Jian Wu Zhēnjūn stood atop the high platform, releasing the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator. At once, the crowd below fell into complete silence.
"This round of selection was conducted by the Enforcement Hall's Fate Ring. Those eliminated simply had poor luck. Of course, in the cultivation world, luck is part of one's strength."
As his words fell, a red light ring enveloped the chosen cultivators. The ring spun once, and in an instant, those selected had vanished.
The remaining cultivators no longer protested. They stood in silence, waiting for the official start of the selection.
In truth, Jian Wu Zhēnjūn had not deceived anyone. This ring was called the Fate Ring, designed to measure a cultivator's fortune. From the moment the summoning notice was issued, the Fate Ring had hovered invisibly in the sky, monitoring fluctuations. Once the selection began, any cultivator whose fortune took a sharp dive toward red was immediately eliminated. Red signified a deadly tribulation within a hundred years.
Joining the Enforcement Hall meant more than maintaining order on the surface. There were also many undisclosed missions, each carrying high risk. The early elimination was done to minimize unnecessary loss—a form of protection extended by the sect toward its disciples.
"All remaining candidates, form a line and enter the 'Inquiry Pavilion.'"
The thousand-some cultivators left had no idea what this meant. Finally, an inner disciple at the Nascent Soul stage took the lead and entered the pavilion. Not long after, another inner disciple followed. This time, he came out again shortly after entering. His expression was odd as he left the square. A fellow disciple who recognized him called out, but he only replied that he had been eliminated. He refused to say more.
This made the other candidates all the more nervous and curious. Quietly, they began sending voice transmissions, speculating about what kind of test this might be.
Kong Yu finally managed to inch closer to Jian Dan and asked, "Shan Zhēnrén, do you think you'll pass this round?"
Jian Dan glanced at Kong Yu, who for once looked somewhat serious, and shook her head. "I will do my best."
"He Shixiong is still in closed-door cultivation after reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection. Cao Chenfeng and I came just to try our luck. Who knows, maybe we'll pass."
Jian Dan nodded slightly. Most of the cultivators here likely shared that same mindset. Still, she didn't refute him. She only said calmly, "It's fine to try, but don't rely on luck. You must give it your all. Your mindset is key to whether you succeed or fail."
"Yes, thank you for the advice, Zhēnrén."
As they spoke, it was Jian Dan's turn. She adjusted the blue robes of an outer disciple and stepped into the Inquiry Pavilion. Inside, the space was small, containing only two meditation cushions. On one of them lay a spirit beast, shaped somewhat like a platypus, about half a person tall, eyes half-shut in rest.
Jian Dan gave a respectful bow before sitting cross-legged on the opposite cushion.
"You have three chances. Answer my questions. You may not lie. If you do, you will be eliminated."
"Understood."
The platypus-like beast shifted its chubby body. The golden-yellow fur covering it shimmered faintly with a white glow. "First question. Why do you want to join the Enforcement Hall?"
"To avoid being watched."
"Second question. How do you know you're being watched?"
"I was born with a sensitivity to fluctuations in spiritual power. Every cultivator's spiritual signature is unique. I can distinguish them easily."
"Third question. How many cultivators have watched you?"
"Three. The first was likely a Golden Core Zhēnrén. After I advanced, they were replaced by two Nascent Soul Zhēnjūn, one after another."
"You are rather honest. Exit through the door behind me to enter the second round."
"Many thanks."
"My name is 'Zhenyan.'"
"Thank you, Senior Zhenyan."
"Haha! Jian Wu, you've been exposed!"
Even Jian Jun Zūn, normally composed, laughed aloud, waving her folding fan with increased rhythm. Beside her, Jian Wu Zhēnjūn was also watching through the water mirror. For once, his solemn expression shifted. "Perhaps Shan Shizhi is naturally sensitive. Spiritual fluctuations are indeed unique. Her reasoning is new but not without merit."
"Of course. She was chosen by Cotton Candy herself. Naturally, she is exceptional. Keep a close eye on her, Jian Wu. She clearly wants to join the Enforcement Hall, thinking it will hide her from surveillance. What she doesn't realize is that within the hall, we can monitor her more completely."
"Yes, Zūnzhǔ."
Unaware of the discussion behind the water mirror, Jian Dan stepped through the glowing gate. In front of her stood several closed doors. Each was carved with a symbol—sword, alchemy, talisman, formation—and the last bore no mark at all, as if the examinees were to choose freely.
Curious, Jian Dan headed straight for the unmarked door. As she approached, it opened automatically. The moment she stepped through, she was stunned to see a familiar figure.
"Du Yanran!"
"We meet again. I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
Du Yanran's features had grown even more refined. Her red lips curled in a smile, and she wore a bold, fiery-red robe. With a flick of her wrist, she sent her weapon—the Scarlet Sun Ribbon—whipping toward Jian Dan. The ribbon looked soft and light, but as it surged forward, Jian Dan dodged in a flash. The ribbon curved sharply and came after her again.