But then, in a sudden burst of light, the cauldron came to life, spewing out clusters of fog and conjuring illusions of flowers, birds, fish, and insects that fluttered out into the air.
“A sixth-degree immortal root?” one disciple exclaimed in confusion.
Before anyone could react, shadowy forms of exotic beasts emerged from the cauldron, their low growls echoing throughout the hall.
“A fourth-degree immortal root?” Fei Lang was taken aback. This phenomenon was not inferior to his own.
Then, with a thunderous roar and a piercing cry, a dragon and a phoenix spiraled out of the cauldron. Though mere illusions, these top-tier beasts exuded a power that left the disciples in awe.
Although they were just phantasmal traces manifested by the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations, they were still the top-tier divine beasts. Their vast and imposing aura was strong enough to suppress entire worlds. Though just a trace of their aura was manifested, it caused the faces of the disciples to pale slightly.
“A dragon’s roar and phoenix’s cry, a dragon-phoenix phenomenon?” The two Void Refiner cultivators exchanged astonished looks, recognizing the significance of this display.
A high-degree immortal root!
“So this Li Xia possesses a third-degree immortal root,” remarked one of the Void Refiner cultivators.
“No wonder he was directly admitted as a hereditary disciple. Even if his Dao comprehension aptitude is somewhat lacking, there is still hope for him to become a hereditary disciple with his immortal root alone,” the other Void Refiner cultivator added, his voice tinged with quiet surprise.
They were well aware of the significance of a high-degree immortal root: it was the criteria to become an immortal!
To reach the Void Refiner phase, one needed to establish a sixth-degree immortal root at minimum. To overcome the Tribulations and become an Archimmortal, one had to possess an immortal root in the top three degrees.
With a weak immortal root, one’s journey to pseudo-immortality would be fraught with peril, let alone becoming an Archimmortal.
“A third-degree immortal root?”
“These phenomena?” The disciples observed the various scenes in astonishment.
Though they didn’t fully comprehend what it meant, they could still make comparisons.
In contrast to the phenomena they had witnessed during their own assessments, the phenomena surrounding Wu Yuan were undeniably far more powerful, surpassing even that of Fei Lang, who was the strongest among them.
A third-degree immortal root? How can this be? He’s only at the Golden Core phase! Fei Lang stared intently at the cauldron, struggling to come to terms with reality.
Hmph! A robust immortal root does not necessarily equate to high Dao comprehension aptitude. A sharp gleam flickered in Fei Lang’s eyes. Just wait, I too shall become a hereditary disciple in due time.
With his extraordinary talent, he was naturally filled with ambition.
Hum~ The phenomena dissipated, and the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations returned to its normal state. Shortly after, Wu Yuan emerged from within.
“Senior,” Wu Yuan greeted respectfully.
“Haha, splendid! Earth Immortal Qing Feng was right, you do have a third-degree immortal root,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng expressed his delight. “With such an immortal root, your cultivation path is destined to be a smooth one, Li Xia.”
Initially apprehensive that Qing Feng’s appraisal of this junior might be exaggerated, Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng now realized that it was, if anything, an understatement.
Under 50 years of age? He’s not even 40. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng mused to himself. And such a robust soul? He’s truly an unpolished jade!
Immortal cultivators lived long lives. Though a few years’ difference in the length of time one spent cultivating seemed inconsequential, someone who could achieve a higher level of strength at a younger age was someone with higher Dao comprehension aptitude. Even the slightest disparity would be magnified exponentially throughout the long years of cultivation!
While one may live a long life, the path to immortality is even longer. The swifter one progresses, the higher the chances of becoming a Tribulation High Immortal or even an Archimmortal. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng observed Wu Yuan with great satisfaction.
He harbored a strong loyalty to the sect, and genuinely wished for the sect to expand and thrive.
“Li Xia, your talent is truly extraordinary,” declared Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng as he rose to his feet, his voice solemn. “Upon entering our sect, you may become a hereditary disciple. This is the promise of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, witnessed by True Saint Taiyuan.”
“Do you accept the invitation to join the Dragon Star Immortal Sect?” he asked.
A powerful surge of energy surrounded Xiang Sheng and Wu Yuan, a tangible sign of the oath of allegiance.
“I, Li Xia, am willing to pledge myself to the Dragon Star Immortal Sect. I swear by True Saint Taiyuan that I shall remain loyal and never betray the sect in this life.” Wu Yuan intoned with reverence.
Such oaths were common when joining a sect. The importance of loyalty was emphasized above all else.
Another invisible fluctuation enveloped Wu Yuan and Xiang Sheng. Both felt as though they were bound by something from the heavens.
This oath binds the soul? Wu Yuan realized.
Regardless of the name Wu Yuan used, the oath held true. It was ludicrous to think that one could escape the binding of an oath by swearing under a false name
The heavens cannot be deceived, nor can the True Saint be fooled. Wu Yuan was beginning to understand this with greater clarity.
My body refiner true self. Wu Yuan’s body refiner true self in the Summerpeak World did not noticeably feel the binding of the oath.
The one who’s joining the Dragon Star Immortal Sect is just my qi refiner self.
His body refiner self was still free. This made Wu Yuan realize how mystical having two true selves was.
Suddenly, Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng spoke. “Li Xia.”
“Senior,” Wu Yuan replied respectfully.
“Haha, since you are now part of the sect, you need not address me as senior. Elder will suffice,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng chuckled.
“Yes, Elder,” Wu Yuan acquiesced.
From what Wu Yuan understood of the hierarchical structure of first-rate sects, Void Refiner cultivators typically held the post of protectorate, while Divided Soul Earth Immortals often assumed the role of elders. As for Tribulation High Immortals, they occupied positions of authority within the large sects, with titles such as ancestor, veteran elder, hierarch, and the like.
“You have passed the hereditary disciple assessment,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng began. “However, there are variations in the strengths of hereditary disciples as well. Not all are able to study under an immortal. I would like to witness your combat prowess once more.”
Wu Yuan listened intently.
Divided Soul or Dharma Body Earth Immortals had a lifespan of 90,000 years. Universe Architect or Tribulation High Immortals had even longer lifespans. As for the so-called hereditary disciples, one batch would fully graduate approximately every 1000 years. Hence, not all were able to secure the mentorship of an immortal.
Becoming a disciple of a Tribulation High Immortal was even more difficult.
“If you do well in the practical combat assessment, I can craft a more compelling recommendation to the elders and veteran elders, increasing your likelihood of an immortal accepting you as a disciple,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng explained.
“Understood,” Wu Yuan nodded.
Practical combat? Wu Yuan knew that he was talented. But being able to showcase his strength was also important.
“Fei Lang,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng turned his gaze toward the handsome young man. “You, too, possess exceptional talent. Don’t you also aspire to become an immortal’s disciple?”
“The two of you shall spar with each other.”
Fei Lang? Wu Yuan glanced at the charming youth. His demeanor was extraordinary, and his aura denoted that he was at the Golden Core phase.
“Elder, I am at the sixth-stage Golden Core phase,” Fei Lang said. “In terms of cultivation, I likely surpass Brother Li Xia by a fair margin.”
“Li Xia is a first-stage Golden Core cultivator and is still young, not yet 50,” Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng remarked casually. “Once he reaches the same level of cultivation as you, sparring will be completely unnecessary.”
His words elicited a collective change in the onlookers’ expressions, particularly the Void Refiner cultivators.
Under 50? It was rare to see a Golden Core Superior at such a young age.
Fei Lang’s face darkened. The meaning of Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng’s words was not lost on him. Once their cultivation levels aligned, he would be no match for Wu Yuan.
Hmph! So what if he has superior talent? His cultivation level is far inferior to mine. Fei Lang’s eyes flashed with cold determination. Today, I shall teach you a good lesson.