Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2198 - 1569: Leap (Wishing Everyone a Happy 2026!)

Simultaneously, a considerable number of cultivators journeyed to Liang Country's domain, drawn by the betting pool. They desired to witness the situation of this particular sect firsthand. Unexpectedly, the sect's premises remained entirely sealed. A dense fog obscured the mountain gate, and no individuals were visible. If not for the presence of the Mountain Protection Array, one might not have even perceived it as a sect at all.

"Is the Tongtian Sect intending to enforce isolation, cutting off all communication with the outside world?" a cultivator inquired with curiosity.

"Alternatively, it might be a measure taken due to insufficient strength, fearing repercussions from malicious cultivators, thus prompting such caution," another speculated.

"It appears this sect's longevity is questionable. Fortunately, my bet was for ten years, and the stakes weren't excessively high in Spirit Stones," a third commented.

...

These individuals had no intention of approaching the Tongtian Sect more closely, as they initially considered the sect to be of minimal importance. However, had they applied even a modicum of careful observation, they would have recognized the superior grade of the Mountain Protection Array's formation, a level far beyond their comprehension! Regrettably, they did not, offering only a cursory glance before departing.

Furthermore, unbeknownst to them, while they were surveying Ascension Mountain, Wansheng, situated within the mountain's confines, registered their presence. Had these visitors not been deemed non-threatening, they would certainly not have been permitted to depart unhindered.

Nevertheless, this minor occurrence served as an early warning sign; other influential forces had begun to take notice of the Tongtian Sect! Although the spread of this awareness was still limited, as time progresses and the sect's strength is restored, it will inevitably attract the attention of certain established powers.

It remains uncertain whether these forces recall the deep-seated ancient enmities from tens of thousands of years ago. Regardless of their remembrance, the karmic debt stemming from the Tongtian Sect's past demise still demands resolution!

Wansheng swiftly dispelled these reflections, redirecting its focus towards the cluster of children embarking on their nascent spiritual journey, offering patient guidance.

...

The sun rises and sets, and time marches onward. In what felt like the blink of an eye, the agreed-upon date for recruitment had arrived. However, Li Zhirui remained immersed in seclusion, striving to refine and perfect the Cultivation Technique, leaving him unable to undertake the recruitment of disciples. Consequently, this responsibility devolved upon Wansheng.

Technically, as merely a lingering soul, Wansheng should not have been permitted to depart from the relic. This relic served as both its confinement and the very essence of its existence. Following the relic's integration with Ascension Mountain, its operational radius expanded, yet it remained fundamentally bound.

Yet, prior to Li Zhirui's seclusion, he had channeled a fragment of power from his Sect Leader Jade Seal into a Jade Pendant. This action empowered Wansheng with the temporary ability to leave the mountain's protective boundary. Thus, on the second recruitment day, with the Sect Leader still in deep retreat, Wansheng found itself compelled to venture into the Mortal World.

Moreover, after an entire year of guidance, Wansheng had shifted its doctrine from indiscriminate instruction to embracing Li Zhirui's philosophy of selecting elite cultivators. The reasoning behind this pivot was straightforward: it simply could no longer manage the immense workload alone!

Consequently, this time, Wansheng not only refrained from increasing the number of recruited disciples but drastically reduced it to approximately one hundred. Additionally, it declared that it would not descend the mountain for recruitment purposes for the subsequent five years.

Initially, Wansheng had no intention of recruiting any servant disciples. However, it was profoundly moved by the exceptional willpower displayed by a select few youths, prompting it to make a rare exception for them. The primary reason for this deviation from policy was their sheer determination: they had actually trekked all the way to Ascension Mountain on foot!

Had it not been for their fortunate encounter, witnessed by Wansheng upon its return journey to the mountain gate, they might have met their demise in the desolate wilderness. While perhaps reckless, their formidable willpower, combined with a healthy dose of luck, were attributes sufficient for Wansheng to grant them an exception.

"Within the coming year, you must successfully enter the Qi Cultivation Stage. Should you fail to achieve even this, you will be returned to the Mortal World," Wansheng declared.

In this environment of abundant Spiritual Energy on Ascension Mountain, augmented by Wansheng's tutelage and the generous monthly provision of Spiritual Objects, even individuals with mediocre talent should attain the Qi Cultivation Practitioner level. Failure to do so would signify a lack of aptitude for cultivation, rendering further endeavor a waste of precious time.

The young aspirants felt a tremor of apprehension, fearful of their potential elimination.

"First, you shall accompany me to the Ancestor Hall to offer respects to the past Sect Leaders and the Sect's Ancestor Master."

Wansheng opted not to fly, but instead led the children on foot, step by deliberate step. This procession itself constituted a subtle trial. The test was not one of physical endurance; as long as one's willpower remained strong, it would actively contribute to replenishing their strength.

Although this trial held little immediate significance and offered no tangible rewards or special recognition, it would undoubtedly prove beneficial in the long run.

Ultimately, these children are still quite young; subjecting them to willpower tests at this age feels a tad unfair.

An hour eventually passed, and some among the children successfully made their way to the Ancestor Hall on foot. Yet, others, unable to endure further, were transported there via Wansheng’s Mana.

Once their robes were straightened and appearances tidied, Wansheng guided the children inside. He began to impart to them the history and lineage of the Tongtian Sect, detailing the immense sacrifices made by former venerables in fostering the sect's growth.

"Kowtow!"

"A second kowtow!"

"Perform three full prostrations!"

Following a sequence of solemn rites, they were officially recognized as genuine disciples of the Tongtian Sect.

In contrast to the initiation of the first cohort of disciples, their proceedings were notably less rigorous. The reason being, those initial disciples were instrumental in the very foundation of Tongtian Sect's revival, thus requiring greater emphasis on the ceremony.

With the induction of this second group of disciples into the Tongtian Sect completed, Wansheng found himself swamped with work, fervently wishing he could divide his being into multiple forms.