Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.
Yuanshi Tianzun sat on the Cloud Bed, his divine sense sweeping over the countless seekers climbing the slopes of Kunlun Mountain like ants. A satisfied smile touched his lips.
"Eldest Brother, Third Brother, look. The beings of the Primordial World recognize us as the Pangu Orthodox Lineage after all."
A trace of pride colored Yuanshi Tianzun's voice. "The Witch Cult may be powerful, but its path is unorthodox. How could it compare to the great Dao of us Sages?"
Laozi nodded slightly but said nothing.
Master Tongtian watched the beings struggling up the mountain, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. "I hope we find a few more promising disciples this time and strengthen the Interception Sect."
But as time passed, the smiles on the Three Pure Ones' faces gradually faded.
Though vast numbers of beings had come to Kunlun Mountain to seek discipleship, their quality was dismal.
Yuanshi Tianzun had set three tests, examining aptitude, comprehension, and character.
Yet most of the seekers came from ordinary backgrounds and had mediocre talent. They could not even pass the first Heart-Refining Grand Formation, let alone the other tests.
"What's going on?"
Yuanshi Tianzun frowned, displeasure flashing in his eyes. "Have all the talents of the Primordial World died out? Why are these worthless failures the only ones showing up?"
"Second Brother, something seems wrong."
Master Tongtian had noticed it too. "I just searched with my divine sense. Those with even slightly better aptitude changed direction for no apparent reason while they were still tens of thousands of miles from Kunlun Mountain. They headed west."
"West?!"
Laozi's eyes flew open, a sharp gleam flashing within them.
He immediately calculated with his fingers. A moment later, his expression darkened.
"Jieyin and Zhunti! How dare they poach disciples right