After a night of rain, the early morning in Pingyang Town carried a chill, signaling the arrival of autumn.
The morning mist lightly moistened the roadside weeds, while the cicadas intermittently chirped, rousing the entire town to life.
Today, Pingyang Town was unusually lively as numerous cultivators hurried towards a specific destination. Passing travelers from distant places, enjoying their breakfast, asked the shopkeeper in the teahouse, “Boss, what are they all running for? What’s causing such a commotion?”
“Today is the day of the Taiyan Sect’s recruitment selection competition,” the shopkeeper replied with a smile. “Talented geniuses from throughout the province are all hoping to make a name for themselves on the Immortal Viewing Platform.”
The Immortal Viewing Platform was a leveled high ground at the foot of Gufeng Mountain. It was said that in the evening, if one stood on the platform and looked upwards, they could witness the celestial scenery and vibrant hues of Gufeng Mountain. Today, the area below the Immortal Viewing Platform was already packed with a bustling crowd. Zanxing, Hongsu and Old Niu stood in the distance, their gazes fixed on the Immortal Viewing Platform, lost in thought.
In the land of Duzhou, the culture of cultivation thrived. Among the major sects, the Taiyan Sect was particularly famous. The sect was founded by the Sage Yushan three hundred years ago, and he had ascended to immortality a century ago, becoming the first cultivator in Duzhou to achieve such a feat. After the Sage Yushan’s ascension, his disciple, Shaoyang Zhenren, took over as the sect’s leader. In the twenty years since the great conflict between humans and demons, the Taiyan Sect’s vitality had waned, but it remained an ancient and esteemed sect. The sect held a wealth of esoteric teachings and techniques, and becoming a disciple came with numerous advantages. Furthermore, the Taiyan Sect hadn’t accepted new disciples for nearly a decade. This year’s recruitment had attracted cultivators from all corners who had heard the news, gathering in Pingyang Town with dreams of soaring over the dragon gate
1 and gaining entry as official disciples of the Taiyan Sect.
“After all, it’s a renowned sect, so it’s normal for many people to come. Moreover,” Zanxing glanced around, “it seems they’ve expanded their recruitment this year.”
While they were speaking, a group of people flew from the direction of Gufeng Mountain, riding on long swords and moving with the wind. In just a moment, they landed on the Immortal Viewing Platform.
“Ah! They’re disciples of the Taiyan Sect!” a nearby cultivator excitedly shouted. “They’ve arrived!”
Hongsu also grew excited, “Miss, those are the Taiyan Sect’s people, and they look quite good!”
Most of the group were dressed in light gray silk robes with white belts around their waists and deep gray satin ribbons tying their hair. Each of them had dignified features, standing tall and slender, their robes swaying gracefully in the breeze, giving them an otherworldly aura. Leading them was a young woman who stood out. She wore a gray-purple silk robe and possessed striking beauty, exuding a confident and heroic air. When she smiled, her aloofness vanished, replaced by warmth and gentleness.
She stood on the Immortal Viewing Platform and addressed the crowd below with a clear voice, “I am Ziluo, a disciple of the Taiyan Sect. Today is the Taiyan Sect’s recruitment day, and I can see that all of you have come from afar, demonstrating your dedication to the path of cultivation.”
“The path of cultivation is fraught with challenges and obstacles, often involving winding and treacherous routes. Without the determination of a solid rock and the perseverance of the foolish old man, it’s easy to give up halfway. As you all know, the path of cultivation begins with Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment. In our Taiyan Sect, everyone starts with Foundation Establishment. Today, in the recruitment selection competition, starting from the Immortal Viewing Platform, not everyone can proceed.”
After saying this, Ziluo waved her sleeve, and a streak of golden light shot out from it. This golden light swiftly descended beneath the Immortal Viewing Platform, forming an arch-like gate, taking on the shape of a door.
“This is the Elemental Gate,” Ziluo explained. “Only those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage can pass through it. Those of you who haven’t reached Foundation Establishment can leave now.”
Zanxing thought, ‘Impressive. It’s just like airport security.’
Among the cultivators present today, many had only reached the Qi Refinement stage. Upon hearing this, they became discontented, saying, “How can this be? Why look down on those at the Qi Refinement stage?”
“That’s right, the Taiyan Sect is a prestigious sect. How can they be so disdainful?”
Ziluo smiled and said, “It’s not about looking down on anyone. In fact, it’s for your own good. The trials on the Immortal Viewing Platform are an unusual assessment. If those who haven’t reached Foundation Establishment attempt it, they may suffer injuries at best or even lose their lives. The sect is concerned for your safety.”
With this explanation, those previously disgruntled cultivators no longer dared to speak up. They indeed wished to enter the Taiyan Sect, but nobody wanted to risk their lives for it.
The golden gate stood tall beneath the Immortal Viewing Platform, as if crossing this threshold would transport one into a world of enchantment and mystery. Some eager beavers couldn’t contain their excitement and rushed forward, diving headfirst into the golden gate. Moments later, from behind the gate, came hearty laughter, “I’m going in first, everyone!”
The remaining cultivators, witnessing this, surged forward. Among them were a few who attempted to slip through with hoping for a hint of luck, only to be swiftly repelled by the golden light, resulting in rather undignified falls.
Ziluo gazed at the fallen cultivators with a gracious smile, “Don’t think you can outsmart the Elemental Gate. It’s quite discerning.”
Zanxing, observing this scene, suggested, “Let’s go too.”
Hong Su and Old Niu hastened to follow. Just as the three of them approached the Elemental Gate, Zanxing had not yet stepped through when a voice from behind called out, “Miss Yang?”
Zanxing turned around, and there stood Wang Shao and Duan Xiangrao. Duan Xiangrao appeared surprised as she asked, “Miss Yang, what brings you here? Are you…” she glanced at the Elemental Gate, then dramatically added, “participating in the selection competition as well?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Wang Shao quickly interjected, “She has only recently entered the Qi Refinement stage, and she cannot even pass through this gate.”
“Is that so?” Duan Xiangrao smiled regretfully. “I thought I might have the chance to compete alongside Miss Yang.”
These two seemed to be deliberately provoking each other with their back-and-forth banter. Hongsu, being young, couldn’t resist joining in and said indignantly, “Don’t underestimate us. Our young lady is much stronger than you, you vixen!”
“Strength isn’t determined by mere words,” Duan Xiangrao responded firmly.
Zanxing couldn’t be bothered with their banter and began walking toward the Elemental Gate.
“Wait!” Wang Shao called out.
Zanxing turned back and inquired, “Is there something you need, Young Master Wang?”
Wang Shao wasn’t entirely sure why he had stopped Zanxing. Her gaze made it seem as if she didn’t even notice his presence, which left him feeling oddly unsettled. After a brief pause, he taunted, “Zanxing, have you gone mad with sorrow after our engagement was broken off? Didn’t you hear what was said earlier? Without reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, you can’t enter this gate. Are you deaf?”
“Young Master Wang,” Zanxing looked at him and smiled, “haven’t you heard the saying, ‘After three days of separation, you should greet each other with a fresh perspective’?”
The Chinese saying “soaring over the dragon gate” is often used to describe someone who’s achieved great success or has made a significant breakthrough in one’s life after overcoming challenges or obstacles.