Mountain Venerable and Sea Immortal

"Thump—thump—thump—"

The resounding, ancient bells and tripods of the grand ceremony echoed through the mountains, their lingering echoes piercing the clouds and splitting the rocks, spreading layer upon layer through the clouds and mist of the heavens. The plaza was already silent, tens of thousands of eyes were fixed on the high platform, and even the spiritual mist and clouds flowing among the mountains seemed to be intimidated by this solemn and imposing pressure, slowly freezing in place.

Master Qingxuan stepped forward slowly, his plain Daoist robe fluttering slightly in the wind. With a gentle sway of his wide sleeves, a soft yet profound spiritual energy quietly spread out, like a gentle breeze, suppressing the last trace of noise in the arena. His gaze slowly swept over the assembled immortal guests from all directions, then over the Laoshan disciples standing like pines in the square. His voice was like a resounding bell, each word clear and distinct, echoing in every corner:

"The once-in-a-century opening ceremony of Laoshan Mountain has begun this year. Talented people from all directions and like-minded people from all regions have gathered to witness the opportunity of immortality and to observe the selection of talents at the mountain gate. This is a grand event for Laoshan Mountain and a wonderful story for the immortal sects of the world."

He paused slightly, his breath suddenly tightened, and his voice became even more solemn:

"The Laoshan Centennial Apprenticeship Ceremony, imbued with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and following the ancient methods of the sect, officially commences here!"

Before he finished speaking, Master Danxuan stepped forward slowly, his fingertips emitting a faint light. Several lines of flowing, ancient gilded characters appeared in mid-air, their mysterious brilliance dazzling and captivating.

"First, I will read out the rules for accepting disciples at this grand ceremony."

"First, virtue is paramount. Those who are wicked, cunning, and deceitful, no matter how exceptionally talented, will never be accepted. Cultivating immortality begins with cultivating one's character; a crooked heart leads to a crooked path, ultimately resulting in going astray."

"Secondly, one must examine one's spiritual roots. If one is free from chronic illnesses and can sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, then one possesses the potential to enter the Dao. Those with superior spiritual roots can enter the inner sect, while those with ordinary spiritual roots but a resolute character can undergo the training of the outer sect."

"Thirdly, it tests one's character. Cultivating the Tao is austere, requiring years of meditation. One must be able to endure loneliness and abide by the rules. Those who are greedy for profit, fickle, or frivolous are not worthy of being cultivated."

After announcing the three ironclad rules, Master Danxuan's voice deepened as he revealed the sect's new regulations, which shook the entire audience:

"In addition, this year's ceremony has established another ironclad rule - the status of inner disciples will be determined by the ranking in the competition!"

Those who rank among the top two hundred are officially recognized as inner disciples of Laoshan Sect, enshrined in the Jade Register, receive full stipends, and are placed in the sect's orthodox lineage.

His gaze swept over Lin Yan, Yun Xi, Su Chen, and the other disciples who had joined the sect earlier, his words ringing out firmly:

"You were brought back by the elders after traveling around, and after three months of training in the outer mountains, you have obtained the qualifications to enter the inner sect. However, those who are not among the top two hundred are only inner sect prospective disciples, not officially enrolled, and do not enjoy core offerings."

Only by breaking into the top two hundred can one secure a place among the inner disciples!

These words caused an uproar in the square.

Those who thought they were already guaranteed to become inner disciples all changed their expressions drastically, feeling a sudden increase in pressure.

Su Chen's face was ashen, and a murderous intent surged in his eyes; Zhao Kui was panting heavily, gripping his giant axe tightly, not daring to relax for a moment.

Lin Yan remained calm, Yun Xi remained aloof, and Yi Azhu, Ye Qing, Chen Dagang, and the others also straightened their expressions and focused their attention.

After the tremors subsided, Master Danxuan loudly announced the rewards for the three ranking tiers: This grand competition will be divided into three tiers to determine the worthy, with each tier ascending to the heavens—

Tier 1: Top Ten - Laoshan's Top Ten Talents

He was appointed as a disciple of the Nascent Soul Elder, granted the Canglan Spirit Cave, allowed to enter the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion to select secret cultivation techniques, and given three thousand spirit stones, five spirit herbs, and a mid-grade magic weapon. He was also granted a month of cultivation in the Canglan Abyss Secret Realm and was listed in the Jade Register of Talented Individuals, becoming a future pillar of the sect.

Second Tier: 11-20 - 20 Outstanding Individuals from Laoshan

Upon being promoted to the Inner Sect Class A, one is granted a superior-grade meditation cave, allowed to enter the middle level of the Scripture Pavilion to select cultivation techniques, and given one thousand spirit stones, three spirit herbs, and one low-grade magic weapon. One is then allowed to cultivate in the Spirit Plant Secret Realm for half a month and is listed as a key member of the sect for further training.

Third Tier: 21 to 200 - Formal Inner Disciples

Those who enter the inner sect's orthodox order will enjoy the full inner sect salary, be granted a standard cave dwelling, be allowed to enter the lower level of the Scripture Pavilion, and be provided with spiritual stones and herbs annually, becoming disciples of the orthodox immortal sect of Laoshan.

Those who are outside the top two hundred, regardless of whether they are new or old, will all be assigned to the outer sect and start their training from scratch.

The three tiers of bounties were clearly defined, with vastly different ranks, instantly igniting the fighting spirit of the entire arena to its peak.

Seeing this, Master Qingxuan unleashed his overwhelming power, sweeping across the entire area, and solemnly declared:

"The first round of the competition will test your spiritual heart and will involve three trials: purity of your spiritual root, mental fortitude, and foundation of your cultivation. Only those who pass all three trials can advance to the arena. Enter the formation in the order you entered the mountain!"

Spiritual Mind Testing Array - Full Live Coverage

In the center of the square, the hexagonal ancient formation slowly rises, its spiritual light rippling like water. A half-person-high Hunyuan Spirit Measuring Stone hangs in the center, its radiant light resonating with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The disciples in charge held the scrolls and called out the names, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

"Su Chen—Enter the formation!"

Su Chen strode into the formation, his robes fluttering in the wind.

Golden light emanated from the spirit stone, enveloping its body. The stone's surface shone with intense golden patterns from top to bottom, its edges faintly tinged with purple.

The disciple in charge announced loudly:

"Spiritual Root: Top-grade Wood Spiritual Root, 92% purity!"

The entire audience erupted in uproar.

Immediately afterwards, a mental illusion struck, and he coldly shattered all the temptations of power and sex, as well as the illusions of murderous intent.

"Passed all three challenges, advanced!"

Su Chen glanced at Lin Yan, his provocation undisguised.

"Zhao Kui—Enter the battle!"

His burly body crashed into the formation, enveloped in a golden aura.

"Mid-grade Earth Spiritual Root, 78% purity, stable temperament, Qi Refining Level 7, advancing!"

Zhao Kui grinned, looking menacing.

Subsequently, Yunxi, Ye Qing, Yi Azhu, Chen Dagang, and others entered the challenge one by one, and all of them passed the challenge with ease.

"Yunxi—Enter the formation!"

A woman in white gracefully stepped in, and the formation instantly shimmered with water.

The spirit-testing stone emitted a near-flawless, azure light of such purity that it moved the immortals from all directions.

"Lin Yan—Enter the battle!"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lin Yan slowly stepped into the formation.

Su Chen, Elder Hailan, and even several True Immortals on the high platform all fixed their gazes on him.

As the light of the spirit fell, the stone shimmered with a gentle, aquamarine hue, not striking, but clear and clean.

"Spiritual Root: Upper-middle grade water spiritual root, purity 83%, pass the test."

Su Chen smirked disdainfully.

The next instant, a mental illusion arose—

The chilling atmosphere of Moshan Pass, the viciousness of Elder Hailan's sneak attack, the fall from the precipice... all rushed towards me.

Lin Yan's mind was clear and calm, like a deep abyss. Past pains did not affect his heart, and the tribulations of life and death did not disturb his spirit. The illusion churned several times before finally collapsing on its own.

"The test of character has been passed!"

As the pressure of his cultivation descended, he maintained the aura concealed by his master, his aura steady and restrained, revealing his cultivation level as the seventh level of Qi Refining.

"Solid foundation, passed all three stages, advance!"

Elder Hailan breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Unbeknownst to anyone, within Lin Yan's dantian, the Jianghai Sword Intent lay deep and unfathomable, its true strength far exceeding its apparent power.

As new talents entered the fray one after another, some had flashes of inspiration, some experienced the collapse of their illusions, and some were eliminated due to their weak cultivation.

After an incense stick had burned, the first round was completely over.

Master Qingxuan announced loudly, "The Spiritual Heart Testing Array is complete. A total of 213 people have advanced. Draw lots immediately to divide them into ten arenas, where the battles will begin simultaneously!"