"Have they just walked out of the void?" The woman in white robes looked at the two with a calm expression.
The sudden appearance of Song Yan and Ye Kaishan brought an abrupt silence across the high platform.
"What's with this awkward silence?" Ye Kaishan frowned.
"Did I interrupt your discussion?" Song Yan spoke evenly, her voice calm yet commanding.
"Nothing particular. We just thought the Song Clan wouldn't participate in the recruitment this time," a man in a green robe replied, breaking the silence.
"Thank you for your patience. We were delayed, but by the looks of it, there's still time," Ye Kaishan answered casually, his gaze sweeping over the vast recruitment grounds.
The man in green robes stood up and cupped his hands. "My name is Sun Yu, and this is my dao partner." He gestured toward the woman beside him, who slowly rose with a serene expression.
"My name is Sun Ai," she introduced softly. Together, the two greeted Song Yan and Ye Kaishan.
In return, Song Yan stood and introduced herself. "My name is Song Yan. Well, most of you already know me. This here is my dao companion."
Ye Kaishan stepped forward, smiling faintly. "My name is Ye Kaishan."
Both cupped their hands in greeting, and soon after, the others present on the platform followed suit, offering polite greetings.
After the formalities, Song Yan and Ye Kaishan took their seats.
Ye Kaishan leaned back slightly, gazing at the massive recruitment grounds below. Hmm… this place is enormous. If I compare it to my old world, it should be at least five times the size of a soccer stadium.
By the looks of it, there was still time before the event began. He scanned the bustling crowd, thousands of cultivators gathered across the arena, until his gaze suddenly froze on a familiar figure.
Jiang An? Is she also here to participate?
"Are you wondering about Jiang An?" Song Yan's voice entered his mind through their soul link.
"Mm… kind of. If she isn't a cultivator and has no talent, then passing is out of the question—can she even stand a chance against the cultivators here?" Ye Kaishan asked, doubt flickering in his eyes.
"No. In that situation, she couldn't even fight against normal mortals," Song Yan replied calmly.
"Then—"
"There's no need for concern. You will know soon enough." Song Yan's expression remained serene as she glanced at him.
"…Hmm. If you're fine with it." Ye Kaishan gave a small nod, turning his focus back toward the grounds.
—
Time passed, and soon, a voice rang across the arena.
"Uhmm… If my voice reaches all of you, then I would like to announce—the recruitment competition is about to start."
A young woman in her twenties stood on a high platform. She wore a flowing white gown, a navy-blue sword strapped at her waist. Dozens of black orbs floated in the air, amplifying her voice so it resounded across the grounds.
"Before we begin," she continued, "know this: only five sects and clans will recruit this time.
First, the Spirit Sword Sect—for those with talent and interest in the way of the sword."
The crowd stirred immediately.
"Which sect will you join?" one young woman whispered excitedly.
"Hmph, it goes without saying. The sword is my only path," another replied.
"Sigh, it seems the sword has many admirers," a woman in blue robes murmured on the higher platform, glancing at the man beside her.
"That's true… but I wonder how many will actually survive," her companion in white replied softly.
The announcer's voice rang out again.
"Next, the Black Cauldron Sect—for those interested in crafting spirit artifacts.
The Soul Feather Sect—for tamers of spirit beasts, our doors are open.
The Tang Clan—renowned for their poisons and venomous creatures.
And lastly, the overseer of Mistveil Town—the Song Clan."
The woman's eyes narrowed slightly as she added, "Of course, even if you survive, you can still only become a handyman disciple if your talent is lacking."
Excitement and nervousness rippled through the cultivators below.
Each force will send representatives to introduce themselves before we begin the selection."
A stir ran through the crowd. Some were excited, others tense.
The woman in white gestured toward the left side of the platform. "First, the Sword Sect."
A middle-aged cultivator stepped forward, his presence sharp and unyielding, like an unsheathed sword. His eyes swept across the audience. "We of the Sword Sect value comprehension of sword intent above all else. Those with the talent to sense the dao of the sword will find their home with us." His voice carried an edge that seemed to pierce directly into the hearts of the listeners.
Next came a robust man in black robes, representing the Black Cauldron Sect. His aura was heavy and unshakable, like a mountain. "Our sect specializes in alchemy and the forging of cauldrons. Pill refiners, smiths, and those with steady minds—this is where you belong."
Following him was a graceful woman from the Soul Feather Sect, her voice as soft as flowing water. "We cultivate the soul. Our sect seeks those with sensitivity toward spirit energy and the courage to walk the path of the soul."
The Tang Clan representative, dressed in luxurious robes, smiled faintly as he introduced his lineage. "The Tang Clan has stood for generations. We value loyalty, perseverance, and strength of character. Those who join will inherit the weight of our legacy."
Lastly, Song Tao stepped forward for the Song Clan. Her voice was calm yet firm. "The Song Clan seeks disciples of both talent and heart. Those who wish to cultivate with us must endure trials that test not only strength but also perseverance."
As the introductions ended, the woman in white robes raised his hand once more. "Now that all have spoken, let the trial begin."
Only female cultivators were eligible for this trial, while all the male cultivators headed toward the talent-testing platform.
" the woman declared, raising her hand, "without further delay—the recruitment competition officially begins!"
With a low buzz, a massive portal opened in the center of the recruitment grounds. Its surface rippled like liquid glass, releasing a wave of spiritual pressure.
"This portal will transport all of you to a desolate place," the woman explained. "You must earn at least one thousand points to qualify.
Each of you has been given a wooden token. At present, it shows zero. Points will increase when you fill it with spirit beast soul stones or spirit herbs.
However—" She smiled faintly. "There are also many ferocious beasts inside, so stay alert. The portal will reopen for your return after half a day. That is all the time you have."
Jiang An's eyes locked on the glowing gateway, determination burning within them. She clenched her fist tightly. I just have to survive. Nothing more… nothing less.
"Now, you may enter!"
At her signal, the female cultivators surged forward, one after another, disappearing into the portal. Jiang An followed quickly, vanishing into the shimmering gateway.
The cultivators surged forward, each one preparing to step into the portal. For some, it was the first step toward greatness. For others, it was a gamble with their lives.
"Half a day, huh…" Ye Kaishan exhaled, his gaze fixed on the portal below. "Sigh, it'll be tiresome just sitting here."
Suddenly, the black orbs that had amplified the woman's voice drifted downward, entering the portal as well—leaving only four behind.
The four orbs hovered together, forming a square-shaped screen of soul energy. Slowly, the white surface rippled, revealing the cultivators already inside the portal.
The scene was that of a vast, dangerous forest.
"Oh?" Ye Kaishan smirked faintly. "Looks like it won't be that boring after all."
The screen flickered, revealing the endless stretch of forest. One by one, the cultivators were teleported into random places within its depths.
When Jiang An stepped through the portal, she found herself in a lonely meadow at the edge of the desolate forest. Slowly, she opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings with caution.
Looks like I'm the only one here. That's good for a start. She exhaled in relief.
"For half a day, I just have to endure…" Jiang An muttered, her gaze falling on the vast forest ahead. "First, I need to leave this place. It's too open—too eye-catching for me to stay."
With a serious expression, she stepped forward into the forest. The soil was wet and muddy beneath her feet.
It must have rained before we arrived, she thought, carefully treading deeper inside.
Time passed. Jiang An pressed straight ahead, the sun already high above. Sweat soaked through her sleeves, and droplets ran down from her forehead to her chin. The combined weight of the earlier rain and the blazing sun made the forest unbearably humid, straining both her body and mind.
Elsewhere, other cultivators had already begun their hunts for spirit beasts.
"Don't let up—it's a two-headed snake, attack from all sides! Yes, that's it, behead it!"
Some had formed small groups to ensure safety, while others—those with higher cultivation—charged into the depths of the forest alone.
......
Where am I even going? Jiang An thought, her legs trembling. I've been walking for three hours without stopping, and I can barely feel any strength left in them.
Her eyes looked tired, but the light within them hadn't dimmed in the slightest. Eventually, she stumbled upon a quiet lake. After making sure no one else was around, she approached the water's edge and sat on a rock by the shore.
"I should rest here for a while," she whispered. Cupping water in her hands, she washed her face and arms, letting the coolness soothe her.
Still, unease lingered. Strange… I've walked so long through this forest, but I haven't encountered any danger. Not even once. Her brows furrowed in thought. Could it be because I'm not a cultivator? I've heard ferocious beasts are drawn to those with stronger souls.
She shook her head. Either way, it doesn't matter. I just need to survive—nothing more, nothing less. In her eyes, there was only one determination: to live, so her brother could have a better life.
Meanwhile, far away—
"Hmm… now, where should I find my sister?" Jiang Mu muttered as he climbed up a tall tree, scanning the endless expanse of forest around him.