Chapter 1874: Chapter 1873: Elder Black Dragon Inspects the Disciples’ Strength

It’s actually the rare Mountain-eating Demon Rat!

Walking beside the demon rat, Wang Ye’s finger emitted a blue flame.

The surrounding temperature rapidly soared, quickly melting away the snow on the rat’s body.

But unfortunately, the Mountain-eating Demon Rat had already stopped breathing, its heart had ceased to beat.

Seeing this, Wang Ye shook his head helplessly, lightly stomping the ground with his foot, creating a deep indentation, then laid the rat inside it.

He then placed a wooden plaque above the indentation, with the words "Tomb of the Mountain-eating Demon Rat" written on it.

Having completed these tasks, Wang Ye clapped his hands and murmured to himself.

"Brother Rat, I’ve done right by you, haven’t I? You must bless me from the underworld."

Having said that, Wang Ye turned and left.

The next day passed without incident, and soon Wang Ye returned to Tianyong Mountain.

Upon stepping through the barrier gate of Tianyong Mountain, a trace of joy appeared on Wang Ye’s face; the air here was fresh, the scenery was incredibly beautiful, far better than anywhere else.

After Wang Ye stepped through the barrier gate of Tianyong Mountain, Jiang Xue and numerous sedan carriers were stopped by Longyuan.

Longyuan, transformed from a giant dragon, had eyes as large as fists and a faint golden light emanated from them.

"May I ask if you are disciples of Tianyong Mountain? Only Tianyong Mountain’s disciples are allowed to enter."

Longyuan scrutinized them.

He had never seen these people before, and they showed no intention of presenting jade badges, so Longyuan stopped them.

Seeing this, Jiang Xue frowned slightly, casting her gaze towards Wang Ye.

"Sect Master Wang, this..."

Jiang Xue’s tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

And the sedan carriers were intimidated, with their scalps tingling under Longyuan’s profound golden pupils, not daring to meet his gaze.

Longyuan was quite troubled, as these people had come with the sect master.

Wang Ye glanced at Jiang Xue and the others; the so-called Jiang Xue was merely a woman he had saved midway, a woman without significance in his heart.

"Indeed, while Tianyong Mountain might be a small sect now, it’s not a place anyone can enter. If you wish to join our Tianyong Mountain, you must undergo a rigorous examination."

Wang Ye said, his expression stern.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xue regarded Wang Ye with newfound respect; Sect Master Wang was truly an extraordinary person, not showing favoritism even to her.

If the sect master allowed her direct entry into Tianyong Mountain, it would cheapen the sect.

Initially, Wang Ye had merely seemed powerful to her, but now his principled approach won her admiration.

"Very well, I’m willing to accept Tianyong Mountain’s examination!"

Jiang Xue said, her demeanor respectful.

The sedan carriers were even more impressed with Wang Ye, realizing the junior sect master was fair and just.

Given their capabilities, joining the sect wasn’t difficult; what was challenging was that they’d never had the opportunity to join a sect.

Joining other sects typically required giving gifts of Spirit Jade or having relations with the sect master.

But now, admission rested solely on passing an examination, and they felt quite pleased upon hearing this.

They had a premonition that it wouldn’t be long before their stay at Tianyong Mountain would surely ensure their future and illuminate the sect.

Wang Ye surveyed them briefly, then said.

"Longyuan, have someone lead them to the examination."

Wang Ye ordered.

Longyuan breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the sect master was in agreement with his principles.

He then roared at the clear sky, and a dragon’s cry resounded.

Soon, a black dragon appeared in the bright sky, spiraling rapidly toward them, transforming into human form upon landing.

Elder Black Dragon, seeing the sect master present, quickly paid respectful homage.

"Greetings, Sect Master."

Elder Black Dragon was initially a Flood Dragon imprisoned in Tianmo Prison by the previous sect master.

It was only after Wang Ye became the new sect master that he released him from the prison.

Recognizing Elder Black Dragon’s fairness and strength, as well as loyalty to himself, Wang Ye appointed him as Elder Black Dragon, tasked with recruiting disciples.

Looking at Elder Black Dragon, Wang Ye said sternly.

"How’s the job going, Elder Black Dragon?"

Upon hearing, Elder Black Dragon nodded quickly.

"Thanks to the sect master for the position, I’m satisfied and can fulfill the responsibilities."

Elder Black Dragon’s face was filled with joy.

Wang Ye nodded upon hearing this and continued.

"Excellent, make sure to rigorously examine cultivators entering Tianyong Mountain. We can’t allow worthless disciples to join."

Elder Black Dragon responded respectfully.

"I’ll heed the sect master’s teachings."

Seeing this, Wang Ye nodded, then transformed into a stream of black light, heading towards the Heaven God Temple.

Both Elder Black Dragon and Longyuan respectfully watched Wang Ye leave.

Only when the black light vanished did Longyuan speak to Elder Black Dragon.

"These disciples wish to join Tianyong Mountain, you take them for the examination."

Elder Black Dragon sternly looked at Jiang Xue and the others.

"Please follow me."

Jiang Xue responded respectfully.

"Yes."

The sedan carriers nodded repeatedly.

Soon after, Elder Black Dragon led Jiang Xue and the others into the Asking Heaven Temple.

The temple was solemn, causing Jiang Xue and the others to feel tense, unsure of what trials lay ahead.

Sitting on the dragon chair, Elder Black Dragon directed them to be seated, then placed twenty scrolls on the table.

After doing this, he cast a cold gaze towards them.

"You will complete these scrolls; you have fifteen days, and must rely on your strength to answer them."

"Once finished, I’ll send them to the sect master for review, who’ll personally score them. Scoring ninety results in becoming a Seven Peak Disciple, eighty scores as an Outer Peak Disciple, and sixty as a Menial Disciple."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xue’s brow furrowed; entering Tianyong Mountain proved difficult.

Fifteen days for a test—Tianyong Mountain truly differs from other sects.

The sedan carriers appeared calm, having honed camel-like patience from years of running.

After Elder Black Dragon spoke, he tapped the table, and scrolls landed before them.

...

At that moment, Wang Ye had returned to the Heaven God Temple, where Dongfang Qing was managing its affairs.

Recently, there had been so much happening at the temple, with many other Middle Sect disciples wanting to join Tianyong Mountain.

Even countless sects sought to collaborate with Tianyong Mountain.

The Blackwater Alliance’s sect master had sent a wedding invitation, relationships Dongfang Qing had to carefully manage.

Suddenly, his furrowed brow relaxed.

"The sect master has returned!"

He felt this subconsciously; working with Wang Ye for so long, they’d developed an unspoken understanding, their hearts resonating.