Hong Huang: I am the cowherd

Chapter 7 The Favor of the Three Xiao Sisters

On Jin’ao Island, the disciples of the Jie Sect numbered in the tens of thousands, not to mention the followers scattered across the surrounding immortal islands. If one counted them all, the total number easily exceeded a million!

‘Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering’ was not just an exaggeration—it was reality!

This was all due to the Jie Sect’s doctrine of accepting all who were fated, regardless of race or innate potential. As long as one had a heart that pursued the Dao and a connection to the sect, they could become a follower of the Tongtian Cult Leader. However, truly joining the sect as a disciple and cultivating the Shangqing Immortal Technique was extremely difficult.

To provide an opportunity for the millions of followers, every 2,000 years, the Jie Sect held a grand competition. During this event, the Saint’s personal disciples, close attendants, and even outer disciples would observe the participants to select potential talents.

If someone demonstrated exceptional aptitude and character, they could be taken in as a third or fourth-generation disciple of the sect. In essence, the Jie Sect’s Grand Competition was a way for aspiring immortals to showcase their skills, hoping to gain the favor of the Saint’s disciples and become a true member of the Jie Sect.

Additionally, those who stood out might even be granted powerful magical treasures. Thus, every Grand Competition was a spectacle of unrivaled excitement and intense battles.

“Su Chen, although there are countless participants, many of them have competed several times before. If they weren’t selected the first time, they almost never get chosen later.”

“Apart from innate potential, the most important trait for joining the Jie Sect is one’s heart and character!”

Kui Niu had no doubt that Su Chen would be noticed. After all, even the Saint himself had praised his unwavering willpower. Kui Niu only hoped that Su Chen would be recognized by one of the Saint’s true disciples, as that would provide far greater resources and opportunities.

After all, there was a huge gap between a true disciple and a mere outer disciple.

Listening to Kui Niu’s explanations, Su Chen gained a deeper understanding of the Jie Sect.

The sheer number of disciples and followers meant that quality varied greatly. He even noticed a few individuals emanating heavy killing intent.

Kui Niu informed him that these individuals were actually third-generation disciples of the Jie Sect. This made Su Chen understand why so many Jie Sect elites perished in the upcoming Investiture of the Gods tribulation.

Even though Jin’ao Island was just an island, its vastness was so immense that even a Heaven Immortal like Su Chen couldn’t fully perceive its boundaries.

After cultivating Hongmeng Nine Turns, his divine sense was hundreds of times stronger than others of the same level, allowing him to scan areas spanning hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Yet, even so, the competition grounds alone were larger than a hundred Earths combined. Thus, even with millions of participants, the venue felt spacious rather than crowded. Soon, the Jie Sect’s true disciples, close attendants, and even third-generation disciples gathered at the competition grounds. They were all here to observe and select potential recruits.

“Su Chen, do your best!”

After offering his encouragement, Kui Niu left the arena. The competition was divided into numerous arenas, each segmented by cultivation level. Heaven Immortals fought in their own arena. True Immortals had their own as well.

Furthermore, participants were forbidden from using magical treasures. This was because the competition aimed to assess one’s innate potential and character, not external advantages.

A plump, middle-aged Daoist soared into the sky. His two mustaches twitched comically, making him instantly recognizable. It was none other than the Jie Sect’s eldest disciple—Duobao!

“The rules are the same as always: No magical treasures! No killing!”

“Let the competition begin!”

Duobao kept his words brief, wasting no time before declaring the start of the battles. Immediately, countless cultivators leaped onto the platforms, eager to display their strength and capture the attention of the Saint’s disciples.

Seated upon floating clouds, a group of female cultivators observed the arena. One of them, Yunxiao, gently scanned the battlefield with her divine sense.

“Senior Brother, there are many promising talents this time.”

Her tone carried a hint of admiration. Duobao nodded with pride.

“Indeed! This only proves that our Jie Sect is unmatched in talent, standing above all other Daoist schools!”

“So, have you chosen an apprentice, Senior Brother?”

Upon hearing Yunxiao’s question, Duobao shook his head.

“I already have Fire Spirit to inherit my legacy. It is my junior brothers and sisters who still lack disciples. If you see someone worthy, don’t let the opportunity slip away!”

Clearly, although there were many talented individuals, none had impressed Duobao enough to take them as a personal disciple. Just then, a young girl with playful eyes excitedly approached Yunxiao. It was Qiongxiao, the youngest of the Three Xiao Sisters.

“Big Sister, Big Sister!”

“Even as an elder, you’re still so reckless.”

Yunxiao chuckled, lightly tapping Qiongxiao’s hand in amusement.

“Big Sister, I found someone worthy of becoming your disciple!”

“Oh? Where?”

Before Yunxiao could respond, Bixiao, the second sister, eagerly asked first.

Qiongxiao pointed to a particular figure standing calmly in the crowd—Su Chen. Yunxiao and Bixiao both followed her gaze and instantly noticed him.

_____

Even among the massive crowd, Su Chen stood out like a crane among chickens.

“Big Sister, he’s a human. Not only is he incredibly handsome and elegant, but his life force is also abnormally strong!”

Qiongxiao’s eyes shone with admiration.

Bixiao, however, was more skeptical.

“He is indeed striking… but there are very few humans with strong innate potential. His future achievements may be extremely limited.”

Despite finding Su Chen attractive, Bixiao still hesitated about accepting him as a disciple. Yunxiao, however, remained thoughtful.

“Second Sister, he carries himself with unshakable composure, radiating confidence. We should observe him carefully. If his innate talent and character prove exceptional, taking him as a disciple may not be a bad idea!”

At that moment, Su Chen had not even stepped onto the battlefield. Yet, just by standing there with unwavering confidence, he had already captured the attention of the Three Xiao Sisters.

Even Duobao and other disciples who heard their conversation couldn’t help but take a closer look at Su Chen.

While they admired his poise and striking appearance, they still doubted his innate potential.

After all, from their perspective, Su Chen was just a mortal-born Heaven Immortal—nothing more!