Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Although the disciples were surprised, they attributed it more to the sect's prosperous fortune, the patriarch's protection, and their own efforts and fate, and no one delved into the source of the surprise.

Only Shen Mo, inside the Enlightenment Cave, felt the imperceptible yet real increase in the sect's fortune after each "investment," and understood the fleeting, more peaceful and joyful expression that flashed in A Yuan's eyes when corresponding events occurred.

These "stories" are gradually becoming part of the sect's collective understanding, solidifying the foundation of the "Qingyun lineage".

As the sect's strength and reputation continued to rise, people flocked to it seeking to become its disciples.

After discussing with Su Xiao and Han Lin, Shen Mo decided to learn from the successful experience of the first recruitment and instead of opening up the mountain gate on a large scale, they would adopt a strategy of "regular selection, better to have none than to have bad ones".

For the next two years, the Qingyun Sect would open its gates once a year in autumn to recruit thirty new disciples. The standards remained strict, with character and affinity being of paramount importance, and aptitude being secondary.

Each recruitment is like a grand event. Young men and women from Blackwater Marsh and even further afield, carrying dreams of immortality, gather at the foot of Qingyun Mountain to undergo three trials: questioning the heart, testing the spirit, and observing conduct.

Some scions of prominent families failed miserably, while others from humble backgrounds rose to prominence.

The constant influx of new blood keeps the sect vibrant, and a positive atmosphere of mentorship and guidance has developed among the disciples.

Of course, with more people, friction is inevitable, and the Hall of Affairs has made mediating disputes among disciples a daily routine. However, guided by clear sect rules and the contribution point system, the overall atmosphere is positive and uplifting.

This day marked the annual recruitment day. Outside the mountain gate, crowds thronged, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The new disciples waited nervously for the assessment, while some "older" disciples who had been with the school for a year or two maintained order on the side, occasionally exchanging whispers with a hint of pride on their faces.

"Look at that kid in the brocade robe, so arrogant. I doubt he can even pass the first trial, the 'Heart-Questioning Formation.'" A disciple of the Battle Hall crossed his arms and gestured to his companion.

"Hehe, hard to say. Last year, that young master Zhao was quite arrogant, but he ended up crying and begging for mercy in the illusion array. In the end, it was Senior Brother Sun who had a soft heart and pulled him out," his companion laughed.

"Sigh, I really want to go back to the 'Flowing Clouds' Secret Realm on 'Flowing Clouds' difficulty to practice again. I've almost accumulated enough contribution points!" Another disciple said with longing.

Inside the mountain gate, on the lecture platform, Shen Mo, Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin sat side by side, watching the assessment below.

Zhao Qingyan, Li Xiaocao, and others were also present. Several promising candidates emerged during this recruitment drive.

A ragged boy with eyes as stubborn as a wolf remained unmoved by the mountains of gold and silver and the secret manuals of divine skills that appeared in the "Questioning the Heart Formation," his eyes remaining clear throughout.

Shi Tie nodded repeatedly, "This kid's to my liking! He's got the makings of a body-refining cultivator!"

A seemingly delicate girl, yet exceptionally sensitive to fluctuations in spiritual energy, was able to vaguely point out subtle flaws in the flow of spiritual light on the testing stone pillar during the "spirit test," which caught the eye of Zhao Qingyan, the examiner.

Su Xiao nodded slightly: "This woman has extraordinary spiritual insight; perhaps she can teach me the art of illusion."

Another boy, during the "observation" segment, voluntarily shared his dry rations with a competitor who had fainted from hunger on the roadside, while he himself completed the assessment on an empty stomach.

Han Lin stroked his beard and smiled: "A kind heart is rare."

Shen Mo's gaze calmly swept across the entire audience, taking in everything. He was deeply gratified by the sect's abundance of talented individuals and its well-structured hierarchy. His gaze finally settled on A Yuan, who stood quietly below the stage.

She was looking at a little girl among her new disciples who was showing a happy expression at a wild grass. The corners of her mouth curved slightly, and her eyes revealed a gentle feeling of sympathy.

Shen Mo's heart stirred slightly. Perhaps the sect should also consider offering some guidance courses for disciples with special talents.

As night fell, the recruitment assessment concluded, and the list of thirty new disciples was finalized. Some were happy, some were sad. Qingyun Mountain once again welcomed new members.

Inside the main hall, Shen Mo listened to Su Xiao's report on the overall situation of this recruitment and the allocation plan for the new disciples.

"The thirty people admitted this time are all of excellent character and aptitude. As is customary, they will first enter the outer sect, where the elders and deacons will take turns preaching for three months to observe their character and strengths before assigning them to other positions."

Among them, the stubborn boy named "Tiezhu" has already been reserved by Senior Brother Shi; the junior sister "Yunqin" with her exceptional spiritual sense is someone Junior Sister Qingyan intends to bring into the Array Hall; and the kind-hearted "Musheng" is someone Elder Han thinks could learn administrative management from Wang Hu...

Shen Mo nodded: "Alright. You may make the arrangements as appropriate. As the sect grows in size, the rules must not be abandoned, and guidance must be given with care. In particular, we must admonish the new disciples to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and to focus on diligent cultivation."

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader," Su Xiao replied respectfully.

Shen Mo walked to the cave entrance and looked down at the bustling sect scene with lights and people. The night breeze carried the fragrance of the herb garden and the shouts of disciples cultivating in the distance.

Two years have passed, and since Shen Mo set the strategy of "five years of accumulating strength and waiting for the beginning of the world," it has now been the last five years.

On this day, which happened to be the Autumn Equinox, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the air was crisp and refreshing. On the main peak square of Qingyun Mountain, flags fluttered and crowds thronged.

All 217 inner and outer disciples, dressed in uniform blue cloud-patterned disciple robes, stood in neat rows, solemn and respectful.

A solemn yet irrepressible atmosphere of excitement permeated the air. Today marks the conclusion of Qingyun Sect's first "five-year period," and also a new beginning.

In front of the square, on the high platform, Shen Mo, dressed in a simple blue robe, stood with his hands behind his back.

Five years had not left many marks on his face. On the contrary, as his cultivation improved day by day, his aura became more and more profound, and his eyes exuded the imposing presence of a grandmaster.

Beside him stood three Foundation Establishment elders: Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin, each exuding vitality and power, representing the sect's current top combat strength.

Below the stage, standing in the front row were the deacons of each hall, their personal disciples, and the core members whose cultivation had reached the late stage of Qi Refining.

Li Xiaocao, Zhao Qingyan, Wang Hu, Zhang Daniu, A Tu, Lin Xiaofan, Zhou Xiaoya and others were all present, each exuding a calm and composed aura, a far cry from their youthful appearance five years ago.

Further back were numerous inner disciples at the mid-stage of Qi Refining and outer disciples who had just entered the sect, their faces beaming with pride and anticipation.

"Thump—!"

A deep, resonant bell tolled through the mountains, silencing all other noises. The entire area fell into an instant of complete silence; you could hear a pin drop.

Shen Mo's gaze slowly swept over each young and energetic face below the stage. His voice was calm, yet clear enough to reach everyone's ears, carrying a comforting power: "Five years."

Those three simple words stirred the emotions of many veteran disciples in the audience, bringing tears to their eyes. Yes, five years!

From a small, unknown sect that grew from four to twelve members to a powerful sect with four Foundation Establishment cultivators, over two hundred disciples, and a reputation that resounds throughout several counties surrounding the Blackwater Marsh, only those who have personally experienced it can truly understand the hardships and struggles involved.