Shi Yi strode forward, passing between lakes and woods, with auspicious beasts and spirit birds visible everywhere.
They lived peacefully on the outskirts of the Heaven Mending Pavilion, with no one disturbing them or destroying their habitat. Living beings approached the pavilion's mountain gate every day, yet none ever interfered with these birds and beasts.
Without the awe-inspiring reputation of this "ancient pure land," such a scene would have been impossible.
Shi Yi's goal was clear. He headed straight for the Heaven Mending Pavilion's mountain gate, intending to knock at its doors and enter the pure land through overwhelming talent and strength.
Many living beings shared that intention. Shi Yi needed only to turn his head to either side to see plenty of "fellow travelers."
There were child prodigies around his age who had already reached the middle or late stages of the Blood Moving Realm, as well as talented youths several years older than him who already stood in the Cave Heaven Realm... They were numerous and came from all manner of backgrounds.
That much was evident from their clothing.
Those in Daoist robes mostly came from ancient kingdoms established by the Human Race, while those wearing beast hides came from tribes in the Great Wilderness.
Their tribes were far too distant from the Heaven Mending Pavilion. By the time they arrived, disciple recruitment had long since ended, so they chose to knock at its doors instead, trying their luck to see whether they could enter the ancient pure land to cultivate.
However, the vast majority of them would end in failure.
Outside the normal recruitment period, the Heaven Mending Pavilion raised its admission standards severalfold or more. Very few could meet those requirements and win its favor.
As Shi Yi's gaze swept over these living beings, studying them,