212 Chapter 212 (2/2)
”Such beauty!”
”Is she really here?”
”H-how could this be?”
Everyone's mouth went agape after they saw the hologram projection of the beauty. She floated above and looked like a giant which made everyone realize that this wasn't probably her real body.
”Everyone here will have the chance of being accepted into our sect. The trials inside might be harsh on your body and soul, if you aren't willing to suffer through them you are free to leave.”
Everyone nodded and was unwilling to go back now, there was far too much at stake. A sect that could create such a treasure must have been quite powerful and resourceful. Everyone felt invigorated as they continued to listen to the beauty.
”Good, listen well. Our sect members will escort you to the trial area, please follow their instructions at all costs…”
The introduction continued for a while as Zhang Xue listed out some rules. The participants were to listen to the seniors and do whatever they demanded of them. They could quit at any time, they just needed to voice it out and then they would be removed outside. There wouldn't just be your regular strength-based tests. There would be other various ways you'd be allowed to get in, even with a lower realm than on average.
”That is all, please follow the instructions.”
The hologram fizzled out and turned into multiple colorful lights. Zhang Dong statue's eyes stopped glowing and they went back into looking into the distance.
”This is it, brothers, let us depart!”
”Yes!”
Everyone shouted in unison. The participants here were all hopeful, they had made it through the initial screening so there shouldn't be any problems on the inside. At least that is what they all thought.
They soon arrived at the large gate that would take them into the sect grounds. It was made out of white jade and it was absolutely massive. There were some intricate carvings on it depicting strange monsters like dragons, phoenixes, and qilins. The moment they arrived those doors started to part. As they parted everyone noticed that there was a single person right in the middle.
He had similar snow-white hair as the beauty that they had seen in the square. He was quite handsome and was even standing on a large green crystal sword. He flew forward while everyone watched, his ability of flight gave away his cultivation level to the people here. Everyone did the natural thing and clasped their hands while greeting this senior.
”I welcome you to the sect, please follow me inside.”
He did a quick turn and moved inside. He was standing like a grand pillar with his hands behind his back and a stoic expression on his face. The crowd of people didn't ask any questions and quickly moved inside. Even they knew who this man was and it would spell death if they offended him in any shape or form.
From the one million people remained about one fifth. The screening process was quite brutal on these participants. This was still far too many people, the sect could at most accept up to a hundred thousand. This was their first recruitment drive so they would be a bit more lenient with their first new batch.
”Listen up!”
”This is the United Element Sect! We do not accept people without talent that can't offer the sect anything in return. We expect you to work and work hard! These tests will prepare you for your future life as a disciple, if you show us your worth, you will be rewarded!”
Zhang Liu performed a little introduction speech, listing a couple of things that Zhang Xue might have left out. He then pointed the participants in a direction, what they saw there shocked them quite a bit.
Past the gate was another wide-open space, walls were closing off the view of most of the buildings and there were many people in sect robes standing. This wasn't the most interesting part though, there were many circular looking contraptions lined out. It didn't take them long to figure out what they were for as one activated.
”I-is that a teleportation gate?”
”My lord, this sect is really a grand sect!”
The people became abuzz with chatter. Teleportation technology was something that wasn't available to the regular clans spread throughout the land. Only powerful sects like the old Dark Palm sect were able to gather enough resources to build one. This cemented the United Elements sect's position in their hearts and made them crave their knowledge and strength even more.
”As you might have heard, combat trials aren't the only way of proving yourself. Alchemy, blacksmithing, healing, herb gathering, and many more. Each gate will take you to a different trial…”
Liu continued explaining, there were multiple trials and the participants had a limited time to pass them. They could abandon trials they were failing at and for instance, try pill creation instead of battling combat puppets. There were many ways of passing the tests and they needed to prove their worth by getting merit points.
”Each trial has a set number of merit points assigned to them if you manage to gather 100 points you will pass!”
The potential disciples looked at the teleportation gates that started activating one after another. Soon the blue light filled the entire area, the strange sound of those gates brought goosebumps of anticipation.
”The trial will commence now, I wish you luck, and may we see each other in the future!”
Zhang Liu nodded before taking off, the trial would have a time limit of a week and would probably bring down the number of participants to one-tenth of what it was before, maybe even lower.