The four stood at the mountain gate, uncertain of what to do, when a group of blue-robed Daoists emerged from the enormous portal.
There were eight of them in total, each exuding a strong aura with an arrogant expression, their chins raised, looking down at Li Yunjing and the others.
These individuals were all outer disciples of the Shenxiao Dao Sect, all at the sixth layer of the Qi Cultivation Stage.
The leading young Daoist glanced over the group before speaking in a deep voice, "Where are you from? Why have you come to our Shenxiao Dao Sect?"
"Fellow Daoist, we are from the Yu Family of Yue Ming City,"
Steward Li stepped forward, smiling, "This is the young mistress of our family, Yu Yunyi. This is a friend, Li Yunjing. They are both here to join the sect."
"This is the young mistress's maid who has come along."
Steward Li, accustomed to such scenarios, explained their purpose while introducing Yu Yunyi, Li Yunjing, and Ling'Er to the blue-robed Daoists.
"Oh? The Yu Family?"
The leading young Daoist was taken aback, scrutinizing Yu Yunyi and Li Yunjing, especially lingering a while on Yu Yunyi.
The Yu Family of Yue Ming City was a significant presence, even within the Shenxiao Dao Sect.
Within the Shenxiao Dao Sect, the Yu Family had many powerful figures, and it was rumored that one of the sect elders was from the Yu Family of Yue Ming City.
Such a powerful cultivation clan was not someone an outer disciple like him could afford to offend.
With this in mind, the young Daoist softened his expression, reining in his arrogance and showing a friendly smile, "I am Ma Ye, an outer disciple of the Shenxiao Dao Sect. Since you are here for the exam, follow me."
"Thank you, Dao Brother!"
"Thank you, Immortal!"
Yu Yunyi and Li Yunjing expressed their gratitude successively.
Yu Yunyi looked at the old steward, smiling, "Uncle Li, you can return! There are family elders in the Shenxiao Dao Sect, so I will be fine here."
"Very well! Young Mistress, rest assured and focus on your cultivation here! I will take my leave!"
Steward Li nodded, turned around, and descended the mountain.
From start to finish, neither Yu Yunyi nor Steward Li considered the possibility of not passing the exam.
Evidently, the family tests had already assured Yu Yunyi's entry into the Shenxiao Dao Sect.
Seeing this, Ma Ye's pupils contracted slightly, thinking, "It appears someone significant has arrived! This woman is beautiful, but she's out of my reach!"
"What's this guy's background? His cultivation isn't high, only at the first layer of the Qi Cultivation Stage?"
Ma Ye took another discreet look at Li Yunjing, assuming he had a significant background due to his association with the Yu Family.
Little did Ma Ye know that Li Yunjing was just a loose cultivator who had fortuitously joined the Yu Family's group.
"No need to call me Immortal! I've just joined a bit earlier, calling me Senior Brother Ma is fine."
Ma Ye smiled warmly and kindly.
His small group was taken aback, as Brother Ma was not known for being approachable...
"Alright! Continue your duties here! I'll personally escort these two to the exam!"
Ma Ye waved his hand, instructing the others.
"Yes, Senior Brother Ma!"
The remaining seven straightened up and acknowledged the order.
"This person seems extraordinary!"
Li Yunjing observed silently, understanding that speaking too much could lead to mistakes. He resolved to stay close to Yu Yunyi and wait until he joined the Shenxiao Dao Sect.
Ma Ye led the way with great authority, motioning for Yu Yunyi and Li Yunjing to follow him through the stone gate.
As they stepped through the gate, the scene before them blurred, and the next moment, Li Yunjing found himself on a broad plaza.
"Is this... the legendary teleportation array?"
Li Yunjing was secretly astounded but maintained a composed exterior, as if he had seen it all before.
Yu Yunyi beside him also showed no signs of surprise.
"Truly someone nurtured by a distinguished family."
Seeing their reactions, Ma Ye nodded in approval.
It seemed his assumption was correct; these two must have significant backgrounds and were well-traveled.
Unlike some of the newcomers who had been recently arriving, acting like bumpkins and exclaiming at everything they saw.
Ma Ye had already forgotten that he had acted similarly when he first joined...
Upon arriving at the plaza, Li Yunjing felt a powerful aura pressing down on him.
It almost made it difficult to breathe, and looking towards the circular plaza thirty zhang away, he saw hundreds of people already gathered there.
Some were chatting; others were deep in thought; and some were looking around like curious children, fascinated by everything.
Most of these people were young, the oldest appearing to be in their late twenties or early thirties, while the youngest seemed to be a child of seven or eight...
They wore a variety of clothing, from silk to cotton to hemp.
From their attire, Li Yunjing could tell that these people, like himself, were here for the exam.
Most of them were cultivators, and except for a few children, everyone seemed to possess some level of cultivation, having come to Shenxiao Dao Sect.
As a newcomer at the first layer of the Qi Cultivation Stage, he felt he was at the bottom.
This thought made Li Yunjing a bit dejected, but considering he had the hope of joining the sect, he felt optimistic about catching up in the future.
He was, after all, an optimistic person!
"Yu Yunyi, Li Yunjing, you two should get in line! The exam will start in an hour."
Wanting to be on good terms with the Yu family, Ma Ye rarely took the time to offer an explanation to the two.
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Ma!"
Yu Yunyi remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the situation as she arrived.
"Thank you, Brother Ma!"
Li Yunjing also expressed his gratitude.
"Alright! If you two join the sect, you can find me if you need anything! I live on Chixia Peak, in the Imperial Camp of the Dou Division!"
Ma Ye nodded and informed them of his background.
"Alright! We'll definitely keep in touch."
Yu Yunyi nodded slightly, not showing any surprise at the mention of the Dou Division.
"Farewell! I hope you both join the sect!"
Watching Ma Ye leave gracefully, Li Yunjing couldn't help but show a look of envy.
"Li Yunjing, don't stare. Pass the exam, and you too can become a disciple of the Shenxiao Dao Sect."
Yu Yunyi smiled sweetly at him, her gaze gentle and kind.