My Simulated Road to Immortality

Chapter 345: 322: Fresh Crops

They were all immediately filled with excitement, eager to take on the challenge.

“Master Ji, please tell us, what does ‘giving the most effort’ really mean?”

“Yeah, Elder Ji, there must be a specific, quantifiable rule, right? How much effort we put in should also be a standard for evaluating us, shouldn’t it?”

Ji Hongdao looked at the enthusiastic trainees, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

Coughing lightly, he started to explain.

“The hub of the [Tianxuan Soul Locking Array] is effectively a newborn surface of the Tianxuan Mirror, to which you’ve all witnessed the sealing process.”

“The entire construction of the Tianxuan Soul Locking Array starts from the Central Core Area. That is to say, from the inception of the Array, every single process of the Soul-locking Formation’s construction could be perceived by the Array Hub, or rather, the Tianxuan Mirror.”

“It records precisely which cultivator personally laid out each Array unit, all within the Tianxuan Mirror’s control.”

“The final outcome is entirely dependent on the ranking data released by the Tianxuan Mirror, eliminating any possibility of cheating, and ensuring absolute fairness and impartiality.”

With passion and eloquence, Ji Hongdao made his point.

“I know that all those who were recommended to the Universal Courtyard have their unique strengths. You are all exceptional young people. Who would be willing to forever be second best? In order to give everyone a clear understanding of their positions, and also so that you can better apply you individual initiative, your respective contributions in mounting the Array, during this ‘Tianxuan Soul Locking Array Contest,’ will be displayed in real-time scores.”

“And furthermore, rankings will be conducted according to the scores and published by the Tianxuan Mirror for everyone to check at any time!”

Upon hearing this, Li Fan, recognizing the familiar method, couldn’t help but be shocked, “Goodness, he wants these young array masters to compete like crazy.”

Next, Ji Hongdao announced the preliminary construction plan for the Tianxuan Soul Locking Array.

Initially, each cultivator will return to their respective hometowns, where, with the assistance of their local Array Strategy Hall and Martial Art Battle Hall, will begin to establish the Soul-locking Formation.

If one is fast enough, once all the Soul-locking Formations within their respective states are completed, they are free to move to neighboring states and assist with construction.

Because everything is seen by the Tianxuan Mirror, they wouldn’t need to worry about their contributions being taken by others even when in another place.

The moment all the Tianxuan Soul Locking Arrays within the entire territory of the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals have been completed,

The Array Master with the highest score will be the final winner.

After explaining the contest plan, a hint of self-satisfaction flashed in Ji Hongdao’s eyes, unnoticed by the others.

At that moment, however, he heard someone questioning.

“Elder Ji, may I ask, I now have no home to return to, I just don’t know what to do. Where should I go?”

Ji Hongdao followed the voice to look at who was speaking, and it was Li Fan.

His face darkened, he scolded: “You cheeky lad, are you making fun of me? What rubbish is this about homeless? Obviously, you return where you came from…”

Suddenly, Ji Hongdao seemed as if he remembered something, and his speech abruptly ceased.

Looking at Li Fan once more, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“That is indeed a problem…”

Instead of giving a direct answer, he transmitted a message to Li Fan: “Stay for a while afterwards, and we can discuss it in detail.”

Li Fan took his cue and said no more.

This little incident was observed by the others present.

Some didn’t seem to mind, some came to a sudden realization and had surprised looks on their faces.

Yet some seemed to have known of Li Fan’s situation encounters with Worry-Free Celestial and remain unperturbed.

Their attention was brought back by Ji Hongdao’s continued explanatory lecture on the contest process.

A year later, the new surface of the Tianxuan Mirror will be transported to various states.

Before that, trainees need to return to their respective states and help local branches collect materials necessary for constructing the array.

Of course, there will also be some special array material managed and distributed by Immortal Alliance Headquarters.

After listening to the general construction plan, the trainees returned to their individual courtyards and got in contact with their family and mentor.

Li Fan, however, stayed put.

Besides Li Fan, there was another cultivator who didn’t leave.

This cultivator’s name was Xue Mu, at the Perfect Foundation Establishment Cultivation, and one of the three people from Misthaven Ocean to participate in the training.

Li Fan only knew him in passing. He was not a disciple of Zhang Zhiliang, so Li Fan wasn’t very familiar with him.

As for the third person, he did not pass the Soul Contract induction test and was eliminated.

Presumably, he should have returned to Misthaven Ocean and was lost in the Mo Sha World-destroying Catastrophe.

Xue Mu seemed to feel the existence of Worry-Free Celestial for the first time, and the bewilderment and fear in his eyes had not yet disappeared.

Ji Hongdao looked at them both and kindly asked, “With the Misthaven Ocean facing such tribulation and you two being homeless, what are your plans?”

Xue Mu pressed his lips together and did not speak, his head bowed.

Yet Li Fan was open and respectful as he stepped forward, “Lead the way, elder.”

Ji Hongdao seemed somewhat satisfied with Li Fan’s response. He pondered and spoke, “With the contest rules already set, everyone has their own place. If we randomly assign you two to a state, then your efforts in constructing the Soul-locking Formation will occupy someone else’s score. This will definitely cause resentment and in turn would be to your disadvantage.”

“But, if we don’t let you participate in the contest, you will surely be dissatisfied.”

“Hmm…”

He paused for a moment, his eyes unfocused as if he was communicating with someone.

A moment later, Ji Hongdao suggested, “I don’t know whether this would be acceptable to you?”

“Besides the individual states, the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals also has many important cave heavens and Small Worlds that also require the Tianxuan Soul Locking Array for overall coverage.”

“Originally, all these places were arranged for us old guys to construct.”

“However, due to the special circumstances, you two can be transferred to help, and that would be fine.”

“It might even help to share some of our pressure.”

Ji Hongdao laughed, “At my age, I definitely do not have the same energy as you young people.”

“As for scores for constructing the Tianxuan Soul Locking Array, you need not worry. The Alliance of Thousands of Immortals manages many Cave Heavens, and some of them are sizeable, not much smaller than a state’s territory.”

“You can feel free to participate fully.”

“What do you think?”

After saying all of this, Ji Hongdao looked at Li Fan and asked.

“Cave Heavens? I wonder if I would have a chance to encounter those of the Five Elements Great Cave Heaven.” The moment Li Fan heard Ji Hongdao’s proposal, this thought flashed through his mind.

However, he did not dare to think too much about it. After Ji Hongdao asked the question, he solemnly responded, “If that is the case, I would like to give it a try.”

Ji Hongdao nodded satisfied, and then turned to Xue Mu: “and you?”