A single step to become a dragon, or a single step to become a worm.
In these short three months after arriving at the Spirit Devouring Mountain, they had deeply experienced how immense of an entity it was, possessing various cultivation resources that their empires or clans could never hope to have.
Just the outer mountains alone was already such an eye-opener. What kind of world would they see if they became official outer mountain disciples?
It was clear as day to them. Only here could they truly step onto the great path of martial prowess.
The imminent peak selection ceremony was the first trial they had to face in the Spirit Devouring Mountain. Only by passing it would they finally ascend the dragon's gate.
By a certain mountain creek, after the daily session was over, Ezra's gaze swept across the crowd as he said, "Everyone, tomorrow is the day of the peak selection ceremony. Our futures will be decided there and then."
Below, Xyr, Zulfi Dimitry, Argus Woska, Shifa Pista, Theor Galearms and other Naran disciples were there. Behind them were Ash Bekham, Rock, Ray Lime and the rest of Non-Shiyan wore solemn expressions. A sliver of respect could be seen in their gazes when they looked towards Ezra Zephyr.
For the past month Ezra had indeed fulfilled his promise to them. He had guided them in their spiritual techniques, allowing them to grow substantially stronger.
Ray gazed at Ezra and earnestly said, "Brother, we will not let ourselves forget this debt. If there's anything you need in the future, just say the word, and we will do all we can to help."
Even the domineering Rock earnestly nodded his head. "I, Rock, rarely acknowledge anyone. Brother Ezra, you're the first. After we enter the outer mountains, I will not give even half an excuse if you ever need my help."
The other disciples also said their piece one after another. One could tell that they were indeed grateful towards the prince. After all, if he had not stepped up, they would not have the courage to challenge the Shiyan disciples led by Drake.
What's more, Ezra had even taken the time to tutor them. He had indeed shown them his sincerity.
Ash smiled when he heard this and said, "Brother Ezra's future prospects after entering the outer mountains will surely be limitless, and will soon become one of the pillars that supports the sect. When that happens, you may even find yourself ranked in the Rankers List. What help can we possibly offer when that happens."
His provocative words immediately drew a series of laughs and curses from the crowd, making the atmosphere much livelier.
The prince chuckled as he waved his hand and said, "I helped you guys for the sake of fighting Drake and the rest during the peak selection ceremony. I can only say that each of us merely fulfilled each others needs."
Ray Lime and gang merely chuckled. Regardless of Ezra's initial goal, at the very least, they had benefited from him, and this was already enough in their eyes.
"The peak selection ceremony is tomorrow. After training for so long, it's time to relax, go and take rest." Said Ezra and everyone slowly scattered.
The next day. Sunlight sprinkled down on the cool morning air, gradually chasing away the darkness that had enveloped the land.
After a night of silence, the entire outer mountains seemed to suddenly come awake, bursting with torrents of excitement and anticipation. Like a cold water that was splashed into a deep fryer, noise instantly broke apart the silence.
Boiling battle intent filled every inch of the unofficial outer mountains.
All because today was the day of the peak selection ceremony.
Numerous disciples had come here from various continents to Naran Continent. After months of training, they had gradually begun to grow accustomed to life in the Spirit Devouring Mountain, while also sampling the martial prowess resources available here.
It was here that they could finally see how grand the road of martial prowess was.
As long as they could step onto it, they may have the chance to laugh arrogantly even at the entire world and tower over even the mighty heroes, becoming a true dragon amongst men.
However, the peak selection ceremony was currently the biggest obstacle standing in their path.
Only by crossing it would they enter the inner mountains, and finally come into contact with the grand road of prowess.
Hence, every single disciple had given their all for the past three months, investing everything into raising their strength. Everything was for the sole sake of performing well during the peak selection ceremony today, and become the carp that manages to leap through the dragon's gate
As such, when the battle intent that had been brewing for three months finally exploded, the spiritual energy in the outer mountains seemed to respond, beginning to heave agitatedly.
After three entire months of waiting, the peak selection ceremony was finally here.
"All disciples listen, immediately begin your preparations to follow me to the location of the peak selection ceremony!"
Amplified by surging spiritual energy, a powerful voice thundered across every corner of the unofficial outer mountains.
Countless disciples began to flood out one after another. When they raised their heads and looked, they found Elder Yin standing on a strange cloud with two elders behind him, their hands behind their backs. One of them was elder Rustam.
Moments after Elder Yin's voice sounded, countless light figures began to shoot out from the outer mountains, an extremely busy sight indeed.
Ezra and Naran disciples also walked out from a certain location.
Ezra gazed upon the practically boiling world around him as he felt the blood within his body begin to burn. He too had been looking forward to the peak selection ceremony ever since three months ago. "Let's go."
He shot a look at his people, before spiritual energy begin rising under their feet, carrying the tiny force into the sky.
While all of them rose in the air, a cloud of spiritual energy also rose nearby on which stood Ravina. When she saw Ezra, her gaze went down.