After weighing many considerations, the Immortal Platform had spent years traveling and planning before bringing such a grand gathering into being-a sweeping undertaking perhaps only the Great Tang could manage.
All "Dao Students" admitted by the Dao Initiation Assembly could visit any of the thirty-three sects mentioned above to study the sword, pit their skills against one another, test what they had learned, and even learn sword techniques.
These "Dao Students" came from two sources. The first was the disciples of the thirty-three sects, each of which received a different quota according to its standing in the Sword Dao.
The second came through the other participant in this plan-the Great Tang.
The Great Tang supported and facilitated the plan through various policies. In return, its officials and commoners also had the chance to become "Dao Students" by passing an examination. Even those who already belonged to a sect could become members of this Sword Alliance, provided they passed a series of detailed assessments and fulfilled certain conditions.
The strictest requirement was naturally talent in the Sword Dao, but many other considerations were involved as well. Only around a hundred outsiders entered the Sword Alliance each year.
Thus, for those with sufficient talent in the Sword Dao, this was practically a dragon entering the vast sea.
Being able to study at prestigious, orthodox sects like Mount Hua and Cloud Mountain already promised a bright future. Having a chance to come into contact with a colossus like Dragon Lord Dongting was something they yearned for even in their dreams.
And beyond what they dared dream of was Cloud Lang Mountain.
Entering such a program and becoming a "sword-cultivating Dao Student" itself meant that one had joined the ranks of the most gifted young swordsmen in the entire Great Tang, and was already