The movement of the sword formation, the awakening of the immortal sword, and its unsheathing to slay the demon—the elders waiting on Wendao Square seemed accustomed to it, watching with calm indifference.
Spirit Inquiry, Heart Inquiry, and Sword Inquiry.
Only by passing all three trials could one become a disciple of the Wendao Sword Sect.
As the final test, the Sword Inquiry existed for a good reason.
Years ago, after the Sword Ancestor founded the Wendao Sword Sect, rumors spread throughout the mortal world. It was said that the location of the Wendao Sword Sect suppressed the karmic luck of beasts and demons in the mortal realm.
Since then, the lands of the lower realm saw a decline in alien races, and Fanzhou became dominated by humanity. Beasts went into seclusion, and demons fled to distant lands, not appearing for thousands of years.
Later, as the Sword Ancestor traveled and did not return, the beasts and demons began to stir, wishing to make a comeback and wreak havoc upon the world.
More than once, their armies reached the gates of the Wendao Sword Sect.
Yet, they were all blocked outside the mountain gates. A Sword Mound stood firm in the northern borders of Fanzhou, suppressing the alien races so thoroughly they could not lift their heads for ten thousand years.
Thus, those demons began to harbor other schemes.
Since they could not break in from the outside, they thought of secretly infiltrating the Wendao Sword Sect. They intended to undo the suppression of the Great Dao's luck from the inside out.
To this end, they resorted to any means necessary.
Some possessed mortals. Some took human form to cultivate anew. Some even went through a cycle of reincarnation, all just to sneak in during the Wendao Sword Sect's recruitment.
However, for thousands of years, every single one had been exposed by the Sword Inquiry formation without exception, all slain upon the Longevity Bridge.
Everything that happened today had occurred frequently in the past. It wasn't just one; there were times when six, seven, or even eight would come at once.
But as they were defeated time and again, the evil entities eventually recognized reality. Realizing this path was blocked, they had stopped coming for a long time.
Today’s repetition was unexpected, yet well within their precautions.
It was a pity, though. A perfectly good prospect with a single earth spirit root was gone just like that. It turned out to be a hollow joy.
"Sigh... now we only have two good prospects left."
"That child looked so honest. Who would have thought he was a demon in disguise?"
"Even the Sect Master didn't notice. Its true form must be quite formidable."
"Looking at its appearance, it looked a bit like that Golden Soft-shell Turtle from the North Sea..."
"That can't be right. The demons of the North Sea and Fanzhou have always minded their own business. Without any grudge, would they really go to such lengths?"
"Who knows?"
"Why worry so much? If they dare to come, we kill them all. Even if the true body comes, it will be slain, let alone a mere spirit body..."
On the Longevity Bridge, after the small interlude, the Sword Inquiry continued. One by one, boys and girls crossed the long bridge and ascended Sword Inquiry Peak.
This meant that from this moment on, they were true disciples of the Wendao Sword Sect.
At the end of the Longevity Bridge lay the mountain gate of the Wendao Sword Sect. A towering stone gate stood there, seemingly formed by nature itself, adorned with vivid carvings of dragons and paintings that looked lifelike.
Three words were inscribed upon it: Wendao Sword Sect.
The calligraphy was bold and vigorous, flowing like dancing dragons and snakes, with a faint, sky-piercing sword intent seemingly ready to leap from the strokes.
By this time, many people had already gathered before the mountain gate.
Among them were not only the new faces who had just passed the trials but also many original disciples of the Wendao Sword Sect. Most had come specifically to observe the ceremony and see their new junior brothers and sisters. Some were drawn by the sight of the Demon-Slaying Sword unsheathing earlier, hoping to catch a glimpse of the immortal sword’s elegance.
Unfortunately, they were too slow. The sword had already returned to its scabbard, leaving them with nothing to see. So, they decided to stay and watch the upcoming apprenticeship ceremony instead.
After all, the recruitment assembly held every five years was a significant event for the Wendao Sword Sect. Cultivation was inherently dull and lacked joy, especially for the disciples of the Wendao Sword Sect. Their lives consisted of either sitting in meditation or going out on missions. They were exhausted, so they took this as a chance to relax.
The new disciples gathered in the open space before the mountain gate, looking around with clear eyes full of longing. They looked very much like freshmen who had just entered a university campus, their heads filled with beautiful thoughts, completely putting the recent incident behind them.
Even now, though they were being watched by a group of senior brothers and sisters like monkeys in a zoo, they didn't care at all.
Voices buzzed as the mountain disciples whispered among themselves.
"This batch of disciples doesn't look like much. Their appearances are quite ordinary."
"Their aptitudes are average too..."
"Yet they all look so happy."
"Look at their clear and foolish eyes. Sigh, I was like that too back then."
"Indeed. Full of vitality. It's good to be young."
"It’s fine. In less than two months, they'll know the bitterness of cultivation. They won't be smiling then."
"I heard from the senior brother handling the assessment that there's a mutated sword spirit root in this batch. I wonder which one it is?"
"It seems they haven't arrived yet..."
"They didn't fall into the gorge, did they?"
"That's not a funny joke."
Everyone was waiting. Waiting to enter the mountain gate, waiting for the apprenticeship to be finalized, and waiting to start a brand-new life—the life of an immortal.
Li Qingshan was also waiting, his face tense as usual, his expression gloomy because three people were still missing. Among them was Xu Xian.
His gaze pierced through the long bridge, and the scene he saw made his teeth itch with frustration. If not for so many disciples watching, he really would have run over to give that kid a kick.
They were actually stuffing their faces.
Yes. You heard correctly. They were actually eating.
Just now, after the interlude, Xu Xian said they should be 'steady' and wait for others to pass first. The two followed his lead and waited in place. Then, the little fat boy reached into nowhere and pulled out a roast goose—a whole one, mind you. He asked the two if they wanted to eat.
Xu Xian happened to be hungry, so he started eating immediately.
Lin Qianqian’s reserved behavior lasted less than three seconds before she joined in. Thus, the three of them sat on the ground, sharing a single goose, leisurely eating until their mouths were covered in grease...
Those who knew would say they were here for the Wendao Sword Sect recruitment; those who didn't would think they were out for a picnic.
What was the occasion? What time was it? How could they still have an appetite?
Their hearts weren't just big; they were massive. They were being completely led astray by Xu Xian.
Li Qingshan slightly regretted bringing Xu Xian back. With Xu Xian’s personality, who knew how many Wendao Sword Sect disciples he would lead astray? The anxiety was real!
As time passed, many disciples grew impatient and began to stir restlessly.
"What are we waiting for? Why haven't they taken us in yet? Is it not time?"
"It seems someone hasn't arrived?"
"Who?"
"Xu Xian."
"Him again?"
"And Lin Qianqian..."
In a short while, Xu Xian and the other two finished the roast goose. They wiped the grease from their mouths and stood up contentedly, glancing at the now-empty bridge.
Xu Xian said, "That's about right. Let's go."
The other two hurriedly stood up and nodded.
"Okay."
Clearly, without realizing it, Xu Xian had become the leader of the three. At least, that was what Zhang Yang thought. He felt that Xu Xian not only had high talent but was also very cool, so he respected him deeply.
As for Lin Qianqian, she had initially approached Xu Xian intentionally because of his sword spirit root. Before coming, her father had instructed her that if she encountered anyone with exceptional talent, she should build a good relationship—especially with boys who were poor and had no family background.
Previously, including herself, there were only four single-attribute spirit roots. Xu Xian looked poor and possessed the sword spirit root, which was why she proactively approached him.
However, when the beast attacked them earlier, her mindset changed after Xu Xian instinctively pushed her away. It was the feeling of being protected. It wasn't quite moved, but it made her feel comfortable.
Moreover, through their brief time together, she found Xu Xian’s way of speaking very interesting and fun. Even though he didn't seem to know a lot of things, he was very steady. When she was with him, she didn't even have to think. Thus, she was willing to hang out with them.
"Sister Lin, Brother Xian, the three of us have basically shared a life-and-death experience now. You have to look out for me in the future."
Xu Xian let out a burp and squinted his eyes. "Easily done, easily done. We're brothers."
Lin Qianqian said with a giggle, "For the sake of the roast goose, I'll give you some face."
Zhang Yang gave a foolish grin. "Hehe! Then I'll bring more good food for you both in the future!"
"Good lad!"
The three of them joked and laughed as they walked slowly, completely disregarding how the people waiting under the scorching sun might feel...
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