Chapter 36: The Peak Selection
Chapter 36: The Peak Selection
Jiang Yun smiled with satisfaction as he and the Samsara Clones completed the creation of the 3,000 testing formations. After dedicating 20 intensive days, everything was finally ready for the next step. Jiang Yun decided to announce the recruitment of new disciples in the coming days. He saw that cultivating strong disciples would be key to increasing his villain points.
He turned to instruct the Samsara Clones to gather everyone. Suddenly, a massive aura appeared as each person, along with the clones and followers, quickly gathered. Once they arrived, they all bowed and said, "Master!"
Jiang Yun waved his hand, signaling them to relax. "You have not disappointed me."
His gaze swept over the clones and followers he had created. During this period, he had not sent the clones out to hunt for points because he was waiting for the remnants of this world to merge with the true world for greater benefits. Now, he wanted to strengthen his forces.
Using the Emperor-level Time Formation and the Soul Gathering Formation, his people could enhance their cultivation and training systems within the realm more efficiently. Additionally, he had concocted a potion that allowed the body to absorb ten times more spiritual energy, and once he reached the Emperor level, it would also enable his small world to produce other Emperors.
Jiang Yun smiled again as he thought about the forces he had built in such a short time. Including everyone in his sect, there was now one Divine Body, 136 Sacred Bodies at Emperor level, ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, and 857 Emperor-level clones at Semi-Divine level, from Level 1 to Level 3.
He decided to upgrade the 19,280 Celestial Body clones to King-level bodies to increase their combat power. Additionally, he created 79,240 new clones and ordered 98,520 King-level bodies from the system to reach a total of 100,000 bodies. Combined with the 1,480 King-level bodies he previously had, his clone army had become even stronger. The herbs needed for the spirit absorption potion, using accumulated points worth over 200 billion points, meant that everyone in his sect now had a Saint King level from Level 2 and above.
Jiang Yun turned to the clones and followers with a firm look. "Alright, all of you, I will announce the testing format."
His voice echoed throughout the area. "First, you will need to take a test to select the peak that suits you."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Choosing this peak is not easy. You will be tested in the secret realm I have created. Inside, you will face 3,000 paths that will test your abilities in all aspects to ensure you do not miss anything or end up on a path that is not suited for you. It would be a waste of time otherwise."
The clones and followers listened attentively. Jiang Yun continued, "Once you enter the secret realm, you will be divided into equal groups for testing. You will find a stele inside. Your task is to study it within one hour or faster if possible."
He paused again to ensure everyone understood. "After one hour or once you have successfully understood it, there will be a dimensional gate on your left. Beyond that gate, you will face a test where you must use the knowledge you've just studied. You must give it your all, whether it is a battle, escape, or any challenge the secret realm throws at you. Once you finish the test, whether you pass or fail, proceed to the next training path. Do not waste time doing nothing."
He raised his hand with a challenging smile. "You may enter."
Everyone shouted in response, "Understood, Master!" with determined eyes as they hurriedly entered the dimensional gate into the secret realm created by Jiang Yun, preparing to face the challenges that would test their strength.
In the midst of the bustling arena filled with whispers and hurried movements, Ming Hai appeared with more than 30 people. In the center of the arena stood a large stele with the word "Water" prominently displayed.
Ming Hai smiled slightly and calmly sat down, showing no signs of excitement or anxiety. He closed his eyes and began using his spirit to study the inscription on the stele immediately. His study was swift and focused.
Within just about 5 minutes, Ming Hai completed his learning. Looking around, he saw that no one else had finished as quickly as he had. He smiled softly and walked straight to the nearby dimensional gate.
As he passed through the dimensional gate, he found himself in a strange realm. Before him was a black ink-like figure glowing with a shimmering light. Before he could think or reconsider, the ink figure charged at him rapidly, using techniques derived from the word "Water" on the stele.
At that moment, Ming Hai felt his cultivation level restricted to Saint level, and his usual skills could not be used. Only the techniques he had just learned from the stele could be utilized. He had to adapt quickly, using his newly acquired skills to fight the ink figure.
But for Ming Hai, this was not a major problem. Even though it was a new technique he had just learned, he still managed to handle the enemy with agility and composure. Within just 1 minute, he was able to defeat the black ink figure, and the second dimensional gate opened immediately after the ink figure was defeated.
Ming Hai walked through the second dimensional gate and encountered Long Teng, who was walking in a spacious area. Long Teng looked up and smiled upon realizing Ming Hai's arrival. He raised his hand in greeting, "Ming Hai!"
Ming Hai smiled and greeted back, "Long Teng! So, you've passed the first round of tests."
Long Teng sighed and said, not sounding very pleased, "Yes, I found a training path suited to me, so I managed to get through quickly."
The two chatted for a while before turning their attention to the stele with the inscription "Medicine" on it. Long Teng sighed again, sounding unenthusiastic, "This alchemy test is really not suited for me. I'll probably have to sit here for the full hour."
Ming Hai chuckled softly, "I think the same. It's not really suited for me either, but we have to complete this test."
The two looked at each other and sat down next to one another, starting to study the stele. The tests in the secret realm were not yet over, and they knew they had to face the challenges ahead. The difficulties and lessons that lay before them still needed to be tackled, so they decided to make the most of every second.
As time passed, everyone who participated in the test had completed the first round. Each person faced different paths according to their skills and abilities. Some, such as Pa Zhi, Mu Shuyuan, Chen Wei, Chang Ming, and Mo Jun, quickly advanced through several training paths, demonstrating superior skills and preparation.
Others sometimes encountered paths that did not suit their skills or expertise, causing them to take longer to adapt and advance. However, the outside time passed quickly as Jiang Yun had used a time acceleration formation in the secret realm, which allowed him to control and speed up time without affecting their lifespan.
Jiang Yun sat calmly, sipping tea as he pondered his carefully prepared plans. Initially, he had considered creating clones with Sacred Bodies from himself, but upon further consideration, he realized that most of the bodies he possessed were incredibly powerful. Even a single clone with an Ice Sacred Body could risk losing his Emperor realm. He thought of using system points to assist in cultivation, but system points were limited and should be saved for emergencies.
He set aside this thought for now and focused on preparing for the disciple recruitment in the coming days, having also created a sect emblem for his followers.
In the secret realm, Chang Qian furrowed her brows in frustration as her alchemy pot exploded with a loud bang. Meanwhile, Chang Ming struggled with spear techniques, sweat streaming down his face, but he remained determined and unyielding. Pa Zhi was among the few who quickly passed the test, followed by Mu Shuyuan and Gao Yuan.
Chen Wei and Gong Sun Lei were still stuck in the path of music, requiring skills in coordination and mental control to play the music in harmony with the surroundings. Wang Bai and Wang He were still enjoying painting, finding happiness in their artistic pursuits.
Soon, everyone managed to complete the tests, with some facing more difficulties than others, but no one gave up or lost heart. Jiang Yun was pleased with their determination.
Finally, all the tests were concluded.
When the tests ended, everyone gathered in the wide plaza in front of the secret realm. Jiang Yun remained seated, calm and composed. As soon as everyone was assembled, Jiang Yun simply waved his hand lightly, and the Samsara Clone appeared immediately from the empty air. The Samsara Clone walked out solemnly, holding a scroll that emitted a bright, radiant light.
"Let's begin the summary of the tests," the Samsara Clone said in a calm voice as he raised the scroll towards the sky. The scroll unfolded, spreading wide, and the golden characters sparkled in the sky. Everyone gazed intently at the golden letters.
"There will be a ranking from the fastest to the slowest to exit," the Samsara Clone continued. "I will present two training paths suitable for you. You must choose one of the two paths, and if you can become the peak master, you will receive a sect emblem, a treasure at the Emperor level that can be used for defense, attack, or immediate teleportation back to the sect regardless of where you are. If you become an elder, you will receive a Saint-level emblem that enhances power and provides protection. Next will be the selection of the 3,000 peak masters."
The Samsara Clone raised his hand and called the first name, "Pa Zhi!" His voice echoed through the air. Pa Zhi stepped forward confidently, lifting his head to gaze at the scroll hanging in the sky.
"You have two choices," the Samsara Clone announced. "The Demon Peak or the Formation Peak. You may choose one."
Pa Zhi replied confidently, "I choose the Demon Peak!" As soon as he made his choice, the Samsara Clone wrote Pa Zhi's name in the scroll and handed him the sect's emblem.
"Next, Mu Shu Yuan!" the Samsara Clone continued as Mu Shu Yuan stepped forward.
"You have two choices: the Jade Peak or the Sword Peak." Without hesitation, Mu Shu Yuan replied, "I choose the Jade Peak!" The Samsara Clone wrote Mu Shu Yuan's name in the scroll and handed him the emblem.
Then, Gao Yuan shouted, "I choose the Flame Peak!"
Ming Hai shouted, "I choose the Water Peak!"
Gong Sun Lei shouted, "I choose the Thunder Peak!"
Chen Wei shouted, "I choose the Moon Peak!"
Long Teng shouted, "I choose the Dragon Peak!"
Chang Ming shouted, "I choose the Sword Peak!"
Mo Jun shouted, "I choose the Blood Peak!"
Wang Bai shouted, "I choose the Light Peak!"
Wang He shouted, "I choose the Dark Peak!"
Chang Qian shouted, "I choose the Spear Peak!"
The Wind Sacred Clone shouted, "I choose the Wind Peak!"
...
...
...
Finally, the Music Sacred Clone shouted, "I choose the Music Peak!"
When the selection of the peak masters was completed, Jiang Yun turned to the group of elders who stood waiting for his orders. He scanned them carefully before raising his hand, signaling for the Samsara Clone to step forward and announce the allocation results.
"There are over 80,000 outer elders who have been selected. You will be assigned to different peaks according to your cultivation paths. Each peak will have between 20 and 27 outer elders, and your duty will be to supervise the new disciples who will soon join us," Jiang Yun announced with a commanding voice, resonating with authority.
"As for the inner elders, nearly 20,000 have been selected. You will be assigned to various peaks according to your cultivation specialties, with 3 to 7 elders per peak. Inner elders will play a crucial role in assisting and supporting the peak masters," Jiang Yun continued, his gaze fixed on everyone standing before him. They all bowed deeply, showing their utmost respect.
After the announcements were made, Jiang Yun paused briefly, then spoke again in a powerful voice, "In a few days, we will begin recruiting new disciples into the sect. All of you must prepare yourselves. As for the sect emblems, drop your blood onto them. This will grant you access to the small world I have created, and remember this: once blood is dropped onto an emblem, no one else can use it. If the bearer dies, the emblem will shatter immediately."
When Jiang Yun finished speaking, everyone looked determined, ready for what was to come. "Prepare yourselves well. Do not be complacent, and never stop improving if you wish to continue following me. Prove to me that you are worthy of my sect."
All the elders bowed their heads in unison, showing their respect. "We accept your command, Sect Master!"
Jiang Yun nodded with satisfaction. He saw the determination and eagerness in the eyes of each elder and knew they would do their best in their duties. After that, everyone dispersed to make their preparations.