Mountain Rain Island is considered one of the few large islands within the Cloud Rain Marsh, and the Water Dragon Sect's selection process has always taken place here in previous years.

Ji Yuan had been here before.

This Mountain Rain Island is surrounded by mountains on all sides, but in the middle, there is a depression, which forms a natural Beast Fighting Arena.

When Ji Yuan drove his Flying Boat near Mountain Rain Island, he saw two Foundation Establishment cultivators meditating in the east and west skies above the island...

It is said that the Water Dragon Sect's selection always has a Golden Core Zhenren overseeing it within the Cloud Rain Marsh, but unfortunately, they are never seen.

A Golden Core Zhenren is as elusive as a dragon that only shows its head.

By the time Ji Yuan arrived nearby, he also saw Du Wanyi, who had arrived earlier.

Ji Yuan glanced around once more... Indeed, there were very few people.

Currently, including himself and Du Kang, there were only twelve people who came to attend the selection at Mountain Rain Island. Even with those who hadn't arrived yet, the total might not exceed thirty.

"Fourth Brother, Brother Du."

"Miss Du."

Du Kang leapt down from the Flying Boat, looking at the area below the mountains which had been divided into six sections, feeling somewhat apprehensive.

He had been preparing for this selection for several years.

He had prepared many Elixirs and Talismans, intending to join the Water Dragon Sect in one swoop.

But now he was suddenly told that these external aids could not be used, which indeed made him quite fearful.

Especially on the way here, he recalled the Water Dragon Sect selection three years ago, when Qin Long from the Qin Family also participated, and back then, using Elixirs and Talismans was allowed.

However, Qin Long still failed and returned with severe injuries, taking a long time to recuperate before recovering.

Du Kang thought that even if he were to join today, it might also be with serious injuries.

At this thought, he almost regretted not joining last year... even if it meant being sent to the front lines, it would still mean joining the Water Dragon Sect, and as long as he acted cautiously, surviving wasn't impossible.

Ji Yuan was unaware of Du Kang's thoughts, and he glanced at Du Wanyi's charming peach blossom eyes.

The latter nodded slightly, indicating that preparations were complete.

It was better to know ten days in advance... than not to know at all.

"The usual rule should still apply, six people per group, and given the small number of participants today, we should be able to return before the market selection."

Listening to Du Wanyi's words, Ji Yuan nodded slightly.

If later they were not assigned to the same group, he could let her wear the top-quality Protective Magical Artifact, Bronze Armor, obtained from Yue Zhu, to ensure her safety.

At least it would provide her some protection, sparing her from undue worries.

While the two were talking, several other Flying Boats landed there.

Ji Yuan turned to look.

There were some familiar faces, likely from Black Water Square and Huaiyin Square, totaling six people, two at Qi Cultivation Stage level nine, and four at level eight.

Ji Yuan recognized the two at level nine.

Black Water Square's Chu Jingtong and Huaiyin Square's Sang Zhongyuan, both with fierce dispositions, were prone to violence over slight disagreements.

Ji Yuan didn't get along with them, so he rarely interacted with them, only knowing each other by name.

But upon meeting today, they showed none of their usual arrogance, standing obediently, and upon noticing Ji Yuan's gaze, they were surprised.

They clearly hadn't expected Ji Yuan to also be at level nine of Qi Cultivation now.

With Du Wanyi also at level nine, the two had no choice but to nod cautiously, a gesture of greeting.

Soon, more Water Dragon Sect cultivators brought in a few more late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators for the selection, most of them at level eight, with few at level nine, and none at the Peak of Qi Refining.

Those reaching level ten this year had been at level nine years ago and had long joined the Water Dragon Sect.

But the cultivators here for the selection today didn't look relaxed; their faces were heavy with concern.

Clearly, they were all unnerved by the sudden rule change by the Water Dragon Sect.

A moment later, as the final Water Dragon Sect cultivator finished his task, the Foundation Establishment cultivator at the upper left of Mountain Rain Island slowly stood up, suspending himself on his Flying Sword in front of the Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators.

Everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to him.

Ji Yuan also looked up to see.

The newcomer was a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples, thin features, wearing a dark yellow Magic Robe embroidered with cloud patterns... it seemed to be the standard robe for Water Dragon Sect's Foundation Establishment cultivators. Ji Yuan had seen many Foundation Establishment cultivators wearing this type.

Just like the standard robes for Water Dragon Sect's Qi Cultivation Stage disciples.

"I am Yun Shangping, in charge of this selection."

"Greetings, Elder Yun."

Everyone present clasped their hands in salute, including Ji Yuan who stood at the back of the crowd.

"Hm, although the rules have changed a bit this time, there's no need for undue worry. If you really find it overwhelming, just concede defeat or surrender, and don't hold on forcefully to avoid losing your life."

"As long as you surrender, I will step in to save you."

Upon hearing these words, many cultivators present breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Yuan could also clearly sense that this Foundation Establishment cultivator named Yun Shangping had a much better temper than the one in Zengtou City earlier.

"Thank you, Elder Yun."

Many people began expressing their gratitude in advance.

"Alright, let's not waste time."

With a chuckle, Yun Shangping said, "The usual rule, draw lots, those with the same number will be in the same group."

"With fewer people this year, we can finish in four groups, let's get it done quickly."

With that, he casually tossed his sleeve, releasing numerous streams of light, which finally hovered above everyone's heads, whereupon each of them used the Artifact Manipulation Technique to retrieve a Jade Scroll.

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