Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 340: Dragon-Phoenix Phenomenon (1)

Numerous sects were established on the Redmoon Immortal Continent, yet their structures remained largely uniform.

Disciples were typically those below the Void Refiner phase. Those who reached the Void Refiner phase were considered powerhouses of the immortal continent.

Disciples were generally categorized into outer, inner, and hereditary disciples, representing the importance the sect placed on them. The difference of just one rank meant a world of difference in resources and influence within the sect.

Apart from the hereditary disciples, there were also those fortunate enough to be personally mentored by immortals, a privilege that set them apart from the usual hierarchy of the sect.

The Dragon Star Immortal Sect stood as the top sect on the Redmoon Immortal Continent, boasting millions of disciples and dominion over billions of li of territories, making it a realm of boundless prosperity.

Attaining the status of outer disciple was a commendable achievement for many Golden Core and Amethyst Cradle cultivators. To be recognized as an inner disciple certified one as a prodigy.

As for hereditary status? It was reserved for the top few hundred most exceptional talents within the sect. Such individuals were one-in-10,000 prodigies among their peers in the Golden Core or Amethyst Cradle phases.

As a result, the newly enrolled disciples accompanying the immortal looked at Wu Yuan with altered expressions. Their eyes brimmed with curiosity, skepticism, and above all, envy. Even the two Void Refiner powerhouses regarded him with a measure of interest.

"No wonder the Earth Immortal personally made the trip here. His main purpose is to test this Li Xia, and just picked up these little fellows since they were on the way.” The Void Refiner cultivators communicated via telepathy.

Within the sect, Void Refiners held the position of protectorates. Thus, they observed the proceedings with a detached demeanor. Having never met Wu Yuan before, and with neither personal grudges nor grievances with him, they maintained a neutral stance toward him. They weren’t concerned about whether he would go on to become a hereditary disciple.

"What is the nature of the assessment, Senior?" inquired Wu Yuan respectfully.

No matter which sect one joined, assessments were standard protocol, so Wu Yuan did not see it as a negative. On the contrary, he was eager to showcase his talent and skills.

"The assessment will evaluate your immortal root," replied Xiang Sheng with a genial smile. "Brother Qing Feng spoke highly of your talents, and while I trust his judgment, certain protocols must be observed."

The mention of Brother Qing Feng sparked a flicker of confusion in Wu Yuan's eyes. Who was that? Since Xiang Sheng was a Divided Soul Earth Immortal, someone addressed by him as such was probably another Divided Soul Earth Immortal.

As for the other disciples, they too did not recognize the name Qing Feng.

Qing Feng’s name was well-known, but that was among the high level beings of the Immortal Continent. For the countless Golden Core and Amethyst Cradle cultivators on the vast land, they wouldn’t have such knowledge.

Only the two Void Refiner cultivators exchanged surprised glances. At that moment, their impressions of Wu Yuan also changed.

He was someone recommended by Earth Immortal Qing Feng? Furthermore, their current location was a branch residence of the prince-ranked Zhuo Family? Speculations began forming in their minds.

A member of the Zhuo Family? The illegitimate child of some big shot?

Either way, they knew without a shadow of a doubt that Wu Yuan was someone with a massive background.

With a gesture from Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng, a grand cauldron soared into the air.

The cauldron, standing at two zhangs tall with three legs and a bronze-colored surface, was adorned with intricate carvings of flora and fauna, along with ever-changing scenes of mountains and rivers as if accommodating all the myriad sceneries of the world. It was incredibly mystical.

"Li Xia, this is the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations. Though it isn't celestial grade, it is top-tier among spirion equipment. It can accurately assess the immortal root, cultivation and age of those below the Void Refiner phase." Xiang Sheng explained.

“Please step inside.” He motioned for Wu Yuan to enter the cauldron.

"Understood," Wu Yuan responded respectfully, eyeing the cauldron with intrigue.

Out of the nine grades of spirit equipment, first-grade items were the most precious, and common Amethyst Cradle cultivators would find it hard to obtain one.

However, for Void Refiners and immortals, spirit equipment was no longer sufficient for their needs. Instead, they wielded spirion equipment. These were extraordinarily powerful objects imbued with a hint of Dao resonance.

And above spirion equipment, there were the legendary celestial equipment that could cultivate, overcome Tribulations, and upgrade themselves.

Feeling assured that the Earth Immortal wouldn’t harm him, Wu Yuan flew into the cauldron. Inside, fog swirled around him turbulently.

Hm? Wu Yuan sensed waves of mysterious fluctuations probing his entire body, as if attempting to uncover his deepest secrets. Unfazed, he welcomed the scrutiny. The degree of his immortal root and other details pertaining to his talent were no secret.

The black pagoda was his greatest secret. But after everything he had experienced, he was confident that it would take more than this to detect its existence.

Time drifted by.

"Why isn't anything happening?"

“What’s going on?” The disciples observed the silent cauldron with furrowed brows.

By now, it had been three to four breaths since Wu Yuan entered the cauldron.

"This is strange," remarked a youth in brocade attire through telepathy. "When our immortal roots were assessed, the various phenomena manifested quickly and vividly."

"My fifth-degree root manifested insects and birds," another disciple transmitted.

"My fifth-degree immortal root manifested a flock of circling birds."

"If I remember correctly, Brother Fei Lang's immortal root is the strongest among us," interjected a red-robed young woman via telepathy. "Upon entering the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations, it manifested the scene of a rushing river, a rare occurrence even among fourth-degree roots. He is almost certainly able to upgrade his root to a higher grade in the future."

All eyes turned to Fei Lang, a striking figure adorned in flamboyant attire that matched his devilish charm.

Among the group of disciples, he had the greatest talent, and Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng saw the promise of a future hereditary disciple in him.

Fei Lang fixed his eyes on the grand cauldron, transmitting his voice to the other disciples, “I may have a fourth-degree immortal root, but everyone here is not bad either."

"By right, given that Li Xia received such high praise from an immortal, he should at least possess a fourth-degree immortal root. But..." Fei Lang shook his head ever so slightly.

"Looking at the current situation, forget a fourth-degree immortal root, I’m guessing he didn’t even establish a sixth-degree immortal root. He has most likely established an immortal root in the bottom three degrees."

“Haha. Is someone like that even worthy of becoming a hereditary disciple of the sect?” A sense of disdain crept into Fei Lang's tone.

The other disciples nodded in agreement. Their perception of Wu Yuan was less than favorable. All of them were heaven-blessed prodigies of their respective families and immortal cities, and had pride in their abilities.

Yet, Wu Yuan, who did not appear particularly strong, was directly admitted as a hereditary disciple? Naturally, they were rather unwilling to accept this.

Combined with Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng singing his praises, this result seemed to serve as evidence that Wu Yuan hadn’t gotten this far with actual talent and effort. Now, as they watched the possibility of Wu Yuan making a blunder, a sense of satisfaction crept over these disciples.

Hmph, admitting a hereditary disciple with a low-degree immortal root? Even if his background is as vast as the heavens, it's still not possible. Fei Lang muttered inwardly.

Even if he was an Archimmortal’s son, shouldn’t he at least care about his dignity?

It was just these disciples who harbored doubts. After a significant amount of time passed with no movement from the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations, the two Void Refiner Eminences displayed expressions of uncertainty.

Since an Earth Immortal had praised him so highly, shouldn't Wu Yuan possess a fifth-degree immortal root at least? While one’s immortal root did not dictate everything, if it was too weak, there would certainly be issues.