Chapter 830: Obtaining the Secret and Plotting Again for a Position

Although they had quickly left Flagridge State by harnessing the power of the earth’s ley lines, they could still sense the immense roar and vibration emanating from the surging currents of the earth’s meridians.

It was like a colossal wave crashing from behind. Even Lin Ling, protected by the ancient power of the earth’s ley lines, was forced to sway and deviate from her original course. One could only imagine how terrifying the commotion was within Flagridge State itself.

Not only neighboring states but even the distant Cloud Sea region felt a slight tremor.

On Haikuan Island, the Cloud Sea Mutual Aid Society, with its eighteen cultivators, had been enthusiastically discussing the organization’s future plans. Now, in an instant, everyone fell silent. They exchanged glances, filled with surprise and uncertainty.

“Hmm? Just now, that wasn’t my imagination, was it?” He Zhenghao asked, his expression somewhat uncertain.

Friend He was indeed a perceptive and intelligent individual. Although he had missed the opportunity to join the society the first time, once he confirmed the news of Pei Tuo’s successful advancement to the Nascent Soul stage, he immediately visited Ji Shaoli again. Even after being refused entry for seven days, he did not give up. Instead, he persistently sent messages, expressing his strong desire to join. Finally, Ji Shaoli was moved by his sincerity. He Zhenghao thus became one of the eleven cultivators to join the Cloud Sea Mutual Aid Society in the second batch.

Ji Shaoli stroked his beard and remained silent.

Pei Tuo, the most highly cultivated among them, gazed in the direction of Flagridge State, his expression solemn: “It wasn’t an illusion. Even here, we could feel the ground trembling slightly. It seems like a significant event.”

“How frightening. I wonder how many cultivators will tragically die in this calamity.”

“Could it be that hostilities have resumed?”

Everyone discussed animatedly. Finally, Ji Shaoli, who always kept an eye on the Immortal Alliance’s movements, immediately read aloud the official announcement.

“An earthquake has occurred in Flagridge State. Harmonization Realm cultivators have rushed to the scene immediately. The tremors have gradually subsided, and no cultivator fatalities have occurred for the time being. Preliminary investigations have ruled out the possibility of further disasters. There is no need for tension…”

After slowly finishing the announcement, Ji Shaoli looked at the people in the room: “Everyone, what are your thoughts?”

Xiang Xin snorted coldly: “Such a major disaster, and they claim no cultivators have perished. Who would believe that?”

Immediately, some cultivators echoed: “Exactly. In my opinion, the Immortal Alliance is deliberately glossing over the truth again.”

“They’re getting more and more outrageous, they don’t even bother to come up with a decent lie anymore?”

Everyone’s reaction was within Ji Shaoli’s expectations. If he and his true form weren't the instigators of the Flagridge State earthquake, he would never have believed such an absurd claim that a disaster of this terrifying scale would result in no cultivator casualties. However, he had no intention of stepping forward to correct them.

Ji Shaoli smiled faintly and said, “Alright, let’s end the discussion on this matter. It’s fine for us to speak freely among ourselves, but when outside, it’s best to keep it to yourselves. Otherwise, it could lead to unnecessary trouble.”

No one present was naive. They immediately nodded in agreement.

Ji Shaoli then brought the conversation back to the main topic. “It’s not that the organization doesn’t trust everyone. It’s truly a matter of great importance; if there is the slightest leak, all of you present may find it difficult to escape death.”

“Therefore, I need you all to take an oath before the True Immortal of Compassion and Salvation from Suffering.” Ji Shaoli placed a red, eerily glowing contract in front of everyone.

Pei Tuo did not hesitate for a moment, being the first to take a solemn oath and inscribe his name on the contract. The others all followed suit. Ji Shaoli nodded in satisfaction and put away the red contract.

He then asked, “What are your thoughts on the upcoming Immortal Alliance Grand Examination?”

Everyone was slightly stunned, unsure what Ji Shaoli meant. This was because everyone present was already employed within the Immortal Alliance system. Although this Grand Examination was grand in scale, expanding recruitment by half, it had nothing to do with them. Unless… they resigned from their current positions and re-applied as unaffiliated cultivators.

Such things had happened in the past. It was only for cultivators who were very dissatisfied with their current positions, saw no hope of promotion for a long time, and had great ambitions. After all, the Grand Examination was not easy; who could guarantee that after resigning from their original position, they could successfully re-enter? Moreover, doing so would offend their former superiors. If they failed to re-enter, they might have to consider fleeing to distant lands for refuge. Without absolute confidence, almost no one would choose such a drastic step.

Seeing the silence in the room, Ji Shaoli did not explain immediately. Instead, he distributed jade slips to each person. After examining them, everyone frowned. They naturally recognized that the content of the jade slips was the format of the Grand Examination questions.

“Could it be…” Connecting this to Ji Shaoli’s mysterious actions earlier, and the terrifying, hidden background of the Mutual Aid Society, a guess involuntarily appeared in everyone’s minds.

“Is it possible?” Soon, they all secretly shook their heads, rejecting the idea themselves. The Immortal Alliance’s recruitment examination questions were top-secret. Even if they occasionally complained about the Alliance’s corruption, they had never heard of examination questions being leaked over all these years. Although the Mutual Aid Society certainly had the backing of a major force, still…

The scene was momentarily silent. It was Ji Shaoli who spoke, confirming the guess they barely dared to entertain. “Unless there’s an unexpected turn, the content of this Grand Examination should be in these jade slips.”

His words were light, but to those present, they felt like a thunderclap. Many cultivators immediately stood up, staring at Ji Shaoli with wide eyes.

“Friend Ji, is this true?”

“When have I ever lied to you?” Ji Shaoli asserted unequivocally.

After a moment of silence, allowing everyone to gradually process the immense shock, Ji Shaoli looked at He Zhenghao and the others, their expressions varied, and spoke again: “Although with the organization’s support, everyone’s strength will undoubtedly advance by leaps and bounds in a short period. However, it is still difficult to achieve promotion solely through that.”

“After all, those willing to join our Mutual Aid Society generally do not have powerful backgrounds. Furthermore, the Cloud Sea region is a remote place and cannot compare to the prosperous central states of the Immortal Alliance.” Ji Shaoli explained why he was offering help to everyone.

Then he asked, “The actual exam questions are here. I wonder, which of you friends are willing to take a chance?”

At these words, the room fell into a deathly silence. The expressions on everyone’s faces revealed their inner conflict.

“This is merely assistance provided to all of you, friends. The decision is entirely yours; there will be no compulsion,” Ji Shaoli added with a smile.