In Datian Town, they had also heard of Henry Sullivan's great reputation, and had even seen him selling polygonatum in person. Gathering rare herbs once or twice could be chalked up to luck, but Henry Sullivan was often able to bring out treasures no less valuable than polygonatum—this was definitely not just luck. If they could recruit this young man into their sect, it would certainly be beneficial for themselves.

“This immortal is Thomas Bennett, and this is my senior brother Jack Carter.” After a brief introduction, the goateed Thomas Bennett got straight to the point: “The selection is based on two criteria: bone structure and immortal seed! First, we examine the Dao bones; second, we test the immortal seed. Only those who pass both are selected.”

“The first one.”

According to the order arranged by the town chief, the first youth stepped forward to be tested.

However, before the test, there was a whole set of complicated procedures involving incense fumigation and mouth rinsing.

The youth being tested extended his left hand. Thomas Bennett took it and kneaded it for a while, then frowned and said, “Mortal bones... Next.”

The so-called examination of Dao bones was a preliminary probing of the bones and meridians. If one couldn’t pass this, there was no need to proceed to the next step.

Several in a row stepped up, all of whom Thomas Bennett labeled as trash. Finally, one managed to pass the Dao bone test and moved on to the immortal seed test, which was handled by Jack Carter.

Testing the immortal seed meant checking for the presence of an immortal seed. Almost everyone had one, but for many, it died soon after birth. Even if the seed survived, it had to be checked again at age sixteen to see if it was still alive, because only at sixteen could one begin to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Thus, only at sixteen could one cultivate immortality, and during these sixteen years, many people’s immortal seeds withered and died.

The youth who passed the bone test was found, during the immortal seed test, to have a dead immortal seed.

For the immortals on the mountain to select disciples was a tremendous stroke of fortune—not everyone could receive such luck. It was common for people to come every year with hope, only to leave empty-handed and disappointed.

Several more passed the bone test but all failed at the immortal seed stage.

Amid the town chief and others’ regret, Jason Bolton stepped forward, rekindling their hopes.

Jason Bolton was an arrogant and unlikable child, but he had inherited his father’s excellent genes and had always stood out since childhood. His father had nearly been taken by the immortals years ago, and even now was the most outstanding hunter in Datian Town.

Taking Jason Bolton’s hand, Thomas Bennett kneaded it, his gloomy expression transforming into delight as he repeatedly praised him.

Jason Bolton smoothly passed the first Dao bone test. Although this was expected, judging by Thomas Bennett’s reaction, his aptitude was truly extraordinary—he might just become the first immortal disciple from Datian Town in decades.

Under many envious gazes, Jason Bolton approached Jack Carter.

Radiant with confidence, Jason Bolton walked up to Jack Carter, put on a humble smile, and bowed respectfully.

Seeing Jason Bolton, Jack Carter’s eyes lit up, but the unhidden arrogance between Jason Bolton’s brows made him frown slightly. Still, regardless of his personal feelings, the test had to proceed.

Jack Carter exhaled a breath of immortal energy into Jason Bolton’s body, then pricked Jason Bolton’s index finger, letting a drop of blood infused with immortal energy fall onto the immortal flower. If the flower showed no reaction, it meant the immortal seed was dead; the more lushly the flower bloomed, the more vigorous the seed.

The blood was instantly absorbed by the immortal flower, which quickly swelled from a shriveled bud to a plump blossom. The petals slowly opened and closed, then fully bloomed.

In the end, the immortal flower burst into full bloom, displaying the fullness and vitality of Jason Bolton’s immortal seed.

The people of Datian Town erupted in cheers and screams. After decades, another immortal disciple had appeared in Datian Town—a future immortal.

Those who had previously disliked Jason Bolton now looked at him with complex expressions—envy, jealousy, and a desire to curry favor.

Henry Sullivan’s brows furrowed slightly, and he felt a bit worried. That Jason Bolton had really succeeded. Judging by the expressions of the two immortals, his talent must be exceptional. This was like stepping in dog poop on the way to a banquet—not a good omen.

Afterward, Jack Carter officially announced that Jason Bolton had passed the assessment.

After Jason Bolton, several more youths failed the test, and soon it was Henry Sullivan’s turn.

Henry Sullivan had always been a role model among the youths of Datian Town—not only was he agile and skilled at hunting, but he could also gather rare herbs that even Old Chen couldn’t find, consistently outshining Jason Bolton. The two had always been at odds.

Among the forty-one candidates, Henry Sullivan had the most support. Now, with the less-favored Jason Bolton chosen by the immortals, Henry Sullivan was under immense pressure.

Taking the left hand offered by Henry Sullivan, Thomas Bennett greeted him unusually: “You’re here—don’t let us down!”

Henry Sullivan smiled slightly, letting Thomas Bennett examine his hand bones. “Long and slender, but the life bone is a bit short; extraordinary bones, but the meridians are somewhat blocked! What a pity, what a pity, what a pity!”

Thomas Bennett repeated “what a pity” three times, looking at Henry Sullivan with regret. “You barely pass, but your aptitude is really average.”

Henry Sullivan bowed in return. “Thank you, Immortal Bennett.”

Approaching Jack Carter, Henry Sullivan maintained a natural, humble composure, which made Jack Carter secretly admire him.

Jack Carter gave him a slight smile and exhaled a breath of immortal energy into Henry Sullivan’s body.