My Longevity Simulation

Chapter 840: Obtain the Secret, Then Plan For The Position

Although they had relied on the power of the earth’s veins, the three of them had already left Qiling Prefecture swiftly.

However, they could still sense the tremendous roar and tremors emanating from the surging currents of the earth’s veins.

It was as if a massive tidal wave had crashed from behind. Even Lin Ling, who was under the protection of the Ancient Earth Vein Tree’s power, was momentarily shaken, veering off from her original path.

This made it clear just how terrifying the commotion in Qiling Prefecture truly was.

Not only did the neighboring regions feel its effects, but even the distant Congyun Sea also experienced a faint tremor.

On Haixuan Island.

The Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Association, now composed of eighteen cultivators, had been fervently discussing their plans for the organization’s future.

However, at that moment, the entire group suddenly fell silent.

They exchanged glances, uncertain and wary.

"Hm? That wasn’t just my imagination, was it?" He Zhenghao asked with a hint of doubt in his expression.

He Zhenghao had proven himself to be a shrewd individual.

Although he had missed the first opportunity to join the association, the moment he confirmed that Pei Tuo had successfully advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, he immediately sought out Ji Shaoli again.

Even after being turned away for seven days straight, he did not give up.

Instead, he persisted relentlessly, sending messages detailing his strong desire to join.

Eventually, Ji Shaoli was moved by his sincerity.

Thus, He Zhenghao became one of the eleven cultivators in the second wave of recruits to the Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Association.

Ji Shaoli stroked his beard in silence.

The highest-ranking cultivator among them, Pei Tuo, gazed solemnly in the direction of Qiling Prefecture and said, "It wasn’t an illusion. Even here, we can feel the earth trembling slightly. This is no small matter."

"Terrifying. I wonder how many cultivators have perished in this calamity."

"Could it be that war has broken out again?"

…

The group engaged in heated discussion.

Eventually, Ji Shaoli, who was always attuned to the movements of the Immortal Alliance, read out the official announcement as soon as it was released:

"An earthquake has occurred in Qiling Prefecture. Dao Integration cultivators have already rushed to the scene."

"The tremors have gradually subsided, and no cultivators have been reported dead."

"Initial investigations have ruled out the possibility of further disasters."

"There is no need for concern…"

After Ji Shaoli finished reading, he looked around at the gathered cultivators and asked, "Everyone, what do you think?"

Xiang Xin let out a cold snort. "Such a massive disaster, and they claim no cultivators have died. Who would believe that?"

Several cultivators immediately voiced their agreement.

"Exactly. If you ask me, the Immortal Alliance is just trying to cover up the truth."

"They’re not even bothering to fabricate a decent lie anymore?"

…

Their reactions were exactly what Ji Shaoli had expected.

If he and his associates were not directly responsible for the earthquake in Qiling Prefecture, he too would never have believed that such a catastrophic event had resulted in no casualties.

However, he had no intention of exposing the truth.

Ji Shaoli merely smiled and said, "Alright, let’s end this discussion here. It’s fine to speak freely among ourselves, but outside, it’s best to keep these thoughts to ourselves. Otherwise, unnecessary trouble may come our way."

None of those present were reckless fools. They immediately nodded in agreement.

Ji Shaoli then steered the conversation back to the main topic.

"It’s not that the organization doesn’t trust everyone. But this matter is of great importance—if there is even the slightest leak, none of us here will escape death."

"Therefore, I must ask everyone to swear an oath before the statue of the [Merciful True Immortal of Salvation and Mortal Compassion]."

Ji Shaoli placed a red contract imbued with an eerie, demonic aura in front of them.

Without hesitation, Pei Tuo was the first to swear a venomous oath and engrave his name onto the contract.

The others quickly followed suit.

Ji Shaoli nodded in satisfaction and put away the red contract.

Then, he asked, "What do you all think about the upcoming Immortal Alliance Grand Examination?"

Everyone was momentarily stunned, unsure of Ji Shaoli’s intentions.

After all, everyone present was already employed within the Immortal Alliance system.

Although this examination was a grand event, expanding recruitment by half, it had nothing to do with them.

Unless…

They resigned from their current positions and reapplied as independent candidates.

This was not unheard of in the past.

Only those who were deeply dissatisfied with their current roles and saw no hope of promotion for a long time—while still harboring great ambitions—would consider such a drastic move.

After all, the grand examination was no easy feat. Who could guarantee that after resigning, they would be able to pass and be recruited again?

Moreover, doing so would offend their former superiors.

If they failed to be accepted again, they might have no choice but to leave and seek refuge elsewhere.

Without absolute confidence, almost no one would willingly make such a drastic sacrifice.

Seeing the silent expressions of the crowd, Ji Shaoli did not immediately explain further.

Instead, he distributed jade slips to each of them.

After examining them, everyone furrowed their brows.

They could clearly see that the contents of the jade slips matched the format of the grand examination questions.

"Could it be…?"

Recalling Ji Shaoli’s earlier secretive behavior and the mysterious and formidable background of the Mutual Aid Association, a bold speculation emerged in their minds.

"Is it possible?"

Soon, they shook their heads and dismissed the thought.

The Immortal Alliance's entrance examination questions were one of the most closely guarded secrets.

Even though they occasionally grumbled about the Alliance’s corruption, they had never once heard of an exam leak in all these years.

No matter how powerful the forces backing the Mutual Aid Association were…

A heavy silence filled the room.

Ji Shaoli finally spoke, confirming the very thought that they dared not even entertain.

"If nothing unexpected happens, this year's exam questions should all be within these jade slips."

His words were light, but they struck the crowd like a thunderclap.

Several cultivators immediately stood up, staring at Ji Shaoli in shock.

"Daoist Ji, is this true?"

"When have I ever lied to you?" Ji Shaoli replied firmly.

A moment of silence followed as the crowd struggled to process the overwhelming revelation.

Ji Shaoli observed the varied expressions of He Zhenghao and the others before continuing:

"Even with the support of our organization, everyone's cultivation will certainly improve rapidly in the short term. But even so, promotion remains difficult."

"After all, those willing to join our Mutual Aid Association typically lack strong backgrounds."

"Moreover, the remote Congyun region cannot compare to the prosperous central prefecture of the Immortal Alliance."

...

After explaining his reasoning for helping them, Ji Shaoli finally asked:

"The real exam questions are here. Now, which Daoists are willing to take the risk and fight for a new future?"

The room immediately fell into an eerie silence.

The struggle in their hearts was evident from their expressions.

"This is merely an opportunity I’m providing for you all. The decision is entirely yours—I will not force anyone," Ji Shaoli added with a smile.