I fabricated myths to guide the revival of spiritual energy.

【Kunlun Summit - Taiqing Hall Square】

The original massive group of 5,000 people has dwindled to just 83 standing in Baiyu Square.

The elimination rate is extremely high, but those who stand here all have a certain flame burning in their eyes.

Among them were Wang Lin, dressed in rags; Chu Tian's imposing team; and dozens of business elites and scions of prominent families, who, though disheveled, had resolute eyes.

Yes, not all wealthy people are incompetent. Those who can take business to the extreme often possess incredibly strong willpower and unwavering determination. They rise to the top not because of money, but because of their ruthless belief that "my fate is in my own hands."

"Huff...huff...I...did it..."

A middle-aged, overweight man, decked out in designer brands and worn to shreds, slumped on the ground. He was "Boss Qian," a well-known investment tycoon in the country. In the illusion just now, he was almost consumed by his own greed, but at the last moment, his desire for "immortality" overwhelmed his greed for "money," and he gritted his teeth and climbed up.

At this moment, the square was completely silent.

Because everyone saw the figure in blue robes standing on the steps of the main hall, with his hands behind his back.

Gu Qing slowly turned around, her gaze calmly sweeping over the more than three hundred faces.

The system panel displays the comprehensive data of this group of people:

Average willpower: A-

Average qualification: C+

[Special Attention: Chu Tian (S-rank), Wang Lin (S-rank temperament), Zhao Feng (S-rank willpower)]

"good."

Gu Qing spoke, her voice like a clear spring, soothing everyone's rapid breathing.

"Those who have walked the path of self-examination have shown that their past, whether good or evil, has been settled in the mortal world. Those with weak wills and those who are extremely wicked have all lost their way and retreated on the journey."

Hearing this, Mr. Qian breathed a sigh of relief. He knew his past methods had been dishonest, and he had been living in constant fear of divine retribution. Since the deity had said "settled," then the past was forgiven!

Quick-witted, he immediately got up from the ground, straightened his tattered suit, and flashed his signature business smile.

He strode forward, bowed deeply to Gu Qing, then pulled out a pre-prepared gold card from his pocket and raised it high above his head with both hands:

"Disciple Qian Wansan greets the Dean!"

"This disciple knows I am dull-witted, and my entry into the immortal sect was entirely due to luck. This card contains 10 billion in liquid funds, the password is six eights! I wish to donate it to the sect to repair the palace and improve the meals for my fellow disciples! I only ask... could you perhaps arrange a slightly quieter single room for this disciple?"

His words sparked interest among many wealthy individuals who shared the same idea.

Their ingrained mindset leads them to believe that there's no problem money can't solve. Once they've entered the circle, they're expected to stay within it, so the sponsorship fees must be substantial.

Wang Lin, hiding behind the crowd, shrank back in fear when he heard the number "ten billion".

He looked at the half-eaten, hard steamed bun in his hand and felt so ashamed he wanted to disappear into the ground. Compared to these big bosses, he felt like he was just a filler.

however.

Gu Qing looked at the gold card, but gently shook her head.

"Qian Wansan".

"Yes, sir!" Mr. Qian replied with a broad smile.

"Did your money help you climb those three thousand steps?"

Mr. Qian's smile froze: "This...no."

No, I didn't. I had to tough it out and almost died on the way.

"In the mortal world, money is divine. But in Kunlun, money is dust."

Gu Qing flicked her fingers lightly.

Ding!

The gold card containing 10 billion instantly shattered with a crisp sound, turning into countless golden powders that drifted away in the wind.

"Ah! My..." Mr. Qian almost cried out in distress, but immediately covered his mouth.

Gu Qing's voice turned cold, echoing throughout the entire venue:

"Once you enter my school, you must abide by my rules."

"Here, there is only one currency: contribution points and spirit stones."

"Want a private room? Want elixirs? Want cultivation techniques? Trade your cultivation points, trade your contributions to the sect."

"Even if you are the richest person in the world, you have to start by sweeping the floor and chopping wood here."

These words completely shattered the last bit of arrogance in the hearts of the powerful and influential people present.

This also caused a glint to suddenly appear in Wang Lin's eyes, who was standing in the corner.

This place... is fair!

After dealing with the noise of the world, Gu Qing turned her gaze to the front of the crowd.

There stood twenty figures, as sharp as javelins.

"Chu Tian".

Gu Qing called out the name.

"arrive!"

Chu Tian took a step forward and gave a standard military salute. Although his training uniform was tattered and even had scorch marks from lightning strikes, his soaring aura made the surrounding tycoons feel breathless.

"Three levels of Qi Refining".

Gu Qing looked at him, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes, "You were using the Path of Inquiry to temper your body with lightning. That courage is not only qualified, but outstanding."

With that, Gu Qing waved his sleeve.

Whoosh-!

A streak of light flew out and hovered in front of Chu Tian.

It was a cyan jade slip and a white flowing cloud-patterned Taoist robe that was clearly of a higher grade than the others.

"From this day forward, you are the senior disciple of the outer sect."

"Responsible for coordinating the morning classes and physical training of newly initiated disciples."

"These 80-odd people are under your jurisdiction."

These words caused a stir throughout the room.

Although those wealthy people were unwilling to be managed by a lowly soldier, seeing the faint electric arcs still flickering on Chu Tian's body, who dared to say "no"?

In the world of cultivation, might makes right!

"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"

Chu Tian accepted the jade slip with both hands, his voice booming. He did not refuse; a soldier's duty is to obey orders, and he was confident he could handle the situation.

Then, Gu Qing's gaze passed through the crowd and landed on the boy at the very back who was trying to hide himself.

"The one holding the steamed bun."

Wang Lin shuddered, looked around to make sure no one else was holding the steamed bun, and then timidly raised his hand: "Excuse me... were you calling me?"

The crowd automatically parted to make way.

Everyone stared at the dirty little beggar, their eyes filled with confusion. How did someone like that manage to sneak in?

Gu Qing beckoned: "Come here."

Wang Lin lowered his head and jogged to the bottom of the steps. He dared not step on the white jade floor tiles for fear of getting them dirty, so he could only tiptoe.

"Your name is Wang Lin?"

"Yes……"

"Lift your head up," Gu Qing said gently. "Don't be afraid. The fact that you can stand here shows that your heart is purer than this white jade."

As she spoke, Gu Qing pointed to Wang Lin's forehead.

"You may be wondering why he was selected."

"But in the middle of the 'Questioning the Heart' path, when faced with the illusion of the old beggar, out of more than 80 people present, only a handful offered water and food without any ulterior motives."

"And he was the only one who gave up his life (the last half of the bun)."

Everyone was taken aback.

At the time, everyone in the illusion thought they were the only ones who encountered the beggar, but little did they know it was a test for everyone!

"Chu Tian and the others received spiritual energy infusion."

Gu Qing looked at Wang Lin, "And this child... he obtained 'Innate Spiritual Essence'."

Gu Qing pointed with her finger.

hum!

A soft white light suddenly shone from Wang Lin's body. Although the light was not dazzling, it made people feel extremely warm and comfortable.

"The body of Yi Wood has the heart of a child."

"Wang Lin," Gu Qing said calmly.

The boy trembled and hurriedly knelt down: "Disciple...disciple is here!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Qing sent a cyan token floating lightly to Wang Lin's feet.

"Although he has no cultivation, he is naturally compatible with the wood element. He entered the Hundred Herbs Garden and followed Elder Qingmu... to manage the medicinal fields and practice the 'Yi Wood Everlasting Spring Technique'."

As soon as he finished speaking, the air behind Gu Qing distorted slightly. An old man dressed in a dark green robe, with white hair and beard, and exuding a rich fragrance of herbs slowly appeared (generated by the system). His face was kind, and his eyes seemed to hold the cycle of life and death. He bowed slightly to Gu Qing, then looked at Wang Lin on the ground with a smile.

Wow!

Even Chu Tian looked on with envy, while the young masters from the surrounding aristocratic families were green with jealousy.

That's Elder Aoki! Although it was the first time anyone had seen him, just by looking at the wildflowers that instantly bloomed from the cracks in the paving stones when the old man appeared, everyone knew that he was an unfathomable and powerful figure!

More importantly—guarding the medicinal herb fields! Those are the logistical heart of Kunlun! Bathed in the fragrance of spiritual herbs all day long, even a pig could be turned into a spirit beast by the aroma, not to mention if some pill residue could slip through the elders' fingers in the future…

This isn't farming; this is clearly stumbling upon a treasure trove! Is this what they call "fools have foolish luck"?

The man who had just looked down on the beggar now wished he could slap himself twice—why did he ever think the beggar was dirty!

After assigning the two typical examples (Chu Tian representing force/management, and Wang Lin representing opportunity/temperament), Gu Qing looked at the remaining people.

Zhao Feng is also among them.

Zhao Feng was pressing down on the restless broken sword behind him, trying to minimize his presence.

Gu Qing glanced at him, then transmitted her voice telepathically, her words resounding directly in Zhao Feng's mind:

"Since the thing inside that sword protected you on the road, it must be your destiny. Come find me at the back mountain tonight, and I will teach you how to refine this vicious weapon."

Zhao Feng was startled, glanced gratefully at the platform, and nodded almost imperceptibly.

"alright."

With a wave of his sleeve, Gu Qing sent over eighty gray identity plaques flying into the hands of each person.

"Holding the nameplate, go to the rear to select your accommodation."

"All worldly possessions, including cell phones, computers, and luxury goods, must be handed over and sealed."

"Tomorrow at Mao Shi (5-7 AM), we will gather at the square to begin our first morning class."

"Those who violate this rule will be expelled from Kunlun."

As Gu Qing's figure dissipated into the mist, the atmosphere in the square instantly relaxed, followed by an explosive discussion.

"Holy crap! I've really become an immortal!"

"Hey, hey, don't push! I'm Qian Wansan, anyone want to switch dorms with me? This jade pendant of mine is worth 500,000..."

"Shut up! The dean just said money is worthless! Get out of here!"

Amid the noise, Chu Tian turned around, his eyes instantly turning cold and dignified.

"Everyone has it!"

This roar, imbued with spiritual energy, made everyone's eardrums ache.

"Assemble in order of height within two minutes! One second late, do fifty push-ups!"

Watching the group of bosses who were usually so aloof and arrogant scrambling to line up, Wang Lin, holding a steamed bun, stood next to Zhao Feng and grinned foolishly.

This kind of carefree life seems quite interesting.