"Fellow Daoist, have you also come to visit the Daoist School?"
Gu Yuan nodded first, then asked.
"Indeed, the fellow Daoists behind me have all come to visit the school. The Cyan Peak Daoist School is a renowned sect passed down from the Celestial Palace that everyone aspires to join. If one can enter, although not promising an immediate rise to prominence, at least it guarantees a lifetime of worry-free and stable cultivation!"
The youth was not old, yet his words carried a hint of worldly weariness.
Loose Cultivators are those without support, resources, or inheritance, leading a tough life!
Just like Gu Yuan in his past life, a man without a house, car, or good job, under immense pressure.
Every day is a struggle for survival.
"It would have been fine before, but something big is about to happen, and the world is about to become unsettled. If one doesn't have a sect, I'm afraid..."
The youth pointed to the sky with a look that said 'you know what I mean.'
Gu Yuan was puzzled, but it wasn't the right time to reveal it, so he could only nod and pretend to agree.
In fact, he had many questions in his heart, such as "Celestial Palace," "Dragons," "Daoist School," which seemed to be common knowledge in the cultivation realm. However, in his previous sect, the Cyan Wood Sect, such knowledge had not been imparted, leaving him full of confusion.
"I don't know, Fellow Daoist, whether you follow the Path of Artifact Refining, the Alchemy Technique, or if you have some legacy from predecessors?"
After some small talk, the white-clad youth rolled his eyes and asked probingly.
Though the Cyan Peak Daoist School recruited some Loose Cultivators every year, there were limited slots.
Unless one's talent was unique, skilled in many arts of cultivation, or had some inherited legacy, it was nearly impossible to gain entry.
With limited slots, the competition was naturally fierce.
Thus, the white-clad youth eagerly sought to inquire about Gu Yuan's information to gain some understanding of this competitor.
Hearing this, Gu Yuan could only helplessly shake his head, "I follow none of these three paths."
"Could it be that Fellow Daoist has treasures or a Star Spirit offering?"
The young man was slightly stunned, seeming extremely shocked, and asked again.
"Nothing of the sort!"
Gu Yuan shook his head once more.
"Brother Bai, couldn't you tell from the way he flew here on a dragon-like creature? He doesn't even know about the Cyan Peak Daoist School's Mountain Protection Array, clearly indicating it's his first time here. He's probably stumbled upon some information and came by mistake, why bother talking to him!"
The white-clad youth still wanted to ask more, but a colorfully dressed, strikingly beautiful female cultivator in the back had already laughed disdainfully.
"Exactly, why bother. Brother Bai, at the mere age of twenty, you can already master the crafting of middle-grade Dharma Artifacts. Such talent will definitely pass the assessment and gain entry to the Daoist School!"
"Alas, on this trip, we are probably just here to accompany and support."
"Brother Bai, when you join the Daoist School, don't forget us. Let's meet often in the future to exchange insights on Artifact Refining!"
Behind the female cultivator, several Qi Refining cultivators also looked over, a hint of flattery in their tone.
Upon hearing this, the white-clad youth's eyes reflected a slight pride, but he quickly restrained it.
"Haha, everyone praises me too much. The assessment of the Cyan Peak Daoist School is extremely tough; I don't dare claim I'll definitely pass, but I'll give it a try!"
He cupped his hands towards everyone humbly, then turned to look at Gu Yuan, his gaze carrying a hint of superiority:
"Is this your first time visiting the school, Fellow Daoist? Then it's normal not to know. Don't worry; just wait here, and soon a steward from the Human Resources Hall will come out to guide us. At that time, just follow the steps for the assessment. The assessment comprises sixteen techniques in three steps, and only by passing all sixteen gates can one successfully enter the school. The first gate, naturally, is the background gate, assessing..."
The white-clad youth grew more enthusiastic, nodding as he introduced.
The sense of superiority on him grew stronger.
But just then, there was a ripple in the air, followed by a middle-aged cultivator wearing a black Daoist robe, with nine blue lines on the cuffs resembling green vine motifs, shooting out on a board of a silver Dharma Boat.
"The steward from the Human Resources Hall is out!"
"Why so early this year? Normally, there's still half an hour to go?"
An air of discussion suddenly erupted among the loose cultivators.
The white-clad youth also stopped his introduction, for he discovered that the steward was directly heading toward him.
All the loose cultivators' eyes followed.
He was shocked and pleased internally, though knowing it was improbable, he was still excited, clearing his throat, preparing to bow and salute.
"I am Bai..."
But at that moment, the steward spoke first, "Are you the one recommended to the mountain by Elder Fox? Do you have a token?"
Elder Fox?
Token?
The white-clad youth was slightly bewildered.
But a voice had already responded by his ear: "The token is here, please have a look."
The white-clad youth turned his head and saw Gu Yuan produce a bronze token engraved with green vines, handing it to the steward.
The steward did not dare be negligent, receiving it with both hands, carefully glanced at it, then stored it in his arms, looking at Gu Yuan with warmth:
"Since a Golden Core Elder recommended you, just follow me into the mountain!"
Recommended by a Golden Core Elder?
All the loose cultivators widened their eyes, seemingly doubting their ears.
Especially the white-clad youth, who looked at Gu Yuan with disbelief.
Gu Yuan glanced at the white-clad youth, a faint smile seemed to appear in his eyes, and he respectfully saluted the steward, asking, "Disciple heard that entering the mountain requires the three steps of the sixteen techniques, is that true?"
The steward waved his hand, saying directly, "That's the assessment for Loose Cultivators. You're being introduced to the mountain by a Golden Core Ascendant, there's no need for assessment, just follow me to the Human Resources Hall to register your name and salute the forebears!"
With that, he summoned, and Gu Yuan followed him onto the silver Dharma Boat. The two of them turned into a streak of light, heading towards Cyan Peak Mountain.