Upon the high platform, Elder Qingxuan sat in the center, his expression calm as his gaze slowly swept over the densely packed young disciples below.
Stewards stood on either side of him, responsible for recording results, examining bone structure, and judging character.
Elder Qingxuan slowly spoke. His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly across the entire Drill Ground.
"Our Profound Heart Sect chooses disciples without regard for birth or family status, without valuing powerful households or noble backgrounds, and without asking about connections or influence."
"Those with acceptable aptitude, upright character, and pure original intentions may enter our mountain gate and receive the inheritance of martial arts."
"But those with crooked hearts, excessive ambition, arrogance, and restlessness—even if their talent is extraordinary—will never be accepted by our Profound Heart Sect."
As his words fell, the entire venue became solemn. Everyone held their breath in concentration, not daring to make the slightest disturbance.
The selection began. Disciples from the various noble families stepped forward in turn to undergo the Profound Heart Sect stewards' examination of their bone structure, testing of their vitality and blood, and questioning of their character.
Some disciples possessed decent talent, yet their temperaments were flighty. Their eyes were higher than their heads, and they were eliminated outright.
Some came from wealthy households and were brimming with pride. Every answer they gave reeked of superiority. The Profound Heart Sect stewards saw it all, shook their heads slightly, and declined to accept them.
Others sought only to cling to the sect, bring glory to their family name, and someday lord it over their peers. Their thirst for gain was too nakedly apparent, and they too were turned away at the gate.
Batch after batch of disciples stepped forward, and batch after batch retreated in disappointment.
Those who