Chapter 475 Sect Entrance Examination [1]
Chapter 475 Sect Entrance Examination [1]
Zhao Tian had spent the last six days staying at the inn, walking through the bustling streets of the city, and quietly gathering information about the sect he intended to join.
He had learned much from the people in taverns, shopkeepers, and wandering cultivators. And right now, sitting at one of the tables in the inn, Zhao Tian was having his food as he took the meat with his chopsticks.
He didn't enter the artifact much these six days because staying inside the artifact, he would have to wait twelve days because of the time dilation inside.
So he just stayed outside most of the time...
After finishing his meal, Zhao Tian drank some water and walked out of the inn, as he made his way to the back of the inn.
A small house stood there, a modest building made of stone and wood and at this time, the door also opened as a woman stepped outside tying her hair into a neat bun.
However, seeing Zhao Tian, a quick smile appeared on her lips and she walked to him "Little brother..."
Zhao Tian returned her smile and spoke "I will be leaving for the sect today..."
Hearing this, the woman smiled gently and tapped on his shoulder "Good luck, Little brother and if you failed.. don't worry."
"Come back to this sister, I will pamper you and after two months, you can retake the examinations."
Zhao Tian chuckled faintly upon hearing this and took her hand as he placed a bag pouch on her palm.
Hm? The woman instantly understood what was in the punch by simply holding it and gasped in shock as she raised her gaze to look at him.
"Little Brother..."
Keeping his smile, Zhao Tian replied "I really like your food here..."
As he spoke, he prepared to depart, leaving her standing there in shock.
A bit later, she snapped out of it and her eyes softened looking at his back "Little Brother..." she mumbled, looking at the glowing diamond-like stones in the pouch.
"This much... high-grade astral stones?"
She gave a gentle bow in his direction as he left "Hope you will come to see this Sister again..."
...
As Zhao Tian exited the inn, he raised his hand, signaling for a carriage. A middle-aged man driving a modest wooden carriage pulled up beside him, the horses snorting softly in the cool morning air.
The man, his graying beard and weathered skin showing years of experience, glanced down at Zhao Tian and asked in a gravelly voice, "Where to, young man?" "The southern gate of Jade Eclipse sect."
The man's eyes widened slightly with interest. "Ah, it's that time, huh? Sect Entrance Examination. Quite the occasion. Hop in," he said, gesturing toward the open door of the carriage with a knowing smile. With a smile, Zhao Tian entered the carriage and soon, the carriage arrived at the southern gate of the Jade Eclipse Sect. The middle-aged driver pulled the reins and stopped the carriage just outside the gate. "Here you go, lad. Best of luck in there," the man said, tipping his straw hat with a kind nod.
Zhao Tian offered a smiling nod in return before stepping down from the carriage. As he walked toward the sect's enormous courtyard, Zhao Tian noticed the steady flow of people being dropped off just like him... young cultivators with eyes full of hope and ambition, some arriving in groups, others alone like him.
The courtyard was vast, able to hold hundreds, with stone pathways lined with ancient trees and pillars. His eyes glanced around at the people standing in small groups and then his gaze fell on the enormous ancient stone gate that was in front of him.
After he had gathered the information, he learned that the Sect was the most prestigious Sect in this star, and many dreamed of even entering as outer disciples.
People even come from other High Stars to this apex High Star to join this Jade Eclipse Sect.
Zhao Tian also took a place in the courtyard and sat there silently.
He can feel some heads turning to look at him, probably because of his handsome face.
A few more minutes passed and the enormous stone gate slowly began to open.
*creeek* Everyone in the courtyard hurriedly stood up and glanced at the two people who just stepped out from the door.
One was a middle-aged wearing a black cloak with some crimson patterns and beside him was another oldman standing behind him looking like his assistant.
The man's cold gaze swept through everyone in the courtyard seeing through their cultivation and most of them were in the 1st to 3rd level of the Soul Refine Stage.
His gaze then fell on Zhao Tian for a second '6th level of Soul Refine stage...'
With a slight cough, he began his speech "I am Eldric Grey, one of the Elders and Wing Masters of the Jade Eclipse Sect."
"As you all know," Eldric continued, "today marks the beginning of the entrance examination for the Jade Eclipse Sect. This sect stands as one of the most prestigious in the Jade Eclipse Star, and it has remained so because only the strongest, most disciplined, and most talented can become part of it." "And today I will be the Examineer for your Sect Entrance..."
Hearing this, the people were pumped up and nodded their heads enthusiastically.
Zhao Tian was not surprised by the Western kind of name in the Sect as there are many people from other stars who come here and he must have climbed the ranking.
And he already knows who this man is...
The Wing Master of Azure Star Wing, one of the 13 wings in the Sect... Eldric Grey.
Eldric Grey continued to speak "Our Jade Eclipse Sect is mostly surrounded by the Great Tianhe forest from the North, East.. touching the South, while the royal capital and many other cities are on the West side."
Many people know this fact as the Great Tianhe forest is one of the biggest forests in the Jade Eclipse Star which stretches for thousands of kilometers and is filled with powerful Astral beasts.
"Your task this time would be collecting the marbles that are spread across the forest by us."
Hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded. Huh? Marbles? To look through all of those thousand kilometers?
Eldric Grey continued "You don't have to panic... we have marked the radius where you will need to find the marble and contains astral beasts appropriate for your cultivation levels. Each of you will be tasked with retrieving special marbles that we have hidden throughout this zone." Everyone let out a sigh of relief and Eldric Grey spoke "You need to at least collect 20 marbles to join the Sect."
His tone grew sharper, "But remember this: the Great Tianhe Forest is not forgiving. Many have lost their lives there, and if you underestimate it, you will join them."
"Only the strong will survive, and only the worthy will join the sect. There will be no assistance from the sect during this trial... your life and success depend entirely on your abilities." "And of course... the top three who get more marbles will gain special rewards."