System's Super Sect Chapter 880 833: The Immortal Sect's Grand Recruitment Plan Begins (8,000 Words)
Previously on System's Super Sect...
A secret sense of joy bubbled up within Qin Shan after he spoke. One must realize that the individuals standing before him were all formidable Earth Unrestricted experts, legendary figures within Heaven and Earth Lake, and elite warriors from a vast realm like Heaven-Gazing Gorge. Yet, at this very moment, they were hanging on his every word.
This feeling of genuine satisfaction was comparable to wielding a powerful magical artifact while indulging in a grand spectacle.
Reflecting on his past as a mere nobody on Flying Fish Island, a man deemed insignificant even within the bounds of East Lake—the shift was profound.
But now?
As these thoughts crossed his mind, a wave of pride swelled in his chest. Gazing down at the Immortal Sect Sword Stele nestled at the base of the stairs, a profound sense of devotion also took root.
In this life, he was born a member of the Immortal Sect, and even in death, he would serve as its eternal guardian spirit!
Qin Shan reiterated with gravity, "Remember, you have only a quarter of an hour! Should you arrive late, do not hold the Immortal Sect responsible for closing your path to survival."
The 17 Earth Unrestricted experts wore grim expressions, none willing to offer a bow; the ingrained pride of their status as Earth Unrestricted beings still held strong. Casting one last look at the sky, they morphed into streaks of brilliant light, darting into the azure heavens to locate the subordinates who had long since vanished into thin air.
Cao Tianjue and his cohort from Baiyue City hurried back to their clan, commanding their underlings to scrape together 400,000 white crystals, even if it meant liquidating every asset they owned.
Such an exorbitant requirement left several major powers reeling.
400,000.
Within only seven days!
It was a grueling challenge.
Yet, this financial burden was not the primary concern for these factions. Their true fear lay in the personal safety of leaders, such as Cao Tianjue.
"Clan Leader, let us take your place in this endeavor!"
"Clan Leader, your safety outweighs all our lives; you must not ascend that mountain. Who knows if the Immortal Sect will break their promise!"
Upon his return, after Cao Tianjue detailed the arrangement, the frowning Elders scrambled to convince him to remain behind.
However, Cao Tianjue let out a long, heavy sigh, uttering words that silenced the entire hall.
"If I did not wish to spare you all from a miserable end, I would have fled long ago."
Finished with his proclamation, Cao Tianjue turned into a vivid rainbow and streaked back toward the Immortal Sect.
Once he departed, the Elders exchanged looks, subsequently pouring their grief and fury into the task of gathering the 400,000 white crystals with everything they had.
Other factions followed suit, immediately commencing a desperate hunt for white crystals at the behest of their Earth Unrestricted leaders.
White crystals were both essential currency and a consumable resource, rarely stockpiled in bulk even by Five-star Influences. A seven-day deadline was an immense hurdle for anyone. Nevertheless, to avoid witnessing the tragic downfall of their leaders, these factions had no choice but to exhaust their reserves.
Fifteen minutes later, the 17 returned to the base of the Thousand Layers of the Immortal Sect, completely accounted for.
The group stood calmly at the foot of the mountain, looking up at the towering Yunlan Mountain and at Elder Qin Shan, who wore an expression of smug contentment.
...
As for the onlookers gathered near Star Sword Mountain, the swift conclusion of events left them not with disappointment, but with an insatiable longing for more drama.
In reality, the turn of events was quite gratifying.
Thirty-four Earth Unrestricted experts, and half had perished right there at Star Sword Mountain.
Such a monumental exhibit of power was a rare sight, seldom seen even throughout centuries of history.
For a time, countless loose cultivators pledged their loyalty to the Immortal Sect, eagerly awaiting the next recruitment announcement.
Some, possessed by a certain thick-skinned audacity, proceeded directly to the base of the Immortal Sect to kneel.
They were prepared to humble themselves just to win favor!
As it turned out, some individuals were merely overthinking the situation.
As the crowds dispersed in a state of shock, unable to fully process the implications, they scrambled home to share the tale. With dizzying speed, the word spread from ten to a hundred, eventually catching the ears of an endless stream of people.
Within a mere seven days, every corner of the 14 cities heard of the Immortal Sect's might and the existence of an Upper Realm expert presiding over it.
Those Five-star Influences lacking an Earth Unrestricted expert were gripped by anxiety, sensing a dark and uncertain future. They understood that even if the Immortal Sect chose to ignore them, society at large would be ready to drive a blade into their backs.
Conversely, those factions whose descendants had already joined the Immortal Sect were jubilant, immediately preparing generous tribute to pay a visit.
And so, several more days went by.
News regarding the Red Leaf Sect eventually erupted across the 14 cities, spurred on by Chen Xie, making it impossible for the fleeing Five-star Influences to maintain their facade.
The Deputy Sect Leader of Dongjin, alongside more than fifty Earth Unrestricted elders, had been wiped out at the Red Leaf Sect headquarters—an event so cataclysmic it could shake the heavens and move ghouls to weep!
Only then did the public realize where those vanished Five-star Influences had gone.
Just as the Immortal Sect elder had claimed, they had been driven off in terror!
From that moment on, the Immortal Sect was regarded as a name that could not be spoken.
Of course, all these events would unfold in time.
...
Immortal Sect.
The 17 Earth Unrestricted experts followed in Qin Shan's wake, ascending the steps of Yunlan Mountain. Gradually, it dawned on them that this was not Star Sword Mountain at all; the exterior was merely a clever imitation.
It was a world housed within another world!
Furthermore, these Earth Unrestricted experts found themselves mesmerized by the strange flora surrounding them, as even a small shrub radiated an aura of profound mystery. When they initially attempted to probe the area with their perception, they were stunned to find their range limited to a mere three meters!
In their prime, they could cross three meters with a single stride!
Those who grasped this suppression first exchanged knowing glances with their companions, though they dared not give voice to their observations, communicating only through significant looks.
Fear gripped them.
They longed to find another who shared their trepidation.
As the climb continued, Qin Shan guided them toward an area that felt entirely foreign, arriving at a clearing where laborers were tasked with tending to the trees.
Dozens of Mountain Suppression Realm experts were diligently working while the prodigies of the Red Leaf Sect grumbled under their breath. Catching the sound of footsteps, they straightened up in curiosity, turning to face the source of the commotion.