Eternal life begins with saving my clan

Chapter 56 : Celestial Hevenly Sect recuitment

In the western barren land, inside a small village, a group of young kids not older than twelve stood anxiously as they looked in the direction of the village head.

Each of them sucked in a cold breath, their chests rising and falling. Today was one of the biggest days in their lives, and they couldn't wait to begin that journey.

*Creak!*

As the kids anxiously waited, the door to the village head opened slowly, and an old man with gray, sparse hair stepped out, followed by a group of people.

Some of them were young, while some were old, but they all had one thing in common—an anxious look on their faces.

Dressed in old, tattered clothes, with calloused hands from dozens of years spent on the farm, the group looked at the kids in the distance and put on forced smiles.

"I know how you're all feeling. But you must all remember what we've told you and never forget," the Village head said in a stern voice.

The village head turned his head and looked at the worried parents behind him, and he uttered calmly, "If you have anything you have to say to them right now, this is your chance."

The worried parents didn't let the village head finish his sentence before they rushed to hug their kids, tears hanging at the corners of their eyes.

After the short melodrama, the village martial instructor, Ming, led the group of kids out of the village with a stern expression.

Instructor Ming was at the Intermediate Body Building Realm stage 5; everyone in the Qianjin village respected him. Apart from the Village head, who was also at the intermediate body-building realm stage 6, everyone in the village was in the early body-building realm.

Previously, the Tianjin village had a lot of hunters. But with the sudden recruitment of soldiers into the Celestial Heavenly Sect army, most of them had gone to join, leaving only their wives and a few men to support the village.

This was not only in Qianjin village, but all the surrounding villages sent groups of strong, sturdy men to the Celestial army.

Joining the Celestial army offered so many benefits that they couldn't resist. Each family with a member in the army would receive Spirit Comms for free. Secondly, the village or town would be given Metal Bone Construct with weapons to defend themselves from bandits.

Lastly, the village head could call the army three times when in danger to save them.

With these incentives, every small town and village sent their strongest warriors without thinking twice.

Also, since the Celestial Heavenly Sect became the overlord of the Barren Region, the famous bandits had limited their attacks.

Before becoming a sect, they had destroyed two sacred clans. That was still fresh in the hearts of the barren people. Thus, no one wanted to be on their bad side for now.

Now, with the Celestial sect opening their doors for recruitment, it won the hearts of everyone in the barren land.

It could be said that everyone in the barren land had a person or people in the Celestial Heavenly Sect. If not in the sect, they would be in the army.

...

Amidst the towering trees of the Dreadshade Forest, a massive recruitment drive for the Celestial Heavenly Sect was underway.

The setting sun cast a warm, golden hue upon the scene, as thousands of hopeful individuals gathered in front of the ancient forest.

They came from all walks of life, their faces a mosaic of determination, curiosity, and nervous excitement.

Those from the wealthy and powerful clans dressed in expensive silk, while others from ordinary families stood together.

Hushes and whispers filled the air as they waited anxiously. This was the first sect recruitment in ages, and all hope was high.

"Why have they not appeared?" A pretty girl grumbled impatiently. "We've been here since morning, but we haven't even seen anyone from the sect."

"Careful with your words, young mistress. You don't want to bring harm to the clan," her protector warned, his voice laced with solemnness, and his fierce gaze drilled into her big eyes.

The pretty young girl's grumbling disappeared into thin air when she saw the deep fierceness in her protector's face. She shivered and bit the corner of her lip in fear.

"I-I..."

"Don't talk and wait patiently like the others," her protector commanded and averted his gaze, looking into the Dreadshade forest, hoping none of those in the shadows heard her stupid comment.

To the people of the barren land, the Celestial Heavenly Sect had been labeled tyrant with compassion. If you were unfortunate to be on their bad side, they wouldn't hesitate to kill everyone in your family, even the animals.

While their compassion saved the barren people when they were in danger and also provided the Metal Bone Construct and Spirit Comms at a cheaper price, most people were wary of them.

Night fell.

The thousands of people couldn't bear it any longer, and their complaints grew louder by the second. Some who were impatient enough began to leave the Dreadshade forest.

However, most people chose to wait with tiredness and anger etched on their faces.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the narrow path inside the forest, gaining the attention of everyone.

Immediately, a still silence spread throughout the expanse as everyone held their breath, their hearts racing, both old and young.

Coming off the forest path made with cobblestones, Su Lan, dressed in a blue and white loose robe, climbed the makeshift platform.

Even though it was nighttime, the bright moon hung in the sky, illuminating the forest brightly. Therefore, everyone could see Su Lan's beautiful face.

However, to the protectors, their spines were drenched in cold sweats when they noticed the blood Qi aura coming from her.

Peak of Body Building Realm, Stage 9.

Her foundation was solid, and she could break through to the Qi Refinement realm at any moment.

Noticing this, those with annoyance in their hearts quickly dismissed the thought. If she could have such cultivation, what about the elders, supreme elder, and their clan master?

Thinking of this, they sucked in a cold breath.

Su Lan didn't care what was going on in the minds of the people below. She opened her mouth and spoke.

"My Celestial Heavenly Sect recruitment has all started. Those that left won't have the chance to join the sect again."

Her words were simple but sent a shiver down the spine of everyone below, while also making them thankful for persevering.

"We don't care if you're a genius or not. As long as you meet certain requirements, we will recruit you."

"But first, you must get your token."

"To get your token, you need to search the forest. You have until daybreak, and if you can't find it by then, you're out," her words were straightforward.

"Lastly, stealing and killing are not allowed. If you dare, think about your clan," her voice didn't have any fluctuation when she was saying this, but to the people below, it was the degree of the devil.

Those with thoughts of stealing from others quickly threw the idea out of their minds, while their protectors warned them seriously.

As for those with no protectors, they had nothing to fear.

"You can enter now," she commanded.

...

Deep in the southern sea, a massive ancient ship was sailing against the powerful sea tide smoothly, despite the continuous assault from the ferocious sea beasts.

However, the ship looked unaffected and continued on its journey.

"How long before we arrive?" A voice asked from the most luxurious room on the ship.

"We should arrive by tomorrow," an old voice responded respectfully from outside the door.