As he entered, the people near the entrance couldn’t help but stare, their attention immediately drawn to his rugged appearance. His clothes bore several slash marks, with traces of dried blood still visible in places. Mud splatters stained his attire, particularly his black Hanfu shoes, where dried mud clung stubbornly. Adding to his worn look was a bamboo hat with a small cut on the left side and a more prominent slash near his right eye.
The sight of him sparked quiet murmurs throughout the crowd, with some stifling laughs as they assessed him from head to toe. Unfazed by their reactions, Madara ignored the crowd and focused on the people holding numbered tokens. He soon spotted the source—a small booth to his left, where others, seemingly of his age and also cultivators, were receiving numbers. As he approached, he was asked for basic information, including his name, age, gender, type of cultivation, and place of origin. Once his details were recorded, he was handed a wooden plate with his assigned number carved into it.After receiving his number, Madara’s attention shifted to the stage, where an elder was calling out numbers. “Number 108,” the elder announced. Hearing this, Madara looked at the wooden plate in his hand, noting that his own number was 379. He moved to the side to wait for his turn, using the time to observe the disciple selection process.
A divine eye mirror scanned a male cultivator who stepped onto the stage at number 108. As the selection process continued, Madara noticed that each cultivator could choose which master or sect they wished to join. He also observed three men seated in elevated chairs on the stage; one of them appeared to be significantly older. From their elaborate clothing, Madara deduced that these men were likely sect masters. They spoke quietly among themselves, their eyes fixed on the cultivators attempting to enter their sects.
Over time, Madara identified these three men. One was Sect Master Han Feng of the Heavenly Dao Sect. He wore a long, flowing robe in shades of soft blue, white, and hints of gold, adorned with intricate golden embroidery depicting celestial motifs. Beneath this, he wore a simple dark tunic, cinched with an ornate belt bearing a Daoist emblem. His footwear was both elegant and practical, featuring cloud-like patterns.
Beside him was Sect Master Jin Yu of the Thunder God Sect, dressed in deep blue and silver robes decorated with intricate lightning motifs. Over his robes, he wore a dark, hooded cloak lined with vibrant electric blue, adding an air of mystery to his appearance. A wide belt, adorned with thunderbolt charms, held various talismans, while fingerless gloves and sturdy black leather boots completed his outfit. A silver circlet resembling thunderclouds rested upon his head, and his spiky hair added to his fierce presence.
The third figure was Elder Master Yu Yan from the Flaming Sun Sect. He wore robes in shades of crimson and gold, his eyes burning with an intense fire. His silver hair flowed like molten metal, and with each step he took, wisps of flame seemed to dance around him, amplifying his fiery aura. He carried a scepter embedded with blazing gemstones, symbolizing his authority over the element of fire. Madara recognized Elder Yu Yan from a recent visit to Jin Yang Town, where he had overseen the scanning of spiritual roots, bone marrow, and bloodlines.
Hours later, as Madara stood at the edge of the plaza, eating a yellow apple, he heard the elder on stage announce, “Number 186.” At this, a young man in elegant azure silk robes began walking toward the stage. His handsome face was framed by flowing ebony hair, and a polished jade pendant, symbolizing his noble lineage, hung around his neck, adding to his graceful and confident demeanor.
As he approached, excited murmurs spread through the crowd. “That’s Zhang Hao.”
“He’s so handsome,” a few women whispered, while others voiced similar admiration. Hearing the commotion, Madara turned his gaze toward Zhang Hao, watching as he ascended the stage. Once Zhang Hao reached the platform, the elder began scanning him with the divine eye mirror.
...
Name: Zhang Hao
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Where do you live: Taiyuan City
Cultivator Type: Body Cultivator
Cultivation level: Mid Stage of Qi Condensation
Spiritual root: Common Spiritual Root
Nature Affinity: Fire and Earth (Common)
Bone marrow: Strong Bone Marrow
Bloodline: Molten Lava Bloodline (Rare Bloodline)
...
After Zhang Hao was scanned, he gave a respectful cup-fist salute to the three sect masters seated before him and announced, “I choose the Flaming Sun Sect.” Elder Master Yu Yan nodded in acknowledgment, quietly watching Zhang Hao as he stood before him.
The process of calling numbers and scanning each cultivator on stage continued. A few minutes later, when the elder called number 207, murmurs spread through the crowd; the person holding this number was none other than Chen Yu.
He wore flowing midnight blue silk robes embroidered with silver celestial patterns, secured by a jade belt holding a small pouch and a sheathed dagger. His wide sleeves and dragonhide boots allowed for agile movement. Jet-black hair, tied with a silver hairpin, framed his face, and an amulet shaped like a dragon coiled around a pearl hung around his neck. His sharp, glowing eyes and calloused hands reflected his high level of cultivation, further emphasized by a gem-embedded ring that pulsed with inner light.
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“Is that him? ”A man asked his companion.
“Yes, that’s him,” the other replied in confirmation.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the plaza...
“Do you think that rumor is true? ”An older man asked.
“I think it’s possible. After all, where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” answered a scholarly man beside him.
In the area where Madara stood, just a short distance away...
“I heard he was severely injured, his dantian damaged during a sparring session,” said a male cultivator.
“When your ability to cultivate is taken away due to a shattered dantian, it’s understandable he’d turn to drinking and women to ease the pain,” added the man beside him.
“What I find strange is, how did they repair his Dantian? The pills needed for Dantian restoration are nearly impossible to produce. Even if they manage to make one, it’s usually low or mid-grade and wouldn’t be enough for a complete recovery,” a female cultivator remarked.
“Why wonder? With his family’s wealth, they surely used hidden resources or artifacts to repair Chen Yu’s dantian,” replied another man in the group discussing Chen Yu’s situation.
As they each shared their opinions, Madara listened quietly, watching Chen Yu approach the stage. “Whatever you may say, only he knows the truth of what it took to restore his broken dantian,” Madara thought, his gaze fixed on Chen Yu as he ascended the stage.
As he stepped onto the platform, the elder began the scanning process...
...
Name: Chen Yu
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Where do you live: Qing Wu City
Cultivator Type: Body Cultivator
Cultivation level: Late Stage of Qi Condensation
Spiritual root: Exceptional Spiritual Root
Nature Affinity: Fire (Common)
Bone marrow: Exceptional Bone Marrow
Bloodline: None (Common)
...
When the elder announced the results, the only thought that crossed Madara's mind was, "Typical Mc." Afterward, Chen Yu chose the Flaming Sun Sect. Later on, when the elder called out the number 230, the crowd erupted in cheers, especially among the male cultivators, as the holder of this number was none other than Jia Li.
Jia Li wore an emerald green silk robe adorned with gold and silver lotus flower embroidery, cinched with a pale jade sash decorated with small charms. Her inner garment was a lighter shade of green, and her wide sleeves, along with the embroidered hem, added an air of majesty. Her hair was elegantly styled in an intricate updo, embellished with jade and pearl hairpins. Around her neck hung a jade lotus pendant, and she wore delicate embroidered silk shoes. Her hands were adorned with slender jade bangles, reflecting both grace and strength.
"Jia Li is truly beautiful," remarked one male cultivator.
"You said it! If I could just hold her hand, I wouldn't shower for a week," joked another, eliciting laughter from those around.
The atmosphere was filled with effusive compliments from the men as they watched Jia Li ascend the stage, while the female cultivators looked on with envy.
Even Madara couldn't deny Jia Li's beauty as he observed her approaching the stage. However, he didn’t overlook the other women or men present in the plaza. They were all striking—if he were to set his standard of beauty based on Earth, he would say that everyone here possessed a certain artistry in their appearance, regardless of whether they wore extravagant clothing, makeup, or had undergone cosmetic enhancements. He thought of his mother, his sister Xiao Yun, and the people in their village (Jiandan Village). In short, everyone he encountered in this world exhibited natural beauty, even without adornments.
As she stepped closer to the stage, the elder began scanning her with the divine mirror.
...
Name: Jia Li
Age: 15
Sex: Female
Where do you live: Spirit Wind City (灵风城, Líng Fēng Chéng) "Ling Feng City"
Cultivator Type: Weapon Cultivator
Cultivation level: Mid Stage of Qi Condensation
Spiritual root: Rare Spiritual Root
Nature Affinity: Wind (Uncommon)
Bone marrow: Refined Bone Marrow
Bloodline: None (Common)
...
After the elder announced the results, the men erupted in cheers for Jia Li. Following this, she chose to join the Heavenly Dao Sect.
As the elder continued calling out numbers, Madara pondered which sect he would align with, knowing his number was still far off. "If I choose the Flaming Sun Sect, my priority there would be my fire affinity. On the other hand, if I select the Thunder God Sect, they would likely prioritize lightning affinity."
"Hmm... it seems I have no choice but to go with the Heavenly Dao Sect. It strikes a balance between the two, and the word 'Dao' might enhance my understanding of the Sword Dao."
After a moment of reflection on his sect choice, Madara noticed the people around him looking in a single direction. A lady was slowly walking towards the stage as the elder called out number 261.
She wore a lavender silk robe adorned with silver floral patterns, cinched with a pink sash that held a small fan and sachet. Her pale lavender inner garment beautifully complemented the robe. Her long black hair was styled half-up, secured with silver hairpins and a butterfly-shaped comb. A silver necklace with an amethyst pendant graced her neck, and she wore lightly embroidered shoes. Slender silver bracelets adorned her wrists, reflecting her gentle and refined nature.
"Who could she be? She's more beautiful than Jia Li," asked one male cultivator.
"I don't know, but from what I've heard, she's from the Tianhe Empire (天河帝国, Tiānhé Dìguó)," replied the cultivator behind him.
"She looks like a fairy with her beauty," commented a female cultivator, admiring the mysterious woman as she walked gracefully. Another lady nearby nodded in agreement.
"We'll find out who she is once she finishes being scanned," remarked a scholarly man.
As she reached the stage, the elder began to scan her using the divine eye mirror.
...
Name: Ai Xia
Age: 15
Sex: Female
Where do you live: Frosty Peak Village (霜峰村, Shuāng Fēng Cūn) "Shuang Feng Village"
Cultivator Type: Weapon Cultivator
Cultivation level: Mid Stage of Qi Condensation
Spiritual root: Exceptional Spiritual Root
Nature Affinity: Ice (Rare)
Bone marrow: Refined Bone Marrow
Bloodline: None (Common)
...
When the elder announced the results, a hush fell over the crowd as they listened to Ai Xia speak. "The sect I wish to join is the Heavenly Dao Sect. I hope you will accept me," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle, melodic tone. Han Feng responded with a simple nod, indicating his acceptance.
As she descended from the stage, Madara watched her and quietly remarked, "Of course, the female lead can’t be absent." He paused for a moment, a smirk forming on his lips as he thought, "What is this? It feels like I’m in a novel... just a background character."
Afterward, the elder resumed calling out numbers for each cultivator holding a wooden plate. Over the past few hours, Madara frequently glanced around the plaza, hoping to spot his sister Xiao Yun, as well as Li Mei and Li Lu, or anyone he recognized from their village. He believed that perhaps, when he left that night, someone might have come to rescue their village. Even if the chance was slim, there was still a possibility.
Finally, the moment arrived when the elder called out his number: "No. 379."