Zaiden, Elena, Halbert, and Garfield levitated in mid-air, facing a throng of nearly 500 young cultivators.
Their ranks ranged from the lower tiers of the Golden Stage to the Divine Separation Stage, with most being at the pinnacle of the Golden Stage.
At the zenith stood Windsor, an exceptional talent who had ascended to the legendary Divine Separation Stage. A level inhabited by only one person.
Behind them were thousands of cultivators who had come from all corners of the world. While they had surpassed the age to partake in the assessment, they were unwilling to miss out on the grand spectacle unfolding before them.
Zaiden proclaimed the rules with authority in his voice, “The sanctuary assessment will be divided into three stages…”
“In the first stage, you must locate a specific object hidden within the Curse. Those who discover and successfully retrieve it must leave the Curse to advance. There are a total of ten target objects for this stage!”
Upon hearing that, a wave of restlessness swept through the crowd.
With hundreds participating in the assessment and only ten target objects to secure, it became apparent that a staggering 98 percent of the cultivators would face elimination in the very first stage.
The challenge ahead seemed incredibly daunting.
Although everyone knew that only four would ultimately enter sacred lands, being eliminated in the first stage was a great disappointment.
“Master Hugo, I think this ratio of objects to cultivators is unreasonable. With only ten objects, the randomness is too great. Even if someone doesn’t get a target object, it shouldn’t negate their personal strength.”
“Yes, indeed. If someone with mediocre strength just gets lucky and finds a target object, passing the stage, that would be unfair to the rest of us!”
“Exactly, the possibility is too random. I think the number of target objects should be increased to 100!”
The cultivators voiced their opinions, all finding it too challenging and hoping for an increase in target objects.
Remus remained composed, thinking to himself about the target object.
Could it be Oblivion Grass?
“Silence!” Zaiden roared and bellowed, “I don’t care about your opinions, only mine matters. The rules are as such. If you don’t want to participate, leave now! Anyone else with objections can also leave immediately!”
As his words fell, everyone swallowed their complaints. They were powerless to resist and had no choice but to comply with the rules.
Zaiden surveyed the crowd and continued, “The Curse will now be opened! The target object will be announced after all of you have entered!”
He, Elena, Halbert, and Garfield simultaneously extended their hands, directing their spirit energy toward the side valley. Four streams of spirit energy shot out, converging at the center of the valley.
With a loud thump, a barrier formed at the convergence of the spirit energy, looking like ripples on water and overflowing with colored light. Entering the barrier meant entering the Curse.
Seeing this, the cultivators began to enter the Curse.
Remus walked alongside Windsor, merging with the crowd, and entered the curse at a steady pace.
Within the formation, the scenery mirrored the outside world, featuring rolling green hills, the melodious songs of birds, and aromatic blooms. The formation had been designed to thwart any unauthorized entry or external assistance for the cultivators.
If access were allowed to anyone, prominent organizations, such as the Violet Sanctum, would undoubtedly dispatch their disciples to help and guarantee their members to enter the sacred lands.
This approach ensured fairness and impartiality in the assessment process.
Once everyone had entered the curse, Zaiden addressed them once more, stating, “Your mission is to collect all ten target items while the others will be eliminated automatically. Remember, time is of the essence! The target item is… Oblivion Grass!”
What?!
His announcement left everyone in surprise.
While the Oblivion Grass was certainly a valuable medicinal herb, it was far from being considered rare. One could effortlessly discover hundreds or even thousands of them in the sprawling mountains outside.
Had they known that would be the target, they would have simply brought some along with them. It was easily attainable outside, but now it had become the decisive factor for their fate.
“I can’t believe it’s Oblivion Grass. I have two sets at home, both over 30 years old and full of spirituality!”
“I saw at least ten plants on the way here. If only I had known, I would’ve picked them!”
“My fellow cultivators, take care. I’m off to search. We shall meet again!”
Visit VIRTUAL NOVEL for more available chapters of this title!
