C2 The Fairy Invited Him to the Profound Heaven!

Several weeks later, a weary figure emerged in the Proud Coming Country.

Despite his fatigue, he was strikingly handsome, with jet-black hair and a sculpted physique, his gaze intense and full of purpose.

This was none other than Feng Yi, who had made a promise to come.

On the day Feng Yi returned to his Taoist temple, he informed the master of his intention to seek the Immortal.

Expecting the notoriously frugal master to object, Feng Yi was taken aback when he not only consented but also presented him with a gift.

Clutching the small ornament over his heart, roughly an inch in size, Feng Yi was filled with curiosity. He couldn't fathom why his master would bestow such an item upon him.

The object was a meticulously carved nine-story jade tower, so exquisitely detailed it seemed almost real.

In addition, the Taoist master had given him ten silver ingots, which had been substantially depleted during his travels.

"Excuse me, sir, could you direct me to the Profound Heaven Sect?"

Feng Yi approached a passerby with his question.

"The Profound Heaven Sect? Are you heading there, young man?"

The mention of the Profound Heaven Sect instantly energized the passerby, who eagerly shared a wealth of information with Feng Yi, who listened with keen interest.

The Profound Heaven Sect was the preeminent cultivation sect of the Proud Coming Country, known for its disciples' abilities to soar through the skies and cleave stones. They were a force to be reckoned with.

Boasting tens of thousands of disciples, the sect also opened its doors to new aspirants every five years.

As it happened, the passerby's own nephew was enrolling that very day, hence his extensive knowledge.

Armed with directions to the Profound Heaven Sect, Feng Yi expressed his gratitude to the passerby and set off towards his destination.

With just three days left before the start of the third month, a travel-weary Feng Yi finally reached the base of the Heavenly Capital Mountain.

The mountain range was an endless expanse of verdant peaks, sprawling like a slumbering dragon's spine.

Dominating the landscape were five colossal peaks, standing like inverted fingers piercing the heavens, their summits shrouded in clouds.

The slopes of the Heavenly Capital Mountain were alive with activity, as tens of thousands of people made their ascent toward the summit.

Feng Yi may have arrived later than others, but mountain climbing was second nature to him.

Two days later, he had outpaced the majority and reached the midpoint of one of the five peaks.

Many had gathered here, including three young men in white, with long swords on their backs and the character "Xuan" stitched onto their chests, standing with their hands clasped behind them.

"Senior Brother Yun, with one day left, I reckon only half of those aspiring to join the Profound Heaven Sect will make it this far," one of the trio addressed the one in the center.

"There's still a full day ahead of us. Let's wait and see," Senior Brother Yun replied, his brow furrowed as he observed the climbers' progress.

"Senior Brother Yun, don't you think our Profound Heaven Sect's first trial might be too severe? From the base to this point, it's tens of thousands of feet. The first half may be smooth, but the latter is perilously steep. A single misstep could send someone tumbling down the mountain."

"The journey of cultivation requires one to be indifferent to life and death. Without the readiness to face death, there's no point in pursuing this path. And the Profound Heaven Sect has no need for those lacking such resolve," Senior Brother Yun stated firmly, his words carrying an undeniable logic.

"Is everyone in place?"

"Yes, Senior Brother Yun. Rest assured, we've taken precautions to ensure that no mishaps befall those seeking to join the Profound Heaven Sect."

"That's reassuring."

Despite his words, Senior Brother Yun's innate kindness had prompted him to prepare disciples to rescue anyone who might encounter danger.

As the day flew by, only a few thousand had reached the spot where Senior Brother Yun and the others stood. Those who failed to overcome the first challenge were turned away by the Profound Heaven Sect.

"Senior Brother Yun, it's nearly time," someone remarked.

With a sweeping glance at the crowd before him, Senior Brother Yun nodded in acknowledgment.

"Attention, everyone. You have passed the first stage of joining the Profound Heaven Sect. Now, prepare for the second stage," he announced, gesturing towards the towering peak behind him. "This next challenge will test your endurance just as rigorously."

As long as you reach the summit, you'll be able to see the gateway to the Profound Heaven Sect.

"The moment you lay eyes on the gate, you're essentially on the threshold of the Profound Heaven Sect."

Senior Brother Yun surveyed the crowd before continuing, "I'll wait for you at the top for half a day."

"What? Only half a day?"

"That's incredibly strict."

"Indeed, we're already exhausted to the point of death. Climbing such a steep peak now seems like a death wish."

The group buzzed with conversation, yet one figure silently began to scale the mountain.

It was Feng Yi. He figured it was better to conserve his energy for the climb rather than waste it on idle chatter.

As Feng Yi made his way up, the ten thousand onlookers, despite their grumbling, followed suit and began their ascent.

Senior Brother Yun watched Feng Yi climb, his eyes reflecting admiration.

"Ensure their safety. If anyone fails, escort them down the mountain securely."

"Understood, Senior Brother Yun."

After half a day of climbing the daunting ten-thousand-foot ascent, Feng Yi, though weary, was resolute in his determination to join the Profound Heaven Sect.

Two hours later, the number of climbers had dwindled to less than a thousand. Feng Yi wasn't leading the pack, but he wasn't lagging either.

He had come prepared, using his hemp rope to secure himself to jutting rocks and trees, ascending steadily, one step at a time.

With just half an hour left, Feng Yi was a mere hundred feet from his goal.

Keep going!

Feng Yi mentally spurred himself on. With just a quarter of an hour to spare, he reached the summit.

Before him stood a massive boulder, stretching dozens of feet high.

The boulder, resembling a colossal sword, radiated an overwhelming presence that stirred the soul.

Carved into the stone were three bold characters:

Profound Heaven Sect!

In that moment, Feng Yi was profoundly moved. Beneath those words, he felt a sense of boundless freedom and peace.

Immortal!

At last, I am on the path to becoming an immortal!

Feng Yi envisioned himself reaching for the stars, his fists causing the heavens to quake and the sun and moon to dim.

A sense of pride and detachment welled up within Feng Yi's heart.

"Time is up. Congratulations, you've successfully passed the second stage."

While Feng Yi was lost in his daydreams, Senior Brother Yun's voice once again reached his ears.

Feng Yi looked up to see Senior Brother Yun and two others standing beside the massive stone. With fewer than a hundred people remaining by his side, it was evident that the towering cliff had dashed the hopes of many to join the Profound Heaven Sect.

"Now, there is one final stage ahead. If you can overcome this last challenge, you will become disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect."

Senior Brother Yun's words resonated with the crowd as he scanned the faces before him, then raised his voice to proclaim,

"To pursue the path of immortality, one must possess a Spirit Root. Without it, the way to immortality remains closed."