Xu Chuan followed Elder Zhou Heng to the main peak of the Holy Land.
The main peak of the Taiyi Holy Land was located in the core of the Holy Land. The summit of the main peak was extremely flat, as if it had been flattened by a divine ability.
The summit was vast, with only one magnificent golden palace situated upon it.
At the entrance stood a colossal stone tablet, inscribed with the words "Taiyi" in a profoundly mystical script. Xu Chuan, after a mere glance, found himself utterly captivated, unable to break free.
"Wake up!"
Elder Zhou Heng quickly roused him.
This was not something Xu Chuan, with his current cultivation, could comprehend.
This stone tablet was forged by the first Holy Lord, who possessed the cultivation of the Emperor Realm, using the Chaos Divine Stone. The words "Taiyi" were personally inscribed by him, each stroke imbued with the Emperor Realm expert's profound understanding of the Great Dao.
Even a cultivator at the Samsara Realm might become lost within it, let alone Xu Chuan, who was only at the Qi Gathering Realm.
With Elder Zhou Heng's shout, Xu Chuan instantly snapped back from the profound Dao rhyme.
A sense of lingering dread washed over him.
In just that brief moment, he had almost been annihilated by the terrifying Dao rhyme.
"Thank you, Elder, for the reminder!"
Xu Chuan respectfully bowed to Elder Zhou Heng.
Then, he reined in his mind, ceasing his aimless gazing.
Everything in this place was too formidable; it truly was worthy of being the core hall of the Holy Land.
Elder Zhou Heng nodded in response to Xu Chuan and led him into the grand hall.
Inside the hall.
Nine individuals, men and women, old and young, stood on either side. Clearly, these were the peak masters of the nine peaks of the Holy Land.
Each of them exuded an aura of immense power, nearly forcing Xu Chuan to his knees.
At the uppermost position sat a young man, cross-legged, his eyes closed in meditation.
He appeared like an ordinary person, with no trace of aura emanating from him.
Xu Chuan immediately recognized him as the Holy Lord of the Holy Land.
The Holy Lord looked far younger than Xu Chuan had imagined.
Despite his youth, it did not diminish his status as the most powerful being within the Holy Land.
He was also the only individual in the entire Eastern Region who had reached the Half-Emperor Realm.
With just one step, he could break through to the Emperor Realm.
Under his leadership, the Taiyi Holy Land held the foremost position in the Eastern Region.
"Greetings, Holy Lord, greetings, esteemed Peak Masters."
Xu Chuan respectfully bowed to them.
He vaguely guessed the reason Elder Zhou Heng had brought him here.
According to custom, every true disciple would take a master.
The master could be an elder of the Holy Land or one of the peak masters.
And now, it was apparent he was to be apprenticed to a peak master.
Upon this realization, Xu Chuan felt a surge of joy.
Even among true disciples, there was a significant disparity between being a disciple of a peak master and being a disciple of an elder.
As Xu Chuan bowed, the peak masters were also scrutinizing him.
"Excellent aptitude, and his aura is exceptionally profound. Very good!"
"Hidden Dao rhyme, his Yuan energy is fierce and scorching. This is… has he cultivated a special technique?"
"His demeanor is exceptional, unfazed by favor or disgrace. Truly an extraordinary disposition!"
"What a remarkable prodigy, worthy of breaking the record!"
The peak masters all nodded, evidently having already learned of Xu Chuan's record-breaking feat in the Qi Gathering Realm tower. Their observations left them highly satisfied with Xu Chuan.
At this moment, the Holy Lord, seated at the head, opened his eyes. A beam of dazzling golden light shot out, falling upon Xu Chuan.
In an instant, he was seen through by the Holy Lord, with no secrets left concealed.
In the blink of an eye, the golden light dispersed, a hint of surprise flashed in the Holy Lord's eyes, and then he spoke, "There is no need for formalities. You may rise."
"Yes."
Xu Chuan then rose.
The Holy Lord continued, "As the first in this assessment and having broken the record, you are to become a true disciple of our Holy Land. I presume you know why you have been brought here."
"However, I did not expect that the anomaly from that day was caused by you."
Upon hearing this, the peak masters exchanged looks of astonishment.
They had spent days searching to no avail for the source of the anomaly.
Just as they were about to give up, the Holy Lord revealed that this young man was responsible.
How could they not be surprised?
Yet, upon reflection, it made sense. A person who could achieve first place in this grand competition would undoubtedly possess something extraordinary.
Their perception of Xu Chuan became even more favorable.
Xu Chuan, hearing this, was not particularly surprised.
As the most powerful figure in the Holy Land, if he couldn't discern such matters, it would truly be a disservice to his Half-Emperor cultivation.
Moreover, Xu Chuan had no intention of hiding anything.
Only by revealing greater potential could he receive better cultivation, a virtuous cycle.
Deception, pretending to be weak, was nonexistent for Xu Chuan.
"Your cultivation has made such a remarkable leap in such a short time, and you were able to trigger such an anomaly. You must have your own fortunate encounters. However, it is alright. All prodigies have their secrets, and the Holy Land will not pry. Rest assured."
The Holy Lord spoke again.
"This disciple understands."
Xu Chuan nodded.
If the Holy Land were to covet its disciples' fortunate encounters, it could not possibly endure for long.
"Now, you may choose one person as your master, and only then will you truly be a true disciple."
After uttering these words, the Holy Lord closed his eyes once more, appearing utterly unperturbed by everything.
Meanwhile, the peak masters' gazes toward Xu Chuan became increasingly fervent.
They eagerly awaited Xu Chuan's choice of master.
"A good prospect. My Hengyang Peak has not accepted a true disciple in a long time. How about it, young Xu, come under my tutelage?"
An elder with white hair spoke first, his tone amiable.
"What are you thinking, Old Li? This lad's Yuan energy is scorching. He's clearly suited for our Lieyang Peak."
"I believe this young man's comprehension is exceptional, making him perfectly suited for our Qingyang Peak!"
"You're talking nonsense! I saw this lad first. Whoever tries to snatch him from me will face my wrath!"
"How can you be so shameless, old man? What do you mean you saw him first…"
Before Xu Chuan could make his choice, several peak masters began to quarrel over him.
It was precisely because Xu Chuan's aptitude was so extraordinary after integrating with the Creation Lotus Seed.
Once he matured, he would undoubtedly become a formidable power, and this concerned the distribution of resources among the peaks.
Thus, they could not help but contend!
As the arguments grew heated and faces flushed red.
The only peak master who had not joined the dispute over Xu Chuan's allegiance spoke up.
"Enough. Do you still look like peak masters?"
"After all this arguing, it still depends on the young man's opinion, doesn't it?"
Scolded by this peak master, the previously bickering individuals fell silent.
Mainly because the speaker was the strongest among them, and he cultivated the Way of the Saber. His swordsmanship was formidable, and no one dared to provoke him.
"Young man, I see you also practice the saber. Why not come with me? It so happens that I haven't taken a disciple in many years, and I don't know who to pass my saber techniques onto."
Seeing this peak master speak, Xu Chuan's eyes lit up.
He had heard of this peak master's reputation.
His name was Situ Lin, the peak master of Zhenyang Peak. He was devoted to the Way of the Saber, indifferent to all else.
Because of this, his cultivation was considered second only to the Holy Lord.
He had reached the peak of the Heaven-Penetrating Realm.
Furthermore, he was rumored to have a peculiar temper and be difficult to communicate with.
No one had ever heard of him considering taking on a disciple.
This had resulted in Zhenyang Peak having no true disciples for many years.
He was extending an olive branch to Xu Chuan today.
Xu Chuan was extremely surprised.
Coincidentally, a piece of information about a fortunate encounter obtained from Xu Chen was located on Zhenyang Peak, making things incredibly convenient!
Without hesitation, he made his decision.
He spoke softly, "Thank you for your kind regard, esteemed Peak Masters. This disciple has decided to join Zhenyang Peak and follow Peak Master Situ in comprehending the Way of the Saber!"
Xu Chuan had thought it through.
If he joined Zhenyang Peak, he would be the chief disciple. And since Zhenyang Peak had no other disciples, wouldn't all its resources be directed towards him?
What was there to hesitate about!
"Hahaha!"
"Good, good, good!"
Three consecutive exclamations of "good" clearly indicated Situ Lin's satisfaction with Xu Chuan's choice.
"Then, from today onwards, you are the sole true disciple of Zhenyang Peak!"
"Come with me!"
With that, he directly led Xu Chuan away, as if fearing he would change his mind.
Xu Chuan felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth.
Where was the rumored peculiar temper and difficulty in communication?
His reputation was truly misleading!
For a moment, Xu Chuan was unsure if his decision was right or wrong.
And so.
Amidst the sighs of the assembled peak masters, Xu Chuan was led away by Situ Lin.