Traveling through time to cultivate immortality: a life and death test

Three days later, the Qianji Sect's central square was packed with people. Thousands of Foundation Establishment disciples and tens of thousands of Weapon Refining disciples had packed the square to the point where no one could get through. Even many Core Formation masters had come to observe.

There was a high platform right in front of the square, with eight coffins placed on it. Liu Xing and the other ninety-two soldiers who were going to the battle formed a square formation, standing on the platform with solemn expressions, ready to receive the sect's commendation.

The leader Hou Youyuan was standing on the platform at this time, giving a passionate speech.

"The Xuantian Sect and the Jiuyang Sect, which are a million miles away, are affiliated sects of our sect. This time, they were jointly attacked by two neighboring demonic sects. Unable to defeat them, they requested support from our sect's army. So, four years ago, our sect selected one hundred foundation-building warriors through sect competitions and rushed to the front line to support them! These one hundred warriors are all of you on the stage. Let's express our gratitude to them with warm applause." After speaking, Sect Master Hou was the first to applaud.

All the disciples in the audience applauded, finally understanding the root of all this. For the sake of the sect, they had unhesitatingly thrown themselves into battle, making immense sacrifices. The disciples were genuinely moved by the actions of these one hundred warriors, and the thunderous applause continued for a long time.

Hou Youyuan raised his hands slightly, with his palms pressed down, signaling everyone to stop applauding and listen to him continue speaking.

"These one hundred warriors, fearless of hardship and regardless of sacrifice, bravely advanced forward, achieving remarkable military exploits! Ultimately, they helped Xuantian Sect and Jiuyang Sect defeat the enemy and achieve victory in the war! They demonstrated the prestige of the Qianji Sect! Let us applaud their triumphant return!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause broke out from the audience, and this time there was no need for Master Hou to lead the applause.

Listening to the applause of tens of thousands of people below, watching the passionate scene, everyone on stage felt an unprecedented sense of pride. They stood straighter, their faces expressionless, but tears welled up in the corners of their eyes. They knew that even when they fought bravely outside, the disciples within the sect would remember their kindness and applaud and cheer for them. This was a heartfelt recognition and respect that made them feel their sacrifices were worthwhile. Going to war wasn't just for themselves, but for the collective as well.

The disciples in the audience clapped their hands vigorously. On the one hand, they were proud of the warriors' victory in the war, but on the other hand, they were upset that they were not capable enough to go to the battlefield and make contributions to the sect.

Seeing the jubilant atmosphere on and off the stage, Sect Leader Hou was very satisfied. This commendation meeting was held to encourage the sect's disciples to cultivate diligently so that they could make contributions to the sect in the future. It was also to inspire everyone's collective spirit, which was the foundation for a sect's long-term stability.

"War is cruel, danger is everywhere, and sacrifice is inevitable. During this expedition, eight of our warriors died fighting the enemy. Facing an enemy several times their number, they refused to yield. They stood in front of their comrades for their retreat, and they lost their lives for the sect! I am moved by their courage in fighting bravely, and I am proud of their spirit of not fearing life and death! These eight warriors who died are Deng Gang, Liu Ming, Wu Xue, Deng Jicai, Li Da, Sun Bin, Sun Ya, and Wang Yan. Let us remember their names! They are heroes of the sect, and their names will be engraved on the sect's hero monument, revered by generations of disciples! Let us bow three times before their remains to comfort the warriors' souls in heaven!"

Hou Youyuan turned around and faced the eight coffins with a solemn expression. Liu Xing and the others on the stage also turned around and faced the bodies of their fallen comrades.

"Bow!" Hou Youyuan gave the command, and everyone in the audience bent down 90 degrees and stayed there for three seconds.

As everyone bowed before the body, emotions surged, and many thoughts came to mind. Those who knew him would recall his voice, smile, and the grief of being separated from him. Those who didn't know him would pray for him, believing that receiving the prayers of tens of thousands of people after his death was a fitting end.

"Bow twice!" Hou Youyuan stood up and bowed again, and everyone in the audience followed suit.

"Three bows!" Only after he finished bowing three times did Hou Youyuan turn around and face the audience.

Meanwhile, the disciples below, tears welling in their eyes, observed a moment of silence for the fallen warriors. This kind of memorial gathering is more likely to resonate with the group, uniting the entire sect and bringing them together. Hou Youyuan truly has a knack for inspiring fighting spirit; he can mobilize everyone's emotions with just a few words.

"We still have ninety-two living warriors. In order to commend their outstanding military exploits, the sect has specially rewarded them with the essential items for forming a pill: Fire-Condensing Liquid, a portion of Thousand-Year Soft Gypsum, and a Phoenix Marrow Pill that increases the chance of forming a pill by 10%!" After Hou Youyuan mentioned the reward items, the audience immediately went wild.

"Oh my god, the prize is a must for Dan-forming!"

"Oh my god, it can increase the chance of forming a pill by 10%!"

"With prizes like this, I'd go to the battle even if I died!"

"Come on, with your strength, are you qualified to participate in the war?"

The disciples below the stage could no longer maintain their composure. They cried out in despair, eager to rush onto the stage and snatch the prizes. Their eyes were filled with deep desire, their envy evident. Forming a core is incredibly difficult, with only one in a hundred achieving it. Especially those fake core masters who had been in seclusion four years ago and hadn't had time to participate in the Foundation Establishment Competition, were now filled with regret. They had previously been secretly delighted that their seclusion had allowed them to avoid war missions, but now they were filled with regret. Misfortunes often come with blessings, and blessings often lead to misfortunes. Immortal cultivators rely on chance, and who can truly predict fate?

Hou Youyuan waved his hand, and the two prizes fell into the hands of Liu Xing and others. With these two prizes in hand, everyone felt that this life-and-death adventure was worth it.

Looking at the audience below, some were envious, some were jumping in frustration, and some were almost going berserk. Hou Youyuan watched with a smile, wanting to excite everyone so that they would be motivated to practice hard and make contributions to the sect!

"Disciples, cultivate diligently and contribute to the sect. We will generously reward any disciple who has made great contributions to the sect! Today's commendation meeting is over, adjourned!" Hou Youyuan finished speaking, collected the eight coffins, and left. He still had to complete a series of tasks, including comforting the deceased's relatives and friends, returning their belongings, and burying them.

"Stand at attention! Disband!" Liu Xing also dismissed everyone in a timely manner and everyone left quickly.

The crowd in the audience gradually dispersed, though many remained, still discussing the war, the rewards, and the one hundred warriors. Gradually, stories of the warriors' battles spread, as did Liu Xing's military and literary prowess as a legion commander, and his dreaded nickname, "The Killer," which terrified the enemy.