"So many!" Bai Shengyi's eyes widened in surprise.
So this recommendation post wasn't that rare after all? At least for Duke Rong, who was at the Golden Core stage, it was something he could definitely obtain.
Then why did Bai Murong instigate Duke Rong to snatch hers? Could it be that her recommendation post was more fragrant than others'?
The young cultivator seemed amused by Bai Shengyi's reaction and waved his hand, "There aren't many left, fellow Daoist. Think about it, there are at least several million people in our entire Great Ning Dynasty. Every year, those who meet the secondary enrollment conditions for the Divine Revelation Academy, there are still twenty to thirty thousand people at the very least..."
As he spoke, he suddenly turned serious, stood up, and said, "The immortal ship to pick us up has arrived."
"Immortal ship?" Bai Shengyi was momentarily confused.
"Yes, all cultivators from our Great Ning Dynasty this time will depart from the capital to the assessment grounds," the young cultivator said. "By the way, we've gotten acquainted. What's your name again? Let's get to know each other."
He glanced at Bai Shengyi and noticed that despite her young age, she already possessed the strength of the sixth level of Qi Refining. He secretly wondered if she was an heir from some reclusive family coming out to experience the world.
"My name is Bai Shengyi. Thank you, fellow Daoist, for clearing my doubts. May I know your esteemed name?" Bai Shengyi asked, acutely sensing subtle energy fluctuations in the surrounding space, as if something was approaching.
It should be the immortal ship the other person had just mentioned. She was a little surprised; with such perceptive abilities, this person's strength was likely more than what was apparent.
However, the other person did not answer her. Instead, he stared at Bai Shengyi with an extremely complex, conflicted, and shocked gaze.
Unfortunately, Bai Shengyi did not notice. She didn't even realize he hadn't answered her, as all her attention was focused on the immortal ship gradually approaching in the distance.
Unlike the steel-based ships Bai Shengyi had seen on modern internet, and unlike the highly advanced and digitalized spacecraft she had ridden in the Federation, the immortal ship before her was entirely made of wood. Although it was only the size of a school playground, it exuded an ancient and profound aura.
Bai Shengyi could feel the abundant energy contained within it and even unconsciously wondered how it was refined and what principles it operated on...
In the blink of an eye, the immortal ship arrived like a lone boat riding the wind and breaking through the clouds, reaching them in an instant.
It gradually descended and stopped about ten meters above the ground.
"Everyone, board the ship with your recommendation post within a quarter of an hour," a stern voice boomed from the immortal ship.
As the voice fell, the crowd waiting on the ground erupted!
"Are they playing with us? It's so high, how are we supposed to get up there!"
"Exactly, isn't the immortal ship here to pick us up? Why isn't it landing on the ground?"
"None of us have reached Foundation Establishment yet, we can't even fly with swords yet— Heavens! Look quickly, someone's going up! Has someone among us participating in this assessment already reached Foundation Establishment?"
"Another one's going up! They were taken up by their guards! Isn't this cheating?"
"Exactly, this is too unfair!"
Various voices from the ground clamored in a chaotic mess. The crowd complained for a long time but saw no one from the academy come out to kick down those who went up or to explain.
They suddenly understood. As long as they got on the ship, the academy wouldn't care about the methods used.
Thus, in an instant, various spiritual powers intertwined on the ground. Some asked their Foundation Establishment guards for help, others sought friends to carry them... Some even seized the opportunity to prevent their rivals from boarding, turning the entire area around the battle arena into chaos.
After the voice from the ship finished speaking, Bai Shengyi retreated a few steps, standing at the safer edge to consider her options.
During this time, she saw Qin Zhao and Princess Mingyu, who had finished meeting with friends, being brought onto the ship. These two were still together.
As Bai Shengyi pondered, Bai Murong, having finished meeting with her friends, approached.
"Shengyi, would you like Sister Li to give you a ride?" Bai Murong never expected that fate would favor her so much, presenting such a good opportunity so quickly.
She looked at Bai Shengyi, who was huddled at the side, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes. What good was the sixth level? She still didn't have a way to pass the first stage!
That's right. Bai Murong had just learned from her friend Li Shiqing that this year's assessment was different from previous years; it began the moment the immortal ship arrived.
Bai Shengyi already had a general idea in mind and naturally ignored Bai Murong's ill intentions, shaking her head, "Thank you, but no need."
Bai Murong frowned slightly, "Shengyi, don't be impulsive. Even if you dislike me, you should prioritize the bigger picture. If you can't board the immortal ship on time and fail the assessment, how sad would Grandpa be?"
As Bai Murong spoke, a tall, slender figure in red emerged from the chaotic crowd. "Murong, have you decided who goes up first?"
This person was Li Shiqing, the heir of the Li family. She had not participated in the spiritual root test last year and had come directly to participate in the assessment this year.
Li Shiqing's appearance was bright and beautiful, but slightly different from Bai Shengyi's, possessing a more straightforward demeanor. Seeing Bai Murong's worried expression, she added, "Murong, don't worry, I definitely won't abandon you and your sister."
"Good sister, I know you won't. It's just that Shengyi just said she can manage on her own and doesn't need our help. I..." Bai Murong sighed, "I'm really worried about her."
Li Shiqing heard this and turned to Bai Shengyi, "Third Miss Bai, please let me escort you up. Don't let your sister worry, alright?"
Her tone was very gentle, without any hint of lecturing, just a bit too direct.
Bai Shengyi could sense that her intentions were indeed good and frowned slightly.
Seeing that she was wavering, Li Shiqing quickly continued, "Trust me, I've been able to take people with me on my sword for three months, so I can definitely send you up safely. Time is short, I'll send your sister up first, can you wait here for me?"
The other party was straightforward, her tone brooks no refusal, and she was very sincere. Bai Shengyi really couldn't think of a reason to refuse, so she could only nod helplessly, "Then thank you, Sister Li."
Li Shiqing smiled, patted Bai Shengyi's shoulder, and grabbed Bai Murong, saying, "Murong, let's hurry."
She was a fiery character and left immediately. With a "swish," she summoned her flying sword and pulled Bai Murong towards the immortal ship.
"Half a quarter of an hour remaining," the voice from the immortal ship suddenly announced again.
The remaining people grew more nervous, and the scene became increasingly chaotic.
Bai Shengyi dodged a stray spiritual energy blast and then realized the young cultivator who had spoken to her earlier was still standing behind her.
"Huh? Why haven't you gone up yet?" Bai Shengyi asked curiously.
The young cultivator looked at Bai Shengyi with a very complex expression. "Are you really Bai Shengyi?"
"You know me?" Bai Shengyi finally realized that after she mentioned her name, this cultivator seemed to have gone "silent."