When those who thought about sneaking inside the Immortal Monastery despite the Ancient Immortal’s warning saw the brutal deaths of the first few deaths, they instantly changed their minds. However, the Ancient Immortal had different plans. "Foolish hoarders who ignored my warning, you all deserve death," the Ancient Immortal spoke in a grim voice. The next moment, the golden gates emitted another powerful pulse of energy, sending a ripple cascading across the area. When the ripple reached those who had attempted to enter the Immortal Monastery without a token but hadn’t yet reached the gates, their bodies were instantly vaporized, erased from existence as if they had never been there. The shocking display left everyone watching frozen in fear and disbelief. The ruthlessness of the Ancient Immortal gave a glimpse of what might be to come in the trials. Some of the victims were Immortals who came from the Upper Heavens, with a few even being Immoral cultivators. However, they were still powerless before the Ancient Immortal’s powers. "I will not repeat myself. Those who disrespect my authority will be erased. One minute left." The Ancient Immortal spoke after a moment of silence. After being reminded of the time limit, those numbered 1 to 1,000 snapped out of their daze and hastily rushed into the portal. Once the remaining minute was over, the Ancient Immortal’s voice resounded again, "Numbers 1,001 to 2,000 may enter the Immortal Gates now. You have 3 minutes." This time, the exact number of people allowed—1,000—approached the Immortal Gates. The gruesome fate of the previous group had left an indelible impression on everyone present, and not a single person dared to attempt sneaking into the Immortal Monastery without a legitimate token. Three minutes passed without any incident. "Numbers 2,001 to 3,000 may enter the Immortal Gates now. You have 3 minutes." "I’ll send you directly to the front," Yuan said to Ji Ran, who had number 2,025. "Okay. I’ll see you inside the Immortal Monastery, Young Lord." Yuan grabbed the Baneful Abyss and tossed it directly toward the Immortal Gates with the token. Your next read is at freewebnovel.com "What’s that?" The people there first thought someone was trying to launch an attack, but the following scene shocked many people there. When the Baneful Abyss reached the Immortal Gates, Ji Ran emerged from the Soul Weapon, and his God Ascension realm aura surged forth like a tidal wave. "A spirit?" "No, that’s a physical soul! He must be a God Ascension realm cultivator!" After coming out of the Baneful Abyss, Ji Ran didn’t immediately enter the Immortal Gates. Instead, he bowed before it, almost as if paying respects to it. "I can sense a familiar energy coming from you," the Ancient Immortal’s voice suddenly echoed. The unexpected statement startled everyone still present, including Ji Ran and Yuan. The implication behind such words—that the Ancient Immortal was still conscious, perhaps even alive—sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. "I remember now… This energy is from the Immortal’s Seal, something only disciples of the Immortal Monastery may receive… And judging by its powerful energy, you must’ve held a high position within the sect… State your identity, disciple." Ji Ran immediately responded, "This one is called Ji Ran, and I once held the position of Sect Leader within the Immortal Monastery! It’s an honor to be in your presence, Immortal Founder!" Ji Ran’s words sent another wave of shock to those present. "Immortal Monastery’s Sect Leader? But the Immortal Monastery should’ve ceased to exist since the Primordial Era!" someone muttered out loud. "Does that mean he’s from the Primordial Era? I have never met someone so ancient before!" "He’s a God Ascension realm cultivator, so he has an infinite lifespan. However, even with unlimited longevity, it’s incredibly rare to survive this long!" The Ancient Immortal’s voice returned, its tone filled with intrigue, "So you were a Sect Leader, huh? In that case, what do you seek from my trial?" "I wasn’t sure at first, but after hearing what you said—about experiencing the Immortal Monastery in its earliest days, I decided that’s what I wanted to do," Ji Ran said. "I see… I have many questions, but I am not in a position to ask them now. In any case, even if you were once the Sect Leader of my Immortal Monastery, I will not make the trials easier for you," said the Ancient Immortal. "Yes!" Ji Ran entered the Immortal Gates shortly after. After Ji Ran entered the Immortal Gates, the crowd’s attention shifted almost immediately to Yuan. Whispers spread among the onlookers, their gazes filled with intrigue and curiosity. Yuan, who had been the one to bring Ji Ran out, now stood at the center of attention, with everyone wondering about his identity and his connection with Ji Ran and the Immortal Monastery. "Maybe he’s that Sect Leader’s disciple?" "So he’s a disciple of the Immortal Monastery?" "The Immortal Monastery doesn’t exist anymore." "Not physically, but as long as one of its disciples remains, the Immortal Monastery is technically still alive." Many people there took note of Yuan’s appearance, but due to his mask, they were only able to memorize his outer appearance and those around him. Sometime later, the Ancient Immortal said, "Numbers 7,001 to 8,000 may enter the Immortal Gates now. You have 3 minutes." Lan Yingying and Yuan began making their way to the Immortal Gates since they were numbered 7,129 and 7,688. "Good luck." Xi Meili said to them. "I’ll see you inside," he nodded. "You too," said Lan Yingying. Once they reached the Immortal Gates, Yuan said to Lan Yingying, "You can go inside first. I have a question for the Ancient Immortal." "Okay." Lan Yingying nodded and entered the portal. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎 Yuan then looked at the Immortal Gates and spoke, "I only have one token, but I am a Beast Tamer, and I have my servants with me. Can they enter without a token? They won’t be participating in the trial, of course."