Yet when Gu Shan heard Hou Yutianâs words, he merely cast him a glance, not uttering a single word.
This showed just how arrogant he was.
If not for the agreement he had made with Lin Changâsheng regarding the future Immortal Cave Mansion, he would never have lowered himself to consort with these ants.
But seeing this, Hou Yutian did not become angry; the strong are always this arrogant, and it seemed he was long accustomed to it.
Nevertheless, he still instructed Hou Shaojie and the other outstanding youths to take the cultivation test, in order to earn the right to enter the Sect.
"Fellow Daoist, yesterdayâs test truly opened my eyes! I am sincerely impressed!"
As Lin Changâsheng waited, a tall, handsome man and a beautiful, extraordinary woman approached slowly.
Lin Changâsheng glanced at the pair and realized they looked quite familiar.
These two were precisely the Piaomiao Sect celestials who had shone like moon among stars yesterday: Zhou Qibai and Yu Tingting.
For cultivators such as Lin Changâsheng, these two naturally harbored intentions of alliance.
It would be ideal to become friends. Otherwise, should they become adversaries with Lin Changâsheng, such a foe would be truly terrifying.
"And you two are?"
Lin Changâsheng asked.
Though he recognized their remarkable talent, he did not yet know their names.
"I am Zhou Qibai, from the Piaomiao Sect. This is my junior sister, Yu Tingting!"
Zhou Qibai introduced himself.
"Lin Changâsheng,"
Lin Changâsheng responded in turn.
"Brother Lin, your performance on yesterdayâs test was truly remarkable! To advance to the Middle Stage of Void Refining at your age is nothing short of monstrous genius. I wonder, once the competition begins, would you be willing to join us in facing the upcoming trials together?"
Zhou Qibai extended his invitation.
With another celestial in their ranks, their chances of victory would surely increase.
"Iâve already joined Brother Hou and the others. But if Brother Zhou doesnât mind, we can all travel together!"
Lin Changâsheng replied forthrightly. He didnât know much about the tournament, but with more allies, chances of victory would of course be greater.
"Excellent, itâs settled then!"
Seeing Lin Changâsheng agree, Zhou Qibai beamed with delight. As for Hou Shaojie and his group, he gave them little thought.
So long as Lin Changâsheng accompanied them, that was enough.
Having gained his promise, Zhou Qibai and Yu Tingting took their leave with smiles.
Dong dong dongâ
Down in the testing grounds, Hou Shaojie, relying on his Early Stage of Void Refining cultivation, struck the bell six times and thus earned his qualification to enter the Sectâs competition, immediately drawing much attention.
"Which sectâs disciple is this? He actually possesses such cultivation?"
"No idea! Looks like another dark horse for the Celestial Pride List!"
"Indeed! This yearâs Celestial Pride List has seen many unknown celestials emergeâit seems this competition will be spectacular!"
"When is a grand contest like this ever dull? But this year truly is worth watching!"
"Itâs nearly about to start, and yet the top three powers have still not appeared?"
...
The surrounding crowd buzzed with discussion.
Though many celestials had emerged,
The greater focus remained on the top three powers of the Immortal Realm.
The celestials of the top three forces were the ones most likely to contend for Celestial Pride List rankings.
Jieâ
As the crowd spoke, several neighs of horses rang out from the heavens above.
Everyone involuntarily looked up.
Upon the firmament appeared nine flying horses, pulling a grand and massive flying palanquin.
The flying palanquin exuded lavish splendor, gold gauze curtains draping its sides, upon which three weapons were embroidered.
A saber, a sword, and a halberd; beneath these three weapons sat a huge altar.
Showing just how exalted the status of these three weapons was.
And on either side of the palanquin stood two cultivators clad in golden armor, making the flying palanquin seem absolutely sacred and untouchable.
"Itâsâitâs the Immortal Martial Hall!"
"What a display of grandeur! The Immortal Martial Hall arrives with nine flying horses pulling their palanquinâjust finding one flying horse is near impossible!"
"The Immortal Martial Hallâs standing? How could a lesser sect even compare?"
"It is said the three weapons represent the Immortal Martial Hallâs three supreme founders! The immortal treasures in their hands had this very appearance!"
...
As the nine flying horses drew the palanquin closer, the crowd below instantly erupted into excited chatter.
The golden warriors parted the curtains of the flying palanquin, and a burly middle-aged man stepped out with three celestials, then leapt down, landing in the testing arena not far away.
The people of the Immortal Martial Hall strode toward the testing copper bellâno one dared block their way.
"Go!"
The burly man at the front jerked his chin at the three disciples behind, signaling for them to proceed with the test.
By the rules, the Immortal Realmâs top ten powers actually didnât have to testâhow could their sectâs celestials possibly be below the Divinity Transformation Stage?
At the very least, theyâre all at the Early Stage of Void Refining.
"Yes, Elder Chen!"
The three disciples immediately understood and approached the copper bell.
The group consisted of two men and one woman; the men were robust and handsome, the woman bold and valiant.
Dong dong dongâ
The first disciple of the Immortal Martial Hall began the test, his fierce fist aura slamming onto the copper bell, instantly producing nine resonant peals.
"Nine ringsâMiddle Stage of Void Refining! As expected of the Immortal Martial Hallâs celestial disciples!"
"Indeed! Any one of them is Middle Stage of Void Refiningâwonder how the other two compare?"
"Even at their weakest, they wonât be below Early Stage of Void Refining! Last time, the Immortal Martial Hall took the top of the Celestial Pride List. I wonder what will happen this time?"
"At worst, still top three!"
Amidst the surrounding chatter, the second, female disciple of Immortal Martial Hall stepped forth to test.
With a graceful press of her jade-like hand, powerful primordial power suddenly eruptedâa golden palm seal shot forth, landing squarely on the copper bell.
Dong dong dongâ
Another volley of rolling peals sounded, continuing until nine rings faded away.