The Yin-Yang Harmonizing Pill had no antidote.
Above the Immortal Realm, one might suppress it with spiritual power, but it wouldn't last long. A person with strong willpower might be able to endure for about half an hour. However, for those below the Immortal Realm, there was only one way to deal with it—surrender to the inner urges, allow the Yin-Yang forces to harmonize, release the excess energy, and return to normal.
This pill was considered the strongest aphrodisiac in the vast wilderness, without comparison.
Originally, Wu Zhuoyun had prepared the Yin-Yang Harmonizing Pill for Ling Nai, a disciple of Yu Ruyi. From the moment Wu Zhuoyun first saw Ling Nai, he had taken a strong liking to her. However, Ling Nai's cold and aloof nature, coupled with her single-minded dedication to cultivation, led her to reject him multiple times. In fact, during their most recent encounter, she had explicitly told him that there was no possibility of a future between them.
This rejection stirred Wu Zhuoyun's pride, pushing him to prepare this pill in an attempt to force Ling Nai into a compromising position. However, before he could even find the right moment to give it to her, he had accidentally consumed it himself.
Now, trapped in the desolate wilderness of the Wan Jue Mountain, there was no living creature in sight for miles around. The nearest city was over three thousand miles away. Given his current state, there was no way he could sustain a sword flight that distance. Moreover, he only had one teleportation talisman left.
If he couldn't resolve this situation soon, he might face a dangerous fate.
Wu Zhuoyun's face was flushed, his breath growing heavy, and his eyes grew increasingly unfocused. He tried to gather all of his spiritual energy and willpower, but it was futile.
In desperation, he began tearing at his clothes, gasping in distress. Fearful tears welled up at the corner of his eyes. Was he really going to die like this—suffocated by his own helplessness?
Just then, a shadow darted past him from the nearby forest.
It was a beast—muscular, with coarse fur, a rugged and hideous face, and an intimidating presence. Yet, to Wu Zhuoyun, it appeared as though he were staring at a celestial being.
In a daze, he rushed toward it, and shortly afterward, the air was filled with low growls and sounds that could not be described.
At the foot of Wan Jue Mountain, the tests had come to an end.
Of the eleven eight-tier disciples, all passed the Heart-Mirror Test except for Wu Zhuoyun. As for the thirty-six seven-tier disciples, five did not pass, but unlike Wu Zhuoyun, they quietly left, riding their swords into the distance.
The "failure" that Wu Zhuoyun had experienced was witnessed by everyone else, and no one wanted to suffer the same fate.
"Congratulations, everyone. You've all passed the test." Xu Wen said with a smiling expression, his eyes twinkling. "Now, please follow me up the mountain."
As the disciples ascended Wan Jue Mountain, they were immediately struck by the dense spiritual energy that surrounded them. Several of them gasped in awe.
Gu Chen Yuan couldn't help but rub his forehead in exasperation.
They were already surprised now—what would they do when they entered the Star Moon Sect?
Sure enough, when they entered the sect's grounds and experienced the power of the Sect's tenfold Spirit Gathering Formation, the disciples could not contain their astonishment. Their eyes widened as though they were staring at two copper bells, and their mouths were agape, as if they could stuff three eggs into them.
Gu Chen Yuan cleared his throat and said, "Please, everyone, calm down. Try not to embarrass yourselves."
The disciples quickly suppressed their excitement and followed Xu Wen to the outer sect plaza.
Tara York had not yet made an appearance. Three storage rings ripped through the air, floating before Xu Wen, Xiao Huohuo, and Jiang Wanwan.
"Upon joining the Star Moon Sect, both elders and disciples will receive corresponding cultivation techniques and spiritual weapons," Tara York's voice echoed through the air.
"Elder Xu, Fire Fire, and Wanwan, you're in charge of distributing these and arranging accommodations for everyone."
Gu Chen Yuan and the other elders were immediately filled with excitement. The disciples had only heard about this, but had not yet experienced it firsthand. Now that they saw it, their curiosity began to grow into eagerness.
However, when Jiang Wanwan brought out a whip named "Ocean Slash," equipped with an eighth-tier water spirit stone, the disciples were left stunned, their faces turning a deep shade of red from excitement.
Ling Nai, in particular, trembled as she stammered, "Is this... for me?"
Jiang Wanwan nodded and then produced an eighth-tier advanced cultivation technique, Flowing Firefly. "This technique complements your Sacred Body. You may consider switching to this cultivation method."
"Th-thank you, Senior Sister," Ling Nai stammered, hastily accepting the spiritual whip and technique. "I-I'm so grateful."
"It's all provided by the Sect Leader," Jiang Wanwan said with a smile. "As long as you all work diligently for the Star Moon Sect, the Sect Leader will never treat you unfairly."
"Yes," Ling Nai nodded quickly.
Soon, the sect tokens, along with spiritual weapons and cultivation techniques, were distributed to everyone.
Each disciple was grinning from ear to ear. Even Gu Chen Yuan and the other elders were no exception.
Even the usually reserved Yu Ruyi couldn't help but smile widely at the sight of the gifts.
However, it was Mo Xian's voice that broke the silence of their collective joy.
"Sect Leader, I just remembered—next month, on the eighth day, the Four Sect Grand Competition will take place. Since you've brought all these disciples, are we withdrawing from this year's competition?"
Gu Chen Yuan's eyes widened as he recalled the upcoming event. Every three years, the four main sects competed against each other. The Ten Directions Sect had been the reigning champion for two consecutive years.
"How do you all feel about it?" Gu Chen Yuan turned to look at Xu Wen and the others.
"Well, since the Mysterious Sect is now an affiliated force of Star Moon Sect, perhaps we should ask the Sect Leader's opinion first," Xiao Huohuo suggested.
"I agree," Xu Wen added.
"Then, Elder Xu, could you please go to the Sect Leader's Peak and ask for her opinion?" Gu Chen Yuan instructed.
Tara York was currently studying the various spiritual treasures in the sect's system storage. After hearing Xu Wen's question, she thought for a moment and asked, "Is only the Four Sects allowed to participate?"
"Other sects may also join," Xu Wen paused before asking cautiously, "Are you planning for the Star Moon Sect to participate as well, Sect Leader?"
"Yes," Tara York nodded. "It's time to make a name for ourselves."
"Each of the Four Sects can recommend another sect to join directly in the final competition without needing to go through individual rounds of elimination," Xu Wen explained.
"How many people participate?" Tara York asked.
"Sixteen," Xu Wen replied. "They are divided into two teams, and they take turns competing. The final match may take seven to ten days."
Tara York nodded. "Fire Fire, Wanwan, Jingjing, and the ten eight-tier disciples we recruited today—select three more seven-tier disciples."
"Then, you and Elder Yu will lead the team and ensure their safety."
"We will not disappoint the Sect Leader," Xu Wen quickly nodded in agreement.
"Here are the sect robes and equipment for the elders and disciples. Distribute them accordingly," Tara York said as she flicked another storage ring toward Xu Wen.
"Yes." Xu Wen accepted the ring and bowed. "I'll take my leave now."
As the disciples received their new robes, a series of excited exclamations filled the air.
The outer disciples were given seventh-tier advanced robes, while the ordinary outer sect disciples received eighth-tier advanced robes. Fire Fire was given a ninth-tier advanced robe.
The elders received robes according to their spiritual roots, and the new disciples felt especially fortunate to have listened well.
They couldn't help but wonder what Wu Zhuoyun and the others would think if they saw how they were dressed now.