Seven days later.
Song Wen disguised himself, transforming into a handsome youth just past twenty.
Then he headed for the City Lord's Manor.
Upper Double Street outside the City Lord's Manor had already been sealed off by soldiers clad in armor and carrying steel sabers at their waists. Only young people who had come to take part in the selection were permitted to enter; family members seeing them off and onlookers alike were all blocked outside the street.
Several long lines had already formed along the street, all filled with well-featured young men and women.
There were refined scholars, sturdy martial artists, shy girls from modest households, and poised young ladies from prominent families...
They were both excited and nervous, hoping to become disciples of Dingguang Buddha, yet fearing they would be rejected.
Several desks had been placed before the gates of the City Lord's Manor. A clerical official sat at each one, registering the information of these young people.
Song Wen stood amid the crowd, slowly moving forward with the line.
Not every young person who came to participate passed smoothly. Quite a few were eliminated and left with dejected expressions. After they walked out of Upper Double Street, they would even face rebukes and complaints from their elders.
Those who successfully passed the initial selection, however, were jubilant. Their family elders, blocked outside the street, would spot them from afar and feel their faces shine with pride. Especially when those around them learned that their juniors had been selected and cast envious looks their way, their faces glowed red with delight.
After waiting for a full two hours, Song Wen finally arrived before the clerical official registering information.
The official was an old man. He raised his clouded eyes and swept them over Song Wen's face, and a