Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin moved steadily onward, each step echoing like the silent tread of an invisible staircase. Traveling through the vast emptiness, they trod upon thin air and arrived in front of the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect.

"We two are Dao Seekers from Fairy Mist Island," Lin Fei declared with tranquility.

Even when facing the dignified Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect, he neither groveled nor acted pretentiously. After all, the figure before him was just a Martial Saint. And so was Lin Fei.

"What a good poise!" The Ancient Origin Sect's Martial Saint gave Lin Fei an appraising glance.

His aura was not something one could easily endure. Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin managed to stride toward him step by step. This was not something an ordinary Martial Saint could achieve. They were indeed the rare seekers seen only once in centuries!

"Dao Seekers are known for their steadfast spirits and wills, promising remarkable achievements in the future. However, that's all later. First, you must pass our Ancient Origin Sect's assessment, successfully join us as outer elders, and then you will have the chance to ascend to the pinnacle of martial arts!"

"What is the assessment?" Lin Fei queried further.

"No rush."

Subsequently, the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect called out to the crowd below, "Dragon Hidden Mountain, Martial Saint Lu Xuan!"

Following this, a man garbed in black emerged from the crowd, his entire demeanor chilly and detached.

"Lu Xuan pays his respects to the Envoy Gu!"

The black-robed man was none other than Lu Xuan, a Martial Saint.

Lin Fei had heard this name in the Ancient Origin City. It was said that Lu Xuan came recommended by Dragon Hidden Mountain, having once vanquished thirty-eight Martial Saints in succession, among whom were top-tier Martial Saints! This was a testament to his prowess.

Therefore, Dragon Hidden Mountain had made a show of him, ensuring the higher echelons of the Ancient Origin Sect knew of Lu Xuan. The purpose of this spectacle was exactly this—to make the Ancient Origin Sect take notice.

"Cold Water Pavilion, Ying Wuming!"

"Great Snow Mountain, Xia Zongtian."

"Red Maple Manor, Zhao Canglong."

The Ancient Origin Sect's Martial Saint called out a dozen more names, all of whom were currently enjoying considerable fame within Ancient Origin City.

In truth, all of this was merely to create a sensation. These Martial Saints' respective backers had expended immense resources and leveraged vast networks for this spectacle. Otherwise, how would the higher-ups of the Ancient Origin Sect know the names of these Martial Saints? Although the Martial Saints were powerful, they were not yet within the sights of the Ancient Origin Sect's upper echelons.

These ten Martial Saints were all eyeing each other. After all, there were limited spots within the Ancient Origin Sect. They were competitors. Of course, these were the famous ones, known to the Ancient Origin Sect's higher-ups. There were still some Martial Saints who were not known to the upper echelons of the Ancient Origin Sect, but who had recommendations. There were quite a few of them.

"I trust your backers have mentioned this. Once you create a sensation, and catch the eyes of my Ancient Origin Sect's upper echelons, then, upon passing the assessment, the upper echelons of the Ancient Origin Sect will bestow various rewards. Of course, the premise is that you have to pass the Ancient Origin Sect's assessment. Come with me."

Thus, Lin Fei and the others, following the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect, arrived at the foot of the Ancient Origin Sect's mountain.

Accompanying Lin Fei and the others were actually as many as hundreds of Martial Saints! With so many Martial Saints vying for spots, though the Ancient Origin Sect's quota was not fixed, it typically accepted only around a dozen. If the Ancient Origin Sect was unsatisfied, it would only admit a few. The most outrageous occurrence was once when none were accepted.

"Dare I ask, what is the content of this assessment?" A Martial Saint inquired.

Each time, the content of the Ancient Origin Sect's assessment was different. Thus, there wasn't any reference point. However, one thing was certain. The strength of the Martial Saints was extremely important. After all, these Martial Saints, unlike the disciples, upon joining the Ancient Origin Sect, would directly become outer elders. Naturally, the stronger they were, the better.

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

As for potential? Having become Martial Saints, potential no longer mattered. What mattered was strength! Hence, typically each assessment would see the strongest Martial Saints able to join the Ancient Origin Sect and become outer elders.

This was clear to all the Martial Saints. This was also the reason why people from the eight great families initially wished to spar with Lin Fei. They wanted to gauge Lin Fei's approximate strength, so they wouldn't invest heavily only to find out that the strength of Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin was too weak to join the Ancient Origin Sect. That would mean a major loss for the eight great families.

The Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect looked at Lin Fei and the others, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth: "The content of this assessment is simple. Do you see the gate of the Ancient Origin Sect? We are currently at the foot of the Ancient Origin Sect's mountain. Your task is to reach the gate of the Ancient Origin Sect as quickly as possible! The first batch of Martial Saints to reach there will be able to join the Ancient Origin Sect smoothly and become the elders of the Ancient Origin Sect!"

"Hm? Is it that simple?"

Some of the Martial Saints seemed somewhat incredulous.

"Is it really simple?"

The Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect looked amused but didn't answer.

At this moment, a black-robed Lu Xuan coldly asked, "Can we kill?"

Lu Xuan's words tightened the hearts of the many Martial Saints. Indeed, those who first reach the gate of the Ancient Origin Sect could smoothly join it. Actually, this did not refer to speed, but to ranking. Just getting to the mountain before their opponents was enough. If they killed all the Martial Saints at the foot of the mountain, they would certainly be able to join the Ancient Origin Sect.

All present were Martial Saints. All had experienced slaughters and walked their paths through battle. Could they not understand Lu Xuan's meaning? Even Shen Lianxin was momentarily moved to kill.

However, the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect regretfully shook his head and said, "Unfortunately, you can't kill."

"Can't kill?"

"But you didn't say we can't hurt others?"

The eyes of the crowd brightened. They immediately understood the meaning of the Ancient Origin Sect's Martial Saint. Can't kill, but he didn't say they couldn't injure. Evidently, fighting was inevitable. This scene was simply too cruel.

Over a hundred Martial Saints! What a grand line-up! These hundreds of Martial Saints had to pit their wits and courage against each other, fighting amongst themselves just for a chance to join the Ancient Origin Sect.

The Ancient Origin Sect was conducting the Martial Saint assessment first. Therefore, those disciples at the foot of the mountain who wanted to join the outer or even the inner sect of the Ancient Origin Sect were also watching the scene unfold. Perhaps their hearts were shocked. Even at the Martial Saint level, they had to join the Ancient Origin Sect in such a cruel manner. Now, their chances of joining the outer sect of the Ancient Origin Sect seemed much easier than the Martial Saints'.

If they missed this opportunity, they wouldn't need to consider becoming Martial Saints and joining the Ancient Origin Sect in the future. The probability of that was infinitesimal.

"I wonder who will be the first to climb to the top of the mountain?"

"Maybe it will be Martial Saint Lu Xuan."

"These two Dao Seekers look a bit ordinary."

"They say Dao Seekers have strong willpower, but their strength might not necessarily be the strongest."

"Foundation Establishment Dao Seekers do occasionally appear. Those Dao Seekers are highly valued by the Immortal Sects."

"The Ancient Origin Sect certainly values Dao Seekers, but whether they can pass the assessment is still a big question."

Many disciples temporarily didn't need to take the assessment. So, they were all discussing these Martial Saints. After all, it was rare to see these Martial Saints fighting so fiercely for a few spots under normal circumstances.

"Brother Shen, you go first. I'll stay at the foot of the mountain to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Suddenly, Lin Fei said to Shen Lianxin. Shen Lianxin understood immediately. Lin Fei was going to stop the other Martial Saints.

Shen Lianxin understood. Naturally, the others did too. Lu Xuan, Ying Wuming, and the others remained expressionless. However, a hint of murderous intent flashed through their eyes.

Although they were not allowed to kill, it didn't mean they couldn't injure others. Injuring a Martial Saint was much easier than killing one.

When it came to the opportunity to enter the Ancient Origin Sect, they would strike against anyone who dared to obstruct them. Even the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect seemed a bit surprised. He looked up and down at Lin Fei, a hint of doubt in his eyes. However, no matter what the doubt was, he would soon know.

"Alright, let's begin."

With the order from the Ancient Origin Sect's Martial Saint, the competition started.

"Whoosh."

Without any hesitation, Shen Lianxin rushed toward the mountain almost immediately. He was well aware of Lin Fei's strength. Therefore, Shen Lianxin wouldn't distract Lin Fei. Anyway, no matter what, if Lin Fei wanted to ascend the mountain, Shen Lianxin believed that no one could stop him. So, he didn't beat around the bush. Without any hesitation, he activated the true essence within his body and rushed towards the mountain at the fastest speed.

However, as fast as Shen Lianxin was, Ying Wuming, Lu Xuan, and the other Martial Saints seemed to be even faster! They moved ahead even faster than Shen Lianxin at first.

A gleam flashed across Lin Fei's eyes.

"I didn't allow you to move!"

In the next moment, without any hesitation, Lin Fei's saber momentum exploded!

"Boom."

A circle of white light erupted from Lin Fei's body. Instantly, it covered the area beneath the mountain of the Ancient Origin Sect. Hundreds of Martial Saints, even including the martial artists who were preparing to participate in the Ancient Origin Sect outer disciple assessment, were all enveloped by Lin Fei's saber momentum.

Suddenly, whether they were ordinary martial artists or Martial Saints, they all felt as if they were stuck in a swamp, finding it difficult to move. Even those Martial Saints felt as if they were carrying mountains on their backs. The weight made their whole bodies tremble. Even the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect, who was originally high above and prepared to stand by and watch the show, at this moment, was also suppressed by Lin Fei's saber momentum.

The entire area beneath the mountain of the Ancient Origin Sect, within a radius of ten miles, was suppressed by Lin Fei's saber momentum!

For a moment, the entire area beneath the mountain fell silent, and one could hear a pin drop.