Miao Tinglian, a Candidate Saintess of the Heavenly Saint Sect, is connected with Senior Brother Mu Qi. As Jiang Hao recalled this information about her, he felt a twinge of concern but also a touch of puzzlement. Why would she have come as a spy with her powers already at the Golden Core stage?
"With such impressive cultivation, may I ask which school or sect the fairy comes from?" Jiang Hao asked calmly.
The other candidates selecting disciples were surprised that someone so revered by immortal masters was among them. Some felt relief that they hadn't crossed this formidable lady, while others, particularly the older ones, were troubled by certain thoughts due to Miao Tinglian's exceptional beauty.
"Heavenly Saint Sect," Miao Tinglian declared openly, "but I have defected and come here to pledge allegiance. I've brought a token of sincerity; you only need to take me to see your master."
A defector? Jiang Hao felt a headache coming on and remained unsure of her intentions. The idea of using his daily appraisal on her was less than appealing that day. The surrounding four individuals were on high alert, knowing that while the Heavenly Saint Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect were both demonic sects, people from the Heavenly Saint Sect were notoriously unpredictable and troublesome when offended.
"I will naturally offer you something in return," Miao Tinglian said, sensing Jiang Hao's hesitation, as she produced a small bottle. "If you can bring me inside, this Heaven Rejuvenation Pill will be yours."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Shijiu and Feng Baifei from the Hundred Bone Forest were stunned. The Heaven Rejuvenation Pill was crucial for those aspiring to reach the Golden Core stage. Its value was immeasurable. Both were tempted by the offer to even assist directly.
Jiang Hao also coveted it as he eyed the bottle; the pill was worth at least three thousand spirit stones, possibly up to ten thousand. Such a fortune could buy a blade with confidence, enhance his rabbit's bloodline, and purchase a plethora of spirit herb seeds.
Despite the allure, Jiang Hao decided to engage in an appraisal.
[Miao Tinglian: One of the Candidate Saintesses of the Heavenly Saint Sect, currently at the mid-stages of the Golden Core realm, exceptionally talented. She defected successfully and seeks shelter at the Broken Hearts Cliff to avoid being hunted by her sect. Her defection was primarily influenced by her connection with Mu Qi of the Heavenly Sound Sect.]
Jiang Hao found this revelation unexpected. He had always worried about his Senior Brother Mu Qi—whom he appraised previously due to his affair with a candidate saintess from the Heavenly Saint Sect—betraying them. He never considered that she would defect first.
Despite defecting, she remained a Candidate Saintess, a curious status. Presently, she posed no danger, but the future remained uncertain.
After a moment’s thought, Jiang Hao pushed the Heaven Rejuvenation Pill back toward her. "The entrance test concludes tomorrow, and bringing anyone in will also have to wait until then. I must report your situation to my master. I ask for the fairy's understanding."
Accepting the pill would burden him with responsibility if something went wrong later. Declining it lessened his obligations to some extent. Moreover, Zheng Shijiu and others were too eager for the pill; accepting it would complicate matters.
Miao Tinglian naturally agreed to Jiang Hao's suggestion. The testing continued.
Ultimately, the results showed Miao Tinglian as top, alongside two others with exceptional talent, nine at high levels, fifty-six above average, 132 average, and 206 below average. Far exceeding the expected three hundred.
Miao Xing later distributed a booklet to everyone, even those without apparent talent, valuing high comprehension as a potential pathway to great heights if fate favored them. "Begin reciting the Heavenly Sound Resonance," Miao Xing instructed, his eyes on the candidates.
Jiang Hao observed alongside Xiao Li and a self-doubting boy. The Heavenly Sound Resonance is the foundational chapter of the Hundred Revolutions of Heavenly Sound, used widely for talent assessment, even clandestinely among rival sects. Books that reacted more were indicative of deeper comprehension, manifesting as greater brightness, segmented into seven sections.
One candidate surprisingly surpassed even the high-level gifts despite being only above average initially. Continued observance revealed Xiao Li's quiet talentlessness. Meanwhile, the self-conscious boy, Lin Zhi, remained standard at three segments.
“Seems tomorrow, I must appraise Xiao Li,” Jiang Hao mused, as he'd intended appraisals for both.
“Count yourselves lucky; even from so few, you found two of such high caliber,” Miao Tinglian remarked, witnessing the results.
Jiang Hao refrained from commenting, knowing Miao Tinglian counted as an exceptional herself. In a crowd of two thousand, having two talents of such magnitude is indeed rare, albeit with average wit.
Following the comprehension tests, thirty more were added to the count, leaving the perseverance tests for last. The successful ones who scale the mountain before noon the next day would gain entry as outer disciples.
"Spiritual roots, comprehension, perseverance... Truly covering all bases for disciple selection," Miao Tinglian marveled. But at her Golden Core stage, such testing was unnecessary for her, despite her complicated status potentially barring inner-door entry.
“Ensure the arrangements; we'll bring them tomorrow,” Zheng Shijiu directed Miao Xing.
“Brother, should we leave Xiao Li?” inquired Miao Xing, noting the girl's apparent lack of potential and Jiang Hao's delayed decision.
"Keep her fornow. I'll decide tomorrow," Jiang Hao stated.
Later, he parted with Miao Tinglian before returning on his Spirit Sword. Alongside him, the two exceptional talents bid farewell to Lin Zhi, promising to see him inside. Lin Zhi responded with a strained smile, aware of their undeniable potential and the impending gulf between their journeys.
On their way back, Lin Mo asked, “To which faction will we belong?”
“That’s uncertain,” Zheng Shijiu chuckled, “but rest assured, you will be valued wherever you go.”
“Will we fly on swords like you?" Lin Mo eagerly inquired.
“Not just like us,” Xin Yuyue admired. “You will excel beyond us in the future.”
Jiang Hao stayed silent, admiring the top talents, while acknowledging the strength among all present.
"Can our friend join us in cultivation?" Zhao Qinxue inquired suddenly.
“No,” said Le You frankly. “Referring to Lin Zhi, aren’t you? His talent and comprehension are limited. You could help him, but the gap is insurmountable. Retain him as a friend, but mind the boundaries.”
Jiang Hao was pleasantly surprised by this candid insight. Moments later, they landed beneath the Law Enforcement Peak to greet their masters.
Not long after, the top disciples ascended the Law Enforcement Peak for evaluation, their potential drawing attention. Jiang Hao used the opportunity to convey additional matters, secure in the knowledge that his master intended to summon him that night.
Thus reassured, Jiang Hao returned with a calm heart.