Chapter 145: Beast King Sect Outer Courtyard
Seeing his actions, Su Yan merely smiled slightly and strode forward.
That person tried to block him, wanting to force Su Yan back.
But the next moment, he felt a powerful force surge towards him, causing him to stagger and be pushed aside.
His face was extremely ugly, filled with shame and anger, and he wanted to throw a punch.
Su Yan simply pressed his hand down, grabbing his shoulder, and his aura enveloped the person, restraining him.
“Open your eyes and see clearly.”
Releasing his True Intent Realm aura, the person’s face suddenly changed, and he dared not attack.
Su Yan laughed heartily and strode towards the first echelon.
Although he was walking, each step could cover two to threezhang, and in a flash, he had passed seven or eight people.
Those people were all geniuses from the eight great families. Those who received a first-class recommendation token had at least peak Spirit Nurturing Realm strength, and they released their True Intent projections to block Su Yan with their aura.
Su Yan’s body merely bumped slightly, and with each step, he was like a feral beast, directly shattering these blockades.
He took a step forward, his body landing on the back of the Green Horned Giant Eagle, becoming the seventh person to board the Green Horned Giant Eagle, catching up from behind.
The previous seven people’s gazes fell upon him, flickering, revealing expressions of surprise.
“Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger, did Xiang Ge recruit you?”
Zhao Dongjian, clad in green armor, looked at him and asked.
“I was fortunate enough to receive this skill from Senior Xiang Ge.”
Zhao Dongjian nodded slightly and snorted, “Xiang Ge has decent taste.”
After Su Yan, those with first-class recommendation tokens successively boarded, stabilizing their footing. Counting carefully, there were only a little over ninety people, with descendants of the eight great families making up one-fifth of them.
Of the remaining people, judging by their appearance, most were geniuses from county towns. Less than one-fifth of the three hundred county towns could obtain a first-class recommendation token.
“One hundred first-class recommendation tokens were issued, and ninety-five people actually arrived. Good, at least ninety percent came. Eleven True Intent Realm martial artists, this year’s batch is quite good.”
Zhao Dongjian swept his gaze over everyone and then said, “Those with second-class recommendation tokens board the back of the Green Horned Giant Eagles; the rest should each find a Black Horned Giant Eagle.”
As Zhao Dongjian’s voice fell, those with second-class recommendation tokens and the remaining talented individuals moved in unison, heading towards the Green Horned Giant Eagles and the Black Horned Giant Eagles beside them.
Everyone moved swiftly, and there was constant competition among them.
Zhao Dongjian had no intention of waiting for everyone. Not long after he finished arranging things, the leading Green Horned Giant Eagle spread its wings, and demonic essence stirred up a gust of air.
The powerful airflow even swept some martial artists who had not yet stabilized their footing off the Black Horned Giant Eagles, causing them to look quite disheveled.
Zhao Dongjian’s gaze swept over them, and he coldly snorted, “Useless.”
The Green Horned Giant Eagles took off, and the remaining Black Horned Giant Eagles followed suit.
In an instant, a hundred birds took flight, their forms obscuring the sky and the sun, the air filled with giant birds and beasts, a truly spectacular sight.
A fierce gale swept in, but a layer of demonic essence condensed on the Green Horned Giant Eagle, blocking out the airflow.
However, the Black Horned Giant Eagles beside them were not so fortunate. Without the protection of the demonic essence layer, they had to endure the impact of the gale.
Clouds drifted past their sides, and below, the mountains and peaks were laid out before their eyes.
The Green Horned Giant Eagles were extremely fast, and in a short time, they had traversed over a hundred li. However, the green mountains ahead still seemed endless.
The mountain path wound, and one could barely see the official road set up by the Beast King Sect, with teams traveling on it.
Further in the distance, there was another vast expanse of wilderness and forests.
After about half an hour, they entered three to four hundred li into the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. The spiritual energy grew denser, and the mountain peaks became even more towering, like long swords piercing the sky, reaching straight into the heavens.
Suddenly, clouds and mist swirled, and a sword-like mountain peak broke through, opening up the view to the left and right.
Immortal mountains and famous rivers came into view, with myriad rays of auspicious light swirling around the peaks.
Countless peaks, with spiritual trees hidden among them, strange stones standing tall, and magnificent buildings layered upon each other. One could see feral beasts roaming, and cranes and leopards coming and going ceaselessly.
Everyone was captivated by the sight. Even the disciples of the eight great families were deeply shocked upon seeing the Beast King Sect with their own eyes.
There is a distinction between immortals and mortals. In the martial arts, whether it be Body Tempering or True Intent, it is merely the mortal realm.
If one reaches the Dan Qiao Realm, one can live for five hundred years, fly through the sky and escape underground, having entered the transcendent realm.
And how could a sect with a large number of Dan Qiao Realm cultivators not be a martial arts immortal sect?
Zhao Dong was no longer seeing these young people who wanted to join the sect being surprised for the first time.
He simply waved his hand, controlling three Green Horned Giant Eagles to land on an incredibly vast square situated between the seven largest mountain peaks.
Nine ancient, dark green stone tablets, each a hundred meters tall, stood around, encircling the entire Spirit Platform like silent guardian beasts.
The Nine Tablet Spirit Platform was several li in diameter, built from millions of blue-gold stone blocks. It was immensely wide, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people.
The descent of the Green Horned Giant Eagles and Black Horned Giant Eagles only occupied a corner of this Nine Tablet Spirit Platform.
Zhao Dongjian jumped off the back of the Green Horned Giant Eagle and landed on the stone platform.
Seeing this, everyone disembarked and stood upright.
“Elder Yin, I have brought this year’s assessment disciples. Ninety-five with first-class recommendation tokens, eight hundred and seventy-two with second-class recommendation tokens, and the remaining fifteen hundred and forty-two.”
“There are fewer than usual. Dongjian, you may withdraw.”
“As you command, Elder.”
Zhao Dongjian led his men, riding the giant eagles, to disperse all these birds and beasts and flew into the sky.
Su Yan and the others followed the sound with their eyes. On the central stone tablet, a Daoist priest in a green robe descended gracefully, with a white beard and indifferent eyes.
On the stone tablet, a black python and an ink-colored flood dragon coiled around a pillar with its claws, extending a massive dragon head. As its body moved, it climbed behind him.
The powerful aura made everyone shudder, and Su Yan also felt a palpable pressure.
‘Dan Qiao Realm. Not only him, but that flood dragon is also a Third-order strength!’
“I am Yin Mingchen, the Worthy Stage Elder.”
Yin Mingchen swept his gaze over the more than two thousand people and said indifferently, “According to the rules of our Beast King Sect, since you are all here, you may learn the complete Fierce Beast Seal Method. However, there are some rules I must state upfront.”
“The teaching of the seal method is for your eyes only. Anyone who transmits it will bear the consequences themselves. You have seven days to be active in the outer court. After seven days, come here to participate in the assessment. Success or failure is up to you.”
A bronze token flew from Yin Mingchen’s hand, and the nine tablets immediately lit up, emitting brilliant light.
The light converged above the Nine Tablet Spirit Platform, then descended like a shower of starlight, carrying a profound True Intent, and merged into everyone’s bodies.
Su Yan only felt a hum in his soul, and his consciousness entered his Sea of Consciousness. Within his Dantian, profound sounds seemed to transform into golden runes, slowly descending.
Fierce Beast Seal Method.
As soon as Su Yan heard this sound, it immediately resonated with the Beast Taming Seal he had comprehended before.
He sank his mind and continued to comprehend. In just a quarter of an hour, he had completely grasped the Fierce Beast Seal Method.
Su Yan opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. Looking at the magnificent Nine Tablet Spirit Platform before him, he was greatly shocked.
Such a massive Spirit Platform was not just for show; it actually contained a power similar to Spirit Sealing.
Although he had learned the Fierce Beast Seal Method, this method of comprehension was like skipping the process, only allowing you to know the result through comprehension.
He knew how the Fierce Beast Seal Method operated, how to cultivate it, and how to use it.
However, there was one point: teaching it to others was not so easy.
At least, it would not be easy until he reached the Transformation Realm and fully mastered it.
Su Yan’s awakening drew a slight glance from Yin Mingchen, who merely looked a second time.
After about an hour, everyone gradually woke up. Those who had comprehended and those who had not yet grasped it were all awakened one by one by the disciples of the Mountain Guard.
Yin Mingchen had disappeared again, replaced by Zhao Dongjian.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to the outer court.”
Before entering the various peaks, all outer disciples and servant disciples could only stay in the outer court.
Upon entering the mountain gate, they no longer rode giant eagles but switched to mounts like Cunning Ox Beasts.
Rushing along the mountain paths between the peaks, following the leading Mountain Guard disciples, they arrived at several mountain ranges.
Hidden by the forest, the mountain ranges were dotted with continuous houses and courtyards, large and small, packed densely together. A single glance revealed no less than one to two thousand residences.
“This is Lion Mountain Outer Courtyard. There are also Tiger Mountain and Dragon Mountain Outer Courtyards, where outer disciples and servant disciples reside. There is no significant difference. You have seven days. For living arrangements and meals, servants will guide you, and stewards will be responsible.”
Zhao Dongjian handed the group over to several stewards, all of whom were True Intent Realm martial artists. They appeared simple and honest, but their strength was not weak.
Following the stewards’ instructions, and guided by the servants, everyone arrived at their respective outer courtyard residences.
Although it was said there was no difference, there were still divisions into A, B, C, and D grades.
Su Yan, with a first-class recommendation token and True Intent Realm cultivation, was naturally assigned to an A-grade courtyard.
In the same large courtyard as him were the remaining six people, all of True Intent Realm cultivation, and all of them were among the first group to board the Green Horned Giant Eagle that day.
“Our meeting is fate. Brother, your demeanor that day impressed me. May I ask your name?”
After the servants left, the six people in the courtyard were not in a hurry to return to their rooms.
A young man in white with a saber, of ordinary appearance, cupped his hands in greeting. He introduced himself to Su Yan as Zhou Tai.
Su Yan raised his eyes slightly and replied, “Su Yan from Yun Cang Town.”
The few exchanged names. Of these six people, four were martial artists from Southern Sky City: Qing Tianyi from the Qing Family, Ouyang Lingling from the Ouyang Family, Zhou Tai from the Zhou Family, and Du Rusong from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. The remaining two came from two county towns in Lufeng County and Nanyang Prefecture, namely Ni Hai and Zhuo Hao.
Upon hearing Su Yan’s origin, Ouyang Lingling, Ni Hai, and Zhuo Hao all showed some confusion.
Yun Cang Town, what a strange place name. Could such a place produce such a young True Intent Realm cultivator?
Qing Tianyi slightly raised his gaze, curled his lips, and his eyes were cold. Truly from a small place.
Only Du Rusong frowned, pondered for a moment, and then asked, “Is it under the jurisdiction of Bailu County?”
“Precisely.”
Ouyang Lingling said, “A hero is not judged by his origin. Brother Su, to stand out from such a place, you will surely make a name for yourself during the assessment and earn many Contribution Points.”
“Contribution Points?”
Su Yan’s eyes narrowed, showing a look of curiosity. Ni Hai and Zhuo Hao had similar expressions.
Ouyang Lingling smiled slightly, complementing her green dress, making her look lovely.
“Whether you have a first-class recommendation token or no token, one of the assessments is based on the results of the examination, and you can exchange them for Contribution Points. It is a grace from the sect, allowing us to redeem some sect treasures.”
Ni Hai frowned, “You from Southern Sky City even know what the assessment is?”
His words carried a jab, and he was not as friendly towards the martial artists from Southern Sky City.
Du Rusong frowned slightly, and Zhou Tai also appeared displeased.
Ouyang Lingling glanced at him and said, her tone softening slightly, “Brother Ni, do you have a problem with us?”
Ni Hai was speechless, momentarily unable to find words.
Qing Tianyi snorted, “Ouyang Lingling, you’re trying to please them for nothing. Why bother talking to these country bumpkins? Even if you do, I will be the one to take the lead in the assessment.”
Ni Hai, stung by Qing Tianyi’s words, felt his pride wounded.
Being young, anger surged in his heart, and he snorted, “You merely benefit from the advantage of resources. Who will win in the assessment is yet to be seen.”
He left in a huff, picked a room, pushed the door open, and entered, slamming it shut.
Qing Tianyi cast a disdainful glance, turned, and left, paying no heed to Ni Hai’s reaction.
For a moment, everyone felt quite awkward, but Su Yan found it rather interesting.
“Qing Tianyi’s temper is even prouder than his sword.”
Du Rusong snorted, and Ouyang Lingling did not respond, merely saying, “Brother Qing’s personality has always been like this, please forgive him.”
Zhuo Hao seized the opportunity to change the subject and asked, “Miss Ouyang, you mentioned the assessment?”
“It’s about refining Artistic Conception. It’s an essential part of the Beast King Sect’s assessments for many years. The first place winner will receive fifteen hundred Contribution Points, the second place, one thousand Contribution Points, the third, fourth… the Contribution Points will decrease successively until the tenth place.”
Ouyang Lingling did explain some details about the assessment. However, the atmosphere was awkward, and everyone soon dispersed.
Su Yan returned to his room, a smile on his lips, and murmured to himself, “They are indeed disciples of influential families. Their desire for friendship is genuine, but so is their probing for information. These Contribution Points should be quite precious.”
Although Ouyang Lingling and the others showed a desire for friendship, their status from Southern Sky City increased their arrogance.
As long as they were not from other Lingnan Prefecture cities or other major prefecture cities, they truly might not pose a threat in their eyes.
In the following days, they encountered each other frequently when coming and going.
Ni Hai completely cut off contact with them. Although Su Yan had some interactions, they were not frequent.
Everyone was familiarizing themselves with the Fierce Beast Seal Method, and also with some booklets and classics sent by the stewards and servants, titled “Beast King Sect Beginner’s Guide.”
The title was simple, but the contents were quite useful, summarizing matters concerning the Seven Peaks One Valley and introducing institutions within the Beast King Sect such as the Sect Affairs Pavilion, Martial Arts Pavilion, Weapon Refining Pavilion, and Medicine Refining Pavilion.
The days spent in the outer court were both for thoroughly comprehending the Fierce Beast Seal Method and for the assessment disciples to establish a preliminary understanding of the Beast King Sect.
It could be said that the person who designed this process was quite capable.
It came from the hands of the Sect Affairs Pavilion.
In the seven days, the outer court gradually added some personnel, all those who had adventurously traversed the hundred-li mountain path, numbering around one to two hundred people.
When the time came, the disciples of the Mountain Guard returned to the Beast King Sect’s outer court, gathered all the assessment disciples, and collectively headed to the Nine Tablet Spirit Platform.
The assessment disciples were gathered at the Nine Tablet Spirit Platform, and on the platform, another group had already arrived.
They were Dan Qiao True Persons from the Seven Peaks One Valley, as well as sect envoys responsible for patrolling the various prefectures and assessing young talents.
“Good spirit. It seems you have truly found some good seedlings.”
Zhao Dongjian saw Xiang Ge, his eyes flickered, and he spoke immediately.
Xiang Ge narrowed his eyes slightly, “Where does it compare to you? The area around Lishan County is a prosperous region, and there are many disciples from the Qing Family. You must have selected quite a few talents.”
The two of them, one from Azure Dragon Peak and the other from Hundred Tiger Peak, were disciples of the same generation and had quite a bit of rivalry.
“Envious? Too bad you don’t have the ability to patrol the Lishan County area.”
Xiang Ge coldly snorted, “Such big talk.”
Zhao Dongjian shook his head and said indifferently, “Whether the talk is big or not, let strength do the talking.”
Xiang Ge glanced sideways, “Oh? How about we make a bet?”
