Across the boundless sea, a Treasure Ship cleaved through wind and waves, sailing from the distant Ashili Kingdom.
At Li Ling's request, Tong Li had recruited a group of children of suitable ages within the kingdom. Most came from mortal families who eagerly yearned for the Dao and wanted nothing more than to enter the Immortal Sects or establish ties with an immortal master.
There was no need to worry about coercion or other unspeakable acts. For most mortal people, entering the Immortal Sects was a chance to change their destiny. Even those who wanted to board this ship might never get the opportunity. Had Li Ling not specified that a certain proportion must come from different kinds of families, they would never have had their turn.
The powerful nobles of the Ashili Kingdom would never willingly hand such opportunities to ordinary commoners, either. In their eyes, even having their children enter the Immortal Sects as menial servants was far better than muddling through the mortal world.
If one of them became a Qi Refining cultivator, or even a Foundation Establishment immortal master, green smoke would truly rise from their ancestral graves. Their families could ascend to heaven along with them, chickens and dogs included, and gain noble titles and high office.
"The Incense Accumulation Sect is opening its gates to recruit disciples, which is why you're going there this time. You must perform well and win opportunities for your lineages..."
Some of the precocious youths remembered the instructions their parents and relatives had given them before they left home. They clenched their fists in secret, vowing to rise above the crowd.
Other children understood nothing and cried in the cabins. "I want to go home..."
"The Incense Accumulation Sect only accepts children between six and twelve. They don't take