Chapter 22: The Ten Great Immortal Sects of Qian Kingdom

"Moo moo~" The big black ox kept rubbing against Chen Xun, its eyes brimming with excitement. So this is the world of cultivators? How marvelous! "Old Ox, oh, Old Ox…" Chen Xun held the big black ox's head with one hand, his lips trembling slightly. "We've lived so long, and it feels like we've lived in vain." "Moo!" The big black ox nudged Chen Xun, as if agreeing wholeheartedly. Chen Xun muttered under his breath, "Unbelievable," as if possessed. A single stall was enough to keep them lingering for an entire day, and this was merely the tip of the iceberg in the cultivation world. 

As night fell, they found a secluded spot, using the sky as their blanket and the earth as their bed, leaning against each other as they gradually drifted into sleep—but not too deeply. Within the valley, disciples from various sects maintained order, ensuring things didn't descend into chaos. Those with grudges were expected to settle them outside the valley. 

Three days later, countless rogue cultivators gathered in the valley, shoulder to shoulder, their eyes burning with ambition. The magical artifacts in their hands shimmered with light, determined to ascend to immortality in one fell swoop. 

"So lively," Chen Xun remarked, leading the big black ox to the edge of the crowd and gazing toward the center of the valley. There, ten towering platforms had been constructed, their intricate patterns gleaming with exquisite craftsmanship. The materials used were clearly no ordinary metals. 

"Moo~ Moo!" The big black ox raised its head high, gazing at the structures from afar. Even from a distance, it could sense an overwhelming aura. Such grandeur was something they had never encountered in the mortal realm. 

Buzz—Buzz—Buzz—A resounding noise echoed across the sky as a massive flying ship slowly approached. Several figures stood atop it, their presence ethereal and otherworldly. A banner fluttered boldly in the fierce wind. 

"The Qingyang Sect has arrived!" 

"One of the Ten Great Immortal Sects of Qian Kingdom!" 

"The Void-Breaking Ship, my heavens!" 

…The valley erupted in a cacophony of exclamations and awe. These rogue cultivators, well-versed in the ways of the world, immediately recognized the ship and its owners. Chen Xun and the big black ox could only mutter "Holy crap…" over and over again. 

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Four enormous crimson spirit beasts soared across the sky, their piercing cries reverberating through the valley. Figures stood atop their backs, surveying Nine Star Valley from above. 

"One of the Ten Great Immortal Sects of Qian Kingdom—the Purple Cloud Sect!" 

"I've heard the sect is home to countless stunning female immortals. If only I could…" 

"Red Jade Luan Birds—only a sect of this caliber could afford to raise such creatures." 

…Another wave of astonished chatter filled the air. Even spirit beasts had been dispatched—truly a display of wealth and power. The rogue cultivators' yearning grew even stronger. 

Meanwhile, disciples from smaller sects in the valley could only look on with envy and bitterness. When would they ever be able to make such a grand entrance? Year after year, they could only pick up the scraps left behind by the great sects, trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of mediocrity. 

One by one, the Ten Great Immortal Sects made their appearances, each more extravagant than the last. The skies above the valley roared with activity, as if the sects were competing with one another, or perhaps showcasing their strength to the rogue cultivators. 

The rogue cultivators were stirred into a frenzy, their faces flushed with excitement, their hearts pounding as if about to burst. The chance to ascend to immortality was right before them! 

Chen Xun and the big black ox had already fallen to their knees, drenched in sweat, even more overwhelmed than the rogue cultivators. The words "Holy crap" spilled from their lips without pause. This spectacle far surpassed the day when a cultivator had come to their village to recruit disciples. This—this was true cultivation! 

"If I were given another chance, if a cultivator from one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects invited me to do menial work…" Chen Xun gazed longingly at the towering platforms, his voice filled with yearning. "I'd say yes. And if I could add a condition, I'd hope for a term of ten thousand years…" 

"Moo moo!!" The big black ox nodded fervently. It could help too—doing menial work, plowing fields—it was all within its capabilities. 

On the ten towering platforms, cultivators from each sect stood at the forefront. Men and women alike, they stood with hands clasped behind their backs, their gazes sharp. The oppressive aura of their Foundation Establishment cultivation swept over the rogue cultivators. 

Everyone's expressions changed, their hearts growing more composed as they turned their attention to the platforms. 

"The rules remain unchanged. Those under forty years of age have the opportunity to pass the five trials and enter the immortal sects." An elder stood at the forefront, channeling his spiritual power as he shouted, "Those who wish to participate, step forward. The valley will close in seven days!" 

Roar! Roar! Low growls echoed through the valley as the rogue cultivators' eyes turned red. They looked toward the sects they favored and stepped forward. 

Each sect had its own method of selection—some set up arenas, others conducted spirit root tests. Each was unique, aiming to select the most exceptional disciples from among the rogue cultivators. 

Every year, countless rogue cultivators perished during these trials, yet none gave up. In Qian Kingdom, a single Foundation Establishment Pill was nearly impossible to obtain. Only within the great sects did such opportunities exist. 

Elders from smaller sects also roamed the valley, observing the rogue cultivators who failed the trials. If they found someone promising, they would personally extend an invitation. This practice was tacitly accepted by the Ten Great Immortal Sects—after all, others had to be given a chance to survive. 

"Old Ox, let's not bother." 

"Moo?" 

"We don't stand a chance. We'd fail the spirit root test, let alone the trials." Chen Xun shot the big black ox a look, as if to say, "Are you trying to get us killed?" "But I've just thought of a way to make money." 

"Moo?!" The big black ox perked up. They were desperately short on spirit stones. 

Chen Xun sneakily pulled out a small booklet, glanced around, and said, "Let's record the trials of each sect and analyze their pros and cons." 

"Moo?" 

"Didn't they say the rules don't change? We'll figure out the general requirements for each trial and compile them into a booklet to sell to the new rogue cultivators!" Chen Xun patted the big black ox. "Think about how much time and how many lives this could save them. Understand?" 

"Moo moo!" The big black ox nudged Chen Xun, its eyes filled with excitement. You're a genius! 

"Let's go!" Chen Xun grinned slyly. They headed to the arenas first, meticulously recording the strength of the rogue cultivators and estimating the level of power needed to succeed. He categorized the trials of each sect, analyzing which types of people were best suited for each. 

Seven days flew by in the blink of an eye. Chen Xun and the big black ox were dumbfounded—how had time passed so quickly? They hadn't even finished their analysis. The Ten Great Immortal Sects departed with a dozen or so rogue cultivators each, while the elders of smaller sects left satisfied. Countless rogue cultivators were left despondent. 

The rogue cultivators who had perished during the trials were handled by the smaller sects, who were responsible for maintaining order in the valley. 

"Ah, I shouldn't have gone to the Purple Cloud Sect's trial. I wasted so much time and spiritual power—it wasn't suited for me at all!" A rogue cultivator beat his chest in frustration. Another year wasted. How many years does one have in a lifetime? After forty, there would be no more chances. 

"At least the Purpl