Chapter 452 - 236: The Dust Settles: Choosing a Sect, Choosing a Life

"Sigh..."

Someone couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

Seeing everyone’s dejected expressions, Xu Qingshan couldn’t help but offer some words of comfort:

"Don’t be too discouraged, everyone! Even though you weren’t chosen for the official spots in the Celestial Strategy Guard, this doesn’t mean it’s over!"

"The Three Top Sects have also established a special Outer Sect assessment to recruit talented individuals! As long as you pass it, you can still join a Sect and start as an Outer Disciple!"

"If you’re willing to work hard, you might just get the chance to be promoted to the Inner Sect, or even receive a True Inheritance!"

However, his words didn’t offer much encouragement.

Wang Zhenhai, the top disciple of Panyue Courtyard who had always been known for his forthright nature, now looked utterly defeated.

He watched the geniuses from the Great States celebrating in the distance and shook his head bitterly.

"Forget it... Dean Xu, you don’t need to console us anymore."

"This trip to the Capital City has really opened my eyes."

"It’s terrifying... simply terrifying!"

"Back in Cangzhou Prefecture, we thought we were somebody. But here... compared to those Demon Fiends, what are we? We’re nothing!"

He pointed at Xiong Tong’s terrifying back, his voice trembling slightly.

"I never want to meet a monster like that again in my life. Join the Outer Sect? Living in the shadow of freaks like that, I’m afraid even my Dao Heart would shatter."

"I... I should just go back to Cangzhou. I can guard my own little patch of land and at least live like a decent human being."

Though disheartening, his words voiced the thoughts of most of the others.

Shi Poyue also sighed and chimed in, "He’s right, the gap is too wide. I’d rather be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix here, where I’d just be looked down upon."

In an instant, the once proud and arrogant crowd began to consider retreating.

This was only human nature.

After witnessing the vastness and cruelty of the world, not everyone had the courage to challenge its insurmountable peaks.

Most people would ultimately choose to accept reality and return to an ordinary life.

"I’ve decided, I’m going back too."

"Me too..."

A chorus of agreement rose and fell.

Yet, amidst this atmosphere of dejection, only one person remained silent.

Gu Qingxuan.

Dressed in green robes, she stood quietly in a corner, cradling her longsword.

Although her name had not appeared on the list, and although her pride had been shattered in this battle, her eyes were not dazed and avoidant like the others.

On the contrary, deep within her clear, cold eyes, a decision seemed to be brewing...

...

"Let the sect selection by rank commence!"

With the presiding official’s loud cry, the final stage of the Celestial Strategy Guard selection—the Grand Sect Selection Ceremony—officially began.

The top ninety-nine disciples would take the stage one by one, in order of rank, to choose their desired Sect.

At this moment, the scales of power had tipped.

To an ordinary Martial Artist, the Three Top Sects were sacred, unattainable places. They could kowtow until their heads bled and still not secure a position as a mere Servant Disciple.

But for these prodigies standing at the apex, it was now the Three Major Sects who were laying out their offers, begging them to join!

"First place, Xiong Tong!"

As the towering giant of a man walked onto the high platform, the three Elders, who had been sitting calmly, all straightened up at once.

"Xiong Tong! Come to my Haotian Sword Sect! I will grant you a baptism in the Sword Pool. Although you focus on cultivating your physique, tempering your body with Sword Qi can still help you advance even further!" Su Wuming was the first to extend an olive branch.

"Amitabha Buddha. Donor Xiong, your sins from killing are heavy. Only the *Great Sun Glaze Scripture* of my Prajna Zen Sect can help you dissolve your baleful aura and achieve the Vajra Indestructible Body. If you join our Sect, you can directly enter the Arhat Hall to cultivate!" Master Xuan Kong declared, not to be outdone.

Even Daoist Wu Wei smilingly presented generous terms.

The crowd below was secretly astounded, their eyes filled with envy.

Xiong Tong stood on the stage, his gaze sweeping over the three Elders. He hesitated for a moment.

Finally, he cupped his fist in a salute to Master Xuan Kong, his voice booming like a great bell.

"I choose the Prajna Zen Sect!"

There was no other reason. The Prajna Zen Sect currently had the most momentum, the most True Mastery Realm experts, and the most abundant resources. It was also the number one Sect in Great Chu, deeply trusted by the Royal Family.

For him, who sought ultimate power, this was the optimal choice.

Su Wuming snorted coldly, clearly displeased, but there was nothing he could do.

Next up was second place, Nalan Ruoshui.

The three Elders once again presented generous terms.

But the Saintess of Medicine King Valley did not follow in Xiong Tong’s footsteps.

She walked directly to Su Wuming and bowed gracefully.

"This disciple wishes to enter the Haotian Sword Sect."

Her choice was also very rational.

Since Xiong Tong had gone to the Zen Sect, its core resources would inevitably be skewed in his favor.

If she went as well, it would be difficult for her to receive the highest level of nurturing.

Rather than be second-best at the Zen Sect, it was better to be number one at the Haotian Sword Sect!

Moreover, the Haotian Sword Sect’s Sword Intent and her Dao of Divine Soul were also complementary.

After that was third place, Long Yu’er.

The successor of Penglai Island hesitated for a moment before finally choosing the Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect, which seemed slightly weaker in overall strength!

Her reasoning was identical to Nalan Ruoshui’s.

The Zen Sect had Xiong Tong, and the Sword Sect had Nalan Ruoshui.

If she went to either of those two, she would be overshadowed.

Only by going to the Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect could she enjoy true top-disciple treatment!

She would receive the Sect’s full, unconditional support, with no expense spared in her training!

This was the choice of a clever person: better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix, thus maximizing one’s personal benefit.

And then, it was the fourth place, Lei Kuang.

The Young Sect Leader of the Mad Saber Sect hesitated for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and choosing the Haotian Sword Sect.