CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 127: ALLIANCE OF TWO PARTIES, GRAND OPENING OF THE MOUNTAIN GATE_4

"In any case, let’s remain calm for now; the longer we delay, the less threatening they become. Today, as we open the mountain for recruitment, we should take advantage of the examination to completely eliminate these ’snakes and rats.’"

The two were discussing.

Their gazes were focused on the mountain gate.

Luo Wentian’s voice echoed across the entire True Martial Mountain, indicating that the examination was about to begin.

At the mountain gate.

There gathered many participants, some hoping to join the True Martial Sect and others simply here for the spectacle.

The True Martial disciples were striving to maintain order.

Luo Wentian surveyed the crowd, exuding the presence of a sect leader, and said loudly:

"Today, our True Martial Sect open its mountain gate widely. I am grateful for all traveling from afar. But as for this recruitment, it has been clarified beforehand that only children under ten who have not yet embarked on the Martial Path will be accepted as disciples. As for those accomplished in Martial Arts, only those above the White Mist Realm will be accepted."

"Others who do not meet the requirements, please leave the mountain."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

All at once.

The crowd erupted in uproar.

"How could this be? We traveled from far away, please give us a chance, Sect Leader Luo!"

"Yes, yes, our young master has just started on the Martial Path, practicing some family martial arts."

"Unexpectedly, the True Martial Sect is so tyrannical, contrary to its reputation..."

Some underhanded remarks began to surface.

Many tried to pressure Luo Wentian into changing his mind by rallying the masses.

But Luo Wentian remained unmoved, for this was decided long ago and would not change in the slightest. Moreover, this was not a spontaneous decision by the True Martial Sect; the recruitment standards had been spread along with the news three months prior.

Many present knew this, yet still came, vainly hoping to try their luck.

Hoping to find an opportunity to sneak in.

Because the True Martial Sect was known for its benevolence.

However, they had forgotten that the True Martial Sect was also known for decisive action.

Luo Wentian remained still.

Beside him, Xiong Shi bellowed angrily, his Gang Qi surging like an enraged lion:

"The examination standards were set three months ago. Anyone speaking nonsense will be killed!"

He punched out, his Gang Qi smashing a large stone, instantly quelling all commotion.

In the Qing State, the White Mist Realm is considered a top-tier expert. Even the strongest of some weaker Martial sects may not reach such a realm, so the deterrence is effective. Particularly now that Xiong Shi has assumed the role of Punishment Elder, his influence has become increasingly apparent.

The instigators immediately turned pale.

Especially upon seeing the cold looks developing in the eyes of the surrounding True Martial disciples, they couldn’t help but shiver, realizing their plans were mistaken.

One by one, figures hurriedly bowed their heads and departed.

The previously noisy base of the mountain was suddenly left half-empty.

However, it was starkly divided into two parts.

One part consisted entirely of children, some accompanied by elders, others alone.

These children numbered nearly ten thousand, with an estimated total of thirty to forty thousand including those who left earlier. They formed the main force of the examination this time.

The other part had only around a hundred people, all strong practitioners above the White Mist Realm. At this moment, their expressions varied; some crossed their arms, some stared straight ahead, while others whispered discussions. These were all loose martial artists, here for better prospects and resources.

They had struggled outside for a long time, rarely getting such an opportunity. Now, with the possibility of joining the True Martial Sect, they valued it greatly.

Luo Wentian carefully perceived those unconcealed auras, feeling quite astonished that there was actually a Primordial Core Realm expert among them, and also seven or eight from the Jade Liquid Realm.

Though astonished, he was secretly cautious, as Long Shan had previously discussed the matter of confidential letters with him.

Looking at the crowd gradually settling down.

Luo Wentian declared loudly:

"I hereby announce that the True Martial examination officially begins!"

"The first round is the Heaven-Ascending Ladder!"

He gestured with his hand, and everyone’s gaze fell upon the green stone steps behind him.

Luo Wentian’s gaze was full of authority:

"Only those who can cross the Heaven-Ascending Ladder will pass the first round. Those who give up halfway, or cannot reach the top, cannot enter the gates of True Martial."

The children immediately became nervous.

The green stone steps appeared ordinary, yet seemed to emit a certain peculiar force. With Luo Wentian’s words, the green stone steps also started to appear less ordinary.