At this very moment, Dao disciples bustled about the valley, hauling in firewood without cease. Mountain jade, quartz, and all manner of materials were tossed into the great cauldron in the valley and continuously boiled and burned.
Besides the strange fragrance, billowing turbid vapors rose from the valley, possessing a texture like stellar and baleful energies. They greatly drew Fang Shu and the others' attention.
Like Fang Shu, some Earth Immortals were attending this Offering Assembly for the first time. They shouted questions aloud:
"What are we doing here? Could this so-called Offering Assembly be making us compete in alchemy? This old fellow doesn't know a thing about alchemy!"
The others also buzzed with chatter.
Some veterans among them wore mocking smiles, as though laughing at these immortals for their utter lack of knowledge.
Seeing everyone's confusion, Hall Master Azure Spider immediately pointed at the great cauldron and said:
"What is being brewed in this cauldron is the essence of the mountain, medicine prepared by the Five Halls of Mount Lu for the master of the academy.
"You are fortunate today. If you can successfully enter our hall and serve as an offering official, you will also be able to enjoy the treasures within this cauldron.
"But before that, please follow me and undergo the trial, so we can see what you are truly made of."
When her words fell, the woman's body flashed, and she plunged toward the bottom of the valley.
The great cauldron was three or four zhang wide, and beneath it, apart from the fire pit, lay a well. The well was pitch-black, and much of the turbid vapor was rising from deep within it.
The sight was exceedingly strange and did not look like any sort of auspicious place, immediately arousing suspicion and wariness among