66: Planting spies

Early the next morning.

A tall figure hovered in the air above the Market, his booming voice spreading in all directions.

"The Xuanxiao Sect is recruiting Disciples! All unrelated persons, disperse immediately! Those who meet the conditions, step forward!"

The tall figure threw out a Magic Treasure shaped like a pagoda. The treasure spun rapidly in the air, and a brilliant golden beam of light shot out from its base.

Some who met the conditions had already begun walking towards the light beam, but there were also those trying to slip through the cracks.

However, the moment those people approached, the golden light instantly swelled, pressing down on the opportunists like a mountain range, pinning them to the ground and making it hard for them to breathe.

This sight terrified the other opportunists, and for a moment, none dared to step forward.

"Little Sister, let's go!"

Meng Qian, holding Meng Qian's small hand, walked towards the golden light.

As soon as the two approached the golden light, they were drawn into the pagoda.

There were also some people who, upon approaching the golden light, nothing happened, and they could only remain in place.

"What's going on? Why didn't we enter the pagoda?"

Someone shouted anxiously.

"Yes, my childhood friend from my hometown could enter, so why can't I?"

Some Mortals, seeing they were left behind, were on the verge of tears.

Seeing this, the Disciples from the cultivation Families on the side wore mocking expressions.

Without a Spiritual Root, naturally, one couldn't enter.

But these Mortals, how could they know if they had a Spiritual Root or not? They were just here to try their luck.

Soon, everyone who met the conditions had been screened. Those who didn't enter the pagoda were all people without Spiritual Roots.

These people were pure Mortals, with no cultivation Family background or Elder cultivators behind them.

"Leave."

The tall figure in the sky waved his hand, teleporting these Mortals into the Market.

At this moment, gathered on the first floor of the pagoda were tens of thousands of Mortals possessing Spiritual Roots.

Some came from cultivation Families, while others were genuine Mortals.

"Spiritual Root testing begins. Close your eyes tightly and do not move."

Suddenly, the tall figure from outside appeared inside the pagoda. He looked at the crowd and spoke expressionlessly.

Hearing this, everyone quickly closed their eyes.

In the next instant, the pagoda emitted five streams of radiant light. Under this illumination, the Spiritual Roots of all these Mortals were revealed.

"You may open your eyes now."

The tall figure's voice sounded again.

Everyone opened their eyes to see the colors representing their respective Spiritual Roots floating before them.

Among the tens of thousands of children, the majority had Four or Five-element Spiritual Roots. Those with Three Spiritual Roots accounted for less than ten percent.

Those with Dual Spiritual Roots numbered less than a hundred. As for the extremely rare Heavenly Spiritual Root, there was only one child, along with four children with Variant Spiritual Roots.

"Those with three colors or fewer before you, come to my side."

The tall figure's voice rang out, and soon a group of children walked in unison towards him.

Among them were the siblings Meng Qian and Meng Qian. Before their eyes was only one color, but it wasn't the color of a Five Elements Spiritual Root; it was purple and cyan.

Both of them actually had Variant Spiritual Roots!

And they were Thunder and Wind Spiritual Roots!

"Are you willing to join my Xuanxiao Sect?"

"We are willing!"

Only a fool would refuse to join the Xuanxiao Sect.

Even those among them with Three Spiritual Roots could become Outer Sect Disciples of the Xuanxiao Sect.

As for the rest with Four or Five-element Spiritual Roots, they would likely only become Utility Disciples.

However, just being able to enter the gates of the Xuanxiao Sect was already enough to satisfy them; they wouldn't dare ask for more.

The tall figure nodded with satisfaction before turning his gaze to the children with Four or Five-element Spiritual Roots.

"Your Spiritual Roots are too poor. If you wish to enter the gates of my Xuanxiao Sect, you must start as Utility Disciples.

If any are unwilling, you may leave on your own."

With a wave of his hand, the tall figure made a golden light pillar appear before the crowd again.

If they refused to join the Xuanxiao Sect as Utility Disciples, they could walk into the light pillar and leave this place.

"We are also willing!"

These children with inferior Spiritual Roots said with panicked expressions, fearing the Xuanxiao Sect wouldn't accept them.

The Xuanxiao Sect was a top-tier major power; with their False Spiritual Root Aptitude, how dare they be picky?

One must know that ordinary powers wouldn't even accept False Spiritual Roots!

"Good. Since you all agree to join my Xuanxiao Sect, you may proceed to the second floor for the Heart-Nature Trial.

Let me remind you, if there are any among you with ulterior motives, step forward now, and I will let it pass.

If you are caught during the Heart-Nature Trial, don't blame me for being merciless!"

The tall figure's gaze swept over the crowd, an indescribable pressure that nearly caused the children's minds to collapse.

Fortunately, he only glanced before withdrawing his gaze.

"Good. Since no one has stepped forward, proceed to the second floor!"

The tall figure gave a cold laugh and waved his hand, opening the light pillar leading to the second floor.

Those with clear consciences walked in openly.

The Heart-Nature Trial was a Suspension Bridge with no guardrails and howling winds.

It seemed as if anyone trying to cross it would fall into the abyss.

Seeing this, many people froze, their eyes flickering with fear.

Those unafraid of this trial directly stepped onto the Suspension Bridge and walked across calmly.

Some with ulterior motives also stepped onto the bridge, but suddenly, the bridge shook violently, and the ropes on both sides of the piers snapped.

This terrified the person out of their wits.

But to the bystanders, nothing had happened to the bridge; they only saw this person suddenly go mad, shouting and screaming.

This bizarre scene frightened the others with ulterior motives to the point of tears.

After all, they were only children around ten years old, with poor Heart-Nature to begin with.

"As expected, there are bugs."

The tall figure snorted coldly, pointed a finger, and teleported this group out of the pagoda.

"Which Families do these people belong to? Their purpose in joining my Xuanxiao Sect is impure. If no one claims them, I will kill them."

The tall figure also appeared outside, pointing at the dozen or so youths he had restrained and speaking coldly.

However, the only response on the scene was the crying and wailing of these people.

Seeing this, the tall man couldn't be bothered to perform a soul search. He directly annihilated all ten-plus individuals.

Since these children were spies, they should have known their fate, whether voluntary or forced.

This was a warning from him to those behind the scenes.

Witnessing the Xuanxiao Sect's ruthless methods, many felt awe and fear towards the Sect.

However, what surprised them was that even a Sect with a Great Cultivator overseeing it dared to have people planted within.

And in the end, they were exposed and killed.

Served them right.

Inside the pagoda, everyone had already passed the Heart-Nature Trial.

The tall figure didn't linger any longer. He took the pagoda and returned to the Sect, then deposited the people at the Spiritual Affairs Hall.

He also arranged for personnel to distribute corresponding identities and resources based on their Aptitude.

Over the past few years, the Xuanxiao Sect had recruited many Guest Elders. Not to mention Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Cultivators, there were even two Nascent Soul Cultivators.

Moreover, the Sect's rules were established by Su Yu and Dream Spirit. They just needed to act according to the Sect regulations.

"Elder Su."

A beautiful woman with an oval face, wearing a yellow dress and possessing Core Formation Mid-stage cultivation, greeted the Exiled Immortal Man before her.

This tall figure was Su Yu's substitute talisman.

And this oval-faced beauty was the head of the Xuanxiao Sect's Spiritual Affairs Hall.

She was also from Linglong Palace, a confidante of Han Weier, loaned to Su Yu to temporarily serve as the Head of the Spiritual Affairs Hall.

"Fairy Yu, I entrust these Disciples to you."

Su Yu said with a smile.

"Naturally."

Fairy Yu nodded.

At Linglong Palace, she was responsible for new Disciple admissions; no one was more familiar with this than her.

After handing the people over to her, Su Yu left the place; he had other matters to attend to.