Chapter 2: Senior Sister Help
Clouds slowly drifted over the jade platform suspended high above the ground, casting shifting shadows across the broad stone stage. A faint wind stirred the silence, carrying the scent of spirit herbs and pine from distant peaks. Countless disciples—both male and female—stood in orderly rows on the wide plaza below, all outer disciples, young and full of expectation.
At that moment, a woman dressed in flowing blue Daoist robes stepped gracefully onto the stage. Her hair danced freely in the breeze, glinting like obsidian silk under the sunlight. Every step she took carried an otherworldly grace, as if the laws of heaven and earth bowed slightly to her presence. Then, her voice echoed like a thunderclap across the mountain grounds.
"Silence."
The crowd immediately fell into hushed obedience. Not a single word was spoken among the hopeful disciples below, all gathered here for the Inner Sect selection trials.
The woman’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd. Seeing their quieted state, she continued with measured calm.
"You all are outer disciples of the sect. And today is the day for the selection of inner sect disciples. Anyone who is below eighteen years and is of peak Qi Gathering realm would be admitted, directly, while also having the chance to be selected as disciples of any of the Nine Peaks—based on your performance in the hunting competition."
A gentle wind passed through the surrounding pavilions, rustling banners and robes alike as her words echoed.
"This is the first method," she said, her tone steady yet carrying a trace of subtle warning, "while if your luck is good, any Peak Master might also select you..."
With a flick of her wrist, a gentle wave of spiritual energy surged forth. Instantly, the crowd below shifted and arranged itself into two long lines—one of boys, the other of girls.
She stood straight, robes fluttering behind her like a heavenly immortal descending to pass judgment, and shouted once more: The second one is which you all know " Hunting competition"
"Your hunting competition begins now. Anyone who kills a beast one level higher than their own will be awarded 100 points. Killing a beast of the same level gives 50 points. Lower-level beasts grant 10 points, and killing beasts two levels below gives zero points. For selection you need 1000 points.You will be monitored at all times. Killing fellow disciples... is strictly prohibited."
A serious silence followed her final words. The crowd gave respectful nods, their eyes now filled with both nervousness and determination.