Starting from iron smelting

The great elder of the Juling Sect stood on the stage and introduced the disciples who were going to Beiya Cave this time. He announced the name and cultivation level of each disciple in turn. Each of them was an elite of the Juling Sect. Most of them had reached the level of the late Qi training period, and some had even reached the level of the late Qi training period, which was like the level of a foundation-building cultivator.

"Now announce that the fifteen disciples sent by the Juling Sect are ready to go to Beiya Cave to face the test together." The elder's voice echoed throughout the entire scene. "They are the pride of our Juling Sect and represent our glory."

Hearing this news, there was a warm applause at the scene. The disciples of the Juling Sect all looked high-spirited, with their eyes flashing with expectation and confidence for the future.

However, among these fifteen disciples, the most eye-catching one is Lu Xiuyuan. As the only disciple who has just reached the late stage of Qi training, his appearance is undoubtedly an unexpected highlight. Although his cultivation is still shallow, his courage and willpower are admirable.

Standing in the team of the Juling Sect, Lu Xiuyuan's eyes swept through the crowd, and suddenly, he found Wang Heng from the Spiritual Medicine Garden. Wang Heng's appearance made Lu Xiuyuan's heart tighten, and he remembered the last life-and-death contest in the Spiritual Medicine Garden.

Wang Heng sneered when he saw Lu Xiuyuan, with a cunning light flashing in his eyes. He stared at Lu Xiuyuan unabashedly, as if conveying a challenge and threat.

Lu Xiuyuan was alert. He clearly remembered the last conflict with Wang Heng. Wang Heng's threat to him was no small matter. However, he did not show any fear or retreat. Instead, his eyes flashed with determination.

"Wang Heng, we meet again." Lu Xiuyuan said calmly, "Last time you chose to let me go, and I thought it was over between us."

Wang Heng raised a sarcastic smile, "Yes, I let you go last time, but that doesn't mean the grudge between us is over." He said in a cold tone, "I tell you, you can't escape this time."

Lu Xiuyuan snorted coldly, and he had already prepared himself in his heart. "No matter how you provoke me, I will not back down." He said firmly, "The grudge between us can only be resolved by strength."

Wang Heng looked at Lu Xiuyuan coldly, his tone full of anger and indifference: "Lu Xiuyuan, you destroyed my water umbrella and hurt my brother. Do you think that's enough? You are wrong. This hatred cannot be resolved."

His words pierced into Lu Xiuyuan's heart like a knife, making him feel deeply guilty and helpless. He knew that his behavior had violated Wang Heng's bottom line, and the other party's hatred for him was justified.

However, Lu Xiuyuan did not back down. "I know the mistakes I made, and I am willing to bear all the consequences." He said firmly, "But I will not be afraid of your threats. I will prove myself with my strength and show you that I am not someone you can easily mess with."

Wang Heng sneered and shook his head, "Lu Xiuyuan, you are too naive. In Beiya Cave, there is no mercy and tolerance. Only the strong can survive." His eyes turned cold, "Just wait, I will make you pay the price."

As Wang Heng finished speaking, he turned and left, leaving behind a cold and angry expression. Lu Xiuyuan silently watched his departing figure, feeling uneasy. Lu Xiuyuan knew that Wang Heng would definitely be a difficult person in Beiya Cave.

Lu Xiuyuan looked at the venue. In addition to the Juling Sect, there were also disciples from ten other sects, including Xuantian Sect, Jujian Sect, Mingyue Palace, Lingshou Mountain, Shennong Sect, Tiandao Palace, Qingfeng Temple, Kunlun Sect, Shenghuo Sect, and Shenyin Cave. The disciples of each sect wore their own sect's uniforms, and standing together formed a spectacular sight.

The disciples of Xuantian Sect wear black robes, with a solemn and mysterious temperament; the disciples of Jujian Sect hold giant swords, with tall and mighty postures; the disciples of Mingyue Palace are gorgeous and dignified, like fairies from the Moon Palace; the disciples of Lingshou Mountain are accompanied by spiritual beasts, showing a unique and powerful aura.

The disciples of Shennong Sect hold elixirs in their hands, exuding a refreshing fragrance; the disciples of Tiandao Palace are shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere; the disciples of Qingfeng Temple have graceful postures, like fairies in the breeze; the disciples of Kunlun Sect have elegant temperaments, showing the demeanor of immortal cultivators.

The disciples of the Holy Fire Gate hold the holy fire, which burns blazingly, demonstrating the divine power; the disciples of the Shenyin Cave hide in the deep valley, exuding a mysterious aura.

Lu Xiuyuan looked at the disciples from various sects standing in the venue, and couldn't help but feel a little pressure and challenge in his heart. They were all agile and extraordinary, showing strong cultivation and confidence. Among this group of disciples, Lu Xiuyuan knew that they would be his biggest competitors.

However, he did not back down. On the contrary, this competition inspired his inner fighting spirit and courage. He was clearly aware that he would face strong challenges from various sects in the test of Beiya Cave, but he also believed that through his own efforts and persistence, he would be able to stand out in this competition and get his own opportunity.

"No matter how strong my opponent is, I will not retreat." Lu Xiuyuan said to himself secretly, "I will use my own strength to prove myself and win the glory that belongs to me."

He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes firm and resolute. In this world full of challenges and opportunities, he will show his courage and wisdom to pursue his own path to immortality.

Among the people of the Juling Sect, there was endless discussion, and everyone was expressing their opinions and concerns about the upcoming opportunity.

Some people believe that this once-in-500-years opportunity is not easy to obtain. They believe that this is the sect's treasure and should never be invaded by other sects. They firmly believe that the sect's secrets should be protected and no one should be allowed to steal it easily.

Others disagreed, believing that the sect's opportunities should belong to the strong, rather than being guarded within the sect. They questioned why the sect's important secrets were hidden, believing that this would only limit the sect's development.

As for Xuan Huanzi, he became the focus of discussion. Some people accused him of being a traitor to the sect and betraying the interests of the sect. They believed that Xuan Huanzi's behavior might bring irreparable losses to the sect.

Xuan Huanzi sat on the stage, feeling the constant discussion in the venue, and felt anxious. He knew it was time to come out and calm everyone down, so he stood up, walked to the front of the stage, and faced everyone.

"Please be quiet for a moment." Xuan Huanzi's voice resounded throughout the venue. "The ceremony is about to begin. I hope everyone can maintain order."

Everyone gradually quieted down and looked at Xuan Huanzi, anticipating his next move.

Xuan Huanzi glanced at the people in the meeting, feeling a little guilty and anxious. "The opening of Beiya Cave is a major event for the sect, and we all hope to pass this test smoothly." He said solemnly, "I know everyone is full of expectations and concerns about the future of the sect, but I believe that as long as we unite as one and work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties."

Xuan Huanzi kept pouring out his grand reasons to the crowd, claiming that the opening of the North Cliff Cave was to fight against the demons together, and emphasized that these sects were all brothers and sisters, and were all human cultivators fighting against the demons together. His words were full of impassioned spirit, trying to convince everyone, unite as one, and face future challenges together.

However, Lu Xiuyuan sneered. He did not easily believe the reasons given by Xuanhuanzi, because he felt that such grandiose rhetoric only concealed the real purpose.

"Together to fight against the demon race?" Lu Xiuyuan sneered in his heart, "This statement is too hypocritical." He thought to himself, "Although the demon race is our human race's enemy, this sudden reason is too far-fetched."

He realized that there might be a deeper purpose behind Xuan Huanzi's words, perhaps to cover up the truth or to confuse everyone's sight. At this critical moment, he decided to remain vigilant and not easily believe the words on the surface, but to reveal the truth through his own judgment and actions.

Xuan Huanzi gestured to the great elder Xuan Miaozi behind him, indicating that the ceremony could begin. Xuan Miaozi nodded slightly, indicating that he understood, and then walked solemnly to the position where the ceremony would be presided over.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Xuan Miaozi, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Xuan Miaozi stood on the stage, with an upright figure and a dignified demeanor, showing an air of majesty and authority.

"My fellow disciples, today our Juling Sect will face a great test. The opening of Beiya Cave will be our opportunity as well as our challenge." Xuan Miaozi's voice was solemn and sonorous. "I believe everyone is ready. For the glory and future of the sect, let us unite as one and face this test together."

The great elder Xuan Miaozi signaled the elders of each sect to express their intentions and go to Beiya Cave together to make the final arrangements.

The elders from various sects gathered together, gathering the power and wisdom of the sect. They walked solemnly to the front of Beiya Cave to make final arrangements and preparations for the upcoming test.

In front of Beiya Cave, everyone stopped, their faces filled with seriousness and determination. They knew that they were about to face a difficult test, but they also believed that through unity and cooperation, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve victory.

The great elder Xuan Miaozi spoke first, "Fellow elders, we must make final preparations to ensure that every disciple can safely enter Beiya Cave and survive this test."

The elders from other sects nodded in agreement.

Lu Xiuyuan asked the person next to him why his master Xuanjizi was not present. The person next to him whispered that Xuanjizi claimed to be ill and could not come, but in fact he had always been at odds with a few people.

This answer made Lu Xiuyuan feel a little confused and worried. As the second elder of the sect, Xuanjizi was an important figure in the sect, and his absence was unexpected. What was even more worrying was that the news that Xuanjizi was not getting along with a few people suggested that there might be internal strife and contradictions within the sect.

Lu Xiuyuan was secretly alert in his heart. He realized that in the upcoming test, the discord within the sect might bring them greater difficulties.

The great elder Xuan Miaozi stood in front of everyone, solemnly explaining the final rules of Beiya Cave.

"My fellow disciples, Beiya Cave is a place full of dangers and opportunities." His voice was solemn and sonorous. "It is full of monsters and traps, but it also contains countless natural treasures. But I want to remind you, don't be greedy, and always pay attention to safety."

His words shocked everyone present, and they nodded silently in agreement.

"Before entering Beiya Cave, I hope that everyone can help each other, unite as one, and face various challenges together." Xuan Miaozi continued, "Only on the basis of unity and cooperation can we return safely and bring the opportunities of Beiya Cave back to the sect."

The words of the great elder Xuan Miaozi contained the sect's expectations and responsibilities, as well as the arduous mission of the northern border to fight against the demons. Everyone listened silently, with a common sense of mission in their hearts. Their eyes met, as if conveying confidence and determination tacitly. Every word Xuan Miaozi said was deeply imprinted in their hearts.

"This time, including the Juling Sect, there are a total of ten sects." Xuan Miaozi's voice was steady and powerful. "You are all the main force in the North Territory against the demons. We must unite and work together to fight for the safety and future of the human race. This time, a total of sixty people were sent, including fifteen from the Juling Sect, and five from each of the other sects. Our mission is to find opportunities in the North Cliff Cave and enhance the strength of the human race."

Everyone listened to Xuan Miaozi's words, and their hearts were filled with recognition of the mission and responsibility. They knew that this was not just an ordinary mission, but a major mission related to the future and security of the entire northern border. At this critical moment, they were determined to do their best to fight to the end for the interests of the human race, with the glory of the sect and the sense of responsibility to the people of the northern border in their hearts.

"After entering Beiya Cave, we will have a month to look for opportunities." Xuan Miaozi's voice resounded throughout the venue. "I will be waiting at the entrance of the cave to pick you up. But remember, if you miss this time, you will have to wait until the next opening, which is 500 years later, to have a chance to come out."

These words made everyone present feel nervous and realize the urgency and importance of the task. If they really missed the time and couldn't get out, they would be doomed.

Everyone listened to the words of the great elder Xuan Miaozi, and their hearts were solemn, as if they were enveloped by an invisible sense of mission. They exchanged glances with each other and nodded silently, indicating that they had firmly remembered it in their hearts. Everyone realized that this mission was not only about personal honor, but also about the future of the entire sect and the North.

"Don't worry, Elder. We will do our best to complete the mission and ensure our safe return." A young disciple stood up and expressed the trust and commitment to Xuan Miaozi on behalf of everyone.