Before her identity was exposed, things were fine, but after being found out, she remembered how she had spent the whole night in the arms of the stranger Henry Sullivan. Especially since quite a few people knew about it—how could she face anyone from now on?
As soon as she stepped down from the testing platform, Edward Bennett was immediately surrounded by a crowd of eager disciples. Startled by the situation, she was at a loss, and cast a pleading look for help at the only familiar face, Henry Sullivan.
Still blushing, Henry Sullivan quickly pushed through the crowd and shielded the besieged Edward Bennett behind him. Looking at Henry Sullivan's tall and broad back, Edward Bennett felt a deep sense of security in her heart. Henry Sullivan always gave her a peace of mind that no one else could, unrelated to talent or strength.
Hiding behind Henry Sullivan, Edward Bennett once again drew a lot of resentment toward Henry Sullivan. Those who wanted to get close to Edward Bennett now hated Henry Sullivan for no reason. The hostility and animosity in others' eyes didn't bother Henry Sullivan at all, as these only fueled his drive to become stronger.
At this moment, George Washington also walked over, dispersing the disciples around Edward Bennett, and with a smile and a cupped fist, said, “Junior Sister Bennett, yesterday I failed to recognize greatness. I never expected that the slender Brother Bennett would turn out to be such a charming young lady. If I have offended you, please forgive me, Junior Sister.”
“Congratulations, Junior Sister Bennett, you no longer have to worry about being bullied by certain people, and you won’t have to fear someone stealing your blanket at night.” Jason Bolton's cold voice came from behind George Washington: “But Junior Sister Bennett, it’s best to keep your distance from Ethan Sullivan. You are a supreme purple seed, while my fellow townsman here is just a colorless weak seed—worlds apart. If you get too close, others might think he’s relying on a woman’s influence! He’s someone who cares a lot about his reputation.”
George Washington's expression immediately turned ugly. True to his name, Jason Bolton was brazen enough to provoke him so openly, and even so impatiently mocked Ethan Sullivan. However, there was a cunning side to his arrogance—seeing that he wanted to win over Edward Bennett, Jason Bolton immediately came to stir up trouble.
At this moment, the sect leader on the platform, Elder Howard, announced, “The final test for this year’s new disciples is now over. Regardless of the strength of your immortal seed, I hope you will guard against arrogance and impatience, and study diligently. Otherwise, even the best talent will be wasted. You will now begin a three-month introductory training. These three months will determine your fate for life!”
With that, several elders led the two hundred new disciples onto a huge, fully enclosed Immortal Cloud Car, heading to a place called Spirit Field Valley.
……
Yellow Emperor Peak, Sect Leader’s Hall.
All the top leaders of Taichu were gathered together at this moment.
Elder Howard rested his hand on the armrest of the grand master’s chair, his expression grave as he said, “Everyone, regarding today’s matter of the purple seed, please go back to your respective halls and ensure the news is sealed. If word of this leaks from any hall to the outside, and Taichu is destroyed, none of us will have the face to meet the ancestors of generations past.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. The previous atmosphere of competing for disciples was gone; all wore serious expressions. They all knew that the purple seed was no trivial matter. If the Myriad Ages Great Sect found out... they might attack the mountain gate in an instant. Even though Taichu could knock out a few of their teeth, Taichu would surely be annihilated! That was... a terrifying existence that had survived the calamities of the Myriad Ages Sect.
The Immortal Cloud Car soared into the sky, breaking through the clouds halfway up the mountain.
“Because among you are three purple immortal seed disciples, the sect leader has granted you a rare chance to view the entirety of Yellow Emperor Peak. The layout of Yellow Emperor Peak aligns with the Heavenly Dao—this is a rare opportunity, so observe and comprehend carefully!”
After the elder’s announcement, the sealed windows of the Immortal Cloud Car slowly opened. Several elders performed hand seals, sending out streams of immortal spiritual energy. The great protective formation guarding the main vein of Yellow Emperor Peak was activated, and the mist swirling in the air dispersed.
Even the well-traveled and noble Third Prince George Washington showed excitement. The layout and scenery of Yellow Emperor Peak embodied the insights of generations of ancestors into the Heavenly Dao, subtly aligning with the principles of the Great Dao. Even a single glance was a profound cleansing for the mind. This was a reward reserved for disciples who had made great contributions to the sect.
Because of the three purple seed disciples, the other hundred-plus disciples—who might never have had the chance to see the full view of Yellow Emperor Peak—also benefited. If they could comprehend even a little, it would greatly aid their future cultivation. Even if they gained nothing, this experience would be the best bragging material.
The Immortal Cloud Car sped smoothly through the air, offering a panoramic view of Yellow Emperor Peak. The various buildings were arranged in perfect harmony, every blade of grass and tree growing so naturally and fittingly that it filled one with joy and peace. Many distracting and mundane thoughts vanished, replaced by a lofty, compassionate state of mind.
As the saying goes, “Laymen watch the excitement, experts see the subtleties.” Several elders sat cross-legged in deep contemplation, meditating on the Great Dao. Even for them, such an opportunity to view the entire Yellow Emperor Peak was rare. As for the new disciples, aside from a few with exceptional perception, most were simply entranced by the fairyland-like scenery. Even the view from the mid-mountain pavilion was breathtaking for these newcomers, let alone the immortal aura of Yellow Emperor Peak.
The azure sky was like a mirror, spotless and clear. A gentle breeze blew, and immortal cranes occasionally glided past the Immortal Cloud Car. Compared to the excited, shouting new disciples, the cranes were calm and graceful.
Yellow Emperor Peak seemed as if someone had cleaved off its tip with a giant axe. At the summit was a vast flat expanse, where the legendary Taichu Grand Hall—yearned for by all in the Xianglong Kingdom—stood. Covering over a thousand acres, it was immense and majestic, exuding an unparalleled grandeur. The sound of bells and Daoist chants echoed endlessly.