Chapter 68

"Really?"

As Yun Lao's words fell, the grand hall immediately became slightly restless, with everyone feeling both shocked and tense.

Especially the young boys and girls, who were on the verge of extreme nervousness, their eyes fixed on Yun Lao, fearing that their names would be called out.

In fact, although the empire was very powerful and had many talented individuals and treasures, as well as martial arts techniques, not everyone could enjoy these benefits.

In other words, most people did not have the qualifications to choose!

This was not only determined by talent but also by status. Even the imperial princes could not make arbitrary selections, as these were the foundations of a nation!

However, the Holy Sect was different. Although obtaining martial arts techniques was also difficult and there were restrictions based on status,

in the Holy Sect, status could be improved through certain means!

Regardless of talent and cultivation, if one gained the favor of a sect elder, while it might not guarantee a meteoric rise, it would certainly bring many privileges.

For example, if Jiang Han could pass Yun Lao's test and become his disciple, he would have no worries about martial arts techniques!

Of course, if the technique was particularly good, he would still need to put in his own effort to obtain it.

Moreover, in a certain sense, the Holy Sect's resources were no less than those of the empire, and might even be stronger. The empire had undergone dynastic changes, but the Holy Sect had always been in continuous succession!

"This... Senior Yun Lao, isn't this a bit too hasty?" someone stepped forward, frowning.

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Yun Lao turned his head, his voice calm but making the person's heart race.

"I dare not!"

This person also held a high position and had seen many grand scenes. Although intimidated by Yun Lao's gaze, he still dared to look him in the eye, his gaze steady.

"I am just worried that Senior Yun Lao might overlook some children." The person spoke firmly, his expression resolute.

"Prince Ironblood's words are quite reasonable. I hope Senior Yun Lao will reconsider!" Another person stepped forward, bowing to Yun Lao.

"Please reconsider, Senior Yun Lao!"

Almost simultaneously, most of the officials bowed, though many were uneasy, fearing they might anger Yun Lao.

The entire grand hall fell silent for a moment, with everyone's eyes on Yun Lao. The children of officials were especially nervous, hoping Yun Lao would change his mind.

Of course, some people remained calm, confident in their talents, believing that entering the Holy Sect would not be difficult.

Ye Qianchou's aura was vast like an ocean, completely still, as if he were asleep. But the terrifying aura he constantly emitted made it impossible to ignore his presence.

Jiang Han watched the people in the grand hall with interest, then glanced at Ye Qianchou, feeling somewhat surprised and puzzled.

To him, it seemed that Ye Qianchou did not care about what was happening in the grand hall, only speaking a few words at the beginning and remaining silent most of the time, allowing the ministers to speak freely.

This was very different from what Jiang Han had imagined... of course, those imaginations were from watching palace dramas on Earth.

Could it be that the emperor of this world only makes decisions and leaves everything else to the officials? Jiang Han thought strangely, wouldn't that block out important information?

At this moment, Yun Lao frowned slightly, scanning the crowd, and after a while, suddenly chuckled softly.

This laughter immediately put everyone at ease. At the very least, it seemed that Yun Lao was not displeased! That was a good sign.

"Very well!" Yun Lao suddenly nodded, a mysterious smile on his face.

"Opportunities are to be fought for, and you have successfully fought for this one." Yun Lao looked around, his eyes flashing with a faint white light.

"Since you are worried that I might overlook some, I will give these young ones a chance! This is the only time, and whether you seize it or not is up to you!"

"Thank you, Senior Yun Lao, for your kindness!" The officials were delighted and bowed again, while the young ones were all excited.

After all, the elimination Yun Lao had mentioned earlier was too terrifying, and no one could be sure who would be eliminated!

"First, we need to test your aptitude." Seeing their joyful expressions, a faint mocking smile appeared at the corner of Yun Lao's mouth.

Do you really think the Holy Sect is so easy to enter?! I was going to give you some face, but now it seems unnecessary!

Hearing about the aptitude test, all the young boys and girls were eager to try. They were very confident in their aptitude and had been nurtured with various treasures since childhood, their bodies already refined to a certain degree.

The officials were the same, their faces breaking into smiles. In their view, their children passing this aptitude test would be quite simple.

However, Yun Lao's next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads, making everyone feel cold from head to toe.

"All those with aptitude below the upper level will be eliminated!" Yun Lao's cold voice, like a bone-chilling wind, made them feel a coldness from the depths of their hearts.

In an instant, the excitement on the young ones' faces disappeared, and the smiles on the officials' faces froze. Everyone stared at Yun Lao in a daze, their eyes vacant.

Even Jiang Han's lips twitched, as he only had a medium aptitude.

But he soon understood. Yun Lao must have seen his aptitude from the beginning, which is why he said that his aptitude was only average among the geniuses in the highest heaven.

After spending some time with Yun Lao, Jiang Han could roughly discern the meaning behind his facial expressions.

For example, now, although Yun Lao was smiling, if you looked closely, you could see that he only lifted one side of his mouth, his lips slightly pursed.

This smile was clearly a sneer, or perhaps a mocking laugh!

Thinking this, Jiang Han also smiled, silently mourning for the young people of his age.

Yan Yumo, however, was confused. Although she had joined another sect before, she was not sure about her own aptitude.

The grand hall fell into a cold silence. After a moment, the sound of people drawing in breath sharply echoed throughout the hall, sounding amusing but no one could laugh.

Upper-level aptitude?

These four ordinary words now felt like a heavy mountain, pressing heavily on their hearts.

Although they were confident in their or their children's aptitude, this confidence was based on a certain foundation!

Yes!

These young ones mostly had good aptitude, but only good! There might be a few or a dozen with medium aptitude, but upper-level aptitude...

Remember, aptitude is divided into four levels: lower, medium, upper, and the nearly legendary celestial level!

And within these four levels, each is further divided into three grades, so the gap between each level is enormous.

For example, if two martial artists, one with medium aptitude and the other with upper aptitude, the medium aptitude martial artist would have no chance of surpassing the upper aptitude martial artist unless they had a miraculous encounter!

Everyone's faces were somewhat grim. Who could have predicted such a drastic change?

If they were eliminated this way, it would likely be no less than the number Yun Lao had previously eliminated, and probably even more!

However, Yun Lao's previous words had already shown his stance. This was the only chance, meaning it could not be changed! Even if the officials wanted to say something, it would be useless and might even anger Yun Lao!

"It seems you have no objections." Yun Lao chuckled, then waved his hand, and a milky white stone tablet appeared in the grand hall, standing quietly. "Then, let's begin!"

"Who will go first?"