The sun blazed high in the sky, with nary a cloud to be seen. Occasionally, a bird would flit past. On the towering mountain that seemed to touch the heavens in the distance, there was a faint cry of an eagle. The mist that usually shrouded the mountain had vanished the previous night during the strange phenomenon.
In the sunlight, the majestic and rugged immortal mountain seemed like a giant, immovable needle piercing the earth.
The peak of the Immortal Mountain.
"Time's almost up."
"They're all observing the situation... interesting."
"Ten breaths left before the Immortal Ascent Ceremony begins."
"The main event is about to begin."
As the sun slowly climbed to its zenith, an ancient, timeless bell resonated, echoing across the heavens as if it were the only sound in existence. The bell's reverberations were deep and profound, reminiscent of ancient temples with their flickering oil lamps and chanting monks. This sound was like a bait cast into a pond, or perhaps... a war cry.
From the primordial forest five kilometers away from the Immortal Mountain, countless dark figures suddenly surged forth. Moving with incredible speed, they charged towards the majestic peak like a frenzied horde. They leaped out of the forest like fish jumping from a pond! Their numbers were as vast as locusts! Every one of them had a look of fervent desire and excitement in their eyes. At the same time, as they moved towards the path leading to the Immortal Mountain, killing began.
"This path to immortality is mine alone... sorry, brother. Even though we've never met, you'll have to serve as my stepping stone." A burly man, looking like a farmer, drew a curved blade and plunged it straight into the back of a man in front of him. Blood splattered everywhere.
Before the farmer could even pull his blade back, a swift arrow pierced his head. A mixture of red and white erupted, and his massive body crashed to the ground.
From afar, the stoic man with a bow in his hand calmly notched another arrow...
Similar events were happening continuously. Everyone began to kill each other in order to get closer to the Immortal Mountain faster.
"They're... crazy." Mo Yi was also part of this crazed army. Mo Luo Xue galloped on her Blood-Sweating Steed. The steed let out a snort now and then, pushing its speed to the limit. Numerous archers were unable to lock onto it. All they saw was a brown streak of lightning flashing by, kicking up clouds of dust in its wake.
Mo Yi clutched his Thunder Bombs, but he did not fling them randomly. He was not a bloodthirsty person. In his view, reaching the Immortal Mountain sooner or later didn't matter, because the selection of cultivators could not possibly be so childish. Would they select based on who arrived first? This was like selecting long-distance runners.
But Mo Luo Xue thought differently. Her brows were furrowed with killing intent. Wherever she went, death and screams followed. The power of the Mixed-Origin Master blossomed unrestrainedly. Mo Luo Xue unleashed all her pent-up frustration.
On the peak of the Immortal Mountain, a man in a blue robe looked towards Mo Luo Xue in astonishment, "A mortal woman... with such an exquisite spirit and brilliance? Reaching the Mixed-Origin level in martial arts at seventeen... this kind of perseverance and talent is truly rare."
"What, do you find her interesting, Xiao Ran Daoist? That girl's beauty is comparable to Wind Whisper Fairy. A few more years, and she'll be a truly breathtaking beauty, capable of captivating an entire nation." A man clad in a crimson robe asked with a playful smile.
"No... it's just a bit surprising." The man in blue robe slightly shook his head, "This is after all just mortal martial talent. If her talent in the path of immortality matches her martial prowess, then she's mine. The Long Wind Gate needs such elite disciples, and I also lack such a Dao companion."
"I think the young man behind that girl is outstanding." A middle-aged man in a black robe stepped out, his gaze fixed on the scene several kilometers away. He calmly said, "He possesses the Fire Xuan Pearl, yet he hasn't gone on a rampage. He's also been quietly guiding the girl forward. I've taken a quick look, and the path they're taking is the safest and shortest. This kind of heart and wisdom will surely lead to great achievements on the path to immortality."
"First, they need to have exceptional spiritual roots. If their roots are too weak, no matter how outstanding their martial talent or wisdom is, it will be useless." The man in blue robe coldly scoffed.
"You're being too extreme. Not everything in the world can be measured by talent." The man in black robe shook his head and refuted.
"..." In a corner, a man in white robes, sitting cross-legged in meditation, slightly opened his eyes. He glanced at Mo Yi and Mo Luo Xue's direction with a contemplative look, but after a few breaths, he closed his eyes again, completely ignoring his companions' bickering.
"One kilometer left, slow down." Mo Yi glanced at the Immortal Mountain that was now within arm's reach and said without hesitation. They were already very close, even if Mo Yi looked up, he could not take in the entirety of the Immortal Mountain.
"..." Mo Luo Xue pulled on the reins. The Blood-Sweating Steed was very intelligent and slowed its pace. Numerous figures passed them. They were no longer concerned with those behind them. They wanted to do everything they could to pull people in front of them off their horses and overtake them.
"Let them fight. The Immortal Gate has already made them lose their minds. The real test hasn't even begun yet. I'm sure the cultivators who will be evaluating us are watching us somewhere." Mo Yi chuckled coldly. As he said, on the peak of the Immortal Mountain, those observing the situation were watching the throngs of people surging towards the peak with great interest.
"Those two on horseback have slowed down. They're quite smart. They haven't been blinded by the prospect of immortality." The man in red robes said with an air of, "You're learning, my child." "Compared to those brainless fools, this brother and sister duo are already among the most talented."
"There are still some who can see the bigger picture. It seems like this world of mortals isn't lacking in talent." The man in blue robes looked down at the scene below with his hands clasped, a look of arrogance on his face. To him, the people racing towards the Immortal Mountain were nothing but ants.
"Don't use your empty, illusory pride to judge the mortals below. They are not inferior in the slightest." The middle-aged man in black robe snorted coldly. He seemed to be at odds with the man in blue robes.
"Inferior? Pride?" The man in blue robe scoffed. "Excuse me, but I don't understand what you're saying."
"Being around you guys really wastes brain cells." A lazy voice drifted down from a tall pine tree. A slender figure lay across a branch, a gourd-shaped flask continuously pouring golden liquid into his throat. "Just be quiet and see if there are any exceptional talents. If we don't find any true geniuses, those old geezers will be yelling at us."
"You drunkard..." The man in blue robes scowled in disgust and muttered under his breath.
The person on the branch ignored the man in blue robes' mockery. He continued to drink his wine, looking carefree and relaxed.
Finally, thousands of people arrived at the foot of the Immortal Mountain. They stopped involuntarily, their eyes widening as they looked up at the Immortal Mountain, which had completely changed its form.
On the east, west, south, and north sides of the Immortal Mountain were wide, endless staircases that stretched as far as the eye could see. The staircases were as white as jade and were clearly man-made. They had never existed on the Immortal Mountain before! These staircases had appeared during the strange phenomenon last night!
The power of immortals was truly terrifying.