Chapter 843: Personal Fate is Different

"Let's go."

Ji Shaoli patted Wei Qizheng's shoulder, a look of encouragement in his eyes.

Upon exiting the secret chamber, everyone was secretly amazed to see a completely transformed Wei Qizheng. They wondered what secret art Ji Shaoli had used on him, as all his previous apprehension and nervousness had vanished. In their place was an abundance of confidence.

Ji Shaoli and Wei Qizheng offered no explanations.

"Everyone, the City Lord is still waiting, so I will take my leave now," Wei Qizheng said, bowing.

"Then allow us to congratulate Brother Wei in advance on your success!"

"Little Brother Wei, when you become wealthy and famous, don't forget us!"

At this moment, everyone's attitude towards Wei Qizheng had completely changed, and they quickly returned his courtesy with enthusiasm.

Wei Qizheng nodded slightly and left Haixuan Island via the teleportation array.

Watching his figure gradually disappear, He Zhenghao sighed with a hint of pride, "I knew early on that Little Brother Wei was no ordinary person and would certainly have his day. I just didn't expect it to come so quickly! It wasn't in vain that I looked out for him before."

"It's truly maddening how some people effortlessly succeed. We prepared for the exam for over a year, yet it's no match for his last-minute efforts! Sigh..."

"Hmm. If Fellow Daoist Wei is truly selected as one of the Thirty-Three Immortal Chosen, he will ascend directly to the Dao Integration stage. Won't that mean I can call a Dao Integration Immortal Venerable 'brother'? He wouldn't turn his back on us then, would he?"

Everyone's reactions varied, but most found it difficult to hide their envy and jealousy. Only Ji Shaoli's eyes flickered.

The Myriad Immortal Alliance's grand undertaking of the Thirty-Three Immortal Chosen selection plan naturally indicated its immense importance. To be safe, he had not tried to be clever by implanting a Formless Killing Intent within Wei Qizheng. Even the isolated Fragment of Final Disintegration was merely a separate entity, having no connection to the main disc within his sea of consciousness. It silently recorded everything it perceived in its surroundings, only transmitting the gathered information at the moment of its complete destruction. This level of caution was precisely to prevent any anomalies from being discovered on Wei Qizheng.

For some reason, Ji Shaoli had a faint premonition. Wei Qizheng, on this journey, was very likely to be successfully chosen as one of the Thirty-Three Immortal Chosen. However, it was equally probable that seeing him again would be a very long time coming.

Few cultivators in the Cloud Sea knew that Wei Qizheng had been summoned to the Immortal Alliance headquarters. He left silently.

On the third day after his departure, which was the tenth day after the grand examination concluded, the results were announced. Some rejoiced, while others despaired. On Haixuan Island, however, there was much laughter and cheer.

"Six applicants, and all six passed! If word of this gets out, it will definitely cause a sensation!"

"Hahaha, those who didn't join our mutual aid society before will surely be full of regret now!"

Amidst the jubilation, He Zhenghao suddenly frowned and said with concern, "What if those jealous people report us?"

At his words, the room instantly fell silent. "Surely... not?" A hint of worry simultaneously flashed in everyone's eyes.

"Heh heh, what are you all afraid of? As the saying goes, 'a straight body casts no crooked shadow!'" Ji Shaoli said gravely at this moment. "It's merely a matter of guessing the right questions! Throughout the Myriad Immortal Alliance, there are countless organizations that study the grand examination and specialize in predicting questions. What difference does one more make?" Ji Shaoli stated with righteous indignation.

He Zhenghao and the others were slightly stunned. Yet, they heard Ji Shaoli coldly snort, "Furthermore, what can they report us for? Leaking exam questions is a capital offense. Without concrete evidence, who would dare to speak nonsense? If someone truly lacks judgment... it's hard to say who would die first!"

These words were spoken with immense forcefulness, which made everyone thoughtful, and their worries gradually faded.

"Alright, let's not dwell on such inauspicious matters. Since you've all passed the grand examination, what are your thoughts on where you'd like to be assigned for your future posts?"

When applying for the grand examination, applicants provided preliminary preferences for regions and positions. However, the specific position assigned was still determined by the Immortal Alliance headquarters. This was decided based on numerous factors such as the cultivator's origin, cultivation realm, and potential. In principle, most were assigned locally, with elites being transferred to the Immortal Alliance headquarters. But occasionally, special circumstances arose. Just like He Zhenghao previously, who could have secured a minor official position in Tianyu Province, yet he was specifically assigned to this remote area of the Cloud Sea. This was due to the suppression by the Heng family behind the scenes.

Most cultivators could only accept their assigned positions. However, for those with connections and backing, it was possible to maximize their own interests.

Originally, simply passing the grand examination had left everyone content. But hearing Ji Shaoli's words, it seemed there was still room for maneuver. Consequently, everyone felt a little moved. They each discreetly sent a private message to Ji Shaoli. Only He Zhenghao remained hesitant.

"Fellow Daoist He, what do you say?" Ji Shaoli asked with a smile.

After a moment of hesitation, He Zhenghao finally replied, "If possible, I would like to go to Tianyun Province. Tianquan Province would also work." Neither was Tianyu Province, but both were very close. Ji Shaoli instantly understood He Zhenghao's intentions.

After a moment of contemplation, he looked at everyone and said, "This grand examination is special. I can't guarantee the final outcome, but I will do my best. Whether it succeeds or not will depend entirely on your own good fortune!"

Everyone was very understanding and thanked Ji Shaoli once again.

"Before the final assignment results are released, you should use this time to focus on your cultivation. If your realm can advance another step, then things will be different again."

He Zhenghao and the others all nodded in agreement. With newfound hope, their subsequent cultivation became more diligent than ever before.

Meanwhile, Ji Shaoli began to launch a financial offensive, seeing if he could establish as many footholds as possible within the Immortal Alliance's mainland. The Cloud Sea was destined for destruction; staying there offered no future. The efforts of his clone to smooth things over through Jing Xuan, Shen Yuzi, Huangfu Song, and others were temporarily put aside.

As the grand examination concluded, the attention of cultivators throughout the Myriad Immortal Alliance shifted entirely to the biggest winners of the exam: those who had passed the initial screening and were now heading to the Immortal Alliance headquarters for the final selection of the Thirty-Three Immortal Chosen. After all, achieving the position of a Dao Integration Immortal Venerable... such influence was incomparable to that of ordinary Immortal Alliance positions.

Those who were well-informed and eager for news quickly compiled a list of these more than three hundred fortunate individuals. Detailed information about them also appeared before everyone's eyes. After some study, no commonalities were found. The cultivation levels of the more than three hundred chosen cultivators varied greatly, ranging from Foundation Establishment to Spirit Transformation, covering all realms. From lonely cultivators with no background to core disciples of prominent aristocratic families, all were included. The Myriad Immortal Alliance's selection criteria were truly perplexing.

At this moment, Li Fan also held this list in his hand, studying it.

"Hmm, no Shuofeng."

"Nor the names of the true high-ranking Immortal Alliance descendants I saw in previous lives."