They walked and looked around, and the steward led them to a very beautiful courtyard.
The pavilions in the courtyard looked even more beautiful than those in Tianyu City, with their blue glazed tiles and white exterior walls, simple yet grand. Most of the disciples coming and going wore the same sect attire, which was very attractive.
Directly opposite the main gate of the courtyard was a magnificent three-story pavilion with a golden plaque above it that read "Hall of Affairs." There were also two smaller two-story pavilions on the east and west sides. The steward led the disciples into these pavilions in batches.
Although there is a check and registration process during registration, a more rigorous check will be conducted after entering the sect to prevent people with ulterior motives from sneaking in.
A-Jiang stepped across the threshold into the room, where three cultivators sat directly opposite him. These three appeared to be accomplished cultivators, likely at least at the Foundation Establishment stage.
"Indeed, only those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage have embarked on the path to immortality, and are now fundamentally different from mortals and Qi Refiners."
Ah Jiang walked silently behind the crowd.
A complex magic circle was drawn on the floor tiles of the room, with the five directions marked with the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Various spirit stones and materials were placed around the room as auxiliary materials.
"Stand in the center of the magic array," said Meng Yanqing, one of the early Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The young woman at the front of the line stood nervously in the center of the magic circle.
The person's right hand formed a sword-like finger, shooting out a beam of white light, activating the magic array. Several white halos moved back and forth around her, as if performing some kind of full-body checkup.
After several tens of seconds, the white halo returned to the magic circle, and five beams of light of different colors rose around the magic circle.
A-Jiang watched with great curiosity; she had never seen such a testing method before and found it very scientific and advanced.
"Five elemental roots, low-grade spiritual value."
The people in the hall were not surprised. This was because most of those who were willing to serve as menial disciples in the sect were people with poor spiritual roots and qualities.
The Qinglian Sect conducted the test again for two reasons: first, they were worried that the test in the mortal realm might be inaccurate; second, this array was more accurate and could detect people who used magical artifacts, talismans, or secret techniques to conceal their identities.
"Three spiritual roots, low-grade spiritual value."
"Four spiritual roots, low spiritual value."
"Three spiritual roots, medium spiritual value."
...
"Dual spiritual roots, moderate spiritual value!"
A gasp rippled through the room. Such talent is considered exceptional in the cultivation world. Why would he be here?
A-Jiang also looked towards the center of the magic circle, where a thin boy stood somewhat helplessly, his eyes filled with fear.
“I know him, Qiu Zihe. He comes from a powerful family in the mortal world, but he is just an illegitimate son born to a maid. How could he have such a good spiritual root?”
A young woman in brocade standing nearby looked very unwell.
The two girls next to A Jiang whispered, "The way Qiu Fangfei bossed this young man around on the fairy ship made me think Qiu Zihe was a servant. I never expected him to be an illegitimate son."
The girl next to him chimed in, "That's right, it's not like we don't have servants at home, why treat our own brothers like this."
"What nonsense are you spouting? Who said he's a brother? He's just a lowly servant born of a scoundrel. So what if he has good spiritual roots? A servant is still a servant," the brocade-clad girl Qiu Fangfei rebuked angrily.
The boy's face turned a deep shade of liver upon hearing these words, but he still appeared angry but dared not speak out.
The three deacons frowned, but these people had not yet officially entered the mountain gate, and besides, these matters were not their concern.
He said with displeasure, "Do not make a sound!"
"Next."
Qiu Fangfei pushed aside the people in front of her in line and stood in the center of the magic circle.
"Dual spiritual roots, superior spiritual value."
An uproar erupted in the room.
Logically speaking, someone from such an outstanding family should be nurtured and sent to the immortal sect from a young age. How come you are here at this age, and there are even two of you from the same family?
The three deacons whispered a few words to each other and then had someone take the two people away.
When Qiu Fangfei went out, she held her chin high, looking arrogant and haughty.
The boy had his head down, so his expression was obscured; only his childish features were shrouded in shadow.
Not long after the twists and turns, it was Ajahn's turn.
"Four spiritual roots, spiritual value...superior."
Four beams of light of different colors rose from around Ajahn Chah's body, forming a magical array. The beams were very tall, and even their tips changed color.
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