Jiang Hao's decision left others puzzled. Zheng Shijiu and his companions had expected him to choose two moderately skilled individuals. They hoped readers would remember our domain name at this point. Instead, Jiang Hao picked the two weakest ones.
Upon seeing Miao Tinglian of the Golden Core stage, they understood that this choice was quite fitting. It seemed very low-key. In fact, Xin Yuyue found it odd. In her understanding, Jiang Hao was a very low-profile person, but his reputation was quite prominent. Of course, it also instilled some fear in both her and Zheng Shijiu. Perhaps the quieter a person is, the more dangerous they are.
Feng Baifei from the Hundred Bone Forest regarded it with disdain. At this moment, even if he'd chosen those of middle or high rank, no one could say anything. After all, Miao Tinglian was headed to the Broken Hearts Cliff, and couldn't be stopped. There was no need to count her among them. Bringing someone like her back would only make it seem like failure to accomplish the task.
Le You was fixated on Xiao Li; if Xiao Li had any innate talent, Le You wanted to take her as well. Since Xiao Li suited their needs perfectly. Unfortunately, she had no talent. Le You did not dare to choose impulsively, especially because Xiao Li was left behind by Jiang Hao.
"Is it almost time?" asked Zheng Shijiu suddenly.
"There's still some time left," Jiang Hao said as he looked toward the edge of the peak.
By this time, people were gradually climbing up. One by one, until finally, twenty-six individuals had arrived.
At the last moment, a young man whose hands were bloody and half his body atop the peak appeared. It was at this moment that Miao Xing spoke:
"Time's up. Those who haven't fully reached the mountain top, you may leave."
The young man was struck as if by lightning at hearing this. His face turned pale and helpless. His once resolute face lowered, tears streaming down unabatedly. He seemed unwilling to give up.
Others didn't pay much attention to him, though some of the disciples already in the sect felt sorry for him. Jiang Hao initially didn't wish to interfere, but noticed the young man's poor physical condition; the fact that he managed to climb up here was a testament to his determination.
If this were an immortal sect, Jiang Hao could have given him a chance. But, the Demonic Sect's competition was far more brutal than that of an immortal sect. Those who rely solely on determination to join the sect either return home or become bones buried here.
So far, no one has been known to rise through sheer effort alone.
As he pondered, Jiang Hao approached the young man, alongside Fairy Le You, who carried a large sword on her back.
"Do you have family?" Fairy Le You asked first.
She also admired the young man's determination. If possible, she would take him back to the Horizontal Waterfall Sect. More of such people wouldn’t cause gossip among others.
"I do, indeed," the young man replied.
"Do you understand what kind of sect you're trying to join?" Jiang Hao asked.
"I do, I know," the young man answered.
"Is that so?" Jiang Hao nodded, saying no more.
Fairy Le You stamped the ground heavily, allowing the young man to ascend the peak. Then she turned to leave, casually saying:
"Follow me. If you can keep up, you'll come with me to the main branch of the Horizontal Waterfall Sect. If not, I'll have someone escort you away."
Observing Senior Sister Le You, Jiang Hao felt that she wasn't simple.
Afterward, Jiang Hao glanced at the others midway up the mountain and said to Miao Xing:
"Bring them down."
"Yes," Miao Xing acknowledged.
As he was about to carry out the task, Jiang Hao handed him an ordinary Spirit Sword and said:
"Keep it."
"Many, many thanks, Senior Brother," Miao Xing replied gratefully.
Although Spirit Swords were cheap, they were still Spirit Swords. Receiving the sword boosted Miao Xing’s enthusiasm in handling his tasks. Jiang Hao didn’t mind. He had an abundance of Spirit Swords, so many that he struggled to find ways to use them. Giving one away could at least reduce his excess.
They continued walking towards the outer sect area, which took half a day. Along the way, they were nourished by spiritual energy, contemplating their Dao hearts—a kind of sect benefit. If one's Dao heart were firm, and one's mind steady, with enough fortune, one could glimpse their path overnight, and after acquiring the Heavenly Resonance Qi Refining Manual, they might enter the sect ranks overnight.
"Heavenly Sound Sect is truly generous," Miao Tinglian marveled, walking beside Jiang Hao.
She had heard of this path but was still shocked upon witnessing it, unbelieving that such a generous sect could be a Demonic Sect. Perhaps, one day, it might become one of the top great demonic sects in the cultivation world.
By evening, Jiang Hao and his group reached the outer sect area. The others were under Miao Xing's arrangement, while Jiang Hao led his group to their respective places. With this, the matter concluded without any further incidents. Despite some unexpected turns, they weren't unmanageable. Yet, he wondered if bringing Miao Tinglian here would provoke Senior Brother Mu Qi. Though the two were involved, the details eluded Jiang Hao.
"Come with me," Jiang Hao called to Miao Tinglian and the others.
Xiao Li nodded emphatically, though her steps were unsteady. Jiang Hao knew she was hungry. Lin Zhi kept her head down, while Miao Tinglian seemed a bit anxious. After all, she was about to meet someone who could decide her life and death; one wrong move, and she might never return.
Before leaving, Jiang Hao cast a glance toward Senior Sister Le You's group. The determined young man hadn't fallen behind. From today onward, the fate of these new recruits would differ from the past. Some would accomplish much, while many would become mere stepping stones for others. Of course, living as an ordinary person might be safer, but it wasn't entirely pleasant either.
At nightfall, Jiang Hao returned to the Broken Hearts Cliff with his group. The first thing he did was report the situation of the three recruits to his master. Lin Zhi and Xiao Li received only a brief glance from Ku Wuchang, who then lost interest. His expressionless face made it difficult for Jiang Hao to discern his master's satisfaction.
"Take those two to settle down," Ku Wuchang instructed in a low voice.
"Yes," Jiang Hao respectfully complied.
Jiang Hao led the group out, leaving Miao Tinglian inside alone.
As he stepped out, Jiang Hao noticed Senior Brother Mu Qi standing outside in all black, his expression somber, seemingly worried. When Mu Qi spotted Jiang Hao, he immediately put on a smile:
"Junior Brother, the task is complete? Are these the new disciples you've brought back?"
"Yes, I was just about to settle them in," Jiang Hao replied courteously.
Mu Qi nodded, then curiously asked:
"Why only two?"
Jiang Hao realized Senior Brother Mu Qi probably referred to Miao Tinglian, so he explained honestly:
"There's also a Fairy named Miao Tinglian. Her background is unique, claiming to seek refuge here. Given the seriousness, only our master can make the decision."
After exchanging a few more words, Jiang Hao led the group away. He wasn't sure if Senior Brother Mu Qi would hold a grudge for bringing in Miao Tinglian, but it was beyond his control. Everyone had witnessed it, and with her Golden Core level, it couldn't be ignored. But then again, grudges form as they will—who would consider things from his perspective?
Leaving Xiao Li and Lin Zhi at the Broken Hearts Cliff’s outer sect gathering place, Jiang Hao finally took his leave. What happens to the two afterward would be up to themselves. Before leaving, he kindly reminded them:
"Speak less, work more, and avoid causing trouble in the sect."
Both nodded.
Lin Zhi likely listened, while Xiao Li perhaps did not.
Late at night, Jiang Hao returned home. The task had been relatively smooth, allowing him to resume his quest for strength immediately. He soon immersed himself in cultivation, simultaneously calming his mind. Watching those who risked their lives for the path of immortality—though most were forced by circumstances—left a considerable impression on him.
The next day, as sunlight streamed in, Jiang Hao stepped onto his balcony, taking a deep breath. Looking down to observe the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, he noticed someone new in the yard. Clad in red, she stood gracefully with flowing hair. At that moment, she lifted her head slightly, meeting Jiang Hao's gaze.