The cultivators' attire was all of the same type, and an indescribable aura emanated from each of them.
Each person's aptitude was exceptionally high; some were truly worthy of being called monstrous geniuses.
"This time, I've brought a portion of our outer sect disciples, Old Monster Song, take a look."
A triumphant laugh rang out.
The sound came from one of the two old men sitting cross-legged near the platform, a chessboard laid out before them.
The man who had just laughed wore a white robe, his appearance that of an immortal, with the demeanor of a Daoist master.
His eyes seemed to flash with electricity, and his expression was joyful and smug.
Sitting opposite him was the man referred to as Old Monster Song.
He wore a long black robe, his long gray hair slightly disheveled, and his usually profound face was also smiling at this moment.
"Not bad, not bad."
"Your Zi Yun Sect truly lives up to its reputation as one of the five great sects in the Southern Region."
"The outer sect disciples you, Wu Ding Qiu, have brought, contain many good seeds."
Old Monster Song replied with a bright smile, a cold aura radiating from him that made the disciples' spirits tremble.
"Since that's the case, why don't you and I make a wager?"
The white-robed old man's eyes gleamed, the corner of his mouth curved upwards, and his right hand clenched into the void.
A black stone the size of a human head suddenly appeared and fell beside him.
This stone was black, with a dark glow flashing within, and many shimmering spots on its surface, as if composed of numerous precious gems.
"This is my wager, a piece of Celestial Star Stone."
The white-robed old man said, looking towards Old Monster Song.
"No problem."
Old Monster Song raised his hand, and a piece of iron the size of a fist appeared.
The iron block emitted a black light as if it wanted to devour its surroundings, truly an extraordinary display.
"You see that flag on the mountaintop, don't you? If your disciples can bring that flag down, you win. But if the disciples of Zi Yun Sect cannot ascend this mountain, then that Celestial Star Stone will be mine."
Old Monster Song laughed heartily, saying smugly.
"Rest assured, my Zi Yun Sect has brought these disciples this time, and they will definitely retrieve that flag. They might even take this entire treasure mountain. By then, if the demonic beasts you've raised die, don't you dare go back on your word."
The white-robed old man said confidently, his tone slightly mocking.
"Old Song has roamed the world for over four hundred years; I have never gone back on my word."
"This mountain conceals many treasures, and I have also modified it to raise many demonic beasts."
"Normally, this mountain is closed, but once opened, within seven days, not only your Zi Yun Sect disciples but all disciples from other sects, as long as their cultivation is below the Foundation Establishment stage, can ascend."
Old Monster Song was very confident, replying with a cold smile.
"Whoever has the ability will obtain the treasures."
"If someone truly takes all the treasures on this mountain, I won't even frown."
"If I go back on my word, from now on, I will no longer bear the surname Song."
Old Monster Song raised his head, continuing to speak proudly, his voice firm and resolute, like cutting nails and chopping iron.
"However, if you rush up the mountain without sufficient strength and become food for my spirit beasts, then don't blame me."
After speaking, a hint of mockery flashed in Old Monster Song's eyes.
"Are there any disciples of my Zi Yun Sect who are not outstanding talents? Clearing out this mountain of yours is as easy as turning over one's hand."
The white-robed old man named Wu Ding Qiu glared, speaking in a deep voice.
“My treasure mountain, its hundred-mile radius is roamed by spirit beasts. The very ground was brought here by me, mud from the bottom of the East Sea, untouched by sunlight for ten thousand years.
I refined it, making it merge with the mountain range, completely natural.
Every spirit beast here is a rare gem, exceptionally fierce.
I collected them from all over the world, expending great effort to acquire them.
You’ve only brought fewer than a hundred disciples here; that’s not even enough to feed them.”
Old Monster Song’s eyes widened, and he stroked his beard.