At this moment, only one shadow remained standing there, and Xu Long's godlike figure was beneath that shadow.
The whooshing sound still echoed in my ears, and the shockwave generated by the sword light was like an angry dragon, spreading its body and trying to shatter this space.
Xu Long's aura within the space continued to rise. Although he had little Magic Power left, he was now exceptionally imposing.
The energy from Heaven Beyond Heaven is bestowed upon the body, and the independent laws manifest outwardly.
When the Heaven-Slaying One Sword was unleashed, Xu Long's aura was already vastly different from that of ordinary cultivators.
At this moment, under the Dharma Body, he was like a true immortal god.
Xu Long's gaze pierced through the heavy void, and it seemed that he saw the Heaven Patroler's demeanor again from light-years away!
When will I be able to reach his level...?
Buzz!
A sword's cry rang in his ears, and Xu Long's dazed gaze snapped back to reality.
He reached out and gestured, leaving a trail above his head, while the majestic figure of his Dharma Body silently dissipated.
Although the towering figure had collapsed, Xu Long's tiny figure seemed incredibly tall.
His mere presence alone in the arena already replaced the imposing aura previously displayed by the Dharma Body.
These are the people whose names are engraved in the annals; they are destined to be powerful figures from that distant era!
Xu Long employed a wide-ranging and aggressive style in this battle.
This consumed a great deal of Magic Power, but it also directly broke through Yunya's attack.
Originally, I wanted to engage in a prolonged battle with the opponent, but within the fragmented space, I had to strive for a swift victory, otherwise things might change if I delayed.
If others were to determine a winner first, both he and Yunya would be eliminated.
Although Xu Long's morale was high after the battle, his internal Magic Power was already depleted, which was actually being sustained by the Power of Laws.
However, after this battle, Xu Long discovered that the number of people on the jade tablet had reached twelve.
The final result is in.
With a single gesture, he sheathed his sword, clearing a path before him.
Just now, when the sword light swirled, this violent shockwave was completely cut in half.
Xu Long glanced one last time at the endless void above his head, stepped on the rolling shockwave, and his tiny figure entered the spatial rift.
A whooshing sound filled the air, my robes fluttered wildly, and my long hair flowed freely in the wind.
A gradually blurring figure was reflected in that void.
The cultivators inside the main hall remained silent; the scene beside Yunlong had ended.
The final scene shows a tall figure walking step by step into the spatial rift...
Everyone witnessed the fierce battle just now, and they all gained a new understanding of Yunya and Yunmo's fighting strength.
When Yunya's crescent-shaped blade and black magic seal appeared, the cultivators in the arena could hardly contain their astonishment, exclaiming, "That's an evil path!"
Because of the dense aura of death, which could be felt even through another dimension, this was definitely not a method that ordinary cultivators could practice.
The Yunmo cultivator might be deposed, but when Xu Long unleashed his Heaven-Slaying One Sword after that, everyone fell silent again as they watched the dazzling light shoot out.
Within a few breaths, the cultivators in the main hall of the main branch experienced several changes in mood.
When they saw the Heaven-Slaying One Sword unleash, they still couldn't believe that it was energy controlled by a mere Earth Immortal cultivator.
But then he recalled what Perfected Lord Pinglu had said about being able to "fight the Beast King," and this cultivator Yunmo was truly unbelievable.
Everyone was still in shock, and they sighed at the sight of Yunya after that sword strike:
Yunya's loss was not unjust...
This energy was unknown to them, and this law was something they had never comprehended.
The path Xu Long has taken is one of unwavering progress, and the lineage Xu Long inherited dates back to the ancient times.
Although the figure that walked into the spatial rift was small, it was incredibly tall in everyone's hearts.
At this moment, Yunmo might be the Yunmo that Perfected Lord Pinglu was talking about!
"Gentlemen, the results of the selection of core disciples are in. How will the top five and top three be determined?"
Yunlong waved his long sleeves, and the image beside him vanished instantly. Then, he asked in a deep voice in the arena.
He was initially shocked by Yunya and Yunmo's methods, but after the initial astonishment, he put aside his speculations.
Everyone has their own secrets; surely he must have had his own unique methods when he was selecting candidates?
At this time, the results of the selection of core disciples have been released, and all twelve will receive strong support and cultivation from the sect.
The so-called top five and top three are the old rules.
In the past, Yunlong would not have paid much attention to this old rule.
However, this selection of core disciples is for the purpose of exploring the Vast Sea, and he must take the initiative for the future of the sect.
That means doing everything in our power to suppress the family's cultivators.
Upon hearing the sect leader's words, Yunxiang, Yun Hong, and the others seemed to awaken from a dream before returning the greeting:
"Congratulations to the sect! Congratulations to the sect leader! The selection of the twelve core disciples has been completed; they are all at the sect leader's beck and call!"
As everyone bowed their heads below, Yunlong's gaze swept across the scene, his imposing aura growing even heavier.
When it landed on Yun Hong, it no longer possessed the sharp edge it had before, but it made Yun Hong feel even more uncomfortable than before.
In this selection competition, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes that the family cultivators within the sect had lost their power.
At this point, is the sect leader bringing up the selections for the top five and top three in order for him to gracefully withdraw?
well!
Yun Hong sighed inwardly. Although he was an elder in the sect...
But caught between the interests of both the family and the sect, how could one simply back down?
The sect leader's words were meant for him, and he wanted to hear Yun Hong's decision to withdraw. If Yun Hong didn't speak up, it would mean he tacitly agreed to the sect leader's assignment.
But these words concerned Yun Feng's future, and also the future of the family's cultivators. Could Yun Hong remain silent?
"We obey the sect leader's orders! This selection of core disciples has truly demonstrated the strength of our Jade Screen Sect School. Every disciple has shown their skills, and the selection of twelve is a great fortune for our Jade Screen Sect School."
"From my junior brother's perspective, the top five are Yun Feng, Yun Peng, Yun Feng, Yunmo, and Yunya. The top three are: Yun Feng, Yun Peng, and Yun Feng..."
"That's not right! Junior Brother Yun Hong, Yunmo's combat prowess is undeniable, and Yunxiang has no objection to the selection of the top five. However, how can we show favoritism in the selection of the top three?"
Before Yun Hong could finish speaking, Yunxiang frowned deeply and immediately interrupted him.
Yun Hong was also taken aback after being interrupted. This top five and top three was an old rule, and Yunlong wouldn't pay much attention to it.
As the Deacon Hall, Yunxiang was too lazy to care, and usually he and others would discuss and decide. But this time, unexpectedly, Yunxiang was the first to speak up and interrupt.
He knew that Yunxiang wasn't targeting him intentionally; rather, Yunxiang was a straightforward person.
They must have seen Yunmo's fighting prowess this time, which is why they spoke up for him.
He wasn't advocating for Yunmo's fame or fortune; he was simply stating the facts.
After being interrupted, Yun Hong immediately came to his senses and argued with him, saying to the Yunlong above:
"Sect Master, the selection of the top three this time is not due to my junior brother's favoritism, but rather because these three are more reliable. Although Yunmo and Yunya are quite powerful, they may still need some more experience..."
"Junior brother, what are you saying? Wasn't the experience in the Boundless Wilderness enough? As far as I know, Yunmo is the master of a Daoist temple; he's even registered at the Pinglu Daoist Sanctuary!"
Seeing Yun Hong speak up in rebuttal, Yunxiang also launched into a verbal attack.
The two argued incessantly on the field, neither willing to give in on the list of the top three.
Despite being at the Late-stage Mystic Immortal realm, he was arguing heatedly in front of everyone, his face flushed and neck red.
Yunlong watched the two arguing from above, and he knew that Yunxiang hadn't meant it.
Yunxiang was simply stating the facts, hence his dissatisfaction with Yun Hong's arrangements.
Normally he would have tolerated it, but this time it was clear that they were going to enter the Vast Sea, and his upright character made it impossible for him to stand it, so he spoke up.
Watching them argue endlessly, Yunlong remained silent, observing the two with a half-smile, like an outsider.
He definitely has someone in mind, but he won't say it out loud.
Only when they are unable to reach an agreement will the sect leader's words be the final decision!
"My two junior brothers, the twelve selected this time are all outstanding disciples of our Jade Screen Sect School. Now that the core disciples have been decided, please announce the results in all directions!"
Yunlong's majestic voice resounded throughout the arena in an instant, silencing all the arguing.
Yun Hong's heart skipped a beat. It seemed that the sect leader had already chosen a candidate, and would be announced after the announcement.
Yun Hong and Yunxiang looked at each other, and for a moment they stopped arguing.
They bowed only to the sect leader above, and then everyone said in unison:
"We obey the sect leader's orders! This message will be proclaimed throughout the land!"
"Announcing the results in all directions!"
"Announce the results now!"
Loud voices echoed throughout the main hall, as if an order had been given.
The voice carried a solemn tone, and when the sound waves reverberated outside the hall, they acquired a magnificent aura.
The purpose of announcing the news to all directions is to announce the new generation of core disciples of the Jade Screen Sect School to the world.
This will be a moment of glory for the twelve men, after which they will face the test of survival.
Because other hidden forces will intentionally target these carefully selected core disciples.
After all, they represent the future of a sect, and if they suffer too many losses...
That would inevitably lead to a shortage of talent within the sect, or even a lack of successors, and the sect would slowly wither away in the face of repeated battles.
However, the Jade Screen Sect School has never secretly developed core disciples, because only disciples who have experienced trials and tribulations can truly shoulder the responsibility.
Only disciples who have been tested by their opponents are truly outstanding.
The core disciples of the Jade Screen Sect School are not afraid of being spied on or tested. Only by experiencing all these tribulations can the strength of the core disciples be demonstrated!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
After the announcement of the winners, the bronze jars that had been silent for hundreds of years inside the main hall resounded once again.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
At this moment, the majestic bronze bell rang out, its sound filled with a grand and awe-inspiring power.
Today, the main vein is brightly lit, and celestial music plays within it.
Today, Beyond the Cloudy Heavens activity; today, Beyond the Cloudy Heavens is dazzling with light.
As the bronze bells and drums played celestial music, the Luan Crane and cranes in the Beyond the Cloudy Heavens danced gracefully.
The clouds that had shrouded the Beyond the Cloudy Heavens year-round were also torn apart by a Super Strength, and the radiance of the golden wheel shone down at that moment.
Countless disciples in blue robes were drawn by the call and were about to witness a rare and fortunate event for the Jade Screen Sect School.
The twelve core disciples were selected out of exceptional talent; they represent the future of the sect and serve as role models for future generations.
The clanging sounds were incessant, and a majestic and solemn aura emanated from the main vein.
Yunlong and the others all looked outside the main hall, their eyes showing a hint of disorientation.
Countless years ago, they also paid homage to their ancestors amidst these bronze bells and jars.
As time flows and the world changes, when the next generation of core disciples is selected, they too become the ones to be worshipped.
" The Jade Screen Sect School's twelve core disciples include Yun Feng!"
" Yun Peng!"
" Yunmo!"
" Yun Feng!"
" Yunya!"
" Yun Xiao!"
" Yunluan!"
As each Daoist name was recited, a figure entered the magnificent main peak in worship.
Yun Feng's senior brother still looked frail, and behind him stood Yun Peng.
After emerging from the fragmented space, Yun Peng's arrogant attitude noticeably softened.
He had been waiting for Yun Feng ever since he entered the fragmented space.
The feud between the two was too complex to explain in words and could only be resolved through a battle.
Yun Feng narrowly won in the fragmented space. Yun Peng knew that although he had improved over the past few centuries, Yun Feng was still making progress in the blessed land.
Having suffered a defeat this time, he accepted it wholeheartedly and did not confront Yun Feng with the same aggressive gaze he had shown before.
Although he was arrogant, like Yunya, he always respected true strongmen.
Yun Peng came after Yun Feng, and Xu Long came after Yun Peng.
It is obvious that the sect leader has already decided that Xu Long is one of the three strongest.
As the twelve people came to a stop one by one inside the main hall, the clanging sound suddenly ceased.
Upon closer inspection, there were exactly 12 sounds, corresponding to the twelve core disciples.
"Today, the announcement is made to all directions; the twelve people in this hall are the new generation of core disciples of my Jade Screen Sect School!"
"You need to know what a core disciple is."
"The core disciples' motto is: 'Be courageous in pioneering and rise against the tide!' This should be firmly remembered!"
Upon seeing the twelve people standing in the hall, Yunlong spoke in a majestic and solemn voice.
The rolling sound waves resounded throughout the hall, carrying an absolute and imposing aura as they emanated outside.
The strength of Half-Step Golden Immortal was now fully revealed!
"We obey the sect leader's command! We will certainly remember this!"
The twelve people inside the hall were aroused by the rolling sound waves and bowed repeatedly towards the sky.
As he raised his head, he heard a "dong" sound like a bronze bell.
Yunlong's gaze swept across the crowd, and Xu Long met that imposing gaze for the first time.
He sensed a strong sense of pressure in Yunlong's eyes.
That gaze was like a sharp sword, and the light it emitted alone was enough to intimidate people.
Yunlong released all his imposing aura at this moment; as Half-Step Golden Immortal, he could be said to be looking down on everyone.
Despite the presence of twelve outstanding individuals, even the arrogant Yun Peng did not act presumptuously in front of Yunlong.
"The twelve core disciples have been selected, and the top five this time are Yun Feng, Yun Peng, Yun Feng, Yunmo, and Yunya!"
"The three strongest are..."
As Yunlong finished speaking, his gaze lingered on Yun Hong for a moment, as if observing his reaction.
Then, in an unquestionable tone, he said:
" Yun Feng, Yun Peng, Yunmo!"
Upon hearing the three people's Daoist names, Yun Hong's expression changed instantly.
His hands, hidden in his sleeves, were already clenched. Just as he was about to force himself to speak, another wave of pressure came from his body.
He slightly opened his closed eyes and instantly met Yunlong's ambiguous smile.
Yun Hong's heart trembled, and the words that had just risen to his throat were swallowed back down.
"We are very grateful for the sect leader's selection!"
Xu Long, standing in the room, raised an eyebrow. He clearly hadn't expected the sect leader to personally select him for one of the top three spots.
These twelve are all core disciples, and their future development is still uncertain. Their respective opportunities in this world have not yet been exhausted.
Pointing out the top five and top three at this point is merely meant to boost morale.
Xu Long had assumed the sect leader wouldn't care, so he wasn't prepared.
However, after being chosen by imperial decree, he was surprised but still bowed and paid his respects.
When he got up again, he noticed that Yun Feng's face looked rather unpleasant.
Yun Feng's face was not only pale; upon hearing that the sect leader had personally selected the top three, she was utterly dejected.
Even within the fragmented space, she was already giving it her all.
However, she did not encounter any other formidable figures like Xu Long, thus losing the initiative in determining the top three.
As for Yunya, who was below her, she was merely a figurehead left by the sect leader.
This was to let Yun Hong and Yun Feng know that this time the sect leader had completely taken control of the core disciples.
Having lost to Yun Feng, Yun Peng will certainly no longer be an enemy of the sect leader.
After Yunmo and Yunya's battle is decided, the sect leader will then offer more spots to the top three and top five to recruit them.
Four of the five finalists have already been decided, and although Yun Feng is still one of them, she cannot carry the team alone.
The clan's cultivators were completely outmatched by the four powerful cultivators.
In a competition, the sect leader not only selected core disciples, but also used a few slots to easily weaken the power of the family's cultivator group.
Moreover, all of this was done under the watchful eyes of the public, with absolutely no bias shown.
A sense of dejection arose in Yun Hong's heart. It seemed that he had been pursuing the art of wielding power his whole life.
But only today did I realize that the one who truly controlled everything was Sect Master Yunlong.
Yun Hong suppressed his resentment. Now that the die was cast, he could not openly contradict the sect leader.
After all, placing Yun Feng in the top four was Yunlong's last act of courtesy.
If they were to suppress them too much, their family's cultivator group would truly become weak.
Yun Hong's gaze swept briefly over the three people in the center of the room.
Since it's impossible to secure a good spot among the core disciples, the resources allocated to us will definitely be reduced.
Now, it is essential to win over one of the three powerful families so that their clan's cultivator group can consolidate their position.
With his mind settled, Yun Hong withdrew his gaze from the group, seemingly having already made up his mind.
With the selection of core disciples finalized, the twelve people present became the new generation of outstanding individuals.
Looking at the twelve people standing before him, Yunlong couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
These twelve were selected from within the sect, and it is unknown how many of them will survive a thousand years later.
Who else could take over the responsibilities of the Jade Screen Sect School in this Boundless Wilderness?
Yunlong's gaze slowly swept across the entire arena, causing all twelve people present to pause slightly.
When their eyes met those of the sect leader, they could all feel the encouragement and expectation in his gaze.
"Core disciples have always been tasked with shouldering heavy responsibilities. Only through extensive experience in the world and by tempering themselves in perilous situations can they truly understand the sect's good intentions and take over the sect's future."
"I have already recorded these spots in the sect's roster. You are all the best of the best, but you must remember: becoming a core disciple is not the end, but just the beginning!"
"The path to immortality lies beneath your feet, and in the future of our sect. I hope you all understand the weighty responsibility you bear!"
Finally, if you have any doubts, please feel free to ask!
After scanning the twelve people in the room, Yun Mulong spoke slowly in a slightly heavy tone.
Xu Long understood what he meant: core disciples would receive strong support and cultivation from the sect.
However, they will also shoulder the important responsibility of developing the sect, and will do their best to solve any difficulties the sect faces.
This is tantamount to binding one's own development with that of the sect, allowing them to mutually benefit each other in the Boundless Wilderness.
This is the development path of the Jade Screen Sect School within the Daning Commandery Kingdom.
This is also the development path of countless sects within this Earth Realm.
Because no one can be certain whether they will be able to break through to a higher realm in the future, or whether they will be able to escape the calamity that is about to befall them.
Therefore, the only way to change quality is to continuously cultivate the next generation and develop the sect.
If even one person breaks through to a higher realm, the strength of the entire sect will increase significantly.
More profits can be seized in the perilous Boundless Wilderness.
This is the path that cultivators have learned from their struggles against ferocious beasts over thousands of years.
Despite the perils and helplessness it was filled with, the cultivators caught in it had no other choice.
Just as one can only sail against the current on one's own path to immortality, one cannot look back.
The sect leader's final words were a question asking them if they had any doubts.
That was because they feared that among the twelve, there might be one whose Dao Heart was not firm enough, who might hesitate when they heard that the sect's responsibilities were being placed upon them.
Therefore, the sect leader meant that it was still not too late to withdraw now. Once you were included in the roster, you would serve the sect as a core disciple.
After Yunlong finished speaking, the main hall fell silent, with only the luminous pearls faintly shimmering.
Different colors flickered in the eyes of everyone present, but in the end, they all turned into a look of determination.
"As core disciples, we will heed the sect leader's words and be recorded in the roster. From now on, we will obey the Jade Screen Sect School!"
After a moment's thought, the twelve people in the arena all expressed their opinions, with Yun Feng, Yun Peng, and Xu Long at the front.
Leading everyone, they bowed deeply towards the Yunlong inside the main hall, and then they all identified themselves in unison.
"Color!"
Seeing that the twelve people quickly expressed their support, all the cultivators in the room smiled, and even the sect leader looked pleased.
After the twelve people expressed their opinions, they shouted in unison.
Thump!
At that moment, the bronze bell inside the main hall struck once more.
A strange feeling suddenly rose in Xu Long's heart, as if his soul had established a faint connection with this great hall.
He knew this was the power of cause and effect, and after receiving everyone's firm attitude, Yunlong added them to the Jade Screen Sect School's roster.
Thus, they became entangled with the Jade Screen Sect School through countless lifetimes, and only by transcending themselves and breaking through to the Threefold Immortal Earth Realm could they break free from this karmic bond.
This is the sect's protection of them, and it is also the sect's protection of them.
As the names were entered into the register, the bronze bells and jars once again resounded throughout the hall.
The sound that rang out this time carried a sense of grandeur; it was the glory they had earned, and it was also the responsibility they would have to bear in the future.
"The selection of the twelve core disciples of my Jade Screen Sect School has been completed today, and the news is hereby announced to all, so that everyone may know!"
Before the sounds of the bell and the jar had even faded, the sect leader inside the main hall spoke again.
This was addressed to the countless disciples in blue robes who had gathered from Beyond the Cloudy Heavens.
The twelve of them were to go out and meet everyone; the glorious moment for the core disciples had arrived!
"Your disciple will humbly obey the Dharma's decree!"
After Yunlong spoke, the twelve people lined up in a row, their blue robes still attached, and stepped out of the main hall.
When Xu Long looked up from beside Yun Peng, he was facing Yunxiang's serious face.
Even the usually solemn and dignified Deacon Hall showed a rare smile when he saw Xu Long today.
Looking at Yunxiang's smiling face, Xu Long also sensed a hint of emotion in his eyes.
Yunxiang nodded slightly to Xu Long. When Xu Long looked back at himself, he noticed that his blue robe was different from before.
Two gold trims had appeared on her cuffs at some point, and the hairpin on her head had also transformed into a gold hairpin.
Two gold trims at the cuffs resembled golden dragons coiled around, and the gold hairpin atop her head felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Looking again, all twelve people in that row wore the same robes.
The golden dragon coiled around the cuffs symbolizes glory.
The gold hairpin on her head symbolizes responsibility.
Core disciples, the future of the sect!
Today, thousands of cultivators gathered in the Beyond the Cloudy Heavens, and the thick clouds were instantly dispelled.
The golden wheel that seemed to be spinning on the horizon appeared to be frozen in time, hanging high above the main vein.
The brightly lit main ridge is like the largest pearl, shimmering with a unique light, seemingly vying with the golden wheel beneath the sky for brilliance.
Countless disciples in blue robes gathered near the main gate, their eyes filled with anticipation as they gazed at the golden-roofed hall's entrance.
Today is the day to announce the results to all directions; the sect leader has already given the orders.
All 36 guardian temples are now open, welcoming friends from the Boundless Wilderness to witness this grand event.
The Jade Screen Sect School is announcing to the world that they have selected core disciples who will represent the future of the sect.
This is a demonstration of strength and a deterrent to others.
Xu Long led his men out of the main hall, where the tall gates were now wide open.
The twelve figures appeared so small beneath the gate, but they would surely grow into towering figures in the Boundless Wilderness.
After that, he was able to move mountains and calm seas, pluck stars and seize the moon, and was nurtured by a sect, becoming a true giant of his generation!
"Look, they're coming out! They're coming out!"
"There it is, at the gate!"
"All twelve core disciples have come out!"
"Yes! That's right! They're all Mystic Immortal cultivators! Wait, why is there one..."
"Are these twelve the future of my Jade Screen Sect School? They are all Mystic Immortal... Hmm? There seems to be one Earth Immortal among them?"
"What Earth Immortal? Don't talk nonsense! These people were all personally selected by the sect leader, how could there be any Earth Immortal among them?"
"Really? Senior Brother Yun Ya, that Earth Immortal is still ranked third? Why don't you use your True Spirit to find out for yourself?"
"What Earth Immortal? I'll use my True Spirit to sense his aura right now. I refuse to believe that Earth Immortal could infiltrate the sect leader's presence..."
"Huh??? This..."
Yun Ya's stiff voice stopped abruptly, and the words that were about to be spoken were abruptly suppressed.
His chubby face was filled with disbelief, and his usually shrewd little eyes were now completely blank.
" Yun Ya! What's wrong? That's really Earth Immortal cultivator!"
"That's right, he's still one of the top three Earth Immortal cultivators..."
Yun Ya's eyes were stiff as he answered the cultivator beside him somewhat numbly.
He was already somewhat dazed Beyond the Cloudy Heavens, his expression becoming blank.
Yun Ya had just heard someone beside her say that there was Earth Immortal among the core disciples, but she didn't believe it at first.
But after sensing the energy with his True Spirit, he immediately discovered a hidden cultivator at the Middle Stage Earth Immortal.