After the brutal massacre carried out by the three forces of the Imperial level, everyone who witnessed it was shocked and terrified. The chatter in the open courtyard fell silent immediately; no one dared to show any rashness or speak out carelessly anymore.
An elderly woman next to Chui Meng turned to speak in a low, fearful voice, "At the very least, those three must be comparable to late-stage emperors, and more importantly, their Guardian Elder... he possesses strength beyond what the highest-ranking emperors could achieve."
She paused for a moment, gazing in the direction of the Guardian Elder and the Mountain Lords who were stationed there. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and uncertainty.
"And in this sect, there are ten more such Guardian Elders... When the entire world is united, the Fallen Heaven Blood Sect will surely become even stronger. If no one can destroy them, they will be unstoppable."
Chui Meng listened to the old woman's words, her curiosity growing more intense. She looked at the man she had once met, a black dragon who stood firm amidst the pressure of the crowd. His face bore a faint, cool smile filled with confidence, as if he knew well that the power of the Fallen Heaven Blood Sect would not be easily halted.
"The Fallen Heaven Blood Sect..." Chui Meng thought to herself. "What plans do you have? Why gather people like this? And why accept disciples in unlimited numbers?" Questions began to form in her mind.
As the tension in the open courtyard continued to rise, all eyes remained fixed on the powerful figures of the Fallen Heaven Blood Sect, while the murmur of conversation suggested that this calm was merely the silence before a great storm. The world was facing unpredictable changes, and only the strongest would survive the coming storm.
Suddenly, the voice of the Guardian Elder echoed across the courtyard, "Silence!" His voice carried an aura of power and authority, drawing all eyes to him with intense focus. Amidst the ensuing silence, the Guardian Elder continued, "The Sect Master is not here at the moment, but he has left a message for me to deliver to you."
An image of Jiang Yun appeared in mid-air, like a living projection. All eyes were fixed intently on him. Jiang Yun stood among towering mountains, his face calm but his eyes filled with determination.
He began speaking with a voice that carried power, "All of you who are here have your own goals and dreams. I understand well that everyone has come here to seek success and power beyond measure. But I ask you... among the one billion people here, how many of you will truly achieve what you set out to accomplish?"
Jiang Yun's words echoed throughout the courtyard, enveloping the area in silence once again. Everyone could feel the pressure radiating from his words.
Jiang Yun paused for a moment, looking around as if he were gazing through the projection at the people standing before him. He continued, "I can give you everything you desire, no matter what it is. But remember, I will not grant success to the weak. I will not give positions or honors to the unworthy. You must prove to me that you are deserving and valuable enough to remain in my sect!"
As Jiang Yun finished speaking, his image gradually faded into the air, leaving behind a heavy, profound silence. Everyone remained still, not daring to speak or move, feeling the strength and intensity in Jiang Yun's words.
The Guardian Elder stepped forward, his eyes showing a stern and powerful gaze. Suddenly, he raised his hand and threw an object into the sky. A towering, obsidian-colored tower appeared in the air, its brilliant light causing everyone to squint. This tower seemed to pierce the heavens, with eight floors stretching endlessly into the sky. The aura emanating from it made everyone feel an immense power.
The Guardian Elder spoke with a resounding voice that echoed throughout, "All you need to do is pass through these eight floors of the tower. Those who wish to be tested, nod your head or raise your hand, and I will send you inside immediately."
As he finished speaking, many people raised their hands or nodded in unison. Some were excited, others confident, and some anxious, but none retreated. Suddenly, those who raised their hands were transported into the tower by a tremendous wave of energy, their bodies vanishing amidst a bright white light.
The Samsara Mirror, using the mystical tools of the Fallen Heaven Blood Sect, began projecting the interior of the tower for those outside to see. Everyone in the courtyard watched the image with intense focus, closely monitoring their comrades.
On the first floor, everyone who entered would find that any injuries or physical disabilities were healed, restoring them to normal. All the testers were then subjected to an illusion that created a complex simulated scenario to test whether any were spies. They would face situations requiring them to choose between loyalty or betrayal, and their actions would reveal their trustworthiness and integrity.
After some time, only a few failed; most were spies from the Imperial forces, such as the Wang Family, the Dragon Clan, the Whirlpool Dynasty, and others. The Samsara Mirror noted down all details.
After passing the first floor, the testers were transported to a new location where they saw a long staircase stretching endlessly. This staircase seemed to have no end. They stared at it in bewilderment and confusion, unsure of what to do next.
Suddenly, a powerful voice echoed through the air, "You are to climb this staircase as far as you can. Begin!" It was a command with no further explanation.
This second floor tested true determination and resolve. They were tasked with climbing the staircase without any clear destination. Everyone began to move in unison, ascending the staircase that stretched endlessly in a direction with no end in sight.
Chui Meng stood among the crowd with her elderly companion, discussing the first test. The elderly woman smiled, "It's an interesting way to test. I haven't seen many sects conduct tests like this." Chui Meng nodded, "Yes, I think so too."
They began climbing the staircase quietly. Time passed without anyone knowing how long. They continued to ascend without any pressure or other challenges; they simply had to keep walking without end. But after a while, the staircase began to separate people little by little. Everyone was left to walk alone on their path.
As time passed, some of them began to feel the loneliness creeping in. A faint whisper echoed in their minds, "How much longer must I keep walking?" Many started to doubt and lose heart. Some gradually stopped and chose to give up.
Chui Meng continued walking, even though she felt utterly abandoned. "How much longer must I keep going?" she wondered to herself as she kept stepping up the stairs steadily, without pause. Then, suddenly, she felt a strange force pulling at her, and she was instantly warped into a room where six other people were already present. Chui Meng was slightly shocked to see that so many had arrived before her.
Shortly after, the old woman who had been with Chui Meng also stepped into the room. She quickly approached Chui Meng.
"As expected of you, Young Miss, but it seems others have arrived before you," the old woman smiled with a hint of surprise.
Chui Meng nodded, "Yes, I thought I was fast, but it's surprising to see so many skilled people here."
The old woman nodded. "This test isn't just about ability or strength; it tests our minds and determination as well... I must be prepared for whatever lies ahead."
Once everyone had completed the test, the scene suddenly shifted to a steep cliff that stretched so high it was impossible to see its peak. The same powerful voice boomed once again, "You must climb this cliff using only your hands. Those who cannot do so within one hour will be eliminated... Begin!"
Everyone immediately began to scale the cliff. Some climbed quickly, hoping to pass the test as soon as possible. But suddenly, sharp thorns shot out from the cliffside, piercing the hands and arms of many. Some fell to the ground below instantly, fear and pain erupting in their hearts.
However, some used the sharp thorns that pierced their arms or hands as additional grips. They continued climbing, ignoring the pain that stabbed at them. Those who fell below continued climbing again, undeterred. The difference between those who were discouraged and those determined to surpass their limits began to emerge clearly.
Chui Meng was among those who fell from the cliff as well. She thought to herself, "I have never faced pain like this before..." But at the same time, her face was full of determination. She refused to let defeat take over and immediately lunged back onto the cliff, climbing with renewed resolve.
The sounds of pain and heavy breathing filled the air, but none of the remaining participants gave up. This test wasn't just about physical strength; it was a test of courage, perseverance, and endurance. Time seemed to pass slowly, but the testers seemed to care for nothing except climbing upward.
Now, only 700 million remained, those who ignored the pain and continued climbing without pause. They knew this challenge wasn't just about proving their abilities but testing their very souls.
Chui Meng felt the pain in her hands and arms, but every time she encountered a sharp thorn that shot out, she used it as motivation to keep climbing.
The remaining participants continued with determination, knowing that every passing second was precious, and none of them wanted to waste it.
After one hour, only 400 million were left. Suddenly, the forest ahead of them transformed, and the fourth test began in silence. Thick fog covered the entire area, making it impossible to see anything. A voice boomed with a challenging tone, "You must escape the fog within one hour. If you cannot, you will be eliminated!"
The illusionary fog was not just a visual obstacle; it also tested the greed hidden within the hearts of the testers in a brutal manner. Precious treasures, beautiful women, and handsome men appeared, seemingly real, to tempt and hold them back. Some succumbed to greed, lured by the enticing treasures, and allowed themselves to become lost in their desires.
An hour passed, and the fourth test ended. Of the billions of testers, only 200 million remained. Chui Meng still stood beside the old woman, who spoke with admiration.
"This is a well-designed test... Truly fascinating."
Suddenly, the fifth test began. They were separated once again and had to assume the role of a family leader facing constant pressure from surrounding sects that were always ready for war. They had to solve the problem with strategy and decisive decisions. After a grueling test, the fifth level concluded, with only 100 million participants successfully passing.
Level 6 appeared next, which was a test of the mind. The participants were repeatedly forced to face failure after failure. Those who were mentally unstable and unable to accept failure were gradually eliminated. Eventually, the sixth level concluded with only 10 million participants remaining.
Then, Level 7 arrived — the simplest test so far. The participants were confronted with an illusion that made them believe the situation they faced was real. They had to choose between the Heavenly Bloodfall Sect or the person or thing they loved most. They had to decide which one to eliminate. Once everyone made their choice, they were warped to a place where a strange stone stood. What was more shocking was… there were still 10 million survivors!
Chui Meng frowned, wondering why the number of people who passed the test remained the same. She had chosen to destroy the sect rather than anything else. Seeing the familiar old woman, Chui Meng hurriedly approached her with a sense of urgency and asked, "What did you choose?"
The old woman replied in a soft but firm voice, "I chose to remove the one I love most..."
Chui Meng listened intently, but inside, she began to question herself. How would these tests continue? And what would the final level be like?
A resonant voice echoed throughout the area, firm and powerful: "You are to study these three techniques within one hour. If you succeed, you will pass this test immediately... Begin!"
As soon as the command ended, all 10 million participants began using their spiritual senses to quickly study the stone before them. Chui Meng and the old woman were no different from the others; both were focused on comprehending the techniques inscribed on the stone.
The first technique was "Emperor-Level Technique: Heart's Perception," which enhanced the user's understanding and awareness of the natural laws, while expanding their spiritual senses up to tenfold.
[Hidden aspect: It can conceal memories. If anyone tries to search the spirit of the practitioner, the searcher's body will be trapped and devoured instantly. However, if the searcher has a higher cultivation level, the body of the practitioner will explode with force comparable to that of the highest-level imperial weapon.]
The second technique was "Emperor-Level Technique: Eternal Life," which quadrupled the lifespan of each cultivation realm, increased understanding, and could restore or revive hidden bodies regardless of level, but a special body must already exist. If seized, it could never be restored.
[Hidden aspect: It compels the practitioner to immediately be loyal to Jiang Yun, though their mental state and emotions remain the same, with the condition that if the practitioner harbors ill intent toward Jiang Yun, they will become a puppet instantly without any resistance. Furthermore, if the practitioner of this technique kills a blessed one, Jiang Yun will receive points as if he had killed them himself.]
The final technique was "Emperor-Level Technique: Concealing Fortune," which can hide dark fortune, evade danger, and avoid punishment or any action that heaven intends to take against the practitioner.
Time passed slowly, but the tension was palpable. Everyone concentrated with all their might, and when one hour had passed, something astonishing happened... All 10 million participants managed to master these techniques within the given time, which was completely unexpected.
The old woman turned her gaze to Chui Meng standing beside her, her eyes filled with suspicion and surprise. Chui Meng also met her gaze, her voice trembling from emotions she couldn't explain.
"These techniques... who created them, and where did the Heavenly Bloodfall Sect obtain them?"
The old woman nodded lightly. "You're right, Young Mistress. These techniques are incredibly powerful. Anyone who possesses them could at least become an emperor-level cultivator."
Afterward, everyone inside the tower heard a loud voice echoing throughout the area: "You have passed the test. Congratulations! I will give you three days. You can decide whether to return to your continent or enter the sect immediately. However, if you wish to return, the Guardian Elder will take you back to where you came from, so you can handle family matters or any other business. If you wish, you may bring your family to live in the Heavenly Bloodfall City at your convenience... You may leave."
When the command ended, the participants bowed sincerely. Some chose to return to their continent immediately to resolve unfinished matters or deliver good news to their families. Others chose to stay, having no one or nothing left to worry about.
Those outside were astonished, as they couldn't know what had happened inside the tower after the first level ended. The Guardian Elder had closed the images and allowed only sect members to witness the tests inside.
Suddenly, 990 million people were sent out of the tower. The atmosphere around them was filled with sadness and confusion. Many were silent, feeling discouraged and regretful for not passing the test. They felt as if they had lost the greatest opportunity of their lives.
After a while, only 10 million participants emerged, their eyes filled with determination and hope. The announcement sounded again, "You may return to your continent. Simply think of the place and continent you wish to return to, and the Guardian Elder will send you back immediately."
Those who passed the test were instructed to register with the designated official in charge.
Suddenly, an aura of 80,000 Saint Kings soared into the air, demonstrating immense strength and power beyond ordinary people. Exclamations echoed throughout the field, and many were stunned by the overwhelming power.
"80,000 Saint Kings?! This is madness!"
"The lowest level among these Saint Kings is level 2?"
"Where did Jiang Yun find these people?"
"What exactly is in the Heavenly Bloodfall Sect?"
Chui Meng, standing among the crowd, observed this scene with suspicion. She sensed a significant change in the unfolding situation and began to speculate whether this test might just be the beginning of something grand or catastrophic.
The old woman beside her spoke softly, "Those who passed this test… they all feel extraordinary, even those with ordinary bodies. And all those Saint Kings have regal bodies, and the spiritual power they emit is so intense that weaker people can't even perceive it."
Chui Meng nodded with a serious expression. "I think so too."
After a while, everyone dispersed — some returned to their continents, while others immediately joined the sect. A few days later, intriguing news spread rapidly throughout the Tianyuan Land.