The biggest problem they face now is passing the Heavenly Sword Sect's test.
After resting for a few days in the small bamboo house, Ye Xiruo and the others brewed a pot of the finest Soul Cleansing Elixir and slowly drank it, holding books in their hands and silently flipping through them.
They absolutely cannot make the same mistake again during the second test at You Ran Ju, otherwise it would be too easy to expose their identities.
Two days later, the ancient and distant sound of bells suddenly rang out, and all those who had come to participate in the selection were led to a certain place.
People like Ye Xiruo and her group are already very few who can live in the Haoqi Pavilion. They are carefully selected by the sect and are highly likely to be admitted. Others are different; they have to find their own way to come from all over the country, and they have to find their own accommodation and food, all for the sake of joining the Haoqi Pavilion.
The aura of Haoqi Pavilion as a top-tier sect naturally inspires admiration.
The place where they are standing now is a place specially built by the Haoqi Pavilion for the assessment of disciples.
Soon, the presiding officer appeared. It was Elder Qinghao from the Haoqi Pavilion, dressed in flowing blue robes, with white hair and a youthful face, and possessing profound martial arts skills. Behind him were several people who appeared to be in charge.
However, Ye Xiruo felt that those big shots would definitely find a way to notice this place. This was the most important site for accepting disciples, and the future hope of the sect would likely come from among this group of people. What did that mean for the sect?
Therefore, even if those big shots are not present in person, there is no need for them to come and oversee the first round of auditions.
So many people, viewed from above, look like swarms of ants; just thinking about it makes me feel irritable.
In addition, in the first round of the fierce competition, only those who can pass the first test will be given even a tiny bit of attention by the big shots. As for those who can't even pass the first test, well, who would care about the lives of those ants?
What's going on with Master Xue? She's been tricked again. Wasn't it agreed that she would go straight to the semi-finals? There's not a single piece of news. Humph.
"The triennial admissions assessment is now beginning. We're about to enter the first round of assessments: the Heavenly Ladder." This person in charge was certainly straightforward; no wasted words, just getting straight to the point.
What's this "Heavenly Ladder" thing? Is it going to be difficult? Will she be eliminated in the first round?
"Junior sister, don't worry."
"As you can see before you, this Heavenly Ladder was left behind by the first Pavilion Master of our sect when he established the Righteousness Pavilion to test his disciples. It is the true testing ground and has never changed in tens of thousands of years. Only those who pass through the Heavenly Ladder within the specified time are qualified to enter the next round of testing."
Well, to sum it up, this ladder that looks like it has tens of thousands of steps is an ancient relic, and it seems very powerful. I guess a lot of people will die in this level.
There are at least 15,000 people gathered here now, and Ye Xiruo thinks it would be good if 1,500 people could make it through this round.
The selection of elites naturally requires special attention and is definitely different from the open selection process.
"The assessment will now begin."
"Wait, you haven't told us when the assessment will be held yet."
Ye Xiruo suddenly panicked. Wasn't this just being a scoundrel? Not informing everyone of the assessment time beforehand, and then suddenly saying you've exceeded the time limit—why should that be?
As soon as Ye Xiruo finished speaking, everyone's eyes fell on her face. Oh no, they were all too nervous just now and really forgot about this. What about the assessment time? Such an important matter? Did the elder forget to mention it or did they forget to ask?
Whether the elder deliberately didn't say anything or simply forgot, none of them realized what was happening. They were about to be tricked, but thankfully, the young girl was quick-witted and realized what was going on.
Therefore, everyone looked at Ye Xiruo with a mixture of admiration, gratitude, and regret.
Elder Qinghao stroked his flowing beard. This year had truly given him a pleasant surprise. The timing was indeed a problem, yet not a problem.
Even if they are told the time, they will lose the ability to sense time after stepping onto the Heavenly Ladder. The Heavenly Ladder has three levels of trials. The first level is under gravity and pressure, which will weaken their sensing and reaction abilities.
The second level of the test is an illusion. Once inside, you can forget even your own parents, but you can still remember the time. Just kidding.
The third level of testing is even more difficult, examining their Dao heart; those whose Dao heart is not firm will be eliminated.
In this situation, what's the use of telling them the assessment time? However, it's interesting that this little girl was able to react in such a short time and speak up at the crucial moment. It's very interesting.
"This is a very good question, young fellow Daoist. The assessment time is exactly one day. Anyone who has not passed the Heavenly Ladder within one day will be automatically eliminated. Do you understand?"
“Now, I declare—”
"Wait, can we fly after crossing the Heavenly Ladder? Can we borrow the power of spirit beasts and magical artifacts? Can we help each other, love each other, and walk together?"
"Pfft—"
"Where did this country bumpkin come from? He doesn't even know how to cross the Heavenly Ladder."
"That's hilarious!"
"They say they love each other and help each other, but I think they're just weaklings looking for an excuse to get help from others."
"I think that's the case too."
Immediately, these malicious speculations came rushing in.
Ye Xiruo curled her lips. How could she walk across the ladder in peace without understanding the rules of the competition? She might be eliminated for no reason at any time, which was not the result she wanted.
"I think this young fellow Daoist's question is very good." This girl is thoughtful and quick-witted, but her body is too weak.
"Elder, you're being sarcastic."
"Isn't this ironic?"
"Flying is prohibited on the Heavenly Ladder. Of course, if you have a way to fly, that's within the rules. Helping each other is also fine, since you might become fellow disciples. Now, does anyone have any questions? Ask them all at once."
"Elder, is there any danger to our lives if we cross the Heavenly Ladder?" The one who asked the question was also a female cultivator, her face veiled with a light veil, her brows filled with heroic spirit.
"No, generally speaking, but you know, accidents can happen anywhere."
"I understand, thank you, Elder."
"Alright, I now announce that the first round of assessments is now beginning."
"Little Leaf, you'll be right next to me in a moment. Yingxun too."
As soon as Elder Qinghao finished speaking, countless figures, like locusts, surged toward the Heavenly Ladder, a sight that would surely make anyone with trypophobia faint.
"Alright, let's go."
Strange, those who entered the Heavenly Ladder have vanished without a trace, and cannot be seen from the outside at all. Could there be something else inside the Heavenly Ladder?
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