After about ten minutes of flight, a magnificent Immortal Mountain suddenly appeared before everyone. Through the hazy clouds and mist, they could see halls shimmering with white light. This place held the best cultivation methods and the most powerful Cultivation Techniques in the entire Small Thousand World.
The young people's blood began to boil. This was the Holy Hall, the number one Major Sect for Saint Cultivators in the Cultivation Realm!
Of course, this was also their home, a place they would have to fight for.
The Flying Boat traveled at high speed, slowing down as it approached the Holy Hall. A dark gold Long Sword appeared in the hands of the Big Beard, Xu Huang. Its blade was engraved with a dragon pattern. He threw the Long Sword out.
—Sword Flight!
Although Xu Huang didn't quite match Wang Meng's image of a Sword Immortal, Xu Huang on his Sword Flight still exuded the unique, dashing style of a Sword Cultivator.
The claim that Sword Cultivators were the greatest type of cultivator was no empty boast.
At that moment, a young man abruptly appeared in midair. Beneath his feet was a floating red Dharma Wheel. His expression was arrogant, and he offered no salute upon seeing Xu Huang. He too bore the insignia of four Golden Swords.
"Xu Huang, the Mountain Protection Array is just ahead. This is far enough," the handsome, almost fiendishly so, Talisman Cultivator said, clearly not intending to give Xu Huang any face.
Xu Huang's brow furrowed slightly. "Ma Wanliang, it is a required part of their training for new disciples to view the mountain. What is the meaning of you blocking the way?"
"Xu Huang, you've taken them on a tour and they've seen what they need to see. These rookies aren't qualified to enter the mountain yet. I'm on guard duty today. If you have a problem, you can take it up with my master. Don't waste my time here."
Ma Wanliang stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping across the Flying Boat. When he saw Zhao Ya, a hint of lust hid in his eyes. As his gaze passed over Hu Jing behind Zhao Ya, he showed even more surprise. 'I didn't expect to find such stunning goods in this batch.'
Zhao Ya said with a faint smile, "Junior Brother Ma, these new disciples are all viewing the Holy Hall for the first time. Please do us a favor. You only need to part the mists and let them have a look."
Ma Wanliang's attitude toward Zhao Ya was completely different. "Since Senior Sister Zhao has spoken, I will naturally comply."
As he spoke, he spread his hands, revealing a Spirit Talisman. The mists shrouding the Holy Mountain gradually dispersed, and then the majestic, magnificent Holy Hall appeared, a sight that could be called a miracle.
The Holy Mountain, where the Holy Hall was situated, was one of the most famous mountains in the Small Thousand World, rich in Elemental Qi and greatly beneficial to Cultivators. Of course, if not for the Holy Hall's power, an ordinary faction could never hope to possess such a place. Though it had endured many battles, the Holy Hall's foundation had never been shaken. Over a thousand years, generations of Holy Hall Disciples had worked ceaselessly to build the Holy Hall into the inviolable, awe-inspiring place it was today.
It was a miracle of the Small Thousand World.
Wang Meng stared intently at the Holy Hall high above. Just looking at it stirred a rush of ambition in his heart. 'One day, I'll make sure everyone there knows my name!'
Ma Wanliang's generosity was quite limited. Soon, the Holy Hall was once again shrouded in mist. "Senior Sister Zhao, remember to notify me when you return to the Holy Hall. I've obtained a century-old Rejuvenating Grass and have some questions about Alchemy I'd like to ask you."
Upon hearing this, even Zhao Ya couldn't help but be intrigued, and she nodded. Ma Wanliang smiled and vanished into the mist.
Although Cultivators could extend their lifespans, time was a butcher's knife that would still steal away one's youthful appearance. Female Cultivators would try every means possible to maintain their beauty, and the Rejuvenating Grass was one such Immortal Grass, an important ingredient for refining the Rejuvenation Pill.
The Flying Boat turned around, left the Holy Mountain, and flew downward. Only then did everyone on board understand that they were not yet qualified to enter the Holy Hall.
"Junior Sister Zhao, that guy is no good. You should be careful." Xu Huang returned to the boat on his sword and warned her. The talk of Rejuvenating Grass was clearly a pretext; his intentions were not what they seemed.
"He's Martial Uncle Ma's precious nephew and has been spoiled rotten. There's no need for us to stoop to his level."
Zhao Ya, however, was quite calm. "Alright, all disciples, gather in the center. I'm about to accelerate. Our destination is the Holy Hall Thunderlight Hall Branch, which is also where you will be cultivating from now on."
Back on the Flying Boat, Xu Huang glanced at Wang Meng, who was staring intently at the Holy Mountain. "Kid, move in a little. When the boat accelerates in a bit, if you get thrown off, you really will be returning your soul to the Holy Hall."
Wang Meng clenched his fists and shuffled inward step by step. Xu Huang frowned, but then he suddenly noticed the sweat pouring from Wang Meng's forehead. He paused for a moment, then couldn't help but shake his head.
He had seen this situation before, of course. A fear of heights. A very small number of Cultivators experienced this, but for a Sword Cultivator, it was undoubtedly a fatal flaw. 'Perhaps my sudden whim really was a mistake.'
The Flying Boat let out a WHIR and was enveloped in white light, diving down toward the north of the Holy Mountain. The four Elders stood proudly at the prow, facing the wind, while the rookies behind them were sent tumbling and cried out in alarm.
Wang Meng gritted his teeth, trying to adjust his center of balance. For him, this acceleration was a soul-shattering shock.
By the time everyone came to their senses, the Flying Boat had already landed on a small mountain not far from the Holy Mountain. Carved into the cliff face were the three large, golden words "Thunderlight Hall Branch".
Dozens of disciples were already standing in the square at the entrance, shouting in unison, "We respectfully welcome the Elders' return!"
The four Elders looked at the group of dizzy new disciples. Most of them were nauseous from the high-speed flight. The few who could remain standing were also pale-faced.
Wang Bodang swept his gaze over the crowd, his thunderous voice ringing out, "From this day forward, you will begin your cultivation at Thunderlight Hall. However, only those who pass the entrance trial will be qualified to become Holy Hall Disciples."
This undoubtedly startled the new disciples. They had thought their cultivation path would begin smoothly, but they hadn't expected another trial.
Wan Jing coldly swept his gaze over the crowd. "Last year, fifty were recruited, but only twenty remained. The year before, sixty were recruited, and only eighteen remained. Though there are more of you this year, how many will be left?"
Instantly, everyone's nausea was scared right out of them. If they were eliminated, it would be utterly humiliating. All their dreams and hopes would come to a sudden halt.
"Zhao Guang is your Senior. If you encounter any problems, you can ask him or the other senior brothers for help. Now, we will distribute the Talismans. Your residences and tasks are detailed within."
As she spoke, a stack of Talismans appeared in Zhao Ya's left hand. With her right hand, she formed the Orchid Seal, and the Talismans flew out one by one like Floating Light and Shadow.
The moment one landed in Wang Meng's hand, a stream of information flooded into his mind.
Wang Meng, C-Block Dormitory—Fifty-six, Sword Cultivator, prospective Third Generation Disciple of Thunderlight Hall.
Following that were the rules of the Holy Hall, which all Holy Hall Disciples must obey: respect the masters and revere the Dao; as Saint Cultivators, sparring is permitted, but you must not harm a fellow disciple's life; and so on.
Entrance Task: Cultivate one mu of a Spirit Field.
The rest of the information detailed the requirements for cultivating the Spirit Field. The Holy Hall didn't charge tuition, but since the masters were imparting skills, the disciples were certainly expected to serve to the best of their ability. With their current capabilities, they could only handle such menial tasks. They just hadn't expected that even becoming a manual laborer required a trial.
As for cultivation, his Talisman only contained the Nourishing Essence Technique and a Lighting Skill for traveling at night. This meant that for the next month, he would still only be practicing the Nourishing Essence Technique.
Everyone had different expressions; clearly, the Talismans and their assigned tasks were not all the same.
As soon as the words fell, the four Elders vanished. The other disciples also relaxed and began to disperse.
Zhao Guang walked to the front of the group. "I am Zhao Guang, a Third Generation Disciple of Thunderlight. For those who pass the trial, I will also be your Senior. For this next month, you will act according to the contents of your Talismans and strictly abide by the regulations of Thunderlight Hall. Anyone who violates them will be severely punished."
"Senior Brother Zhao, I have a question. Does this mean we're cultivating on our own for this whole month?"
"Yeah, mine only lists the Nourishing Essence Technique. What good is that?"
"Senior, where is Chaotic Dragon Mountain? My task is to..."
Some of the Third Generation Disciples behind Zhao Guang who hadn't yet left couldn't help but laugh out loud. Zhao Guang, however, just smiled faintly. "Are you expecting me to complete your tasks for you? Disperse."
After speaking, he paid the crowd no further mind and left, surrounded by a group of Third Generation Disciples.
"A bunch of clueless idiots," one of the Third Generation Disciples laughed, looking at the new disciples as if they were animals in a zoo.
The flock of rookie Cultivators was completely dumbfounded. This was nothing like what they had imagined. Those who knew each other gathered together.