The disciples of the Holy Land were astonished by the name Lu Changsheng, but the martial artists who had come to participate in the Holy Landâs disciple recruitment were equally shocked.
In fact, they were even more shocked.
Holy Land disciples had witnessed countless peerless geniuses.
But for those outside the Holy Land, such geniuses were a rarity.
When they saw Lu Changsheng, their eyes widened, faces filled with curiosity.
"Is this the legendary Saint Lu?"
"It really is Saint Lu. Unbelievable."
"Back when Saint Lu was only a Martial Venerable, he could already counter-slay Martial Saints. Now that he has advanced to Martial Saint, just how powerful must he be?"
"Saint Lu probably also intends to join the Heavenly River Sacred Land, but no Martial Saint has successfully joined the Holy Land in the past century. Can Saint Lu succeed?"
"If even Saint Lu canât join the Holy Land, who among Martial Saints could possibly qualify?"
Although these people were not particularly strong themselves,
and their insight might not be sharp,
even they understood that Lu Changsheng would most likely be able to join the Heavenly River Sacred Land.
This was the current renown of Lu Changsheng, whose fame shook the entire Holy Land!
"Saint Lu, the examination for Martial Saints isnât conducted here. Please proceed to the mountain gate."
A few disciples stepped aside respectfully, allowing him to pass.
One of the disciples even personally led Lu Changsheng through the gates of the Heavenly River Sacred Land.
Step by step, Lu Changsheng walked into the Heavenly River Sacred Land.
From afar, he gazed.
He could see the vast and boundless Heavenly River.
He could even hear the rushing sound of the Heavenly River.
Moreover, the further up he climbed, the more astonishing the sight became. He realized that the grand mountain gates of the Heavenly River Sacred Land were actually built in mid-air.
Yes, suspended in the sky.
Peaks upon peaks, caves, pavilionsâall floated above the Heavenly River.
The entire Heavenly River Sacred Land was like an Immortal Realm.
"Is this... a formation?"
"And not an ordinary formation. I estimate that even a Heavenly Saint would struggle to destroy the mountain gates of the Heavenly River Sacred Land easily."
Lu Changshengâs expression turned solemn.
An entire mountain gate, suspended in mid-air.
This was certainly a grand display.
It could only be described as magnificent!
And yet, it also underscored the majesty of the Heavenly River Sacred Land.
Every martial artist who set foot in the Heavenly River Sacred Land couldnât help but feel awe-stricken.
Led by the disciples of the Heavenly River Sacred Land, Lu Changsheng arrived at a mountain peak.
On the peak sat a Martial Saint with white hair and beard, his face glowing with a healthy red hue, quietly meditating cross-legged on the ground.
"Elder Liu, this is Martial Saint Lu Changsheng, here to take the examination," the disciple said before stepping respectfully aside.
Elder Liu opened his eyes.
"A Martial Saint from the outside?"
He glanced at Lu Changsheng and said indifferently, "For a hundred years, no external Martial Saint has passed the examination."
"No matter what reputation you hold outsideâwhether youâre an illustrious giant or an obscure recluseâhere in the Heavenly River Sacred Land, youâre ordinary, insignificant."
This Elder Liu, evidently someone who had long stayed within the Holy Land, seemed indifferent to worldly affairs.
He had no interest in outside matters.
He hadnât even heard of "Lu Changsheng."
A nearby disciple seemed to want to speak but hesitated, ultimately opting to remain silent.
The disciple knew wellâElder Liu was irritable.
Exceptionally irritable and stubborn.
If he praised Lu Changshengâs illustrious reputation, it might only provoke Elder Liuâs displeasure.
So he refrained from saying a word.
Lu Changsheng, however, was indifferent, not seeming to care about Elder Liuâs demeanor.
The people of the Holy Land were accustomed to looking down from on high. Such attitudes were normal.
Lu Changshengâs mind, in coming to the Holy Land, was not about petty arguments.
Thus, he directly asked, "If I pass the examination, what position would I hold in the Heavenly River Sacred Land?"
He wanted to know his status and rank within the Sacred Land upon passing the examination.
If the position was too low, it wouldnât fit his ambitions to "share in" the momentum of the Sacred Landâs masses.
If so, it would be better not to join the Sacred Land at all.
Elder Liu gave Lu Changsheng a glance and replied indifferently, "I understand the thoughts of you external Martial Saints. You merely want to tap into the momentum of the Sacred Landâs masses to cultivate your Sacred Body."
"In this regard, the Heavenly River Sacred Land is willing to grant you the opportunity. The collective momentum of the Sacred Land is immense, but every bit of it is accounted forânot every Martial Saint who arrives here qualifies to use it for cultivation."
"External Martial Saints who pass the examination can generally assume one of three positions."
"First, as an ordinary Elder of the Holy Landâs various halls, from which you may receive a small share of momentum. While not much, it builds steadily over time, allowing basic cultivation using the momentum."
"Second, as a Vice Hall Master of the various halls. In this capacity, a Martial Saint holds a higher rank than an ordinary Elder and enjoys greater access to the Sacred Landâs momentum for cultivation."
"Third is the Title Elder. Such individuals bear no responsibility for the halls and are directly conferred a sacred title, cultivating within the Sacred Land as they please. In terms of status and privileges, they are a mere half-step below the Sect Leader. It is thus the highest honor within the Sacred Land that an external Martial Saint may achieve."
Lu Changshengâs eyes gleamed brightly.
Ordinary Elder, Vice Hall Master, Title Elder.
It was evident at first glance that the Title Elder surpassed both the Ordinary Elder and the Vice Hall Master by far.
In terms of status and benefits, it was just a small step below that of the Sect Leader.
In fact, it could rival that of the Vice Sect Leader.
Each Title Elder enjoyed extensive access to the momentum of the Sacred Landâs masses to cultivate their Sacred Body.
"Are there any restrictions or conditions for becoming a Title Elder?"
Lu Changsheng inquired.