This is the second update for today. There will be one more chapter this afternoon!

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Wang Zhuo was stunned by the scene before him, remaining speechless for quite some time before finally regaining his composure. He unconsciously restrained much of his inherent arrogance.

At that moment, several more streaks of sword light descended, each revealing a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect, invariably accompanied by a few fifteen or sixteen-year-old youths.

These youths, both male and female, upon landing, all stared blankly at the surroundings, much like Wang Lin and his companions. Their faces showed a variety of expressions.

The Heng Yue Sect disciples who had brought them stood scattered nearby, conversing and observing the young hopefuls. After waiting a while, all the recommended youths had arrived. The black-robed middle-aged man scanned the group, his voice devoid of any emotion as he stated, “Only a select few of you will be chosen to become disciples of our Heng Yue Sect.”

The youths were silenced by fear, like cicadas in winter. Wang Lin, in particular, felt apprehensive. He counted a total of 48 participants in the test.

“Cultivating immortality begins with innate talent. The first test will assess the abundance of your spiritual roots. When I call your name, step forward.” The middle-aged man, expressionless, randomly selected a youth.

The youth’s legs trembled slightly as he cautiously approached. The middle-aged man placed his hand on the youth’s head and said calmly, “Unqualified. Stand to the left.”

The youth seemed to lose all strength, his expression dimming. With a bewildered look, he walked to the left side and remained silent.

Another youth was then called, anxiously stepping forward.

“Unqualified.”

“Unqualified.”

“Unqualified.”

One after another, over a dozen youths were deemed unqualified. So far, the middle-aged man’s right side remained empty.

Wang Zhuo was called. He had completely lost his arrogance, his face pale as he stepped forward.

After placing his hand on Wang Zhuo’s head, the middle-aged man’s face suddenly lit up with joy. His tone became gentle as he asked, “What is your name?”

Wang Zhuo quickly and respectfully replied, “Reporting to the Immortal Master, this junior is Wang Zhuo.”

The middle-aged man nodded and smiled, “So, you are Wang Zhuo, the one Senior Daoxu mentioned. Very well, stand to the right.”

Wang Zhuo was overjoyed. Under the envious gazes of everyone else, he walked to the right side, his arrogance returning as he looked scornfully at the others, acting superior.

“Damn it, he got lucky,” Wang Hao muttered to Wang Lin, curling his lip in disdain.

Wang Lin felt even more nervous. The expectant faces of his parents flashed before his eyes, and he clenched his fists.

“Excellent, you too stand to the right,” came the middle-aged man’s surprised voice. Before him stood a young girl.

Some time passed, and most of the youths had been tested, but only two stood to the middle-aged man’s right. Then, Wang Hao was called.

Wang Hao trotted forward and, before the man could even test him, immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed several times, loudly proclaiming, “May Immortal Master enjoy eternal blessings and longevity as boundless as the heavens! This junior is Wang Hao. You must be tired from testing so many people. Perhaps you would like to rest for a while? I’m not in a hurry, no problem at all!”

The middle-aged man chuckled, finding the youth amusing. Everyone else had been tense and nervous, but this boy was quick-witted and flattering. Placing his hand on Wang Hao’s head, he shook it and said, “Your talent is a bit lacking, un…”

Hearing that his talent was inadequate, Wang Hao’s spirits immediately plummeted. Before the man could finish speaking, he quickly took out a jade box from his robe, offering it with both hands. With a bright expression, he said, “Immortal Master, this was something my father found by chance in the mountains, but he couldn’t open it after many attempts. This junior has specially brought it from home as a gift to you.”

The middle-aged man smiled and shook his head, about to refuse, but then he glanced at the jade box. Suddenly, his pupils contracted. He grabbed it for a closer look, and his face immediately lit up. “Remarkable! It’s actually a 300-year-old spiritual mushroom. Judging by the jade box, it appears to be sealed by a cultivator. No wonder your father couldn’t open it.” He paused, thought for a moment, and said with a smile, “I happen to need an assistant to concoct pills. I see that you are quite resourceful. Would you be willing to be my assistant?”

Wang Hao immediately became ecstatic. The unexpected turn of events overwhelmed him with joy, and he shouted, “Yes! Immortal Master, I am willing!”

The middle-aged man nodded with a smile and said, “Being my pill assistant won’t be bad for you. You can cultivate the sect’s immortal arts just like the other disciples. Stand to the right.”

Wang Hao was filled with excitement as he ran to the right, glancing triumphantly at Wang Zhuo.

All the rejected youths wore downcast expressions, crestfallen. Some even had tears streaming down their faces, sobbing uncontrollably.

The middle-aged man frowned and shouted, “Those who weep will be sent away immediately!”

Several Heng Yue Sect disciples standing nearby immediately stepped forward, grabbing the crying youths. They nonchalantly soared away on their swords, quickly disappearing.

The middle-aged man casually pointed at Wang Lin.

Wang Lin took a deep breath, walking to the middle-aged man with extreme trepidation. His mind was blank, and he silently prayed, the hopeful gaze of his parents constantly replaying in his mind.

“I must be chosen!” Wang Lin thought resolutely.

The man placed his hand on Wang Lin, expressionlessly uttering three words that plunged Wang Lin into an icy abyss.

“Unqualified!”

Wang Lin didn’t know how he made it to the left side of the group. All he could feel was a thunderous roar in his ears, echoing endlessly with those three words.

Before long, everyone had been tested. Only three people stood on the right side. In the eyes of the rejected, these three were like favored children of heaven, towering above them.

Wang Zhuo, in particular, looked at Wang Lin with contempt, his mockery clear in his eyes.

“Cultivating immortality, although talent is important, willpower is even more crucial. Those of you with ordinary talent can become outer disciples if you possess willpower! This second test will be a test of willpower!” The middle-aged man said expressionlessly, pausing for a moment before continuing. “Ascend the steps here. Those who reach the top will pass. If you have not completed the task by the third day, you will fail and be sent back to your respective families. If you can’t persevere or encounter danger along the way, shout that you give up, and someone will take you away.”

Finishing, the middle-aged man smiled at the three on the right and said, “Come with me to meet the Sect Leader. A master will be arranged for you at that time. Wang Hao, you don’t need to go. Come with me to the pill chamber and familiarize yourself with the procedures.”

After giving his instructions, the middle-aged man led the three favored ones up the mountain, disappearing from view.

Wang Lin took a deep breath, his gaze firm. Without hesitation, he stepped onto the stone steps to begin the second test: willpower.

Excluding the three favored youths and the six who were sent away for crying, 39 youths remained.

Among these 39, some were dejected, some had resolute expressions, and some were hesitant and fearful. One after another, they gradually ascended the steps, embarking on their own unique futures.