Time flowed quietly, and three days passed quickly. Although Li Xuan had broken through to the Divine Strength Realm of the flesh, he did not choose to dive deeper. Firstly, the time was too short, and secondly, Li Xuan knew that he could not withstand the immense water pressure at a depth of eight thousand meters at this time.
In the central area of the Body Sect, on a huge plaza. Li Xuan glanced around. Besides himself, the number of participants who passed the assessment reached over a thousand. However, the gazes these people cast upon Li Xuan were filled with a trace of awe.
"Congratulations to all of you for passing the selection of Body Sect disciples. From now on, you are all outer disciples of our Body Sect," Yang Wenlin said with a smile, his gaze lingering more on Li Xuan. After all, Li Xuan had been too outstanding in this assessment.
"Although you are all now outer disciples of our Body Sect, you can still choose to go further. In our Body Sect, disciples are divided into five ranks: outer disciples, outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples, elite disciples, and core disciples."
Yang Wenlin paused and continued, "Although this classification may seem imperfect, it can inspire your ambition. Different identities will grant you access to different resources and guidance. If you wish to stand out, you must have a goal. However, all of this must be done within your capabilities."
"New disciples from every generation will have one opportunity to prove their status. You can all choose to maintain your current identity, and your status will be promoted as long as you achieve a certain level of strength and contribute to the sect. Of course, you can also choose to challenge for a higher identity to prove yourselves."
"If you succeed in the challenge, your identity will be elevated. In other words, you have one and only one chance to re-choose your identity. If you fail, you can only maintain your outer disciple status for five years."
"Now, you have the time it takes for one stick of incense to make your choice."
As Yang Wenlin finished speaking, he waved his hand, and an altar appeared, with a stick of incense being lit.
Li Xuan and the others fell silent, evidently contemplating how they should choose next.
"May I ask the Grand Elder, what specifically is this challenge?" someone asked after a few breaths. Li Xuan's gaze also turned to Yang Wenlin, with a trace of curiosity evident in his eyes. After all, the nature of the challenge directly determined the possibility of success.
Yang Wenlin smiled and replied, "The challenge is to fight against a clone of the Giant Spirit Venerable. If you can defeat its clone, you will have successfully challenged."
Challenging the Giant Spirit Venerable!
Although it was merely a clone, everyone's expression became solemn. One had to remember that the Giant Spirit Venerable was already an existence at the Yin-Yang Realm. The strength of a clone of such an existence was likely beyond their ability to defeat.
For a moment, many people hesitated, with several beginning to retreat. After all, failure meant being unable to advance their status for five years. Moreover, as Yang Wenlin had mentioned, even as outer disciples, their status could be upgraded through their own strength and contributions to the sect.
"Time is up!"
"Those participating in the challenge, step forward."
Yang Wenlin surveyed the crowd and said loudly, a powerful divine sense instantly spreading out.
As Yang Wenlin's words fell, Li Xuan stepped forward without a moment's hesitation. The Giant Spirit Venerable—Li Xuan had searched his mind for information about this person as soon as Yang Wenlin mentioned him. An existence at the Yin-Yang Realm stirred a desire to fight within Li Xuan.
"Very good."
Yang Wenlin glanced at the crowd, a hint of praise flashing in his eyes. Out of the more than a thousand people present, over eighty percent chose to challenge. Although the outcome might not be ideal, having this spirit of not fearing the powerful was already commendable.
"Next, the challenge begins!"
Yang Wenlin stepped back, and a towering figure descended from the sky. The person who arrived was none other than the Giant Spirit Venerable.
"My clone's strength is at the peak of the Saint realm. If you do not possess the strength of the Martial God realm, I advise you to withdraw. After all, I have many clones, and I cannot guarantee your safety," the Giant Spirit Venerable said slowly, glancing at the individuals who had chosen to challenge.
Peak Saint realm!
The crowd fell silent. Among the challengers, only one had reached the early Saint realm. Facing such an opponent, they had to reconsider their decision. Furthermore, judging by the Giant Spirit Venerable's words, there was a risk of perishing in this challenge.
After a few breaths, nearly a hundred people chose to abandon the challenge. It couldn't be helped; if their strength was insufficient, they couldn't blindly strive for a goal that was unlikely to succeed.
Li Xuan, however, paid no mind to this. In fact, he was somewhat surprised. If it were merely at the peak of the Saint realm, it might not be able to withstand even a single sword strike from him.
"Since the Giant Spirit Venerable has given you an opportunity to reconsider, I suggest you be cautious. Although the Giant Spirit Venerable's clone only possesses the strength of the peak Saint realm, ordinary peak Saints would find it difficult to win against it."
Yang Wenlin spoke as if concerned that the crowd might not be aware of the Giant Spirit Venerable's clone's strength. In reality, Yang Wenlin was somewhat helpless. These disciples were the future hope of the Body Sect. If they died in the challenge, it would truly be a tragedy beyond words.
"Alright, let's begin," the Giant Spirit Venerable said, glancing at the remaining challengers. Then, he stomped his foot heavily, and a shockwave instantly enveloped everyone. The next moment, Li Xuan felt his vision darken, and his body appeared in a void.
Li Xuan looked around; there was nothing else. However, the figure of the Giant Spirit Venerable soon appeared in Li Xuan's sight.
"Challenger, you may make the first move," the 'Giant Spirit Venerable' said coldly, looking at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan's expression turned peculiar as he looked at the Giant Spirit Venerable. Then, with a thought, Chongfeng shot out.
Chirp!
A crisp sound rang out. A sword mark appeared on the 'Giant Spirit Venerable's' neck. However, Li Xuan was stunned. His sword strike had only left a shallow scratch on the Giant Spirit Venerable's neck.
"Your swordsmanship is not bad," the 'Giant Spirit Venerable' said, seeming somewhat surprised. He then nodded slightly and moved, launching a punch towards Li Xuan.
Seeing this, Li Xuan's expression tensed. He immediately circulated the defensive power of his Divine Strength Realm flesh. The next moment, Li Xuan also shot out, his fist colliding head-on with the 'Giant Spirit Venerable's' punch.
Boom!
A deafening roar echoed. Both Li Xuan and the 'Giant Spirit Venerable' were sent recoiling for over a thousand meters.
"This clone of the Giant Spirit Venerable is so strong! No wonder the Grand Elder warned us." Li Xuan was greatly shaken. This was the first time he had encountered such a formidable opponent. However, Li Xuan now knew that it would be difficult to win by relying on his flesh alone.
With this thought, Li Xuan stopped holding back. The next moment, Chongfeng whistled through the air.
"One Sword Shatters Ten Thousand Laws!"
Following a flash of light as fast as lightning, Chongfeng pierced directly through the 'Giant Spirit Venerable's' body. A clear look of shock appeared in the 'Giant Spirit Venerable's' eyes. Then, under Li Xuan's gaze, his body shattered like porcelain and dissipated.
As Li Xuan reappeared on the plaza, Yang Wenlin and the others all turned their gazes to him.
"He… did he succeed in the challenge?"