Along the way, they encountered many cultivators.

However, at most they just glanced at each other, without much interaction.

Because the most important thing now is to go up the mountain, the common mountain-blocking robbery down below was no longer applicable at this time.

After twenty minutes, Chen Yang, accompanied by Ao Min and He Xiran, reached the foot of Divine Dragon Mountain with Jiaolong.

At this moment, the entrance to Divine Dragon Mountain was bustling with people.

Hundreds of cultivators were present; Chen Yang had never seen such a grand gathering before.

In this era, cultivation was very secretive.

Rarely did so many cultivators gather together like this.

From this perspective alone, one could see how significant the influence of the Dragon God Sect was in the cultivation world.

"Divine Dragon Mountain, it’s been over two hundred years since I last saw it. Things have changed," Ao Min sighed at the mountain gate resembling a stone archway.

Chen Yang didn’t say much, instead he looked around and said, "Let’s go up."

Then they walked through the mountain gate. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

As Chen Yang passed through the stone archway-shaped mountain gate, he felt a strange wave sweep across him.

"Did any of you feel something just now?" Chen Yang paused and looked at Ao Min and He Xiran.

"I felt it too, as if something swept through my body," He Xiran also said blankly, unsure of what had just gone through her body.

Ao Min appeared relaxed: "It’s the Dragon God Sect’s way of categorizing us."

"Through this testing of strength, they can determine our overall power, and when we go up the mountain, there will be ranking based on our strength."

Ao Min’s explanation made Chen Yang understand.

"Let’s go," he nodded and continued leading the way up the mountain.

The path up Divine Dragon Mountain was a series of staircases.

There were many people walking.

Though Chen Yang and others were silent, they heard a lot of gossip along the way.

"Have you heard? The Dragon God Sect’s Assembly not only offers a chance to enter the Divine Dragon Pool but also has additional activities."

"I’ve heard about it, but I’m not sure what the specific activities are."

"It must be something special, otherwise the Dragon God Sect would have already announced it to the world."

...

Some people were discussing the Dragon God Sect’s activities.

But the people ahead of Chen Yang were discussing some lewd topics.

They were actually talking about the Saintess of the Dragon God Sect...

Everyone appreciates beauty, but discussing the Saintess in a peculiar tone at their gate is awkward.

It’s like discussing the measurements of someone’s daughter at their doorstep.

If that’s not sleazy, what is?

"These guys are really bold. Aren’t they afraid some great power from the Dragon God Sect might sense them and hear their conversation?" Xiao Hei couldn’t help but whisper.

Ao Min chuckled mischievously, saying, "The Divine Dragon Assembly is the most important festival of the Dragon God Sect; anyone with status is busy and won’t know what’s happening on the mountain paths."

"Oh, is that so?" Xiao Hei nodded understandingly, saying nothing more.

Ao Min smiled mischievously at Chen Yang, saying, "Brother Chen Yang, have you heard of the Divine Dragon Saintess?"

Chen Yang noticed Ao Min’s mischievous smile but had no idea what he was thinking.

"Never heard of her, why?"

Ao Min kept wearing that smile, saying, "That’s a pity; every Saintess of the Dragon God Sect is exceptionally beautiful, and many cultivators strive to please the sect just to catch a glimpse of their beauty."

"What’s that got to do with me?" Chen Yang glanced at Ao Min, still clueless about his intention.

"Of course it’s related, Brother Chen Yang. Historically, beauty pairs with heroism; since you’re so formidable, I reckon you should seize the Saintess from the Dragon God Sect. Then we can enjoy the Divine Dragon Pool daily, elevate your status, and have no worries about Blood Bat Hall," Ao Min suggested unreliably.

Chen Yang’s face darkened upon hearing this.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Are you too comfortable and seeking some trouble?" Chen Yang said coldly.

"No, no, just joking, Brother Chen Yang, don’t take it seriously," Ao Min quickly waved his hand, forcing a smile when sensing the change in atmosphere.

Ignoring him, Chen Yang continued up the mountain.

From below, Divine Dragon Mountain seemed like an ordinary green hill.

But after climbing a thousand steps, everything changed drastically.

Floating clouds hovered, ancient pavilions and towers stood, auspicious beasts roamed, and cranes soared through the clouds.

Undoubtedly an earthly paradise!

Though Chen Yang was experienced with such scenes, he wasn’t as captivated as the first time.

But Jiaolong and He Xiran, who hadn’t seen such sights before, had eyes full of surprise.

"This is an isolation formation to distract ordinary people; from the outside, you can only see the surface. Only by passing through the formation can you truly see Dragon God Sect’s real face," Ao Min chuckled, explaining beforehand.

Meanwhile, he shot a country bumpkin look at Xiao Hei.

He and Xiao Hei had a rough relationship, and he wouldn’t miss a chance to show off.

Xiao Hei was too angry to speak, but didn’t say a word despite his dark face.

"Are you fellow practitioners here for the Divine Dragon Assembly?"

Suddenly, a strange voice sounded nearby.

Chen Yang and Ao Min hurriedly looked towards the direction of the voice.

Only to see a crane, but no person.

"Who’s speaking?" Ao Min asked, bewildered.

"Fellow practitioner, it’s me," the crane spoke again; its voice was strange but not unpleasant.

No one noticed before, but truly hearing the voice from the crane’s mouth surprised them.

"A talking crane, Divine Dragon Mountain’s environment is impressive! What Realm could do this?" Ao Min laughed, jokingly.

The crane heard Ao Min’s teasing but wasn’t angry, saying: "You’re joking, fellow practitioner. I was specially enlightened by the sect to greet esteemed guests, not all creatures on Divine Dragon Mountain are like this."

"Oh, I see," Ao Min understood and smiled, nodding, "We are indeed here for the Divine Dragon Assembly."

"Good, please follow me, fellow practitioners; I shall escort you to the gathering place," the crane politely said, then led the way ahead.

Chen Yang was still surprised by the crane’s appearance.

Unexpectedly, the Dragon God Sect was so powerful, they could enlighten spirit beasts easily, making them smarter sooner—truly impressive.

But his astonishment was kept inside and not shown.

The crane guided them, and they followed as they moved deeper into the mountain.

The Dragon God Sect’s formation in this area was vast; as Chen Yang entered, he saw splendid pavilions resembling a paradise.

While appreciating the Dragon God Sect’s scenery, the crane explained the Divine Dragon Assembly’s processes and important aspects.

It wasn’t Chen Yang who asked, but the crane introduced itself.

Most likely, it was part of their duties.