I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 599: Fifteen Contestants

Chapter 599: Fifteen Contestants

Adam stepped into the usually barricaded central peak area. He breathed the dense Qi saturating the air, feeling it was twice as abundant as in the inner sect.

Before the sea of flushed-faced and fist-raised disciples, Xu Fei and Yun waved, drawing his attention.

Noticing the movement, the disciples parted respectfully to let Shen and his group join the other elders.

"I still can’t believe my eyes," Xu Fei whispered, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Do you think the sect master commissioned a mage from the western islands to cure you before making his great entrance?"

The other elders glared at him and clicked their tongues—as if.

Shen shook his head, his sparkling eyes drifting to Adam, Misha, and Mei Lan for a split second. "Forget this matter altogether, brother. Whoever wiped that curse is my hero."

Yun nodded, smirking at the other elders. "We’ll respect your decision, and I doubt anyone wants to let the leader know how a mage infiltrated the sect. Still, I wish I could thank him."

"Humph." Zhao Jun snorted. "I’m sure you three let that mage in."

Before he could continue, Wang Hao’s Qi flared, his eyes narrowing into slits.

"I don’t have any good feelings for them, but I won’t stand by as you wrongly accuse three elders renowned for their integrity." He passed by the viper, his voice an icy murmur. "I’ll behead you myself if you continue spreading doubt amongst our ranks."

With Zhao Jun’s face drained of color, he turned to Shen.

"Congratulations on your recovery, Shen Wu. And Yun is right. No matter how he did it, a mage infiltrated the sect under our watch. We can’t disclose this shameful matter."

The other elders nodded, congratulating Shen even if most didn’t mean it. But they soon snapped their mouths shut, their eyes drawn to the peak summit: the leader was descending.

Then, a spectacle of dancing colors covered the clouds, causing everyone to gasp in awe. A snarl reverberated before two long horns pierced through the clouds. Shimmering golden scales followed, surrounding two sparkling eyes as a triangular head emerged.

Adam’s eyes widened when he saw the moustache crowning the large mouth, filled with pointy teeth as long as swords. "The sect guardian beast."

Misha whistled, her face flushed before an incarnation of natural might: a golden dragon. "We must become his friend." Respect filled her voice as she tapped on Adam’s shoulder in excitement.

He nodded, his eyes trailing to the elegant man holding the dragon’s mane. However, a deep furrow creased his brows. No matter how he studied him, he felt weaker than his mount and the magus from Prometheus’ memories.

’What is this scam? Is he a fake?’ He glanced at the elders, shocked to see them bowing with the disciples.

He followed, cupping his fists. ’He’s in the spiritual ascension realm, at least. Well, we just need his technique, anyway.’

Meanwhile, the leader walked down from the dragon’s head as if an invisible stair met his feet and spoke, his voice warm yet commanding.

"I’m honored to see you all gathered for my return." He cupped his fists towards the elders, the dragon embroidered on his white robes fluttering to life. Then, he turned to the disciples, his youthful face drawing a few astonished gasps. "The sect grew again under your management. I can feel the average level went up a notch. Good job."

The elders giggled, asking how his seclusion went or congratulating him for his return before the leader smiled mysteriously.

"You’ll discover it later. But that’s not why our sect gathered, right?"

He raised his fist, the six core elders, six disciples, and Xian Yunxu moving behind him. "Twenty-four years ago, the heavens blessed me with an unparalleled disciple. And another one might appear this year. Without further ado, I announce that I’ll inspect the worthy disciples, hoping to find the talent I seek."

The disciples roared eagerly, chanting the leader’s name with dreamy smiles.

"Tianlong!" "Tianlong!"

Tianlong chuckled, gesturing for everyone to calm down before he continued.

"Each elder can recommend one disciple under thirty years old. As for the rules?" His fist trembled as it cut through the air. "A blessed land will reveal itself this evening. We’ll compete against five other sects to collect its resources. Survive and bring honor to the Jin Long sect. Only then will I consider teaching the best of you."

As another uproar erupted, Adam’s eyes darted between Misha and Shen.

"Don’t worry. We got it planned." Shen patted his shoulder, a soft smile curving his lips. "I know you two are inseparable."

He nudged him toward Tianlong, while Xu Fei did the same with Misha.

Confused, Adam watched them bow before Shen pointed at him.

"He’s Adam, my disciple, sect leader. Don’t let his young age misguide you. He’s a veritable monster."

Xu Fei followed. "She’s Adam’s sister and my disciple. I guarantee her potential."

Tianlong’s brow rose, a chuckle escaping his lips. Eight-year-old kids? It was a first. But rules were rules, and if these two wanted to risk their disciples’ lives, who was he to stop them? After all, a blessed land hid many resources, and humans were anything but kind when tempted by wealth.

"Very well." He gestured for Adam and Misha to move by Xian Yunxu and returned to welcome the next participants.

Adam winked at Shen and Xu Fei, muttering a thank you, then high-fived Misha. Of course, he ignored Xian Yunxu’s disapproving, even suspicious glares.

"A blessed land!" An impish smile curved his lips, causing Misha to sigh.

"You can’t keep everything to yourself."

He pointed at the brand-new spatial ring he had crafted, the inlaid gems sparkling stylishly. "Not everything. But the best ones are not leaving this baby."

Nine more disciples joined them as he laughed, including Xie Lian, who winked at him before Tian Long clapped his hands.

"With the core disciple, we have our sect’s fifteen contestants." He watched the crowd and nodded at a few lamenting disciples. "Don’t forget that today’s opportunity is just one among the infinite paths to the summit of cultivation. So don’t feel down and strive to improve yourselves!"

Then, he turned to Xian Yunxu. "Fold space to the valley of certain death."

Upon hearing where they were going, all the sad disciples suddenly breathed in relief. This place... Its name said it all.

Even the elders frowned. So, that was the reason they had never heard about this blessed land? Even better, it must have belonged to a powerhouse no weaker than Tianlong, considering its dangerous location.

Unbothered, Xian Yunxu did as told and walked through the cracked space.

Then, Tianlong waved for the elders to guide their disciples and followed behind her.

Shen Wu gripped Adam and Misha by the shoulder, his still weak hands trembling. "Your lives are worth more than any technique. Remember that."

Adam raised his thumb. "We’ll bring you back souvenirs, so take care of your health."

Biting his lips, Shen stared intently at Xu Fei. "Don’t let anything happen to them outside the blessed land, brother."

"Of course I won’t." Xu Fei nudged Adam and Misha to the portal. "I’ll bring them back without fail. You have my words."

Eager to learn more about the blessed land, they passed through the portal under Shen’s worried gaze. After all, a powerful blessed land would have as many treasures as death traps—perhaps even guardian beasts as powerful as Tianlong’s dragon...

"Please, be safe..."