Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

The testing continued, and several more promising children emerged, drawing gasps of surprise. However, Su Xiao and Zhao Qingyan's gaze lingered more on the children and their families who seemed to have connections or exhibited unusual behavior.

As evening approached, the busy day of testing came to a temporary end.

Preliminary statistics show that in Black Stone Village, more than 10,000 children were tested, but fewer than 100 possessed spiritual roots. Among them, only seven had mid-grade spiritual roots, including Liu Xiaodao with a gold spiritual root and Zhang Heng with an earth spiritual root.

The situation in the other branch halls was roughly the same.

Li Xiaocao rubbed her aching wrist, looking at the jade slip recording names and spiritual root attributes, feeling both tired and excited: "Although there are few people, there are several good prospects! Especially that Liu Xiaodao, his gold spiritual root is almost catching up with your single wind spiritual root, Sister Qingyan!"

Zhao Qingyan nodded slightly: "His aptitude is acceptable, but his temperament still needs to be tempered. Liu Xiaodao has a determined look in his eyes and is a promising talent. As for Zhang Heng..." She snorted coldly and said no more.

Su Xiao sorted through the secret reports sent by the Shadow Guards and said softly, "The Zhang family isn't the only 'problematic' talent we discovered today. We also found a member of a small family in Shadowmoon Valley whose family has some unclear dealings with Burning Heaven Valley."

"Over at Eagle's Beak Gorge, some rogue cultivators even tried to use illusions to get past the checkpoint, but they were caught. It seems there are quite a few people interested in our 'Azure Cloud Academy'."

"What should we do then? We can't just give up because of a minor setback, can we?" Li Xiaocao asked worriedly.

"Of course not." A wise glint flashed in Su Xiao's eyes. "Our sect leader has already made arrangements. The spiritual root test is just the first hurdle."

"All disciples admitted to the academy, regardless of their aptitude, must practice basic techniques and observe their character within the academy. At the same time, they will undergo preliminary screening using the 'Minor Heart-Questioning Array' set up by Junior Sister Qingyan."

"Only those who have completed the three-year foundational period, demonstrated good character, and passed the assessment are eligible to participate in the outer sect selection. The final hurdle in the outer sect selection is the 'Flowing Cloud Heart-Questioning Array,' personally controlled by the sect leader!"

"At that time, whether one is loyal or treacherous, a gem or a stubborn rock, will be revealed."

Li Xiaocao breathed a sigh of relief, clapped her hands, and laughed, "Sect Leader Brother is so thoughtful!"

Zhao Qingyan nodded slightly: "Flowing water doesn't compete for the lead, but for its continuous flow. Opening the mountain gates wide, it's inevitable that mud and sand will be swept in; the key lies in the process of sifting and washing. Only through this layered sifting can we remove the dross and retain the essence, laying a foundation for our sect for eternity."

As night fell, the bustling Black Stone Village gradually quieted down. Families of children who had qualified were overjoyed, while those who were disappointed left dejectedly.

......

The main hall of Qingyun Mountain, the welcoming pavilion "Liuyun Pavilion" next to "Wen Dao Ping", is under heavy security today, with a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Unlike the usual bustling atmosphere of disciples coming and going, exchanging teachings and discussing doctrines, today Liuyunxuan was filled with an invisible pressure, as if the air itself had become somewhat stagnant.

Inside the pavilion, seats had already been arranged according to rank. The head seat was naturally the throne of Sect Leader Shen Mo, and a level below it, several seats were set up on the left and right for core elders of the sect such as Han Lin, Su Xiao, and Shi Tie.

Below, dozens of sandalwood tables were arranged in an orderly fashion according to their power and the closeness of their relationship. On the tables were exquisite spiritual fruits and immortal wines, exuding a faint spiritual aura, but at this moment, no one had the heart to taste them.

More than ten influential leaders in the newly designated territory, including Wang Mang, the leader of the Blackwater Gang, Lin Yuanshan, the elder of the Lin family, the leader of the Jinshimen, and the leader of Liuhuogugu, were all sitting upright.

Behind them were only one or two trusted confidants, each with shifty eyes and differing thoughts. Some wore respectful expressions,

Some people tried to remain calm, while others could not hide the resentment and scrutiny deep in their eyes.

Today is the day that Shen Mo, the leader of the Qingyun Sect, will summon his vassal forces to hold the "Sect Alliance Meeting." Although called an "alliance meeting," it is actually a meeting to establish hierarchical relationships and set rules for conduct.

Everyone knew perfectly well that this would determine whether they would be sheltered under the great tree of Qingyun Sect or gradually devoured and swallowed up.

"The sect leader has arrived!" The clear and melodious voice of the master of ceremonies rang out.

The entire place fell silent instantly; you could hear a pin drop. All the faction leaders stood up in unison, their eyes fixed on the entrance.

Shen Mo, dressed in a simple blue sect leader's robe, walked calmly and leisurely into the pavilion.

He did not deliberately release his spiritual pressure, but the demeanor he had cultivated through experiencing life and death in secret realms and managing the rise and fall of a sect naturally flowed out, profound and imposing, making people dare not look directly at him.

Behind him, the five Foundation Establishment elders, Han Lin, Su Xiao, Shi Tie, Zhao Qingyan, and Li Xiaocao, followed in turn. Their auras were either deep, sharp, cold, or agile, converging into a powerful aura that instantly enveloped the entire Liuyun Pavilion.

"Welcome, Sect Leader Shen!" Led by Wang Mang, the leader of the Blackwater Gang, the leaders of the various forces bowed and greeted him. Their voices were uneven, but no one dared to be negligent.

"No need for formalities, everyone. Please be seated." Shen Mo walked to the head seat, placed his hands on the ground as if to place them on the ground, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. He took his seat first, and the elders followed suit.

The leaders of the various factions below then carefully sat down, one side of their buttocks touching the stool, in a humble posture.

The leaders of the various factions below then carefully sat down, one side of their buttocks touching the stool, in a humble posture.

Shen Mo slowly swept his gaze over the crowd below, taking in their expressions, before speaking: "I have invited you all here today for no other reason than that. The Qingyun Sect is newly established, and we are fortunate to have the support and assistance of all parties to make this a great event."

"However, with the territory newly established and everything in need of rebuilding, the established rules cannot be abandoned. The purpose of today's meeting is to clarify everyone's roles and establish a set of rules, so as to work together to seek common development."

His tone was calm, yet he got straight to the point, getting to the heart of the matter. The crowd below felt a chill run down their spines, knowing the real drama was about to unfold.

Elder Han Lin rose at the opportune moment, holding a shimmering golden scroll, and announced loudly, "By order of the Sect Leader, I hereby proclaim the 'Qingyun Sect's Code of Conduct'!"

"Firstly, there is a strict hierarchy. The Qingyun Sect is regarded as the main sect, and each sect is a vassal sect. The sect leader has the responsibility to protect the vassal sect, and the vassal sect has the obligation to respect the sect leader, pay tribute, and obey orders."

"Secondly, tribute is regulated. Each vassal state is required to pay a fixed amount of resources such as spirit stones, minerals, and spirit herbs annually. The specific amount is determined based on its strength and the amount of resources in its territory."

"Thirdly, military service coordination. In the event of foreign invasion or large-scale banditry, each vassal state must obey the orders of its lord and send a designated number of cultivators to participate in the battle."

"Fourth, intelligence sharing. Each vassal state must regularly report the situation within its jurisdiction to the suzerain state, and must immediately report any major changes or infiltration by foreign forces."

Fifthly, trade and industry are promoted. The suzerain opens up certain market privileges and trade routes to the vassal states, and provides preferential treatment in the guidance of cultivation techniques and the purchase of elixirs and magical artifacts.

With each clause Han Lin read aloud, the expressions of the crowd below changed. This treaty clearly defined the rights and obligations of the vassal states, especially the clauses on tribute and military service, which directly concerned the core interests of each state.

Although they were mentally prepared, many people still felt a pang of pain and frustration when they actually heard the terms written in black and white.

After Han Lin finished reading, he put away the scroll and said in a deep voice, "This is the outline of the agreement. The detailed terms will be distributed to everyone later. If you have any objections, you may raise them now."

A deathly silence fell over Liuyun Pavilion. Objections? Who would dare to be the first to speak out?