but the bone of destiny is a bit short; the skeletal structure is exquisite, but the meridians are slightly obstructed! A pity, a pity, a pity!"

Xu Tunhu uttered "a pity" three times in a row, looking at Qin Haoxuan with a face full of regret. "Although you can be considered to have passed, your aptitude is truly mediocre."

Qin Haoxuan bowed in return. "Thank you, Immortal Xu."

Walking up to Zhao Jialong, Qin Haoxuan's unaffected, humble demeanor earned his silent admiration.

Zhao Jialong smiled faintly at him and exhaled a stream of Spiritual Qi into Qin Haoxuan's body.

Qin Haoxuan felt a gentle, warm current surge from his back into his meridians, instantly flowing throughout his body. Even his blood temporarily integrated with the Spiritual Qi.

A small, grayish-green seed, which hadn't existed before, appeared in his dantian. It was unclear what it looked like, shrouded in layers of mist. Before officially cultivating immortality, even with this wisp of Spiritual Qi, he couldn't perceive it internally.

He cut his index finger, letting a drop of fresh blood fall to water the Spirit Flower, which had returned to its bud-like state.

This time, although the Spirit Flower showed signs of life, it wasn't as instantaneous as Zhang Kuang's. The small bud slowly grew at a considerable pace. After a long while, it reached the size of a normal flower bud, and then a small crack appeared between its petals.

Then, no matter how long they waited, the Spirit Flower remained still. This indicated that although Qin Haoxuan's Immortal Seed wasn't dead, it was severely desiccated. It was possible for the Immortal Seed to dry up and die within a few more months.

Zhao Jialong pondered for a long time. Qin Haoxuan's aptitude was borderline, and the decision of whether to accept him or not rested with the two of them.

Zhao Jialong looked at Qin Haoxuan with regret. He couldn't fathom that Qin Haoxuan, who could occasionally gather precious medicinal herbs like Solomon's Seal, had such ordinary aptitude, so ordinary that it made him hesitate.

At this moment, Xu Tunhu leaned in and whispered a few words into Zhao Jialong's ear. Zhao Jialong's eyes flickered as if he were weighing the pros and cons.

A moment later, Zhao Jialong announced that Qin Haoxuan would also be accepted.

The people of Datian Town erupted in excitement once again. It was normal for a barren place like Datian Town to not select even one disciple in decades, or even centuries. Zhao Jialong and Xu Tunhu had only intended to go through the motions as a formality, but they unexpectedly accepted two.

Following this, a large number of candidates were rejected. Surprisingly, Zhang Yang, Zhang Kuang's cousin and subordinate, also passed the assessment, and his results were even slightly better than Qin Haoxuan's. The Spirit Flower, living up to expectations, opened another small crack, proving that Zhang Yang's Immortal Seed was more vigorous than Qin Haoxuan's.

Zhang Kuang's face was filled with the pride of a young man who had achieved success. He looked at Qin Haoxuan with disdain, feeling immensely pleased with himself. 'So what if you're strong and like to meddle? Once I learn spiritual techniques and become an immortal, I'll see how I deal with you!'

Qin Haoxuan ignored Zhang Kuang's provocative gaze. 'So what if his aptitude is a bit better than mine, and his Immortal Seed is a bit more vigorous? What's so great about that? The path of cultivation is full of variables. Good aptitude doesn't necessarily mean a high future achievement. Otherwise, why would those immortals be searching everywhere? Wouldn't they just recruit people with top-tier aptitude?'

Soon, all forty-one youths had completed their tests. This year, Datian Town had produced three immortal disciples, which was a cause for great joy.

"The three of you, go back and prepare yourselves. Bid farewell to your parents and relatives, and you will follow us up the mountain tomorrow," Zhao Jialong said. He then handed three heavy bags of silver to each of them. "This is your resettlement fee. Make proper arrangements, and meet me at the town entrance tomorrow morning!"

After giving his instructions, Zhao Jialong and Xu Tunhu took out their immortal swords and ascended into the sky. The unsuccessful candidates turned their envious gazes from the two immortals towards the three who had passed the test, especially Zhang Kuang, whose test results were the most outstanding. In the near future, they would be able to soar through the air like immortals.

News of the immortals selecting three youths from Datian Town spread, shocking everyone within a hundred-mile radius. Many distant relatives, with whom contact had been lost for generations, came knocking, bringing gifts and saying all sorts of pleasantries, trying every possible means to build a good relationship with the future immortals. The threshold of Zhang Kuang's home, who had the best aptitude, was almost trampled by gift-givers, both known and unknown. The other two families also received a considerable number of visitors.

After a lively night, the three youths, surrounded by countless townsfolk, arrived at the town entrance, where Xu Tunhu and Zhao Jialong were already waiting.

Due to the long journey, the town mayor had purchased five good horses overnight in the county town for them to ride.

The five mounted their horses. Xu Tunhu flicked his hand, and five yellow talismans were affixed to the hindquarters of the five horses. As if injected with stimulants, the horses neighed and galloped forward at high speed.

There was no time to wave goodbye. When they looked back, all they could see were the tears in the eyes of their loved ones, filled with happiness and sadness, as they gradually drifted away.

The path of cultivation is long and arduous, and there is no return.

"Two esteemed immortals, what should I call you to avoid being disrespectful?" Qin Haoxuan urged his horse forward, catching up to Xu Tunhu and Zhao Jialong, and asked neither subserviently nor arrogantly.

"Senior brothers!" Zhao Jialong said expressionlessly, spitting out the two words coldly.

Seeing Qin Haoxuan falter, Zhang Kuang and Zhang Yang secretly chuckled but put on an appearance of honest simplicity. Zhang Kuang feigned simplicity and honesty and said, "To be favored by both senior brothers and accepted into the sect is a tremendous fortune for Zhang Kuang. I hope for your guidance in the future!"

Neither Xu Tunhu nor Zhao Jialong showed any interest in Zhang Kuang's poorly executed flattery, ignoring him automatically. Zhang Kuang was displeased but maintained a smiling facade.

"Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Brother Xu, the three of us come from remote small towns and have limited knowledge. We only know that immortals like you come to select disciples every year, but we don't know the more detailed situation. To avoid making a fool of ourselves when we reach the sect and embarrassing you, our guides, could you please offer us some advice?"

Qin Haoxuan's words were spoken neither subserviently nor arrogantly, but with great propriety. Zhao Jialong, who had a cold and proud disposition, let out a "Hmm," indicating his agreement.

"Our sect is the Guardian Divine Sect of the Xianglong Kingdom. The heavens once bestowed upon us the Immortal Roster, naming it the 'Supreme Immortal Venerable True Yi Primordial Beginning Sect,' commonly known as the Taichu Sect. It has been passed down for thousands of years, and our sect is located on Emperor Huang Peak of Dayu Mountain. We have tens of thousands of disciples and members, and it is the only immortal sect in the Xianglong Kingdom! The sect leader is the Guardian Immortal Master of the Xianglong Kingdom, and every emperor must report to the sect leader for approval before ascending the throne!" When speaking of their sect, the Taichu Sect, even the cold and proud Zhao Jialong's expression became solemn and full of longing. Qin Haoxuan and the other two listened with rapt attention, their hearts filled with yearning.

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