Zhang Yang glanced at the essays by Situ Mingyue and Chunxiao and, as expected, found them to be rather superficial.

Both came from wealthy merchant families, and even Chunxiao had never truly suffered. Cultivation for them was merely a pastime.

Of course, it wasn't that they lacked insight, just that it wasn't very deep.

After some thought, he decided to include Situ Mingyue's essay in the selection for this evaluation.

Because Situ Mingyue talked about ideals!

Among the eighty-seven people, many mentioned ideals, and Situ Mingyue could serve as a typical example. Mainly because her writing was quite emotional...

The seven-day period had come again, and everyone gathered once more at the grand hall square.

However, this time, the atmosphere was completely different from before.

Some people's eyes darted around, some were expressionless, some had deep gazes, and some were full of confidence... Situ Mingyue was the confident type, certain she would win the seal.

Zhang Yang glanced at everyone and said with a smile, "This time, I assigned you all a... task, and over seven days, everyone completed it."

He deliberately paused, making the atmosphere heavier: "However, some of you completed the task without sincerity.

In the pursuit of the Dao, sincerity comes first.

How sincere you were in completing the task, only you know best in your heart.

I want to remind those of you who lack sincerity, if you haven't yet solidified your belief in the path of cultivation, it's best not to start. Otherwise, you will eventually become nothing more than a pile of bones on the path to the Dao."

Hearing this, many remained unfazed, while others couldn't help but lower their heads.

These people were indeed geniuses, but still just teenagers.

Zhang Yang, having lived two lives, knew too much, and it was no challenge for him to handle these kids.

He still couldn't understand why these people sent these kids to Azurecloud, trying so hard to get in. Was it really just to obtain Azurecloud's techniques and magical treasures and then take them back?

This would indeed harm Azurecloud, but by the time these geniuses grew up, it would be decades later.

In those decades, surely these people would show some flaws?

Weren't they worried at all?

But thinking about the actions of Qingyunzi and others, he somewhat understood.

Apart from their high cultivation, how much did they understand about worldly affairs?

Especially Qingyunzi, who was incredibly powerful yet ended up so constrained that the Azurecloud Sect was nearly impoverished...

Zhang Yang pretended not to notice the children's oddities and slowly said, "I selected a few people from the completed tasks for evaluation. Later, I'll have someone read their content aloud. After the reading, everyone will vote to choose the person who completed the task best. During the evaluation, if anyone thinks theirs is better, they can raise an objection. Chunxiao, come up and help me by reading their essays carefully."

Chunxiao was a bit surprised to be chosen.

But she obediently stood in front of Zhang Yang, took the papers he handed her, and began reading the content aloud.

"My name is Situ Mingyue..."

Chunxiao couldn't help but glance at her mistress, Situ Mingyue, who widened her eyes in excitement, signaling Chunxiao to read quickly. Then, she watched the others, observing their reactions.

The reactions varied; some were thoughtful, some nodded frequently, and some looked around disinterestedly.

Situ Mingyue was puzzled; she thought she wrote well, so why were the reactions off?

Situ Mingyue's essay was quickly finished, followed by one written by a girl named Cao Ying, who also came from a prominent family but was of illegitimate birth and not favored in her family. She was bullied by legitimate siblings, couldn't afford food, and could only eat meat... meat that made her want to vomit; she wanted rice!

Many people looked around for the girl named Cao Ying and quickly found her.

A girl in an ice silk long dress, with a jade pendant on her waist, stood proudly among the crowd.

Li Er nudged the person next to him, smacking his lips, and whispered, "I wish I were bullied like her, then I'd have meat to eat every meal..."

"Hey!" The person next to him grinned.

Zhang Yang watched everyone's reactions with a smile.

He had a purpose in selecting these essays.

Soon, Chunxiao read Wang Baole's essay.

"I caused a great disaster, bringing calamity to my family. I never imagined they were from the Duke's Mansion."

Cao Ying, standing in the crowd, immediately glared at Wang Baole and couldn't help but say, "You're Wang Baole from White Tiger City? The one who injured Su Xingwei from the Duke's Mansion? Do you know he's been looking for you? I didn't expect you'd come to Azurecloud Sect."

Wang Baole looked coldly at Cao Ying without speaking.

"Quiet!" Zhang Yang said calmly, "If I haven't allowed you to speak, anyone who speaks out of turn will make me angry."

Cao Ying muttered something but ultimately said nothing.

Chunxiao continued reading Wang Baole's essay, and gradually, even she couldn't help but shed tears.

Wang Baole's essay was filled with personal pain, the tragedy of a broken family, and with Zhang Yang's embellishment, the effect was naturally powerful.

Soon, many in front of the grand hall were moved, casting sympathetic glances at Wang Baole.

Wang Baole, with reddened eyes, remained silent.

Cao Ying glanced at Wang Baole, unimpressed.

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A small White Tiger City dared to offend the Duke's son; wasn't that courting death?

Soon, the essays of the five selected people were all read.

Zhang Yang stepped forward and asked, "These are the essays of the people I selected this time. Does anyone have any objections? Does anyone think theirs is better? If not, we'll start the vote."

With no objections from the crowd, Zhang Yang continued, "Very well, those who think Situ Mingyue's essay is good, raise your hand... those who think Wang Baole's essay is good, raise your hand... Very well, Wang Baole wins by a large majority."

Having them write essays and read them aloud was the main point; the subsequent evaluation was not important.

Zhang Yang signaled Wang Baole to step forward, took out the seal, and handed it to him: "When I asked everyone to join the sect, you were the first to join; when I asked everyone to run to the grand hall, you were among the first to arrive. Now, you've completed the task well, showing your firm belief. I hope you continue to work hard and live up to Azurecloud's aspirations."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Wang Baole thanked him and took the seal.

Many looked at Wang Baole, not with joy, but with sympathetic eyes. Only a few, like Cao Ying, looked at Wang Baole with resentment.

Zhang Yang distributed food to everyone and instructed, "After receiving your items, continue cultivating. In seven days, gather again at the grand hall square."