Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

The rankings of Tianji Pavilion have been announced again. The name "Qingyun Sect," along with the comments "orderly lineage," "outstanding disciples," and "unfathomable depths," spread at an unprecedented speed, no longer limited to the vicinity of Blackwater Marsh, but even attracting the attention of some forces in more distant regions.

In teahouses and gathering places for independent cultivators, the rumors about the Qingyun Sect became increasingly fantastical.

"Have you heard? In the latest rankings from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, the Qingyun Sect jumped eight places! The comment is 'Unfathomable'!"

"I've heard so much about it! My great-uncle's neighbor's cousin recently went to Blackwater Marsh to try his luck, and he saw it with his own eyes! Qingyun Mountain is now shrouded in clouds and mist, with a faint spiritual light emanating from it; it's clearly a blessed land of immortals!"

"Tsk tsk, the authentic lineage of Master Liuyun! I've heard that the cultivation techniques their disciples practice can manipulate the power of clouds and mist—they're incredibly powerful!"

"That's right! I used to think they were a small, insignificant family, but now I see they have a deep foundation! Even major sects like the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Profound Yin Sect suffered setbacks at the Flowing Cloud Water Mansion, unable to outmaneuver them!"

"If only I could join the Qingyun Sect..." A young rogue cultivator gazed eagerly in the direction of Qingyun Mountain.

Fame brings not only awe and curiosity, but also tangible benefits.

The cooperation between Baibaoge and Qingyunmen has become increasingly close, with the price of purchasing pills and talismans increasing by half a percent, and the quality of the raw materials provided also becoming better.

The Zhao family of Black Mountain City repeatedly sent people with generous gifts and earnest words, hoping to deepen their alliance.

Even some small families and business associations that had previously ignored Qingyun Sect sent out invitations, hoping to establish a relationship.

However, despite the sudden fame and adulation, the Qingyun Sect remained unusually calm.

Inside the main hall of the sect leader, Shen Mo, Han Lin, Su Xiao, and Shi Tie, who had just finished a round of seclusion and whose aura was becoming increasingly deep and solid, gathered together.

Zhao Qingyan and Li Xiaocao were also present. One of them was responsible for the maintenance of the formation and the control of the secret realm, and the other was in charge of the medicine garden and alchemy. They had become indispensable core members of the sect.

"Sect Leader, our sect is now highly praised by the outside world. People are coming to inquire about us and even want to become our disciples. There are many people lingering outside the mountain gate every day."

"Do you think... we should take this opportunity to expand our sect and recruit a new batch of disciples?"

Han Lin stroked his beard and pondered, his eyes showing both joy and a hint of worry.

It is a good thing for a sect to grow stronger, but rash expansion may lead to an unstable foundation.

Shi Tie grinned, his voice booming, "I think it's a good idea! Now that we've made a name for ourselves, it's perfect time to recruit some promising talents!"

"Let's show those who look down on us what the Qingyun Sect is all about now!"

Su Xiao frowned slightly and said cautiously, "A good reputation can easily attract trouble. Those who come to seek apprenticeship are of mixed quality. If we don't properly screen them, we might end up harming those with ulterior motives or malicious intentions. Our foundation is still shallow, so we'd rather have fewer but better ones."

Zhao Qingyan said softly, "Senior Sister Su is absolutely right. Although I have reinforced the mountain-protecting formation, if the number of disciples increases dramatically, it is inevitable that there will be oversights in management."

"Furthermore, the cultivation of new disciples requires a lot of resources. Although the output of the medicine garden and pill store has increased at present, we still need to be careful with our resources."

Li Xiaocao added in a low voice, "Hmm... the consumption of spirit rice and low-grade pills will definitely increase, I need to carefully calculate whether the inventory is enough..."

Shen Mo listened quietly to everyone's opinions, his fingertips lightly tapping the table. Only after everyone had finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority:

"The development of a sect is like the growth of a tree; only with deep roots can the leaves flourish. Right now, my Qingyun Sect may seem glorious, but it is actually just a seedling that has just started to grow and cannot withstand great storms."

The phrase "unfathomable" used to describe the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is both a compliment and a warning. How many eyes are watching us, hoping we will make a mistake?

His gaze swept over the crowd: "Therefore, the principle for this recruitment remains unchanged: character comes first, aptitude second. Quantity need not be large, quality is paramount. Better to accept thirty rough gems than a hundred rotten pieces of wood."

"Su Xiao." Shen Mo looked at Su Xiao.

"Disciple is here," Su Xiao replied solemnly.

"You will be in charge of this recruitment process. Elder Han, Qingyan, and Xiaocao will assist you. As before, there will be three stages of assessment:"

"The first is 'Questioning the Heart,' where a 'Microscopic Illusionary Mind Array' (a simplified version recently developed by Zhao Qingyan through her research and study of the tradition) is set up below the preaching platform to test one's character, perseverance, and devotion to the Way;"

"The second is 'Spiritual Testing,' which examines aptitude and innate talent. There's no need to pursue celestial or extraordinary spiritual roots; the focus is on the compatibility between one's temperament and the cultivation method."

"The third is 'observation of conduct,' which involves secretly observing how they treat others, their words and actions, and paying particular attention to their attitude towards independent cultivators and ordinary people."

"The number of participants is tentatively set at thirty-six, which corresponds to the number of the Heavenly Gang. Those who are no more than eighteen years old and have a clean background will be given priority."

"Stone Iron".

"I'm here!" Shi Tie said, puffing out his chest.

"During the assessment, you will lead senior disciples such as Wang Hu and Zhang Daniu to maintain order and deter troublemakers. If anyone causes trouble or cheats, do not hesitate to expel them from the sect as a warning to others."

"Understood! Leave it to me! Let's see who dares to cause trouble!" Shi Tie clenched his fists so tightly they cracked.

"Qingyan, the Illusionary Heart Formation must be used with care, focusing on tempering one's character and avoiding harming one's very foundation."

"Little Grass, prepare enough supplies for the new disciples in advance. Their clothing, food, lodging, and transportation must not be lacking."

"Elder Han, you are in charge of overall planning. The final list will be reviewed and approved by you and me."

Shen Mo issued clear instructions one by one, arranging the recruitment of new members in an orderly manner.

Everyone accepted the order and sprang into action. The entire sect, like a sophisticated machine, began to operate efficiently for this important matter.

The news was quickly disseminated through channels such as Baibaoge and the Zhao family:

"In accordance with the teachings of our patriarch, and to glorify the lineage of the Dao, Qingyun Sect is opening its gates to recruit thirty-six disciples. They must pass three tests, with emphasis on character rather than aptitude. Those interested should come to the foot of Qingyun Mountain on the first day of next month to participate in the assessment."

The news caused a sensation in Blackwater Marsh and the surrounding area! Countless independent cultivators and disciples of small families were excited and eager to try their luck.

Many people secretly murmured that the Qingyun Sect was really arrogant, setting three tests for accepting disciples, especially the rule of "emphasizing character over aptitude," which was unheard of.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, just as dawn was breaking, the foot of Qingyun Mountain was already packed with people, a dense, dark mass of people, probably no less than a thousand!

Men, women, young and old—all were present, their eyes gleaming with eager anticipation. Among them were scions of wealthy families in splendid attire, wandering cultivators covered in dust, and even a few young men who appeared to come from impoverished backgrounds but possessed remarkably clear and bright eyes.

Shi Tie, along with Wang Hu, Zhang Daniu, and more than ten other imposing inner disciples, maintained order. Although their numbers were far fewer, their aura, honed by the secret realm and tinged with a hint of menace, silenced the entire scene.

At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the clouds and mist at the mountain gate dispersed, and Su Xiao, Han Lin, Zhao Qingyan, Li Xiaocao, and others appeared.

Su Xiaolang announced the assessment rules in a clear and melodious voice that resonated throughout the venue.

Then, Zhao Qingyan waved her hand, and within a radius of several dozen feet below the lectern, mist rose and light and shadow shifted, and the "Microscopic Illusionary Heart Array" quietly activated.

The first challenge, "Asking the Heart," has begun.

Within the formation, illusions abounded. Some tested greed, conjuring mountains of gold and silver, and secret martial arts manuals; others tested fear, manifesting ferocious beasts and ghostly apparitions.

Some tests of perseverance, requiring one to trek through thorny paths; others test of conscience, demanding a choice made in dire circumstances…

A thousand people entered the formation, each displaying different behaviors. Some, tempted by the wealth, rushed towards the mountain of gold, only to be instantly teleported out of the formation and eliminated!

Some are cowardly as mice, crying and running away at the sight of monsters, eliminated! Some lack willpower and retreat on the thorny path, eliminated!

There are also those who, though of average talent, are kind-hearted, unmoved by temptations, persevering through fears, and upholding good intentions when faced with choices, thus overcoming difficulties step by step.