《CULTIVATION RECORDS OF THE MOST CAUTIOUS CULTIVATOR》 Chapter 1 Eastern Region. Luo Xian Sect. The foot of the mountain was packed with people. Today marked the once-in-a-decade disciple recruitment event for Luo Xian Sect. A long line of hopefuls stretched endlessly, forming a human dragon that wound from the distant horizon all the way up to the mountain peak. The sight was nothing short of spectacular. "Senior brother, there sure are a lot of newcomers this year. I¡¯d say at least tens of thousands have gathered here." A junior sister responsible for welcoming the newcomers stood tall with her chest out, hands clasped behind her back. She seemed to enjoy the numerous admiring glances directed her way. "This is nothing," the senior brother scoffed. "I heard that in the central region of the Eastern Territory, where the great Xian Dynasties reside, their disciple recruitment isn¡¯t just in the tens of thousands. It¡¯s in the hundreds of thousands, even millions. If you lined them up, they could wrap around the entire Eastern Region and still have room to turn a corner." "Hundreds of thousands? Millions? Is that really true, senior brother?" The junior sister gazed at him with wide-eyed admiration. Basking in her adoring gaze, the senior brother straightened his posture, feeling even more dignified. He patted her delicate shoulder and spoke with deep meaning, "Junior sister, don¡¯t envy other sects. Remember, our Luo Xian Sect was once graced by an immortal. That kind of prestige is something no ordinary mortal sect can compare to. Train hard. Judging from your appearance, the responsibility of leading our sect¡¯s rise rests on your shoulders. Keep up the good work!" "Really, senior brother?" The junior sister¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Of course! While I may lack talent in other areas, when it comes to reading faces, I¡¯m second to none in the entire mortal world. Come to my cave dwelling later, and I¡¯ll examine your features in more detail. I¡¯ll also check if your cultivation has progressed." "Mm! Thank you, senior brother." Blushing, the junior sister eagerly agreed. As the two watched the endless stream of hopefuls making their way up the mountain, they continued discussing sect affairs. Meanwhile¡­ About 520 meters away, behind a brown rock, a young man held his breath. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk¡¯s, his body as still as stone, blending perfectly into the shadows. His name was Han Luo ¡ªa transmigrator. He had been in this world for sixteen years. The moment he realized this was a world where immortals existed, he began researching, investigating, and planning... After ten years of meticulous preparation, he finally decided to join Luo Xian Sect and embark on the path of cultivation. Why did he spend ten years preparing? Simple¡ªbecause he was cautious. Why was he so cautious? Because after his parents died in a car accident, he developed a psychological disorder¡ªparanoid delusions. To put it plainly, he always felt like someone was out to get him. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. This condition had made him excessively careful, to the point of paranoia. He scrutinized every detail, tested his food for poison before eating, and refused to let anyone see him when he used the restroom. Remembering his condition, Han Luo reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black notebook. The notebook was filled with densely packed notes containing crucial information. Flipping to page twenty, he reviewed his carefully compiled intelligence: Since the sect leader was unreliable, all affairs of the sect were handled by the vice sect leader, Yun Yangzi. Apart from the vice sect leader, Luo Xian Sect was divided into five peaks, each led by a peak master of varying Core Formation strength. These peak masters formed the sect¡¯s core leadership. Beneath them, the sect boasted over 100,000 disciples¡ªthough according to certain sources, this number was highly exaggerated and needed verification. Han Luo had already memorized all this information. But just to be safe, he reviewed it every chance he got until he could recite it backward. After refreshing his memory on the sect¡¯s basics, Han Luo put away his notebook and continued to wait patiently. The sect¡¯s recruitment event lasted for three days, and today was the final day. For the sake of caution, he had hidden here since the very first day. Why? First, arriving early was pointless¡ªeveryone was just waiting around anyway. And with so many people gathered, there was always a risk of offending someone dangerous, which could lead to trouble. Trouble meant conflict, conflict meant danger, and danger meant potential death. Han Luo had no interest in fighting. He just wanted to cultivate in peace. The role of reckless fighters should be left to the protagonists of other stories. Second, over the past three days, he had carefully recorded every individual who might pose a threat to him. His notebook now contained notes on dozens of people. Since they would all be living under the same sect, it was best to be prepared. To be extra cautious, he had memorized their faces, reviewing them over a dozen times until they were etched into his mind. From now on, he would avoid these people at all costs to steer clear of trouble. As the sun set and dusk approached, Han Luo checked the time. It was finally safe to make his move. Leaving his hiding spot, he deliberately walked a kilometer away before ensuring no one was around. Only then did he step onto the main path. His entry was completely uneventful. "Hmm¡­ that¡¯s strange." "What is, senior brother?" "That guy who just walked past¡­ something about his face gave me a sense of danger¡ªbut in a really handsome way." "That¡¯s impossible! Senior brother, you¡¯re the recognized number one handsome man in our sect. That guy looked pretty ordinary to me." "You¡¯re right, junior sister. Come, let¡¯s head to my cave dwelling. I¡¯ll show you something even more handsome." "Mm!" Halfway up the mountain, a massive platform held tens of thousands of people. Some were conversing and making connections. Others sat in meditation, conserving their energy. Before long¡ª "Swish! Swish! Swish!" The sound of air being sliced filled the sky. Above, five figures appeared, standing effortlessly in midair. Bathed in golden sunlight, they radiated an aura of divinity, dazzling all below. These five individuals represented the Five Peaks of Luo Xian Sect. Each was among the strongest disciples of their respective peaks and counted among the most influential figures of the younger generation in the Eastern Region. "The first one is Lu Dancheng from Xian Ding Peak!" "I heard Senior Brother Lu has already broken through the Foundation Establishment stage and entered the legendary Qi Sea stage! He¡¯s one of the Eastern Region¡¯s Top Ten Rising Talents¡ªhis future is limitless!" "Look! It¡¯s Senior Sister Ye Qingqing from Piao Miao Peak!" "She¡¯s just as beautiful as the legends say! Gentle, graceful, and kind¡­ No wonder she¡¯s ranked among the Eastern Region¡¯s Top Ten Beauties! Seeing her in person, I could die happy!" Apart from Lu Dancheng and Ye Qingqing, the other three were Ba Dao from Qian Ren Peak, Lei Jiu from Luo Xian Peak, and Bu Xiu from Wu Dao Peak¡ªall renowned geniuses. The crowd idolized these five. Meanwhile, in an unassuming corner of the platform¡­ "Noted!" Han Luo swiftly pulled out his black notebook and added all five to his blacklist¡ªmarking them as high-priority dangers to avoid. Just then¡ª "Welcome, all, to Luo Xian Sect." A voice echoed from the horizon. An elderly figure descended on a seven-colored cloud, releasing an aura of spiritual energy that made everyone feel warm and comfortable. The crowd gasped. It was Vice Sect Leader Yun Yangzi! Without wasting words, his projection announced the start of the sect entrance examination. Chapter 2 High above in the sky, the Five Disciples of Luo Xian formed hand seals. A flash of white light blinded the crowd. The next moment, everyone found themselves transported to a vast wilderness. As the crowd erupted in astonishment, marveling at the mystical technique¡ª "Uh¡­" In a secluded corner, a few people stared in confusion at a particular individual. This person held a gleaming cleaver in each hand, had a string of explosive talismans strapped to his waist, and two Wind-Chasing Talismans stuck to his thighs. His legs were positioned in a stance ready to sprint at any moment. Time seemed to freeze. "Cough, cough¡­" Han Luo awkwardly cleared his throat before returning to his usual composure. Without acknowledging the bewildered gazes, he vanished into the crowd. "You must reach the peak of Luo Ri Mountain in the distance. Your only goal¡ªsurvive until you get there." A thunderous voice echoed from the void¡ªit was Yun Yangzi. "Luo Ri Mountain¡­ that should be in the direction where the divine sun sets." Someone muttered, realizing the hidden clue in Yun Yangzi¡¯s words. "What an easy test. So this is all Luo Xian Sect has to offer?" The speaker was a burly man, muscles bulging, exuding confidence. "Easy?" Another person scoffed in a sarcastic tone. "Forget the distance¡ªlook at where we are." The crowd turned their attention to their surroundings. They were in the middle of a dense primordial forest. Towering ancient trees, so thick that it would take a dozen people to encircle one, stood everywhere. The ground was covered in waist-high grass. Among the grass, massive beast footprints the size of basins were scattered throughout. Everything around them screamed danger. "What¡¯s there to fear? This is just a test. The immortal masters of Luo Xian Sect must be watching over us in secret. Even if there¡¯s danger, nothing will actually happen to us." Someone dismissed the concerns, sounding brimming with confidence. "Naive," another sneered. "Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡ªevery entrance exam for Luo Xian Sect has a death quota. And not just one or two deaths, but countless. That means if everyone here were to die, the sect¡¯s immortals still wouldn¡¯t step in to save you." "Impossible! Luo Xian Sect is an immortal sect, not some demonic cult! They wouldn¡¯t just let us die!" "Tch! Believe what you want." The person who seemed well-informed about the sect¡¯s tests left with a few companions. The rest of the crowd exchanged uneasy glances before deciding to travel in groups. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. With an uncertain road ahead, it was safer to have company. Before long, groups of people set off toward the setting sun. "Sounds really dangerous¡­" Han Luo licked his lips, feeling the thorns ahead in his path. Because of his personality, he was not the type to take risks. His plan was simple¡ªjoin Luo Xian Sect and never leave until he became immortal. As for now? What should he do? As more people departed, fewer remained at the starting point. "Um¡­ Big Brother, I¡¯m alone. Can I team up with you?" A young girl, no older than ten, stood before him. She wore a pink princess dress, had twin ponytails, and fidgeted with her fingers nervously. Her large eyes shone with hope as she gazed at Han Luo , silently pleading for him to agree. Han Luo ¡¯s expression turned serious. His gaze swept over the little girl from head to toe. The scrutiny made the girl instinctively tighten her collar, her eyes showing a hint of fear. Her arms and legs were thin, completely lacking any sense of strength. Her voice was soft and weak, almost delicate like a girl¡¯s. A quick check with a spiritual detection talisman revealed that she had no spiritual energy¡ªshe wasn¡¯t even a cultivator. From her innocent and naive words, he deduced that she was an ignorant and inexperienced airhead. A burden. Someone who would definitely cause trouble for him. But¡­ In this godforsaken place, this little girl probably wouldn¡¯t last a minute. If the beasts didn¡¯t get her, she would probably starve to death. Sigh¡­ No choice. After all, I¡¯m a good person. Han Luo flashed a bright, sunshine-like smile. The girl¡¯s face lit up with joy in response. Suddenly! Han Luo pointed to the sky. "Look! A Transformer!" The girl instinctively turned around¡ªbut the sky was completely empty. By the time she turned back, the big brother had vanished. The little girl: "¡­?" Behind a nearby ancient tree, not far away¡ª Han Luo silently stuck a Concealment Talisman to himself. Holding his breath, he listened carefully, making sure the girl wouldn¡¯t find him. Are you kidding me? I¡¯ve never been approached by a pretty girl in my life! And now, suddenly, a cute little girl wants to team up? That¡¯s obviously a red flag! Good thing he ran away fast. Otherwise, he¡¯d definitely be stuck with her. Hmph! Trying to trick me into being her bodyguard? Dream on! Han Luo patted himself on the back for his quick thinking. His resolve grew even stronger¡ªhe had to stay low-key. As he watched the little girl find another group to join, he remained in hiding. Since there was no time limit for the test, being cautious was always the smarter choice. As night approached, he decided to find a place to rest first. He needed to recharge his energy before facing whatever dangers lay ahead. Luo Xian Sect, Luo Xian Hall. The five peak masters were all present. Together with Vice Sect Leader Yun Yangzi, there were six people in total. In the center of the hall stood a massive bronze mirror, ancient and mystical. On its surface, the images of all the candidates were displayed. "This batch has a few promising talents. Xian Ding Peak will gladly take them." The speaker was Yun Ding, peak master of Xian Ding Peak, a Core Formation early-stage cultivator. "Not bad. Li Jun, Chi Xiao, Shen Xian¡¯er¡­ all decent talents. If trained well, they could be the future of Qian Ren Peak." This came from Yun Qianli, peak master of Qian Ren Peak, also at the Core Formation early-stage. "Hold on, hold on¡­ The test isn¡¯t even over yet, and you two are already fighting over disciples? That¡¯s pretty unfair." The one who spoke was Lei Xing, the peak master of Luo Xian Peak, a Core Formation mid-stage cultivator. Among the Five Peaks, Xian Ding, Qian Ren, and Luo Xian were the strongest, making their recruitment competitions intense. Meanwhile, the peak masters of Piao Miao Peak and Wu Dao Peak remained silent. The peak master of Piao Miao Peak, Hong Niang, only accepted female disciples. Most of the other peak masters didn¡¯t compete with her for recruits. As for Wu Dao Peak, it was a special case. Its peak master, Wu Dao, was an eccentric recluse. Though he had been with Luo Xian Sect for over a hundred years, he had only accepted three disciples. Compared to the thousands under other peaks, the difference was massive. He was only present as a formality, and even then, it was merely a projection. His real body was likely in seclusion, trying to break through to a higher realm. Since he wasn¡¯t considered a real competitor, the others simply ignored him. As the peak masters continued observing and exchanging cultivation insights¡ª Day two of the test arrived. By now, a gap had formed between the participants. The talented and intelligent had surged ahead, leaving the weaker ones struggling. Casualties had already begun. However, no one actually died. The seven-colored spiritual energy given to the candidates before the test wasn¡¯t just a blessing¡ªit was also a tracking device. Whenever someone was in mortal danger, the sect¡¯s immortals would silently teleport them out. The test continued¡­ But no one noticed that one candidate had yet to move at all. Even the monitoring immortals seemed to have forgotten about his existence. Inside a hidden shelter, Han Luo was covered head to toe in ten Concealment Talismans. For two whole days, he remained undetected. Finally, he stepped out. After stretching, using the restroom, and eating breakfast¡ª He adjusted his energy to peak condition. Only then did he set off. Chapter 3 Since this was a goal-oriented test, choosing the right route was crucial. Han Luo reached into his backpack and pulled out something resembling a magnifying glass. It was a custom-made tool that he had specially requested a cultivator to refine for him. Its function was identical to that of a regular magnifying glass, except it could automatically adjust the level of magnification. At its highest setting, it could amplify details up to 100 times, similar to a microscope. Holding the magnifying glass, Han Luo meticulously examined the ground, scanning frame by frame for something specific. Before long, he found it¡ªfresh footprints. Many people had taken this path, their footsteps overlapping in a chaotic mess. Following a road that others had already traveled was the safest and most reliable choice. Let others act as his guide dogs while he simply followed in their footsteps¡ªeasy and stress-free. This had been Han Luo ¡¯s plan all along. His objective was simple: complete the test in one piece and join Luo Xian Sect. Nothing else mattered. Following the trail of footprints, he trekked for an entire day. As expected, there were no dangers along the way. The journey was smooth, almost as if he were just touring a scenic forest. That said¡­ Han Luo never let his guard down. He had two Wind-Chasing Talismans attached to his thighs, always ready to flee. His senses were heightened, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for threats. A single misstep, and he could be ambushed by a beast. After all, this was a sect entrance exam, and caution was always necessary. As the sunset dyed the sky red, it was time to stop for the night. Traveling after dark was inherently risky, especially in a dense, untamed forest. The danger level skyrocketed at night. While there was still daylight, he needed to set up a safe resting spot. With practiced ease, he constructed a secure shelter. Then, he removed his backpack¡ªwhich was no ordinary bag. It was a rudimentary spatial storage device. Since he wasn¡¯t a cultivator, he couldn¡¯t use the mystical storage pouches that could hold mountains of supplies in a tiny bag. Instead, this crude alternative was his only option. From his bag, he retrieved 100 explosive talismans and buried them around his shelter with great care. These were first-rank explosive talismans, strong enough to wound a Qi Refining cultivator. For a mortal like him, these were the only attack-type talismans he could use. Even after placing the 100 explosive talismans, Han Luo still felt uneasy. So, he took out another 100 alarm talismans and set them up around a 100-meter perimeter. If anything entered the area, he would receive a "beep beep beep" warning. Only after ensuring that his alarm system was in place did he finally relax a little. ¡ª Meanwhile, two days'' journey ahead in the forest¡­ Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Everyone, take a break here. Traveling at night is too dangerous. We¡¯ll move again at dawn." Wang Ze directed the group. "Just like that? We''re just sleeping on the ground?" "Yeah! Where are we supposed to sleep?" "The ground is covered in damp grass! We¡¯ll catch a cold sleeping like this!" "And it''s not just grass¡ªthere are snakes, bugs, and mice all over the place. We might get sick just by staying here!" Everyone in group grumbled in frustration. None of them had brought tents or sleeping bags. Some had barely brought enough food. Now, they were tired, hungry, and still had to face a harsh exam. It was torture. "Just endure it! This is part of the test. A little hardship is normal." Damn it. If I weren¡¯t trying to win them over and build my influence for the future, I wouldn¡¯t even bother with them. A bunch of weaklings¡ªcomplaining about sleeping outdoors? How do they expect to cultivate immortality? Wang Ze cursed inwardly. "Awoooo¡ª!" A wolf¡¯s howl echoed through the night. In an instant, everyone snapped awake, their exhaustion replaced by fear. "Forget sleeping! We might not even live to see tomorrow!" "This is hell!" "Just bear with it!" They huddled together, struggling to stay awake, unable to rest. ¡ª Meanwhile, back at Han Luo ¡¯s safehouse¡­ Inside, Han Luo sat comfortably. From his backpack, he took out preserved meat, fresh vegetables, green onions, sauce, white steamed buns, and clean water. It was all simple food, but good enough. It was still the exam period, so he couldn¡¯t afford luxury meals. Once he passed, he would treat himself to something better. After eating his fill, he set up his bedding. He used a Heating Talisman to warm the blankets before slipping into bed. "Ahhh¡­" Walking all day really wore him out. However, caution first. On his left pillow, he placed a Smoke Bomb Talisman. On his right pillow, a sharp dagger. After making these final preparations, he drifted into a peaceful sleep. ¡ª The next morning¡­ "Yawn¡­" Han Luo stretched as he got up early. Maybe he was just used to sleeping in a safehouse, because he felt well-rested and refreshed. After checking all the traps he had set the night before¡­ Once he confirmed nothing had been disturbed, he packed everything up for future use. Then, as planned, he continued following the footprints ahead. ¡ª Meanwhile, Wang Ze¡¯s group finally woke up after a sleepless night. One by one, they dragged themselves up, looking like wilted vegetables, their heads drooping with exhaustion. "Keep pushing forward! Once we reach Luo Ri Mountain, we¡¯ll pass the exam and become disciples of Luo Xian Sect. We¡¯ll finally step into the world of immortals!" Wang Ze kept motivating them with empty words. The group had no other choice but to continue. Better a weak hope than none at all. With dark circles under their eyes and heavy steps, they forced themselves to move forward. ¡ª Meanwhile, two days behind them¡­ Han Luo happily walked through the forest, enjoying the scenery. He admired wildflowers, observed the mountains, and basked in the beauty and harmony of nature. It felt incredibly peaceful. Honestly¡­ The air quality in the Eastern Region was far better than in his past life. Even the air he breathed in felt sweet. "Thank you, heavens. Thank you, Mom and Dad." And so¡­ Han Luo traveled by day, set up traps at night, and rested peacefully. He encountered no dangers at all. Until¡­ On the fifth day of the test. Han Luo ¡¯s expression turned serious as he studied the messy footprints ahead. The path had split into six different directions. Now what? Six paths¡­ Which one was the safest? After much thought, he realized the most cautious approach was simple: Test all six paths. It would take more time, but compared to dying, wasting time was worth it. He didn¡¯t pick randomly. Instead, he spent an hour analyzing which path had the most footprints. Logically, the more people traveled a path, the safer it should be. "Alright!" With his path decided, Han Luo noted that sunset was in less than eight hours. For safety¡¯s sake, he decided to set out tomorrow instead. Rushing was never a good idea. Cultivation was a long journey. One reckless step could lead to a sudden, pointless death. With this mindset, he enjoyed his dinner.Feeling good, he climbed a tree, sipped some tea, and watched the sunset. He wrote a passage in his diary, stored it safely, then slept soundly in his warm blankets. ¡ª The next morning, Wang Ze¡¯s group looked haggard and exhausted. Even without encountering any enemies, they were being drained by the journey alone. Meanwhile¡­ Han Luo woke up refreshed, stretched, washed his face, ate breakfast, and set off once more. chapter 4 As Han Luo continued along his path, he noticed that the footprints on the ground were becoming increasingly scattered. It seemed that some people had been distracted by something and had wandered off. This made him even more cautious. He stuck to the path with the highest concentration of footprints, ensuring the safest route. After walking for half a day¡ª Suddenly! The alarm talisman on his body trembled, emitting a sharp beep beep beep sound. Han Luo immediately stopped in his tracks. His alarm talismans had a 500-meter detection range and would trigger upon sensing any living creature. At the same time, his keen nose picked up a faint scent of blood. The smell drifted from up ahead, barely noticeable unless one paid close attention. Blood¡­ in this ominous primeval forest? Definitely not a good sign. After a brief moment of thought, Han Luo made the wise choice¡ªretreat. He had no idea what had happened ahead, but wherever there¡¯s blood, there¡¯s trouble. And trouble was not part of his plan. For safety¡¯s sake, retreating was the only rational decision. He backtracked for half a day, returning to his previous location. Taking out his notebook, he crossed out one of the six possible paths, marking it as a dead end. An entire day wasted. But Han Luo wasn¡¯t frustrated. Instead, he felt more confident in his approach. Eliminating one wrong path meant his chances of success had increased. By removing all the wrong paths, success would eventually become inevitable. As the sky darkened, he prepared to return to his safehouse to rest. Wait! No, that won¡¯t work. He had already used that safehouse once. Staying in one place too long would leave traces of his presence. Even though he had ten Concealment Talismans to suppress his aura, he still wasn¡¯t comfortable with the risk. So, he spent some extra time constructing a new safehouse. Only after setting up a fresh batch of explosive and alarm talismans did he finally feel secure enough to rest. Replenish energy, and resume exploration tomorrow. Luo Xian Sect, Grand Hall. Inside the sect¡¯s main hall, the five peak masters sat around a massive bronze mirror, observing the ongoing test. "This year¡¯s batch of newcomers is impressive," Yun Qianli remarked, nodding approvingly. "Despite the many temptations set in place, so many have managed to resist them. Not bad, not bad at all." The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "I disagree," Yun Ding countered, pointing at the bronze mirror. Displayed on the mirror, thousands of candidates had fallen victim to traps, succumbing to their greed and losing their qualification to enter Luo Xian Sect. During their journey, many participants had encountered valuable spiritual objects along the way. Those who couldn¡¯t control their greed attempted to claim the treasures for themselves¡ªonly to fail the test entirely. Luo Xian Sect was a cultivation sect, and the most crucial quality in a sect was unity. Only when everyone worked toward the same goal could the sect prosper. A prosperous sect meant more resources for cultivators. More resources meant faster breakthroughs, leading to greater strength. Thus, while the entrance exam seemed simple, every detail had been carefully designed and tested. "Yun Ding, what¡¯s your problem? Why do you always oppose me?" Yun Qianli snapped. "If you want, let¡¯s settle this with an arm-wrestling match before the new disciple tournament!" The rivalry between Xian Ding Peak and Qian Ren Peak was no secret. Both peaks had the largest number of disciples, and their members often competed fiercely, almost like sworn enemies. "Fine!" Yun Ding smirked. "I just finished refining a new magical treasure. I needed someone to test it on anyway. If you want to volunteer, be my guest!" The discussion quickly shifted from the entrance exam to a potential duel between the two peak masters. "Enough!" Yun Yangzi interjected, his voice stern. "You two need to settle down. You¡¯re here to select outstanding disciples, not pick fights. If you don¡¯t start taking this seriously, I¡¯ll give all the best recruits to the other three peaks this year!" Yun Qianli and Yun Ding instantly fell silent, though their displeasure was evident. The only reason they didn¡¯t argue back was simple¡ª Even if they teamed up, they still wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Yun Yangzi. If they could, they would have rebelled long ago. "Interesting," a soft voice suddenly spoke. All eyes turned toward Hong Niang, the master of Piao Miao Peak. "Did you find something, Junior Sister?" Yun Ding asked. Hong Niang smiled gently, radiating an aura of graceful beauty. "Not really," she said. "I just find this year''s batch¡­ particularly interesting." Her gaze drifted toward the edge of the bronze mirror. Near the very border of the mirror¡¯s display, there was a tiny red dot. At first glance, it seemed like a speck of dust. But upon closer inspection, it was actually a participant in the test. This individual was so far behind the main group that it looked like they had been left behind entirely. The next morning, the sun bathed the land in warm golden light. Han Luo followed his usual morning routine¡ªwake up, brush teeth, wash face, use the restroom, eat breakfast. After completing a quick stretching routine, he pulled out his notebook. This time, he chose the second most-traveled path. Preparations complete¡ªdeparture. Half a day later, Han Luo halted in his tracks, staring at the raging river ahead. Problem one¡ªhe didn¡¯t know how to swim. Problem two¡ªhe had no idea how deep the river was. Problem three¡ªthere could be deadly aquatic beasts lurking beneath the surface. Conclusion: If he stepped into the water, he might accidentally fall into a deep zone, panic, and attract a hungry river monster. Too dangerous. Abort mission. He returned to his starting point, took out his notebook, and crossed out the second path. Once again, same routine as before¡ªrelocate, set traps, sleep. The next day, following the third path, he trekked for half a day. Ahead lay a toxic swamp¡ªdense, eerie fog rolling over a mire of unknown depth. As if the swamp wasn¡¯t enough, the poisonous mist made it even worse. Red alert¡ªextreme danger. Abort. Three paths tested. Three paths failed. Still, Han Luo remained optimistic¡ªthere were still three paths left. The fourth path? Barely three hours in, he heard fierce fighting up ahead, accompanied by beastly roars. Without hesitation, he turned around and left. By now, the test had been going on for over a week. If people were still stuck this close to the starting point, that meant they were weak. Helping weaklings was asking for trouble. Many powerful figures in history had died because they tried to help others. Han Luo had no interest in becoming a cautionary tale. So, onto the fifth path. This time, it seemed like he made the right choice. For three days, he encountered no danger at all. However, a nagging thought remained¡ª Where does the sixth path lead? To ease his doubts, he marked trees along his route, ensuring he could find his way back if necessary. His current path had clear signs of battle, but the fights seemed effortless for the group ahead. This meant one thing¡ªwhoever took this route was incredibly strong. Following them was his best bet for survival. With this mindset, he continued forward. Until, three days later, trouble finally arrived. chapter 5 The sound of battle came from ahead. It was getting closer. Danger! Hide! Han Luo swiftly climbed up an ancient tree and concealed himself among the branches. To be extra safe, he pulled out ten Concealment Talismans and stuck them onto his body. Holding his breath, he focused on the approaching fight. "Stay in formation! Keep the demon wolf surrounded! Look for an opening before attacking!" A tall and lean young man, wielding a silver sword, commanded a group of over ten people as they encircled a demon wolf. He had the demeanor of a peerless expert. The demon wolf let out a deafening howl. It was incredibly powerful, at least a second-rank beast. In the midst of the crowd, it was like a prehistoric monster¡ªunstoppable. Fortunately, the young man leading the fight, Li Jun, was no weakling. He was at the second level of Qi Refining, and with the assistance of the others, he engaged in a fierce battle with the demon wolf. Demonic beasts were naturally stronger than human cultivators. At the same level, a demonic beast would completely overpower a human cultivator. The battle was intense. Several people had already been injured, their blood spilling like a river. Han Luo winced. Too reckless, way too reckless. Even with Li Jun leading the attack and the others providing support, a second-rank demon wolf was still a second-rank demon wolf. Not something they should be facing head-on. If it were him, he would have run far away by now. At best, they¡¯d win and get some meat. At worst, they¡¯d die. How could they not see such a simple risk? They might as well go home and raise pigs instead of trying to cultivate. Han Luo scoffed to himself. Of course, part of his irritation was that they had brought danger so close to him. As someone who treasured his life above all else, there was no way he was going to get caught up in this mess. Fortunately, the battle didn¡¯t last too long. Li Jun finally used his trump card, burning through two third-grade offensive talismans to take down the demon wolf. Using a talisman beyond one¡¯s cultivation level carried great risks. For most, attempting to wield a third-grade talisman at the Qi Refining second level could easily lead to backlash¡ªmild cases would result in serious injuries, severe cases could cripple their foundation or even leave them as vegetative husks. Unless, of course, they were exceptionally talented. Like Li Jun. For him, using a talisman a rank above his level merely drained some stamina and energy. With the demon wolf slain, the danger had passed. Li Jun pulled out a silver dagger and swiftly cut into the beast¡¯s belly. With practiced movements, he extracted a glistening demon core. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Demon cores were the essence of a demonic beast''s cultivation, similar to a human¡¯s golden core. They were highly valuable. Even a second-rank demon core could fetch hundreds of lower-grade spirit stones. Of course, selling it was the worst option. Demon cores were immensely useful in alchemy, talisman crafting, puppet refinement, and even magic weapon enhancement. They were one of the most sought-after resources, second only to spirit stones. The group stared at the demon core in Li Jun¡¯s hands, eyes filled with longing. They all knew its value. A single second-rank demon core could save them a year or two of cultivation effort. And in the early stages of training, an extra year or two made a huge difference. Noticing the greedy looks from his companions, Li Jun raised the demon core for all to see. Even Han Luo looked up from his perch, intrigued. "Everyone," Li Jun said, "this demon core is the result of our joint efforts. It is also a symbol of our bond. Tell me your names, and once I exchange this for spirit stones, I will divide the earnings fairly among us." At these words, the group¡¯s greed finally subsided. "Li Jun, without you, we would¡¯ve been eliminated long ago. Honestly, you should just keep the demon core as payment for protecting us!" One of Li Jun¡¯s followers chimed in, subtly pushing him to take the core for himself. "Exactly! Li Jun is strong and kind. When we enter Luo Xian Sect, we¡¯ll need to support each other. With Li Jun around, we¡¯ll never be bullied!" A girl, practically drooling, looked at Li Jun with admiration. With these two speaking up, the rest of the group grew lively. "Everyone, please, calm down." Li Jun raised a hand, silencing the chatter. "I am unworthy of such high praise. Rest assured, as long as I can help, I will never hesitate. But as for this demon core, I ask that you respect my wishes. When converted to spirit stones, we shall all share in its benefits." At that moment, many saw a dazzling radiance emanating from Li Jun. A light so brilliant, they could hardly look directly at him. This¡­ was charisma. "A true expert," someone muttered. But Han Luo saw no such light. All he saw was trouble. He pulled out his blacklist notebook and jotted down Li Jun¡¯s name, marking him as an S-rank individual to avoid. Li Jun was dangerous¡ªnot in brute force, but in manipulation. His ability to control a crowd had reached a frightening level. In his past life, Li Jun would have made the perfect pyramid scheme leader. This was someone Han Luo absolutely could not be near. Otherwise, he might find himself willingly scammed and thanking Li Jun for it. After making his notes, he put away his book. Now, he just had to wait for them to leave. But judging by their behavior, they had no intention of moving on. Instead, they were setting up camp near a river. Too reckless. They had just killed a demon wolf, leaving the air thick with blood. In a primeval forest like this, blood would attract more beasts. Yet they chose to spend the night by a river? They might as well be serving themselves on a silver platter. Of course, Han Luo wasn¡¯t about to warn them. For all he knew, they had a plan¡ªmaybe they were using the blood to lure more beasts and hunt them for their demon cores. If it were him, he would have prepared traps. First, a maze formation to make the beasts turn on each other. Next, an explosive talisman array to wipe out any survivors. Finally, long-range bombardment with a burst-fire spirit bow, raining down destruction until even their ashes were gone. After all, demon cores were sturdy and wouldn¡¯t be destroyed easily. That way, he wouldn¡¯t even need to get his hands dirty¡ªjust pick up the cores from the ground. Han Luo entertained himself with this theoretical strategy but remained in place. There was no guarantee more beasts would come. If he climbed down and ran into a beast head-on, it would be beyond awkward. Besides, he was in a very safe position. Atop an ancient tree, thirty meters off the ground, with twenty Concealment Talismans stuck to his body. Even so, he still felt uneasy. Especially after watching Li Jun and his group fight the demon wolf. From his backpack, he pulled out a bottle of beast-repelling powder and sprinkled it over himself. Then he took out three more bottles. And emptied all of them over himself. After finishing, he sighed. Damn. Should¡¯ve brought more. Just three bottles? Now it felt like not enough. He noted this down in his blacklist notebook. Next time, he would pack extra supplies. Night fell. From the riverside came the aroma of roasting meat, the scent of alcohol, and bursts of laughter. The group was celebrating. But this forest was not a place to celebrate. From the treetop, Han Luo ¡¯s eyes gleamed in the dark, sharp and alert. He had no intention of sleeping tonight. He hadn''t found a perfectly secure hiding place. He hadn¡¯t set up any alarm talismans nearby. There was no way he could sleep soundly. And now, with the smell of food and wine in the air, he was even more on edge. A primeval forest. Midnight. A bonfire. Roasting meat. Drinking. Were they asking for death? If he were a beast, he would charge in and show them the wild side of nature. As if responding to his thoughts¡ª A deep, rumbling beastly roar echoed through the forest. Chapter 6 A massive tiger, over three meters tall, charged forward like a primordial beast, its roar shaking the forest. A bloodthirsty wind swept through the mountains and trees. From the other side of the stream, a giant patterned serpent as thick as a barrel slowly lifted its head. Its crimson eyes gleamed like twin blades, exuding cold malice as it locked onto the people across the river. Both the tiger and the serpent were second-rank demonic beasts. The moment they appeared, their attention was drawn to Li Jun and his group. "Damn it!" Li Jun realized things had gone terribly wrong the moment he heard the tiger''s roar. He had assumed the demon wolf was the dominant beast in this territory. Killing it should have secured the area, ensuring no further threats. Even if more demonic beasts showed up, they would likely be first-rank creatures¡ªnothing he couldn¡¯t handle. In fact, part of the reason he chose to camp here was that he wanted weaker demonic beasts to appear. He had planned to put on a show¡ªslaying a first-rank beast in an instant, displaying his supreme prowess. That way, he would leave an unforgettable impression on the group, solidifying his influence for the future. But he had never expected that instead of a weak first-rank beast, two second-rank predators would arrive. "Prepare for battle!" His command was swift. The group, who had just been feasting and celebrating moments ago, immediately snapped to attention. Without unnecessary chatter, the battle erupted. The tiger and the serpent had long been suppressed by the demon wolf. Now that it was dead, they were determined to claim dominance over the forest. The battlefield turned into utter chaos. There were no earth-shattering explosions of spiritual energy, but the brutality of the fight surpassed anything imaginable. The tiger let out a deafening roar and lunged forward, sinking its massive jaws into a young cultivator. Blood splattered, dyeing the tiger''s head crimson. The sight was monstrous. The surrounding cultivators froze in shock. They were only fourteen or fifteen years old¡ªmere teenagers. They had never witnessed such carnage before. A moment ago, they had felt invincible, believing themselves to be kings of the forest after slaying the demon wolf. They had sung and celebrated, feasting without a care. Now, in the blink of an eye, their companion¡ªwho had been eating and drinking with them just moments ago¡ªlay dead in a pool of blood. Screams of terror erupted. Panic spread like wildfire, and the situation spiraled out of control. Not far away, atop an ancient tree, Han Luo widened his eyes at the unfolding scene. Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath. "Too reckless, too reckless, way too reckless¡­" Mumbling to himself, he pulled out another handful of Concealment Talismans and plastered them all over his body. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. As he did, he continued grumbling. "Why fight when you can cultivate? Fighting won¡¯t make you an immortal. Fighting won¡¯t grant you eternal life. "They¡¯re just too hotheaded. Too reckless." By the time the battle ended, the two demonic beasts had been slain. Li Jun and his group had barely won, suffering heavy losses in the process. No one cheered. No one spoke. A somber silence blanketed the area. The bonfire had long since died out. Darkness swallowed the surroundings, mirroring the gloom that hung over their hearts. "Move out." Li Jun wasted no time. He knew that their recent battle might attract even more beasts. If another second-rank creature arrived, none of them would make it out alive. Under the cover of night, the survivors quickly departed. Before long, silence reclaimed the battlefield. Han Luo did not follow them. The forest at night was too dangerous¡ªtraveling in the dark was out of the question. Just as Li Jun had predicted, beastly roars echoed through the trees. More creatures were closing in on the battlefield. Holding his breath, Han Luo kept his gaze fixed on the scene below. Wait. What was that? From the battleground, strange white lights suddenly emerged. They flickered like ghostly flames, transforming into bright streaks that shot into the sky before vanishing. What¡­ was that? Was the place haunted? Something didn¡¯t feel right. Wait a minute¡­ Where were the bodies? Han Luo quickly realized that the corpses of those who had died were gone. Could it be¡­? He immediately pulled out his magnifying glass, adjusting the focus as he scanned the sky. The more he observed, the more his suspicions grew. So that¡¯s how it is! It seemed that dying in the test did not mean true death. Luo Xian Sect must have some kind of unknown method to protect the participants. Of course, this was just his hypothesis¡ªhe had no actual proof. But compared to that mystery, the group of prowling demonic beasts below was a far more immediate concern. Holding his breath, Han Luo remained hidden, watching the creatures below with wary eyes. Meanwhile, Li Jun let out a deep sigh of relief. "Good thing we left in time. Otherwise, we¡¯d all be dead by now." He turned to the weary survivors. "The road ahead is uncertain. From now on, we must rely on each other. The path to immortality is paved with bones. Our fate is in our own hands. May we one day meet again on the road to ascension, laughing at the mortal world beneath us." Li Jun was a born leader. His words carried weight, his presence commanding. Even though they had just endured a harrowing battle, his speech rekindled hope in their hearts. Luo Xian Sect, Grand Hall. "Impressive, very impressive." Yun Ding nodded in approval. "This Li Jun is truly talented. At such a young age, he has already reached the second level of Qi Refining. He is decisive in battle and possesses a rare charisma. "His only flaw is that his temperament needs refining, but with the right guidance, he will definitely carve out a place for himself in the Eastern Region¡¯s future." He made no attempt to hide his admiration. "I agree. Once he joins my Qian Ren Peak, I¡¯ll make sure to train him well," Yun Qianli declared confidently. Yun Ding scowled. "Join your Qian Ren Peak? Don¡¯t be ridiculous. He¡¯s clearly more suited for Xian Ding Peak. Don¡¯t even think about taking him." "What makes you think you deserve him? You already have Lu Dancheng as a leader. Why do you need Li Jun?" "And what about you? Your Qian Ren Peak already has Ba Dao, so why are you fighting me over him?" Their argument quickly escalated. Yun Yangzi, seated at the head of the hall, rubbed his temples in frustration. "What an interesting little fellow." Hong Niang, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. With a flick of her delicate fingers, the bronze mirror displayed a new image. A young man sat perched on the treetop, observing the distant battle while occasionally shaking his head, as if he couldn¡¯t make sense of what he was seeing. "Hmph! While his fellow disciples were fighting for their lives, he was hiding and watching? Luo Xian Sect does not need cowards like him!" Yun Qianli said impatiently. "For once, I agree," Yun Ding added. "Forget about talent¡ªjust based on his mentality, he is unfit to join Luo Xian Sect." "I¡¯ve been watching this one for a while now," Hong Niang said. "From the very beginning, he¡¯s been exceptionally cautious. He has managed to avoid every single danger. Whether by skill or luck, his level of caution is something I have never seen before." "Being careful won¡¯t help him in the long run," Lei Xing finally spoke up. "Sooner or later, he¡¯ll have to fight. What will he do then?" "The path of cultivation is littered with corpses. Opportunities must be seized, not waited upon. This boy¡¯s temperament makes him unsuited for the immortal path." Yun Yangzi nodded in agreement. None of them had favorable opinions of Han Luo . "Still, I find him amusing," Hong Niang mused, watching the young man in the mirror with a small smile. "Unfortunately, my Piao Miao Peak only accepts female disciples. Otherwise, I might have considered taking him in." "Enough already! Out of all the talented youths, why waste time on this one? Just watching him is annoying," Lei Xing grumbled. In the midst of all this, Wu Dao, the master of Wu Dao Peak, remained silent, meditating as if he weren¡¯t even there. No one was surprised. Wu Dao was even more eccentric than the cautious boy they were discussing. Unaware that he was on the verge of being removed from Luo Xian Sect¡¯s potential recruit list, Han Luo stared at the gathering demonic beasts below him. A bold idea suddenly formed in his mind. Chapter 7 A large number of demonic beasts had gathered¡ªboth first and second-rank creatures. However, instead of attacking immediately, they eyed each other warily, hesitant to make the first move. Judging by the situation, it didn¡¯t seem like they would start fighting anytime soon. Han Luo licked his lips. A mischievous thought surfaced in his mind. He had seen the second-rank demon core in Li Jun¡¯s hand earlier. It was impossible not to feel tempted. A single second-rank demon core could save him one or two years of cultivation. And now, with so many beasts gathered, if they were to start fighting, there would be at least four or five second-rank demon cores up for grabs, plus several first-rank ones. No. He couldn¡¯t let them just stand around. They needed to start fighting. Silently, he retrieved a pouch of powder from his backpack. Heart dream Phosphorescent Powder. Made from heartdream grass and phosphorescent snake gall, this powder induced hallucinations based on one¡¯s deepest fears when inhaled. Years ago, he had tricked an old beggar into trading it for a pancake and a plain steamed bun. It was now one of his thirty-six trump cards. He donned a makeshift gas mask and carefully unwrapped the oil paper around the powder. Without him having to do anything, a gentle breeze carried the powder into the beast horde. In an instant¡ª Like a drop of water hitting a scorching oil pan, chaos erupted. Han Luo had no idea what these beasts feared the most. But whatever it was, it worked. A massive brawl broke out among the creatures, shaking the entire forest. The battle was brutal¡ªfar beyond human imagination. The fighting continued for an entire night. By morning, the once lush battlefield was soaked in blood. The stench of gore hung heavily in the air, so thick it was nauseating. For ten miles in every direction, no creature dared approach this slaughterhouse. From his perch atop a tree, Han Luo had witnessed the entire battle from start to finish. The fight had been nothing but raw savagery. Aside from a few beasts barely clinging to life, the rest had been completely torn apart. Limbs were scattered across the ground like pieces of a broken puzzle. But despite the tempting sight of dozens of demon cores, Han Luo did not move. He remained hidden in the treetop. The reason was simple¡ªhe didn¡¯t know if all the beasts were truly dead. He was just an ordinary human. A single strike from a demonic beast could end his life. If even one of them was still alive and managed to play dead, he would be in deep trouble. Better to be cautious than sorry. By the time the sun hung high in the sky, nearly noon, he decided it was time. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. If he delayed any longer, it would be difficult to catch up to Li Jun and his group of bodyguards. Traveling alone would be too dangerous. Instead of climbing down immediately, he retrieved a custom longbow from his backpack. This was no ordinary bow. It had been specially modified to be more powerful, with explosive talismans attached to the arrowheads. Standing at the top of the tree, he pulled the bowstring back and aimed carefully. Over the past ten years, archery had been one of his essential skills. Long-range. High lethality. Perfect for sneak attacks. The arrow whistled through the air¡ª It struck the head of a demonic beast. Boom! The beast¡¯s skull exploded like a watermelon, leaving no chance for survival. One after another, he fired several more arrows, each one finding its mark. Once all the beasts'' heads had been blown apart, Han Luo swiftly descended using a rope. Within moments, he moved like lightning, gathering all the demonic beast corpses into his spatial backpack. The entire process took less than two minutes. Seven second-rank demon cores. Twelve first-rank demon cores. His movements were flawless, as if he had practiced this a million times before. After collecting the loot, he immediately stripped off his bloodstained clothes, tied them to a rock, and sank them into the river. Then he washed himself thoroughly, took a cleansing pill, and sprayed himself with a special deodorizing fragrance. Once everything was done, he put on fresh clothes and left the area at high speed. The entire cleanup process took four minutes and thirty-seven seconds. His precision and efficiency were at a textbook level. But the journey ahead was not as smooth as he had hoped. As he got closer to Luo Ri Mountain, the number of battles increased exponentially. Not only had Li Jun¡¯s team suffered multiple demonic beast attacks with heavy casualties, but other teams had also been ambushed. From behind his custom-made sunglasses, Han Luo observed the skies. Every now and then, a flash of white light streaked across the sky. That must be the signal marking a candidate''s elimination from the test. Each time a white light flashed, he marked the location in his notebook¡ªthen quietly made his way over. His goal was simple¡ªcollect demon cores. Fighting demonic beasts wasn¡¯t easy. Whenever he arrived at the scene, he often found the human side utterly defeated, leaving behind only corpses and beast remains. Based on his experience¡ª He would hide in the shadows, wait for the human cultivators to flee, then scatter Heartdream Phosphorescent Powder to finish off any remaining beasts. Of course, things didn¡¯t always go smoothly. Sometimes, he encountered stronger teams that not only killed the demonic beasts but also had enough energy to retrieve the demon cores themselves. Against such teams, Han Luo had a simple solution¡ª He pulled out a Sound Recording Talisman and played back a pre-recorded chorus of wild beast roars. Dozens of overlapping roars filled the forest, mimicking the presence of a massive beast horde. Between demon cores and survival, most teams chose survival. Fearing an incoming beast attack, they fled without hesitation. And so, once again, Han Luo played the role of the fisherman, swooping in to collect what was left behind. Being a fisherman felt amazing. Not only did he find safe routes, but he also gained a massive haul. Happiness, like a fleeting glimpse of a girl passing by your classroom window, was brief but beautiful. Five days later¡ª A towering mountain loomed ahead, piercing the sky. At its base stood a massive stone monument. Carved into the stone were two words: Luo Ri Mountain. Thousands of participants had gathered in front of the monument. "Everyone, ahead of us lies the territory of the demon wolf horde. We must unite if we want to pass through. "I believe this is the final test the sect has prepared for us. "As long as we make it through, we will become disciples of Luo Xian Sect, stepping onto the path of immortality together!" Li Jun stood atop a large boulder, his voice full of confidence and heroism. He still remembered the companions who had died that night. He swore to wipe out the demon wolves and avenge them. "Tonight, we rest here. Tomorrow, we fight for our lives!" His speech ignited the crowd¡¯s morale. Their battle spirit surged¡ªsome were so fired up that they looked ready to charge up the mountain right away. Han Luo , for once, chose not to distance himself from the group. Instead, he stayed to rest. Though he had not encountered much danger, the past few days had been exhausting. Being a lone fisherman was harder than it looked¡ªhis arms were sore from picking up so many demon cores. Here, at least, with so many people around, he could finally sleep soundly, knowing they would serve as his unpaid security guards. As the others prepared tents, cooked meals, and sharpened their blades, Han Luo finally allowed himself to relax. Chapter 8 Han Luo¡¯s arrival went unnoticed, just the way he liked it. Weaving his way through the crowd, he made his way to the center of the camp, right next to Li Jun¡¯s tent. Based on his earlier observations, Li Jun was the strongest here¡ªQi Refining Stage Two. There were also a few other capable individuals nearby. That meant camping in the middle of this group was 78.6% safer than staying on the outskirts. If there were a night attack, he wouldn¡¯t be the first one targeted. And knowing Li Jun¡¯s overprotective nature, if he yelled for help, the guy would most likely step in. Successfully setting up his camp right next to Li Jun, he finished just as noon approached. Han Luo had a simple lunch. But instead of socializing or making new friends, he stayed inside his tent and rested. At midnight, long before dawn, when everyone else was still deep asleep, he woke up. Quietly packing his things, he slipped away from the camp. Fight the demonic wolves head-on? What kind of international joke was that? Demonic beasts were favored by heaven, born far stronger than humans¡ªespecially in terms of physical strength. Their bodies outclassed humans by dozens of times, no contest. Humans, on the other hand, had brains. So why in the world would you fight them head-on? That was not a cautious strategy. Sure, Li Jun and a few strong cultivators could hold their ground, but the rest were just ordinary mortals¡ªtheir combat ability was basically zero. These kids weren¡¯t even enough to fill the gaps between the wolves¡¯ teeth. Han Luo was not like Li Jun, a prodigy at Qi Refining Stage Two. He was just an ordinary person. And yet, they expected him to charge in like cannon fodder? Was their brain broken, or was his brain broken? That¡¯s why, from the start, he had already decided on an alternative approach¡ªflanking maneuver. The plan was simple: Sneak around the battlefield and take a side path up the mountain. Once the fight started, all the demonic wolves would be focused on the battle, leaving other routes to the top completely unguarded. With that in mind, he spent two hours scouting and marked seven possible paths leading up the mountain. Then, he hid in a safehouse, waiting for the battle to start. As dawn broke, signaling the start of the day, the camp stirred to life. After breakfast, everyone made their final preparations. Then, they marched toward Luo Ri Mountain. The battle began as expected. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. But to his surprise, it wasn¡¯t a direct melee fight. A genius in formations had brought out a formation disk, setting up a protective barrier for the group. With weapons in hand, they stayed inside the defensive formation, fighting off the demonic wolves from behind a shield. Watching from afar, Han Luo nodded in approval. This. This was how humans should fight. Cultivators relied on wisdom, not just brute force. The gift of intelligence was what made the human race prosper. And yet some people insisted on charging in like fools¡ª That¡¯s a crime against common sense. He couldn¡¯t help but mentally ridicule those who treated cultivation like a barbarian brawl. With the formation in place, the battle turned into a stalemate. The clash attracted attention from all sides. Individually, demonic wolves weren¡¯t all that strong¡ªtheir alpha was probably just second-rank. But their strength lay in their sheer numbers. They swarmed the human cultivators, surrounding them completely, forcing them to struggle for every step forward. Han Luo raised his magnifying glass, carefully watching the battlefield. "Not bad..." In his view¡ª Li Jun, standing at the front with his silver sword, was cutting down wolves like paper. A stunning display of combat prowess. Behind him, a few other strong fighters fought with equal intensity. Unleashing their full strength, they dominated the battlefield. "Keep going, keep going," Han Luo cheered them on in his head. But he still didn¡¯t move. Better to wait and observe. His caution paid off. More demonic wolves arrived, flooding in from all directions, turning the battle into pure chaos. And it wasn¡¯t just the wolves. Several human cultivators, trying to sneak up the mountain, were caught by passing wolves. A brutal hand-to-hand slaughter ensued. Han Luo watched it all unfold from the shadows. "Pathetic. They didn¡¯t even get the basics right." He shook his head in disappointment. Who starts climbing the mountain right when the battle begins? At least wait. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t the only one with this idea¡ªmany people had received information that the first person to reach the top would get a special reward. That was why they were rushing up recklessly, desperate for the prize. Han Luo smirked. "Go ahead. Just make sure to clear the path for me while you''re at it." He was never one to take the initiative. He preferred to let others go first. Two hours into the battle¡ª Once he was certain that there were no other sneaky climbers left, he finally moved out. Following the pre-marked path, he took a side route up to Luo Ri Mountain¡¯s midsection. The entire process was smooth and uneventful. After all, other people had already scouted the route before him¡ªsome even paid for it with their lives. Ahead, just a thousand meters away, was his final destination¡ªthe mountain¡¯s platform. Stepping onto that platform meant passing the entrance exam and officially joining Luo Xian Sect. This was it. The first major goal he had spent ten years preparing for was right in front of him. But¡ª He stopped. Even though all he had to do was walk forward to finish the exam, his instincts told him otherwise. There¡¯s an old saying: "A journey of a hundred miles is only half finished at ninety." Who knew what traps might be lying in wait? Luo Xian Sect was not an insignificant sect. Their entrance exam couldn¡¯t be this simple. What if a final boss suddenly jumped out at the last minute? With his weak little body, a single normal attack would be enough to send him straight to the afterlife. No way. Not taking that risk. Better to stay put and wait for Li Jun and his group to arrive. Let them test the waters first. As for the special reward for the first to reach the top¡ªhe had zero interest. It was probably just some fancy pills. And who knew how clean they were? What if the alchemist forgot to wash their hands? What if there were mystery ingredients mixed in? Even if he got it, he wouldn¡¯t eat it, so why bother risking his life for it? He calmly set up a new safehouse, carefully laying explosive talismans around the area. If Li Jun¡¯s team failed, and the wolves returned, he couldn¡¯t exactly live next to them, could he? A backup plan was always good to have. As he set up the traps, he couldn¡¯t help but feel¡ª He was weirdly good at this. Like it was something he was born to do. Then¡ª "Huh?" From a distance, a faint light flickered. At the same time, the spiritual detection talisman on his waist began shaking violently. It was reacting to a massive surge of spiritual energy. Chapter 9 Han Luo ¡¯s nature dictated that he would never go snooping around such a suspicious scene. If something clearly seemed like a trap, walking into it was just asking for trouble. Besides, what if it was set up specifically for him? Maybe someone knew he had been raking in demon cores and was waiting for him to take the bait, just to rob him blind. However¡ª This time¡ª He stuck to his principles. Whatever happens, happens. None of it had anything to do with him. He had already gained plenty of demon cores along the way¡ªcontentment meant living longer. After double-checking his traps and ensuring everything was in place, Han Luo didn¡¯t take a single step toward the glowing area. He returned to his safehouse, waiting patiently for Li Jun and the others to fight their way up and complete the trial. But¡ª Just because he ignored the glowing light didn¡¯t mean others would. Suddenly¡ª ¡°Awoooooo¡ª!¡± A series of sharp, aggressive wolf howls erupted from the glowing area. Then, a feminine battle cry followed. Someone was fighting the wolf king, and the battle sounded intense. "See? I knew it. Definitely a trap." Han Luo reaffirmed his beliefs. "These old bastards from Luo Xian Sect are never up to any good. Good thing I¡¯m cautious¡ªotherwise, I¡¯d be losing all my demon cores right about now." ¡°Boom! Boom! Boom!¡± The battle at the glowing spot was getting fiercer. But¡ª It was also getting closer to his safehouse. Han Luo frowned. "The hell? I was just minding my own business¡ªwhy are they bringing the fight over here?" Just as he was grumbling¡ª ¡°Tap! Tap!¡± A light, agile figure landed on the tree above him. It was a young woman, tall and slender, with flaming red hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a red-feathered battle armor and held a flaming spear nearly as tall as herself. Her aura was fierce, and her stance was unwavering¡ªlike a battle-hardened warrior goddess. Her sharp round eyes gleamed like lightning as she surveyed the area. After confirming no one was around, She reached into her robes and pulled out a small, palm-sized red jade box. Carefully, she buried it in the dirt beneath her feet. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Then¡ª She immediately disappeared into the forest, leaving no trace. Not long after she left¡ª A vicious, blood-soaked wind rushed through the air. The Wolf King arrived. It was as large as a bull, its crimson eyes gleaming with bloodthirsty intent, its entire body radiating murderous energy. A Third-Rank Wolf King. Holy sh*t. Han Luo ¡¯s heart leapt into his throat. Even his breath was stuck¡ªhe didn¡¯t dare let out a single sound. What the hell?! Why is a Third-Rank Wolf King here?! This was way over the line. If this thing joined the fight at the base of the mountain, everyone down there would die. Even Li Jun would get instantly shredded. Thankfully¡ª Han Luo had come prepared. He had ten concealment talismans stuck to his body. Every trace of his presence was erased. Even a Third-Rank Wolf King wouldn¡¯t be able to detect him as long as he didn¡¯t move. The Wolf King was clearly tracking the red-haired girl. It sniffed the air¡ª But it didn¡¯t seem to notice the buried jade box. Instead, it locked onto the girl¡¯s lingering scent and took off after her. Han Luo didn¡¯t move a muscle. He remained in his safehouse, unmoving, fully trusting his own craftsmanship. After all, he had spent three years perfecting his concealment techniques. Even if it was a Seventh-Rank Wolf King, it wouldn¡¯t find him. Yes. He was that confident. Not long after¡ª Sounds of battle erupted in the distance. The Wolf King had caught up with the red-haired girl. They were now fighting somewhere far away. So... Han Luo ¡¯s gaze fell on the spot where the jade box was buried. Something that someone risked their life to hide. Something that even a Third-Rank Wolf King was chasing after. It had to be valuable. Better than a Second-Rank Demon Core, at least. After ensuring that no one was around, He quietly left his safehouse. Putting on gloves, he carefully dug up the jade box. The box itself was exquisite¡ªcrafted from fine porcelain, marked with a crimson lotus emblem. Clearly, it belonged to a woman. But caution was always necessary. Han Luo retrieved a low-grade formation disk from his backpack. A First-Grade Concealment Formation. Stronger than a regular concealment talisman, this formation could completely erase all traces of movement and presence within a five-meter radius. Once the formation was activated, he placed the red jade box inside. Standing outside the formation, he used a wooden stick to carefully pry open the box. It opened easily. No traps. No sudden bursts of energy. Inside, A broken, ancient white jade piece rested quietly. At first glance, it looked completely ordinary. Something you might find in a cheap street market stall. It had no energy fluctuations. No special aura. It looked... useless. But if someone was willing to risk their life for it, It had to be worth something. Without hesitation, Han Luo stored it inside his own white jade box¡ªa container that blocked spiritual traces, just like the red one. Then¡ª He glanced at the now-empty red jade box. Something about this situation felt wrong. This girl had nearly died to protect this broken jade piece. And he just took it. It felt...Exciting. No¡ªwait. It felt wrong. Too unprofessional. But if she left it right in front of him¡­ wouldn¡¯t it be disrespectful not to take it? ...Yeah. That made sense. So¡ª Han Luo pulled out a steamed bun from his backpack. "Round-faced girl, listen up." He placed the bun inside the empty box. "This might not seem valuable to others, but to me, it means everything. Growing up, my family was dirt poor. We ate nothing but coarse grains. One bite of white steamed bun? I¡¯d trade being the Jade Emperor for it. So, if I ever feel bad about something, I just eat one and feel better. Eat it. Learn from this. Next time, keep your valuables on you¡ªhiding them is just asking to get robbed." Feeling deeply moved by his own wisdom, Han Luo stared at the bun for a moment. ...And then took it back. Wait. If she tracked him down using the steamed bun¡¯s scent, he was screwed. Better not risk it. Instead, he buried the empty box back into the ground, erased all traces, and moved his safehouse. Moments later¡ª "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" Explosions erupted in the distance. Li Jun¡¯s group had entered the final stretch of battle. The fighting was intense¡ªblood, dust, and chaos filled the air. And at the mountain¡¯s entrance. A storm of wind howled violently. A Third-Rank Wolf King stood at the gateway¡ª Blocking their only path forward. Chapter 10 "Damn! Are you kidding me?!" Han Luo cursed under his breath. Hadn''t the Wolf King gone after that round-faced girl? Why was it back here?! He immediately pulled out his magnifying glass, scanning the area for any sign of the girl. But even after searching for a long time, he couldn¡¯t spot her anywhere. Still, for some reason, a chill ran down his spine, as if some terrifying creature was watching him. His whole body felt uncomfortable. "Who? Who did this?! WHO?!" Chi Xiao''s voice exploded with fury. A surge of blazing spiritual energy erupted around her, turning her into a living volcano. The sheer intensity of her flames scorched the surrounding trees to ashes. And in doing so, it revealed a deep hole at her feet. The hole was clearly man-made¡ªthe freshly turned soil and the distinct marks made it obvious. "BASTARD!" Chi Xiao, already enraged, became even more furious at the sight. "So when I was burying it... this sneaky rat was hiding right under my feet?!" Her teeth clenched so hard they made a cracking sound, her eyes burning with rage. "If I ever find you, I''ll skin you alive, string you up, and eat you with dipping sauce!" Meanwhile¡ª Han Luo suddenly shivered, feeling as if someone was cursing him. Feeling guilty, he tightened the collar of his clothes, then casually took out ten concealment talismans and slapped them onto his back. Only then did he feel a little safer. Far ahead¡ª Li Jun and his group were locked in a brutal battle with the Wolf King. It was even worse than the last fight. The Third-Rank Wolf King was unmatched in power. The protective formation was as fragile as paper before its overwhelming strength. It tore through the crowd, slaughtering people like wheat being harvested. Yet despite its might¡ª Han Luo noticed something. The Wolf King was injured. Someone had actually wounded it. It wasn''t hard to guess who. Han Luo silently pulled out ten more concealment talismans and stuck them to himself. Definitely that round-faced girl¡¯s doing. A Qi Refining Stage Two cultivator managing to injure a Third-Rank Wolf King... Her talent was unreal. He immediately took out his blacklist notebook and wrote: Chi Xiao ¨C SS-Class: Extreme Danger. Avoid at all costs. After safely tucking away his notebook, he reassessed the battle ahead. Li Jun and the others were barely holding on, thanks to the Wolf King''s injuries. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. But could they actually win? Not a chance. At this rate, they¡¯d all be slaughtered. Relying on them alone wasn''t an option. If he wanted to survive, he''d have to intervene. "What a pain..." Han Luo stood up, looking at the battlefield. His heart surged with emotions. What man didn¡¯t dream of wielding a sword, riding into battle, and slaying enemies like a true hero? Fighting valiantly¡ªbecoming a legend¡ª It was a warrior¡¯s dream. The blood in his veins burned for a glorious three seconds¡ª Then it cooled down. He turned around. And started looking for another way up the mountain. Fighting? Yeah, right. Survival came first. What kind of lunatic would willingly fight a Third-Rank Wolf King? Ten minutes later¡ª Han Luo frowned. He had searched everywhere. There were no other routes up the mountain. The only way forward was through the battlefield. And things weren¡¯t looking good. Despite their best efforts, Li Jun and his group were being pushed back. The Wolf King was just too powerful. They were on the verge of being completely wiped out. If Li Jun and his group fell, That would leave only Han Luo against the Wolf King. Which was NOT an option. He had never wanted to reveal himself. Staying in the shadows was safer. But at this point, there was no other choice. "Guess I¡¯ll lend a hand." Taking out a transmission talisman, Han Luo whispered into it: "Li Jun, lead the Wolf King into the forest to your left. I¡¯ve set up an explosive trap there. It¡¯ll help you take it down." He crushed the talisman and tossed it toward Li Jun¡¯s direction. It was only a First-Grade transmission talisman¡ªweak as hell but Li Jun was a Qi Refining Stage Two cultivator¡ªhis hearing was sharp. Sure enough, Li Jun paused for a moment when he heard the message. He turned toward the sound but saw nothing. "BANG!" The Wolf King lunged forward, its massive claws slamming down. Three people were instantly crushed into pulp. Seeing the devastation, Li Jun made a split-second decision. "Fall back! I have a plan!" He wasn¡¯t sure about the mysterious voice but at this point, doing nothing would doom them all, his allies retreated. Li Jun drew the Wolf King¡¯s aggro and ran straight into the forest. The Wolf King chased immediately. It was smart , It knew Li Jun was the leader. If he died, the rest would collapse into chaos. "Awooo¡ª!" It howled, summoning more wolves to block the entrance. Then it darted after Li Jun. Inside the forest¡ª Li Jun took one step inside and immediately froze. Where was the trap?! He saw nothing. "Dammit! Was I tricked?!" Just as he was about to curse, His eyes caught something¡ª Carved into a tree above him, a massive red arrow pointing in a direction. Li Jun¡¯s sharp mind immediately understood. "Whoever this guy is... he¡¯s thorough." Without hesitation, he followed the arrow¡¯s direction. The Wolf King closed in behind him, but Li Jun stayed calm. Each time he felt lost, another red arrow appeared ahead¡ªguiding him. After seven or eight arrows, he finally saw the explosive formation. And next to it¡ª A small wooden sign that read: ¡°If the explosion doesn¡¯t kill it, keep running. There¡¯s another trap ahead.¡± Li Jun: "..." What kind of person prepares this thoroughly?! Even more impressive, a safehouse had been dug out nearby, big enough for one person to hide in. And on the wall inside, another message: ¡°Explosion incoming. Hide here.¡± "This guy... is a genius." Li Jun dived inside. The next moment¡ª "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" A chain of explosions ripped through the forest, shaking the entire mountain. Even though the explosive talismans were low-grade, A hundred of them going off at once was no joke. At a distance¡ª Han Luo , still hidden, nodded in satisfaction. "Everything¡¯s set up perfectly. Li Jun should be able to handle it now." He originally built the safehouse for himself, but borrowing it to save Li Jun wasn¡¯t a big deal. Besides¡ª He had seven more safehouses anyway. As the smoke cleared¡ªThe crowd erupted into cheers. Li Jun, battered but victorious, had killed the Wolf King. Surrounded by admiration, he looked around, searching for his mysterious benefactor but Han Luo remained in the shadows, quietly waiting for the real danger to pass. And then¡ª A deep, sinister laugh echoed across the sky. "Luo Xian Sect¡¯s chosen ones... you will all be my feast!" Chapter 11 That was a young man. Tall and clad in black robes, shrouded in dark mist, his sharp brows and piercing eyes gave him a dangerous, domineering presence. The only thing missing was a "Villain" sign plastered across his forehead. He had been lying in wait for a long time. All he needed was for everyone to step onto the Sunset Mountain platform¡ªthen he could activate the formation and wipe them all out in one go. "Demonic Cultivator!" At the Luo Xian Sect¡¯s Grand Hall Yun Yangzi¡¯s expression hardened, and in the next breath, he vanished from sight. The five Peak Masters immediately dropped their usual banter. Even Wu Dao, who had been silent the entire time, opened his eyes and looked toward the ancient bronze mirror. Sunset Mountain Platform, Inside the demonic formation¡ª Upon seeing the sudden arrival of this sinister figure, Li Jun and the others immediately recognized him as a demonic cultivator. "What''s going on?! How did a demonic cultivator appear here? Isn''t the Eastern Region protected by the World Barrier?! The Golden Army of the Golden Domain should be holding them back!" "Exactly! The demons have long coveted the Eastern Region, but they have to pass through the Golden Pathway of the Golden Domain! The Golden Army is stationed there, and it''s said that even a Tribulation-Stage cultivator stands guard! How could the demons have invaded this deep into the Eastern Region?" "Wait... Does this mean the Golden Domain has fallen? Have the demons already begun their full-scale invasion?!" The moment someone spoke those words panic erupted. If the Golden Domain had truly fallen, then all of humanity was at risk of annihilation. "Everyone, calm down and listen to me!" Li Jun knew that this was the moment he had to step forward. "I don¡¯t know why a demonic cultivator is here, but we must trust the Luo Xian Sect elders. I¡¯m certain they¡¯ve already noticed this situation and are on their way. We just need to hold out!" His authority among the group was strong. The moment he spoke, the chaos subsided. "Damn, thank god I didn¡¯t go up there." Stepping onto solid ground, Han Luo clutched his chest, his expression full of lingering fear. "Demons, huh? So this is part of the test? Luo Xian Sect sure goes all out¡ªthrowing in some demon invasion roleplay as part of the assessment?" Better safe than sorry. Han Luo turned around to leave. "Stop right there!" The demonic cultivator was powerful. At least a Third-Stage Demonic Cultivator. He had already sensed Han Luo¡¯s presence. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Han Luo panicked on the outside¡ªbut inside, he was perfectly calm. Without hesitation, he activated the Wind-Chasing Talismans on his legs. At the same time¡ª He stomped down hard. A smoke bomb exploded beneath his feet, instantly filling the air with thick smoke. This wasn''t just any smoke bomb, It was specially crafted to block spiritual senses. The only downside? It lasted only three breaths. "Swoosh!" In the blink of an eye, Han Luo vanished into the forest. The demonic cultivator¡ª"...What the hell?! Did someone light this kid''s ass on fire?! Why is he running so fast?!" But his power was undeniable. His figure blurred, transforming into a black gust of wind, chasing after Han Luo . "Brat, you think you can escape from my hands?! Your life is mine!" His name was Mo Jiu, a Third-Stage Demonic Cultivator. He might not be the strongest among the demons but in this place, he was the absolute king. With just a few steps, he closed the distance and reached out to grab Han Luo . Feeling the immense pressure behind him, Han Luo ''s face filled with fear¡ªbut inwardly, he was completely calm. His palm tightened around a detonation talisman. "Boom!" A massive explosion shook the entire forest. One hundred explosive talismans detonated beneath Mo Jiu¡¯s feet. Even as a Third-Stage Demonic Cultivator, Mo Jiu was sent flying, his body battered and disoriented. "It''s him!" Li Jun¡¯s eyes widened. The moment the explosion went off, he instantly thought of the person who had guided him earlier. "Who is it?! Is he a friend of Li Jun¡¯s?" Someone asked¡ªthey were still trapped inside the formation. "No, not a friend." "He¡¯s our savior." Li Jun made no effort to claim credit. He openly explained everything. And just like that the group''s emotions shifted. First, they were impressed by Li Jun¡¯s humility. Then¡ªthey all grew curious about this mysterious individual. Meanwhile¡ª "Cough, cough, cough!" Han Luo hacked violently, his chest burning from the explosion. Thankfully, he had planned ahead. For safety reasons, he had set up several traps nearby. But¡ªhe had been too close when the explosion went off. His internal organs felt like they had flipped upside down, and his bones ached all over. One hundred explosive talismans¡­ damn, that was strong. "BASTARD!" Mo Jiu staggered to his feet, his body still smoking. He looked like a coal miner fresh out of a furnace¡ªcompletely disheveled. But he wasn¡¯t hurt. His appearance was ruined beyond recognition but his body was completely fine. Han Luo was dumbfounded. This demonic cultivator had just tanked one hundred explosive talismans. How the hell was he still standing?! "Alright then..." Han Luo patted his Wind-Chasing Talismans and took off running again. "You think you can escape?!" Mo Jiu was livid. A Third-Stage Demonic Cultivator¡ªbeing toyed with by a mortal?! That was unacceptable! With a flick of his wrist, a black steel saber appeared in his hand. His figure vanished, slicing through the air like a demonic wind, his blade aimed to cut Han Luo in half. Han Luo knew he couldn¡¯t outrun him. Even with the Wind-Chasing Talismans, it wasn¡¯t enough. But that was fine. He had never planned to just keep running. After sprinting thirty meters, Han Luo activated another detonation talisman. Mo Jiu, mid-pursuit, suddenly froze. He looked down. "Wait... there''s another¡ª" "BOOM!" A second explosion rocked the forest. A hundred more explosive talismans detonated right under Mo Jiu¡¯s feet. Mo Jiu was blasted through the air, tumbling four or five times before skidding to a stop. "Cough, cough..." Black smoke poured out of his mouth. His once-handsome face was now pitch black¡ª Like someone had just pulled him out of a coal mine. He looked absolutely ridiculous. "AAAAARGH!" Mo Jiu exploded with rage. The first time, he had been caught off guard. But this time? He had been tricked AGAIN! He was furious at himself. But even more furious at that damned brat. "I swear, I¡¯ll make you suffer the worst possible torment¡ªso much that you¡¯ll BEG for death!" Mo Jiu lunged forward. "Thanks for the warning!" Han Luo smirked. Another detonation talisman appeared in his hand. "Welcome to my domain." "Boom!" For the third time, Mo Jiu was blown sky-high. Inside the formation¡ª Li Jun and the others watched in silence. For some reason¡ª They started feeling sorry for the demonic cultivator. No way¡­ he couldn''t have just died like that, right? If he really did, that would be way too pathetic. Chapter 12 Luo Xian Sect, main hall. The five peak masters stared at the scene in the ancient bronze mirror, dumbfounded. "How many explosive talismans did this brat bury underground? This level of caution is simply ridiculous!" Yun Ding frowned, feeling his worldview had been shaken. "Just petty tricks, nothing substantial," Yun Qianli scoffed at Han Luo ''s methods. "In the face of true cultivators, such tricks are worthless. No matter how many explosive talismans you plant, an expert only needs a single sword strike to cut through them. True power is the only way to survive in the cultivation world. Relying on external objects for victory will never be a long-term path." "Qianli is right. If this kid passes the assessment, whoever wants him can take him¡ªI don''t want him in my Law Enforcement Hall," Lei Xing said flatly, expressing his firm stance. "I agree with Lei Xing. We can¡¯t let one rotten apple spoil the bunch. If we let someone like this join Xian Ding Peak, we¡¯d be a laughingstock among other sects," Yun Ding quickly added, supporting Lei Xing''s opinion. "Tch! You two are peak masters, yet you¡¯re stooping to targeting a mere junior? No wonder your cultivation has stagnated for years," Yun Qianli sneered, seizing the opportunity to mock them. "Oh? If you think so highly of him, why don¡¯t you take him as a disciple? I¡¯d be impressed, Qianli," Yun Ding challenged. Yun Qianli fell silent. "Why aren¡¯t you speaking now?" Yun Ding pressed on. "Yun Ding, if you have the guts, you take him as a disciple first," Yun Qianli retorted, refusing to be baited. The two were about to start another argument when¡ª "Alright, enough, both of you," Hong Niang interrupted. "The appearance of a demon cultivator is a bad omen, especially at such a crucial time. This was clearly planned in advance." "You''re right," Yun Ding and Yun Qianli both calmed down. "Hopefully, the senior brother will capture him alive for questioning. Otherwise, this could become a major problem," Hong Niang said solemnly. The ancient bronze mirror continued to display the unfolding events. As the smoke cleared, the anticipated scene of Mo Jiu being blown to pieces did not appear. Instead, the once-handsome Mo Jiu was gone. What remained was a demon shrouded in surging demonic energy, with two horns on its head, wings sprouting from its back, and a long tail trailing behind it. "A true demon bloodline¡­ A royal of the demon race!" Hong Niang''s eyes narrowed in surprise. "The Demon Emperor lineage resides deep within the Demon Realm. Even on the Golden Battlefield, they¡¯re rare. Why would one appear near Luo Xian Sect?" Yun Qianli said, clearly puzzled. "This is definitely not a coincidence. Lei Xing, send people to investigate. The war between humans and demons has raged for a thousand years, and the World Wall has never been breached. Now a demon suddenly appears deep in the Eastern Region? If necessary, notify the higher-ups and have them send reinforcements," Yun Ding ordered. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "Agreed," Lei Xing nodded and issued a secret command. In Luo Xian Peak, several black-clad figures disappeared into the night to carry out their mission. ¡ª¡ª "You there, what¡¯s your name?" Mo Jiu¡¯s eyes burned with blood-red flames. As a member of the Demon Emperor lineage, he possessed the noble True Demon Blood. His status was no less exalted than that of a True Immortal. He was one of the last remaining bearers of an ancient bloodline. Han Luo , looking at Mo Jiu, who had transformed just because he was losing, suddenly blurted out, "Damn, that¡¯s cool!" Mo Jiu: ¡­ Yun Ding: ¡­ Yun Qianli: ¡­ Lei Xing: ¡­ Hong Niang: ¡­ Wu Dao: ¡­ Onlookers: ¡­ "You, a mere mortal, dared to wound me three times? You are unworthy of a name," Mo Jiu sneered. He exuded no overt killing intent, yet his mere presence was overwhelmingly terrifying. That absolute control over the situation¡­ Han Luo couldn''t help but feel envious. "Tch!" Han Luo smirked. "Do you think I¡¯m stupid? If I tell you my name, what happens when I run away and you come back for revenge?" "You¡ª" "What? You think you have me cornered? Let me tell you something: I¡¯ve set up thirty-six more explosive talisman formations around us. Each one contains no less than three hundred talismans. If you move even a little, I swear your own grandmother won¡¯t recognize your remains." Han Luo remained perfectly calm, despite his heart racing at 220 beats per minute. "Ha! You think I¡¯d fall for that again? Look at this!" Mo Jiu flapped his wings and soared into the sky. "Let¡¯s see you try and blow me up now." He folded his arms, enjoying the look of helplessness on Han Luo ¡¯s face. Han Luo : ¡­ This is a disaster. Still¡­ "Mo Jiu, the elders of Luo Xian Sect are already on their way. Even if you kill me, you won¡¯t escape," Han Luo stalled for time. He knew the sect elders were watching. He just needed to hold on until help arrived. But seriously¡ªten minutes had already passed, where were the reinforcements? "Don¡¯t try to stall. If I dared to come here, it means I¡¯m fully prepared. Accept your fate," Mo Jiu declared. His wings flapped violently, and he shot toward Han Luo like a black meteor. Seeing this, Han Luo clenched his teeth. No choice¡ªhe had to use his last resort. In an instant! A strange rune appeared in the center of his left palm. The rune was shaped like a black-and-white Taiji diagram. It flickered in and out of existence. It seemed to be activating. Before he could unleash it¡ª "Whoosh!" A flaming spear shot through the air, crackling with intense spiritual energy, and crashed directly into Mo Jiu. "Boom!" The force of the impact sent Han Luo tumbling backward. He hit the ground hard, feeling as if his internal organs had been turned upside down. His vision blurred, and he nearly blacked out. A figure approached from the distance. It was none other than the round-faced girl¡ªChi Xiao. "Such pure fire energy¡­ Interesting," Mo Jiu murmured, unfazed. Even in his True Demon Form, his body was as tough as a high-grade treasure. Chi Xiao¡¯s body was wreathed in scarlet-gold flames, her long crimson hair billowing behind her, and her red-feathered battle armor glowing brilliantly. The sheer strength radiating from her was undeniable. "Sister, need any help?" Han Luo asked politely, though he was already preparing to run. "Yes," Chi Xiao replied flatly. "How should I help?" Han Luo asked cautiously. "Get lost," Chi Xiao said. "¡­" Han Luo stumbled. Fine. Fine. You¡¯re the boss. Without hesitation, he turned and ran. "Little girl, you¡¯ve got guts. You¡¯re a hundred times stronger than that coward," Mo Jiu sneered. Han Luo , still fleeing, shuddered. "The hell? Of course I ran! You¡¯re a third-tier demon cultivator using your True Demon Form against a mortal like me! If we were both at the Core Formation stage, you¡¯d have already been blown to pieces by my explosive talismans! Who are you to talk?" Han Luo grumbled inwardly, his feet moving even faster. Chi Xiao gripped her flaming spear tightly, exuding the aura of a war goddess. Although she was only at the second-tier of Qi Refinement, while Mo Jiu was a third-tier demon cultivator, she wasn¡¯t the type to back down. She was Chi Xiao¡ªnot Han Luo . Even a third-tier Demon Wolf King had failed to gain the upper hand against her. A mere demon cultivator was nothing to fear. "I originally planned to join the Golden Army after reaching Foundation Establishment and eradicate you vile demon scum. Since you¡¯re here now, it¡¯s your unlucky day. Be proud¡ªyou¡¯ll be the first demon I slay," Chi Xiao declared arrogantly. Her presence was so commanding that even Mo Jiu felt slightly pressured. Before he could respond, she charged at him like an unstoppable force of nature. "What a fiery little lady. I like that. Perfect¡ªI was just looking for a bride. You¡¯ll do nicely." Mo Jiu¡¯s wings flapped, and he rushed forward to meet her. Chapter 13 The battle between Chi Xiao and Mo Jiu erupted in an instant, unleashing powerful spiritual energy. Dark demonic qi clashed with crimson divine flames, consuming the entire forest in a vortex of destruction. Having already fled several kilometers away, Han Luo felt the terrifying aura behind him¡ªso he sped up even more. This is way too reckless! Way too reckless! A second-stage cultivator fighting a third-stage demon cultivator? That¡¯s like a starving dog running into an outhouse¡ªasking for trouble. Suddenly! A surge of heat radiated from behind him. A shadow streaked past with a sharp whoosh¡ªThen crashed heavily to the ground right in front of him. "Pfft¡­" Chi Xiao coughed up blood, her once-valiant aura utterly drained. The confidence she had just moments ago was gone¡ªshe was seriously injured. One exchange. Just one exchange. And Chi Xiao had already lost. The sheer power of a demon cultivator was beyond imagination. Han Luo saw this. Without a word, he turned and ran in the opposite direction. Didn¡¯t even glance at Chi Xiao, who was lying there injured. I can barely save myself¡ªgirl, you¡¯re on your own. Chi Xiao gritted her teeth and forced herself up, ignoring the pain. She cast a glance at Han Luo , who didn¡¯t even spare her a single look before running off like his life depended on it. She swallowed her anger. Instead, she turned to face Mo Jiu, who was descending toward her through the air. No words were exchanged. She launched herself back at him in a streak of red light. "So fierce¡ªI like that," Mo Jiu grinned. His tongue flicked over his lips, eyes gleaming with appreciation. Unlike humans, who valued respect for teachers and tradition, demons respected only strength. If you were strong enough, you could take whatever you wanted¡ªincluding women. Mo Jiu threw a simple punch. No flashy techniques. Just pure, overwhelming force. "Boom!" Chi Xiao was blown away again. In his True Demon Form, Mo Jiu had even slaughtered fourth-stage demon cultivators. A mere second-stage cultivator? Not even worth his attention. Meanwhile, Han Luo was still running. Until¡ª "Whoosh!" "Bang!" Chi Xiao flew through the air in an elegant arc¡ª "Splat!" Landing right at his feet. This time, she was even worse off. Her crimson feathered battle armor was torn in multiple places. Pale, snow-white skin peeked through the rips. Her long red hair was tangled into a mess.Her once-proud face was now covered in dust, looking both miserable and pitiful. And Han Luo ? That guy was already gone. Only a fleeting shadow of his disappearing figure remained¡ªlike he had rehearsed this escape a thousand times. "Pfft¡­" Chi Xiao hadn¡¯t been coughing up blood before but now, after seeing Han Luo flee without even hesitating, she spat out a mouthful of blood in rage. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. I literally saved your life just now! I don¡¯t need you to fight for me, but could you at least pretend to care? Running away without a single word¡ªwhat kind of person even does that?! Chi Xiao couldn¡¯t believe it. She knew her own beauty was unparalleled. And yet, "Come quietly, little girl. Don¡¯t make me mad." Mo Jiu reached out with a massive clawed hand to grab her. Chi Xiao tried to move but to her shock, her body wouldn¡¯t respond. She had already exhausted her spiritual energy battling the Demon Wolf King. And she was injured. Now, against Mo Jiu, she was already running on fumes. If it weren¡¯t for her stubborn pride and unwillingness to watch others die in front of her, she wouldn¡¯t have interfered. And then, she thought of that guy, The one who didn¡¯t even turn his head before running. She simply couldn¡¯t believe there was a man in this world who wouldn¡¯t even hesitate to abandon her. As a woman, she was fully aware of her charm. But¡ª None of that mattered now. Mo Jiu¡¯s hand descended upon her. Chi Xiao¡¯s eyes glowed red. At this moment, she would rather self-destruct than fall into demon hands. If she was captured, death would be a mercy compared to the torment awaiting her. "Fiery¡ªI like that." Mo Jiu¡¯s smile widened as he reached for her. Then, The ground beneath Chi Xiao shifted slightly.It felt¡­ oddly comfortable? And then¡ªShe was lifted off the ground. Mo Jiu¡¯s grasp missed. "Come on, what are you thinking? Self-destruction? Did you overdose on spirit pills or something?"\ Han Luo had thrown her over his shoulder. His entire body was covered in talismans. Strength-enhancing talismans, speed-boosting talismans, stealth talismans, earth-escape talismans¡­ Good thing he had prepared for ten years. and worked on his physical strength. Otherwise, with all these talismans, he¡¯d have exploded from the sheer force alone. Chi Xiao froze. Surprised. Shocked. And maybe just a tiny bit touched. So this guy¡­ actually came back to save me? I hate to admit it, but¡­ that was kind of moving. She was about to say something¡ª Until¡ª "Damn, sis! You¡¯re heavy. You need to go on a diet." ¡­ Never mind. Chi Xiao rolled her eyes so hard they almost got stuck. She had no idea what to say. Han Luo bolted. Darting left and right, he disappeared into the dense forest. From the moment he picked up Chi Xiao to vanishing into the trees¡ª The entire process took less than five seconds. It was clearly a well-planned escape. Mo Jiu stood there, stunned. For three whole seconds. "YOU LITTLE BASTARD! You ruined my plans again!" He exploded with rage. With a burst of demonic energy, he shot forward to chase after them. No matter how fast Han Luo was, Mo Jiu was still a third-stage demon cultivator. "Fighting is one thing, but do you really have to insult me? No manners at all." Han Luo muttered under his breath. Then¡ª He stomped the ground. "Boom!" A concealed mist talisman detonated, filling the entire area with thick smoke. This time, the mist covered a 200-meter radius. Mo Jiu frowned. What the hell is wrong with this guy? How does he have so many tricks up his sleeve? By the time the smoke cleared¡ª Han Luo and Chi Xiao were gone. "Damn it!" Mo Jiu¡¯s eyes turned vicious. He raised his hands and unleashed a barrage of demonic energy blasts. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" One by one, deep craters scarred the landscape. "Let''s see how long you can hide!" ¡ª Underground. Han Luo and Chi Xiao were hiding inside a safehouse. Of course, Han Luo hadn¡¯t just run aimlessly. He had seven different safehouses in this area. Naturally, he had immediately headed for one. But¡­ These safehouses were only meant for one person. So¡ª Han Luo was hugging Chi Xiao tightly. Her legs were wrapped around his waist. Their faces were practically touching. It wasn¡¯t exactly a dignified position, but it was all they could manage. "Cough¡­" Chi Xiao coughed, her injuries severe. "Shhh¡ªsis, be quiet." "I¡¯m in pain!" Her voice was soft, tinged with an unusual gentleness. "Oh, so now you know pain? You seriously tried to fight a demon cultivator head-on? Be grateful you''re even alive." "You muttering about something?!" "Nope! I was just saying¡­ your skin is really nice. Smooth. Like¡­ concrete." "YOU¡¯RE INSULTING ME." "Nope, just a compliment." "You are absolutely insulting me." "Fine. Yes, I am." "You¡ª" "Boom! Boom! Boom!" Loud explosions got closer. Then¡ª The roof of the safehouse was ripped open. "Hehehe¡­ found you." "Oh my, looks like I interrupted something good," Mo Jiu licked his lips with a sinister grin. "You¡¯re not interrupting¡ªthis gift was prepared just for you. I call it the Ultimate Send-Off Package. Enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content!" Han Luo , who had been looking flustered, suddenly grinned like an idiot who had just tricked someone. The next moment, both he and Chi Xiao began to fade and finally, their bodies transformed into two substitution talismans. "Substitution talismans!" Before Mo Jiu could react¡ª "BOOM!" Five hundred explosion talismans detonated simultaneously. Even though they were only first-grade, their sheer number was enough to shake the entire forest. A massive mushroom cloud erupted, dazzling and overwhelming. And as if that weren¡¯t enough¡ª The explosion was enhanced with itching powder, deadly crane¡¯s red poison, stink bombs, and three hundred steel needles coated with lethal venom. Even if it didn¡¯t kill him, it would definitely make him shed a few layers of skin. ¡ª In another safehouse¡­ Han Luo sat comfortably, still holding Chi Xiao in his arms. He casually counted on his fingers, calculating the damage output of his trap. "Even for a third-stage demon cultivator¡­ taking my second strongest trap head-on, he should be at least half-dead by now." After all, this was one of his most prized trump cards¡ªthe Ultimate Send-Off Package. There was no way a third-stage demon would walk away unscathed. Chapter 14 "Cough, cough..." Chi Xiao let out a weak cough, her face growing paler¡ªher injuries were so severe that even breathing had become difficult. "Senior Sister, are you okay? Uh¡­ if you''re gonna cough up blood, at least give me a heads-up first. Don¡¯t get it on me¡ªthis outfit is this year¡¯s latest model, and it was expensive." "Pfft!" Chi Xiao spat a mouthful of fresh blood right onto Han Luo ¡¯s clothes, then shot him a deadly glare. "Senior Sister, what was that for?! I just saved your life! Why are you looking at me like that?" Han Luo felt deeply wronged. He had gone out of his way to do something good, yet here he was getting scorned for it. Instinctively, he tightened his arms around Chi Xiao. "You shameless scoundrel¡ªtake your hands off me! Now!" Chi Xiao gritted her teeth. This guy must be doing it on purpose. On the surface, he acted all proper and righteous, but in reality, he was full of tricks and deceit. No, wait¡ªeven on the surface, he looks like a complete menace! "Like a dog biting someone¡ªyou don''t recognize a good person when you see one! Should¡¯ve just let the demons capture you and turn you into a maid!" Han Luo huffed in frustration. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. So, without thinking, he tightened his embrace even further. "You...!" Chi Xiao trembled with rage but was too weak to resist. Her injuries were too severe, leaving her completely at his mercy. "Tell me your name!" Chi Xiao practically growled through clenched teeth. "My name? So you can track me down later and settle the score? Senior Sister, don¡¯t be ridiculous. Just sit tight and wait for rescue like a good girl." Han Luo patted her back gently, as if comforting a child. Feeling his palm press against her back, Chi Xiao shuddered like she had been electrocuted. "Let. Me. Go." Her face flushed with shame and embarrassment as she struggled to free herself. "Senior Sister, please have some restraint¡ªdon¡¯t move around so much! Junior Brother is a righteous man! If you keep doing this, you''re really putting me in a difficult position!" Han Luo sighed dramatically. Women truly are devious. Chi Xiao didn¡¯t say a word but continued to struggle. She would rather be captured by demons and be turned into a servant, a plaything¡ªanything¡ªthan be held like this by him! "Senior Sister, don''t be mad. You saved me earlier, and now I¡¯ve saved you¡ªwe¡¯re even. From now on, let¡¯s never see each other again. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. And by the way, just because you''re a little pretty, don¡¯t assume that every man wants a piece of you. We¡¯re all cultivators here¡ªhave some self-awareness, will you?" Han Luo spoke in a slow, deliberate tone, completely oblivious to the dangerous glint in Chi Xiao¡¯s eyes. He had already calculated everything¡ª Chi Xiao looked like a cold and untouchable warrior, but in reality, she had tons of admirers, especially a bunch of brain-dead fanboys. If he got too close to her, those crazy fanatics would definitely come after him¡ª Ambush him, poison him, set traps for him¡­ who knows what else. Rather than live in constant fear, it was better to cut ties completely! Chi Xiao was so angry that she could no longer even speak. All she could do was glare at Han Luo with seething hatred, as if trying to murder him with her gaze alone. ¡ª Meanwhile, back at the explosion site¡­ "Aaaahhhhhh!" A furious roar shook the land. "You bastard! You dare injure my True Demon Body?!" Mo Jiu emerged from the smoke. His entire body was bright red, like he had been boiled alive. His face was covered in purple and green bruises, with steel needles embedded in his skin. He reeked of something foul, looking like he had just climbed out of a sewer. The explosion itself had only caused minor injuries but the extra surprises hidden within the blast? They were utterly infuriating. "Who the hell is this guy?! Who even fights like this?! This is way too low-class!" Mo Jiu gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. Then¡ª With a single flap of his demon wings, he hovered into the sky. "True Demon Flames." Dark flames erupted around his body, instantly burning away all the poisons and negative effects. "You want to play dirty? Fine. I¡¯ll slaughter you both!" Mo Jiu¡¯s expression darkened as he made a complex hand seal. A third eye opened on his forehead¡ª "True Demon Eye." A royal bloodline ability unique to the Demon Race. Under the gaze of the True Demon Eye, nothing could remain hidden. ¡ª Back in the safehouse¡­ "Where the hell are those reinforcements?! Did they get lost?!" Han Luo muttered under his breath. Then, his entire body stiffened. A searing pain shot through his shoulder. Tears sprang into his eyes because Chi Xiao had just sunk her teeth into his shoulder. Hard. Blood splattered everywhere. And yet, Chi Xiao did not let go. If anything, she adjusted her position to bite down even harder. "Senior Sister! I was wrong! Please, go easy on me¡ªI¡¯m scared of pain!" Han Luo nearly lost his mind. What the hell was wrong with this woman?! She actually bit him?! Not just pretend, not just a warning¡ªshe full-on chomped down! And the blood was gushing! Chi Xiao ignored him. She simply tightened her grip, as if determined to bite him to death. "Fine, fine! You leave me no choice!" Han Luo gritted his teeth. He slowly lifted both hands¡ª Riiiiip, clang, crash, clatter, bang, boom, ratatatatatatatatata¡­ Five seconds later. Chi Xiao released him, her face beet red. She glared at Han Luo in furious silence. Their eyes locked. Then, Han Luo suddenly muttered, "Senior Sister¡­ when was the last time you brushed your teeth?" "Pfft!" Chi Xiao¡¯s internal injuries instantly worsened and she passed out on the spot. Just then¡­ Mo Jiu¡¯s voice boomed overhead. "Little brats! I¡¯ve memorized your faces! If you dare step foot outside Luo Xian Sect, I swear, I will make your lives a living hell!" Then, with a furious snarl, Mo Jiu vanished into the distance. Watching him flee, Han Luo let out a sigh of relief. Then, his face turned pale. "Wait¡­ did I just get marked for death by a demon lord?! Oh no, oh no¡­ I think I¡¯ve been targeted by the Demon Clan! I just knew some villain was out to get me!" Han Luo clutched his head in despair. "All I did was blow you up a few times with a couple hundred spirit talismans and gift you a ''Rest in Peace Deluxe Package''¡ªdid you really have to hold a grudge this hard?!" His face was filled with frustration as he looked up at Yun Yangzi, who floated in midair, his robes billowing with celestial grace. Yun Yangzi frowned. Han Luo had indeed saved many disciples, proving himself resourceful and cunning. But a personality like this¡­? He was far from suited for the path of cultivation and enlightenment. Forget it. The path of immortality has a thousand roads¡ªwhat is poison to one may be another¡¯s destined opportunity. With a sweep of his sleeve, Yun Yangzi collected all the disciples and vanished into the sky. chapter 15 Luo Xian Sect The Spiritual Root Testing Plaza Thousands of new disciples had gathered, their faces filled with relief and disbelief. To their astonishment, those they had believed dead during the trial had miraculously revived! Tears were shed, laughter echoed, and heartfelt conversations were exchanged. The life-and-death ordeal had profoundly changed them, allowing them to grasp the true value of existence. One had to admit¡ªLuo Xian Sect¡¯s methods were truly brilliant. Not only had they given the newcomers a lesson in mortality, but they had also forged an unshakable bond among them. And in a sect, unity was the real foundation of power. ¡ª¡ª "Looking for something?" Wang Ze glanced at Li Jun, who was scanning the crowd with a serious expression. "Nothing." Li Jun responded with a faint smile. But in truth, he was searching for the one who had fought the demon. By all logic, he should have been the main hero of the trial. After all, he had led the battle against the Forest Wolves, slain the Wolf King, and led the charge up Luo Xian Mountain¡ªa contribution worthy of first merit. But fate was unpredictable. A demon had appeared, and someone had engaged it in combat. It was thanks to that person that they had survived. This meant that this mysterious figure was likely his strongest competitor for the sect¡¯s recognition. Li Jun knew that to rise to the top, he had to understand his rivals. Know thy enemy, know thyself¡ªonly then can victory be assured. One day¡­ he would become Luo Xian Sect¡¯s master. ¡ª¡ª Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the plaza¡­ Han Luo stood rigidly, maintaining a strict two-meter distance from everyone around him. What to do? He had been targeted by the Demon Clan! From now on, he''d never be able to sleep soundly again. Too reckless! Way too reckless! Far too reckless! He never should have gotten involved with Chi Xiao. Not only did he fail to win her favor, but he got glared at multiple times, bitten on the shoulder, and worst of all, caught the attention of a demon. Han Luo sighed and pulled out a small notebook, jotting down this major mistake. Lately¡­ his errors were piling up. But looking around the majestic sect, he felt¡­ it was worth it. The pristine mountains, the flowing spirit energy, the ancient halls of wisdom¡ªLuo Xian Sect truly lived up to its name. Ten years of preparation. And now, he was finally here. Han Luo gave himself a solid 100 points for making it this far. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡ª¡ª "Congratulations to all of you for passing the trial. From this moment on, you are disciples of Luo Xian Sect." Yun Yangzi¡¯s voice resounded through the plaza. "Now, you will undergo a Spiritual Root Test, after which you will be assigned to a respective peak." A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd. For these young cultivators, joining Luo Xian Sect meant truly stepping onto the path of immortality. Disciples of the sect appeared to organize the test, guiding people one by one into the formation array. Spiritual Roots were not something you could see, eat, or touch¡ªthey were a cultivator¡¯s lifeline. They were categorized into seven ranks: Spiritual Roots acted as a bridge between the body and the world''s spiritual energy¡ªthe higher the grade, the faster one could absorb qi, and the higher the chances of reaching immortality. The first disciple stepped into the formation, and the stone tablet lit up. "Zhao Wu, Third-Grade Spiritual Root, Fire Attribute." The elder in charge of the test announced the results with a booming voice, as if he were a street vendor peddling wares. As soon as Zhao Wu stepped out, several senior disciples swarmed him. "Junior Brother! You have Fire-Attribute Third-Grade Spiritual Roots¡ªyou belong in Xian Ding Peak! Our peak is the strongest among the five! We are masters of alchemy, and your fire affinity is perfect for pill refinement! Join us!" The Xian Ding Peak disciple was practically running a sales pitch. Third-Grade Roots were the average among cultivators, but still worthy of recruitment. "Bah! Nonsense!" A disciple from Qian Ren Peak scoffed. "When did Xian Ding Peak become the strongest? Did you forget about us, Qian Ren Peak?! Our numbers are the largest, and our peak master is the strongest among all five! Join us, and no one will dare bully you!" Tension instantly flared. "What''s this?! Trying to steal recruits, huh?" The Xian Ding Peak disciple sneered. "Like hell I am! He hasn''t agreed to join you yet!" The two disciples glared at each other, fists clenched. Behind them, groups of senior disciples from both peaks began forming up like gang factions, the air thick with hostility. The new disciples watched in stunned silence. "¡­Is this really a cultivation sect?" Han Luo couldn''t help but mutter in disbelief. "Why does this feel more like joining a gang?" ¡ª¡ª "Enough! Stop fighting!" A senior Miao Yao Peak disciple intervened, preventing the situation from escalating. For now, both sides reluctantly backed down, but they still exchanged hostile glares. ¡ª¡ª Meanwhile, miles away from Luo Xian Sect, in a remote mountain valley¡­ "BASTARD! BASTARD! BASTARD!" A furious roar echoed through the wilderness. Demonic qi erupted, wilting every living thing in its path. An entire lush mountain turned into a lifeless wasteland in mere moments. In the center of it all, Mo Jiu¡¯s crimson eyes burned with pure rage. His body trembled violently, and then¡ª "BOOM!" He exploded into a mist of demonic fog, his fury too overwhelming for even himself to contain. "Station spies at Luo Xian Sect¡¯s gates!" His voice rumbled from the fog. "The moment that little bastard leaves, I want to know immediately! IMMEDIATELY!" "Yes, master!" The demon servants hurried to deploy spies. "And what of our inside agents? Have they infiltrated Luo Xian Sect?" "Master, thanks to your power, they have already blended in. Should we begin the operation?" Demon servants asked. "Yes. Start." Mo Jiu reformed his body, his expression now cold and calculating. "Luo Xian Sect¡­Consider yourselves honored to be my first stepping stone in this world." A chilling smirk spread across his face but his expression twitched in pain. "¡­Damn that little bastard. He actually had soul-based attack methods?!" He clenched his fists. "When I destroy Luo Xian Sect, I''ll make him REGRET being born a man." ¡ª¡ª Back at Luo Xian Sect¡­ Han Luo shivered violently. "Ugh¡­ am I imagining things, or is that damn demon thinking about me?!" With a grim expression, he immediately pulled out a winter coat from his bag and bundled himself up. For extra security, he loaded his sleeves with two escape talismans, ready to flee at a moment¡¯s notice. He just wanted this damn test to end so he could get his hands on some defensive artifacts. At that moment¡­ "Li Jun¡ªSixth-Grade Metal Spiritual Root!" The elder¡¯s voice boomed across the entire sect. Chapter 16 "Is this for real? A six-grade spiritual root!" By normal standards, a seven-grade spiritual root was the pinnacle, something only a rare few in history had ever attained. So, a six-grade spiritual root was an extraordinary talent that could be seen and recognized. In the entire Luo Xian Sect, there was already one disciple with a six-grade spiritual root. But no one expected that someone in this year''s batch would possess the same level of talent. And when they realized that the person in question was Li Jun, everyone nodded in understanding. It was as if the idea that Li Jun was exceptional had already been planted in their minds. A six-grade spiritual root was surprising, but not entirely unexpected. "Junior Brother Li, it''s been a long time." While everyone was still reeling from the announcement, a voice came from above. It was Lu Danchen, the senior disciple of Xian Ding Peak, arriving with an air of confidence, stepping through the sky like a true master. Handsome and poised, with an air of maturity, he was undoubtedly the top disciple among the younger generation of Luo Xian Sect. The moment he appeared, countless female disciples screamed as if they were at a grand festival. "Senior Brother Lu, it''s been a while." Li Jun immediately bowed in greeting, showing great respect toward Lu Danchen. It was obvious that the two of them were acquainted and had a close connection. "Junior Brother Li, there''s no need to be so formal. As your senior brother, I welcome you to the Luo Xian Sect family." Lu Danchen maintained his composed and dignified demeanor. Notably, instead of mentioning his own Xian Ding Peak, he spoke of the sect as a whole. On the surface, it sounded like a simple welcome. But the underlying message was clear¡ªhe saw himself as someone who could represent the entire sect. His confidence was unmistakable. "I will be relying on you for guidance in the future, Senior Brother Lu." Li Jun kept his stance humble. His talent was undeniable¡ªa six-grade spiritual root was practically unparalleled. But when it came to status, he was still far behind Lu Danchen. For Lu Danchen to personally come and welcome him, to extend such goodwill, was purely because of his potential. And Li Jun was very aware of that. "Come, Junior Brother, let me show you around the sect." With that, Lu Danchen led Li Jun away, walking side by side through the sky. It was a scene that made countless disciples envious. Having the top disciple of the sect personally give you a tour¡ªwhat an honor! For most people, they would never experience such treatment in their entire lives. "Tch! Acting all high and mighty. Who doesn¡¯t know their own worth?" Sun Bao scowled in displeasure. Though Lu Danchen was strong and known as the best among the younger generation, Qian Ren Peak had never backed down from a challenge. "What, jealous?" Ding Yuan, a disciple of Qian Ren Peak, sneered at Sun Bao. "If you have the skills, why don¡¯t you find a six-grade talent to join your peak?" "Wu Dao, no spiritual root." The elder calling out the results continued his announcements with the same level of enthusiasm. "Our Qian Ren Peak¡¯s genius has arrived!" Sun Bao grinned in satisfaction. No spiritual root? Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. In a world where cultivation was the mainstream, everyone was supposed to have a spiritual root. But while 99% of the population only had crippled spiritual roots, making cultivation impossible, there were a rare 0.1% who had none at all. And yet, no one knew why these spiritless individuals existed. They were an anomaly, an enigma. The crowd turned to look at the young man inside the testing formation. He was broad-shouldered with thick brows, wearing animal hides, looking somewhat foolish. Seeing so many people looking at him, he waved with a silly grin. His goofy appearance instantly made the crowd burst into laughter. Strangely, even though everyone was laughing at him, the boy didn¡¯t seem to feel embarrassed in the slightest. Instead, he laughed along with them, as if he genuinely found it amusing. For a moment, the atmosphere was oddly cheerful. Until¡­ "You¡¯re here." The laughter was abruptly cut short. It was as if someone had pulled the plug on an amplifier¡ªsilence fell. A suffocating aura of slaughter filled the air. Ba Dao, clad in black combat robes with a rusted ancient blade strapped to his back, had appeared at some unknown point. "Mhm, Brother Dao." Wu Dao immediately straightened up. All his earlier silliness was gone. His demeanor had transformed completely, like a schoolboy who just got caught failing a test in front of his father. Ba Dao said nothing more and turned to leave. Wu Dao followed him without another word. From start to finish, the thousands of people present didn¡¯t even dare to breathe too loudly. That was the overwhelming presence of Ba Dao, the infamous madman of Luo Xian Sect. The very act of him standing there made him king. Many people believed that, in terms of strength, Ba Dao was already on par with Lu Danchen. He simply didn¡¯t care to compete for the title of strongest because he was too obsessed with his blade. "Well? What do you think? Isn¡¯t my Brother Dao cool?" Sun Bao crossed his arms, grinning. "He¡¯s alright, I guess." Ding Yuan refused to admit admiration. He did respect Ba Dao¡ªthe man was a monster when it came to battle. But as a rival from another peak, giving credit was out of the question. Meanwhile, the crowd was stirred again. "Senior Sister Ye Qingqing from Piao Miao Peak is here!" Someone shouted, and the entire sect erupted. Ye Qingqing, the senior sister of Piao Miao Peak. Elegant, gentle, graceful¡ªa woman whose popularity outshone everyone in Luo Xian Sect. Even beyond the sect, her name was famous throughout the Eastern Region. She smiled softly as she walked through the crowd. She had no airs about her, no arrogance. She was like the kind elder sister next door, making people feel warm and at ease. "Senior Sister, you''re so beautiful!" A young girl looked up at Ye Qingqing with starry eyes. "And you''re very cute," Ye Qingqing replied with a smile. "AHHHHH!" The girl screamed and fainted on the spot. Ye Qingqing continued interacting with everyone, making them feel included. But there was one exception. "Brainwashed fans meeting their idol." Han Luo muttered under his breath, taking out a small notebook. He quickly jotted down Ye Qingqing¡¯s danger level and marked it off-limits. There was no greater threat than an overwhelming number of obsessed fans. "Chi Xiao, six-grade spiritual root, fire attribute." The elder''s voice rang out once again. Chi Xiao had fully recovered from her injuries after Yun Yangzi¡¯s treatment. Dressed in her crimson feathered battle armor, her long fiery hair draped over her shoulders, she radiated a powerful and commanding presence. Three meters around her was an empty zone. No one dared to get too close, because the heat emanating from her was enough to burn anyone. "So beautiful¡­" A young disciple murmured. Instantly, Chi Xiao¡¯s gaze snapped toward him. Her fiery red pupils blazed like hellfire, making the poor boy go pale. For a moment, he nearly wet himself. Chi Xiao¡¯s domineering aura was on par with Ba Dao''s. But while Ba Dao was sharp and ruthless, Chi Xiao¡¯s presence crushed people outright. "Still as fierce as ever." Ye Qingqing shook her head with a chuckle. She reached out to lead Chi Xiao away. "Wait." Chi Xiao''s fiery gaze scanned the entire crowd, searching for someone. But he was nowhere to be seen. She refused to believe he had been eliminated. He must have been hiding. "I know you''re listening," she said coldly. "You can hide all you want, but sooner or later, I will find you. And when I do, you¡¯ll regret ever being born." With that, she left. The crowd was left stunned. Who the hell had pissed her off?! "I think so too. If they catch him, he¡¯s definitely getting skinned alive." "This girl is too fierce. I like her." As the crowd discussed Chi Xiao¡¯s fiery temperament, Han Luo discreetly wiped the sweat from his forehead. All he did was (censored)¡­ was it really worth chasing him down like this? With Chi Xiao gone, the tension in the air finally eased. It was only now that people remembered¡ªChi Xiao¡¯s spiritual root grade was the same as Li Jun¡¯s. A six-grade spiritual root. In the entire Luo Xian Sect, aside from Chi Xiao and Li Jun, there was only one other person with a six-grade spiritual root. And the moment they thought of him, all the official disciples shook their heads helplessly. That person was Du Ming. His talent was exceptional, his strength formidable but he had one particular hobby¡ªreading fortunes. And the worst part? He was scarily accurate. He could glance at someone and instantly know all their little secrets. And then¡­ he¡¯d blackmail them. Yes, you heard that right. A six-grade prodigy, using blackmail to fund his cultivation. The disciples of Luo Xian Sect suffered terribly because of him, often wanting to bash their heads against a wall. Even figures as renowned as Ba Dao and Lu Danchen had suffered losses at his hands. He was, without a doubt, one of Luo Xian Sect¡¯s most infamous characters. As the crowd continued discussing, the spiritual root testing proceeded. Du Ming... Han Luo furrowed his brows. Just from the name, he could already tell this guy wasn¡¯t trustworthy. Without hesitation, he pulled out his little notebook and made a note. "Shen Xian''er, seven-grade spiritual root, wood attribute."The elder''s thunderous voice rang across the sect. For a third of a second¡ªsilence. Then¡­ Luo Xian Sect exploded. Chapter 17 In an instant¡ªpowerful forces surged across the square. Lu Danchen, Ye Qingqing, and Ba Dao, who had just left, returned immediately. But this time, no one was looking at them¡ªall eyes were on the little girl standing before the testing formation. She was tiny, dressed in a pink princess dress, with embroidered shoes, looking as delicate as a porcelain doll. Her hair was tied into two high ponytails, and nestled between them was a small, snow-white kitten fast asleep. The little girl looked incredibly nervous under the crowd¡¯s gaze. Her rosy cheeks were flushed as she twisted her fingers anxiously, completely at a loss. A seven-grade spiritual root¡ªthe highest possible grade in the cultivation world. Also known as the Earthly Immortal Root. History had long proven that all cultivators who possessed a seven-grade spiritual root could ascend to the Immortal Realm. In other words, as long as this little girl didn¡¯t die young and cultivated properly, she was guaranteed to become an immortal. "Little junior sister, how about joining my Xian Ding Peak?" Lu Danchen spoke first. His handsome appearance and sunny disposition made him a natural heartthrob. The little girl hesitated¡ªher small heart pounded wildly as she gazed at the big, warm, older brother in front of her. Then¡ª "Don¡¯t listen to him, little girl! Join my Qian Ren Peak. Anyone who dares bully you, I¡¯ll make sure they die with no corpse left behind." Ba Dao crossed his arms, his voice as sharp as his name suggested. True to form, he had no patience for flowery words. And sure enough¡ª The moment the little girl heard "die with no corpse left behind," she instantly shrank back in fear. "Ba Dao, don¡¯t scare our little junior sister!" A soft, melodious voice rang out. Ye Qingqing stepped forward with a gentle, warm smile. Immediately¡ªthe little girl¡¯s big eyes sparkled. "Come with me, little one. Our Piaomiao Peak is full of beautiful big sisters. You can wear all kinds of pretty dresses, and if anyone dares to bully you, my three thousand junior sisters will stand up for you!" Ye Qingqing simply had no resistance to little girls. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The three strongest prodigies of Luo Xian Sect were on the verge of tearing each other apart over a single little girl. Then¡ª "Hahaha! I didn¡¯t miss the fun, did I?" A carefree laugh echoed through the crowd. A young man swaggered in, his handsome face carrying an unmistakable air of mischief. "Oh no. Why is this plague god here?" The moment they saw him, Sun Bao and Ding Yuan exchanged glances¡ªthen immediately took a step back. "Senior brother Du Ming, long time no see." Lu Danchen was the first to greet him. "You¡¯re as opportunistic as ever¡­ but I have to admit, you¡¯ve gotten even more handsome." Lu Danchen could only smile awkwardly. "What¡¯s wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Du Ming turned to Ba Dao, his tone full of amusement. "Hmph." Ba Dao ignored him completely. If it weren¡¯t for sect rules forbidding disciples from attacking each other, he would have chopped Du Ming down ages ago. "Such a sour face. No wonder no girls like you." A single sentence¡ªbrutal and direct. Ba Dao¡¯s expression turned even darker. "Senior brother Du Ming." Ye Qingqing greeted him politely. "Ah, Qingqing, you¡¯re still as beautiful and thoughtful as ever." "Thank you for the compliment, senior brother." She had immense respect for Du Ming. When she first entered the sect, he had helped her greatly. Much of her success today was thanks to his guidance. Even though many now looked down on Du Ming, she had never forgotten his kindness. Du Ming cleared his throat, then turned to Shen Xian''er. "Little junior sister, it¡¯s our first time meeting, so I brought you a small gift." He took out a plate of rainbow-colored su cakes and placed it in front of her. The little girl¡¯s big eyes instantly lit up. "Really? This is for me?" How did this senior brother know that her favorite food was rainbow su cakes? "Of course. Try it and see if you like it." She picked up a piece, took a bite¡ª And her entire face melted into pure happiness. "Yummy! So yummy! So so yummy!" "If you like it, I have plenty more. Come with me, I¡¯ll take you to get some." "Mmhmm! Mmhmm!" She nodded like a little chick pecking at rice, happily trotting behind Du Ming. A single plate of rainbow su cakes had just snatched away a future immortal. The entire sect fell into stunned silence. Even Han Luo was dumbfounded. What the hell? You can do that?! Wait a minute¡­ Why did this Shen Xian¡¯er look so familiar? Hold on¡ª At the start of the assessment, a little girl had asked him to form a team, and he had¡­ tricked her and ran away. That was her, wasn¡¯t it?! A second later¡ª Did I¡­ accidentally scam a future immortal?! Han Luo froze in horror. Would she come back for revenge?! He felt his entire life flash before his eyes. With Du Ming leading Shen Xian¡¯er away, the competition for her was over. The testing continued. Several decent spiritual roots appeared, but compared to a seven-grade spiritual root, they all paled in comparison. As one disciple after another completed their tests and joined their respective peaks, Han Luo was left standing alone. Panic set in. Surely, someone would pick him, right? He had saved everyone here. If he hadn¡¯t held off the demon, they all would¡¯ve died. Even if the other disciples didn¡¯t know, the sect leaders definitely did. Meanwhile, in Luo Xian Sect¡¯s great hall¡ª The test was almost over. "Everyone, I have some matters to attend to, so I¡¯ll be leaving first." Yun Ding was the first to run. The remaining candidates all had mediocre talent. And soon, it would be that brat¡¯s turn. No way was he taking him in. "I also have matters to attend to. I¡¯ll be going as well." Yun Qianli followed instantly. "Uh¡­ I¡­" Lei Xing was about to say something, but then he thought about it¡ªscrew it, just leave. In the blink of an eye, three out of the five peak masters were gone. "Wait, you three¡ª" Yun Yangzi called out. Yun Ding: "Senior brother, you know me¡ªI prefer passive disciples." Yun Qianli: "Senior brother, you know me¡ªI prefer strong-willed ones." Lei Xing: "Cough, senior brother, you know me, I just¡­ you know." Before Yun Yangzi could say another word, they vanished. "Sigh¡­" He rubbed his temples in frustration. Fine. He still had two peak masters left. "Senior brother, you know we only accept female disciples," Hong Niang said. "...I see your point." He turned to Wu Dao¡ªOnly to find him staring blankly into space. Forget it. Yun Yangzi sighed. On Luo Xian Square, only one person remained. Han Luo . With a deep breath, he stepped into the testing formation. Chapter 18 The testing formation activated with a deep, resonant hum, and the stone tablet used for measuring spiritual roots began to tremble violently. Yet, instead of displaying a spiritual root grade or attribute, cracks rapidly spread across its surface like a spider web. The elder overseeing the test frowned deeply. He had been responsible for these evaluations since Luo Xian Sect was founded, and something like this had never happened before. Was this about to cost him his job? Panic surged as he swiftly formed three seals, sending beams of white light into the stone tablet. But instead of stabilizing it, the cracks grew even faster. With mounting dread, the elder could do nothing but watch helplessly as the outer layer of the stone peeled away, revealing a dazzling, iridescent core beneath. At that moment, the sky above Luo Xian Sect erupted into brilliance, divine light cascading across the land as if an immortal had descended from the heavens, bringing with it an aura of serenity and boundless peace. Around the test site, once-barren ground was now covered in lush greenery, while colorful flowers bloomed at an unnatural speed. The density of spiritual energy skyrocketed, creating an atmosphere of pure vitality. The elder was utterly dumbfounded, even more so when he realized that an old injury¡ªone that even Nascent Soul cultivators had deemed incurable¡ªhad miraculously healed in an instant under the influence of this divine light. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the testing formation. A sudden gust of wind split the sky as Yun Yangzi and Hong Niang appeared, their gazes fixed on the stone. ¡°What kind of artifact is this?¡± Hong Niang murmured in astonishment. ¡°Just its emergence alone is reshaping the heavens and earth. And this divine energy... it¡¯s even purer than my own spiritual energy.¡± As someone who had refined her spiritual energy to near perfection through seven cycles of purification, she found this revelation almost incomprehensible. Yun Yangzi, lost in thought, searched his vast memories. This stone had been used for spiritual root assessments before, but that was centuries ago. If their sect master were present, perhaps he would know more. ¡°Senior brother, should we call for the Great Elder?¡± Hong Niang suggested. If anyone in Luo Xian Sect had knowledge of this stone, it would be the sect¡¯s most ancient cultivator. ¡°The Great Elder has been in seclusion for centuries,¡± Yun Yangzi replied, shaking his head. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t disturb him lightly. There¡¯s no immediate danger here.¡± With that, he formed a seal and sent a beam of white light toward the stone, attempting to suppress its energy. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. But the stone resisted. As if possessing a will of its own, it broke free from the ground and shot into the testing formation, vanishing in an instant. ¡°Could it be connected to that boy?¡± Yun Yangzi¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto Han Luo . Without hesitation, he cast another spell, pulling both Han Luo and the testing elder out of the formation. Inside Luo Xian Sect¡¯s Grand Hall Yun Yangzi, Hong Niang, Wu Dao, and the testing elder all stared at Han Luo in stunned silence. Meanwhile, Han Luo was already prepared for the worst. His legs were wrapped with speed-enhancing talismans, a stack of explosive talismans was clutched in his hand, and he was poised to stomp a smoke bomb while pushing off the ground¡ªall in perfect synchronization for a well-practiced escape. Clearing his throat, he forced a polite smile. ¡°Disciple Han Luo greets the Sect Master, the two Peak Masters, and¡­ uh, this honored elder whose name I do not know.¡± He knew he¡¯d be stuck in this sect for a long time, so he needed to leave a good impression. Yun Yangzi nodded before turning to the testing elder. ¡°Martial Uncle, what is his spiritual root and attribute?¡± The elder, named Jin Hou, was actually their senior in the sect. ¡°Let me check,¡± he said, pulling out a ruler-like magical tool. ¡°Young man, don¡¯t be afraid. Just place your hand at the base of this ruler, and I¡¯ll measure your spiritual root.¡± Han Luo eyed the group cautiously. Something about this felt off. Just to be safe, he placed only one finger on the ruler. The ruler immediately began shifting colors¡ªred, orange, yellow, green¡ªcycling through over a dozen hues before SNAP! The ruler split in half. Han Luo instinctively yanked his finger back. ¡°That wasn¡¯t me! It broke on its own!¡± What kind of cheap magic tool was this? He had only touched it, and it shattered! ¡°Impossible!¡± Jin Hou was in disbelief. This was a second-grade magical tool! Perhaps it had deteriorated over time. ¡°Again!¡± Gritting his teeth, he pulled out an even higher-quality measuring ruler¡ªa third-grade artifact. ¡°Try again!¡± Han Luo hesitated. This time, he carefully used only his pinky finger, hoping to minimize damage. CRACK! The third-grade ruler shattered instantly. Jin Hou¡¯s expression turned livid. ¡°It must be that damn mysterious stone!¡± There was no way his tools were at fault. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Hong Niang took out a scarlet silk ribbon and handed it to Han Luo . ¡°Grab this.¡± As soon as Han Luo touched it, the silk changed colors¡ªthen burst into flames. In seconds, it was reduced to ashes. ¡°Even my Scarlet Spirit Ribbon couldn¡¯t measure him?¡± Hong Niang¡¯s astonishment grew. Her silk was a peak-grade treasure, yet it had been utterly destroyed. She prepared to take out another treasure, but Yun Yangzi intervened. ¡°Junior sister, allow me.¡± Turning to Han Luo , he explained everything about the stone¡¯s anomaly. Han Luo , in turn, pulled a small, thumb-sized rainbow stone from his pocket. It looked utterly ordinary, just a bit shinier than normal rocks. He even bit into it¡ªyep, just a rock, though sturdier than usual. ¡°Put the stone down and place your hand on the Ancient Bronze Mirror,¡± Yun Yangzi instructed. This mirror was one of Luo Xian Sect¡¯s greatest treasures, second only to the sect¡¯s twin swords. It was a legendary auxiliary magic artifact. If anything could measure his root, this would be it. Han Luo hesitated. He had already broken three tools, and this mirror looked extremely expensive. What if it shattered too? Seeing his reluctance, Yun Yangzi chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If you manage to break it, I¡¯ll give it to you!¡± Confident words. Then¡ª CRACK! The mirror split down the middle. A blinding golden light exploded from its surface, illuminating the entire hall. As the radiance faded, four massive golden words hovered in the air: ¡°SUPREME SPIRITUAL ROOT.¡± Dead silence filled the hall. Then¡ª ¡°HAHAHAHA!¡± Yun Yangzi burst into manic laughter. ¡°A SUPREME ROOT! OUR SECT HAS FINALLY RISEN!¡± Chapter 19 The sound of rushing wind echoed as several streaks of light tore through the sky. The three peak masters who had previously left now hurried back at full speed. ¡°Well, well¡­ look who decided to return,¡± Hong Niang said with a smirk, watching them struggle to maintain their dignity. ¡°Of course, we¡¯d come back,¡± Yun Ding replied smoothly, settling into his seat as if he had never left. ¡°Recruiting disciples only happens once every ten years. How could I possibly miss such an important event?¡± His sharp gaze locked onto Han Luo , scrutinizing him from head to toe. Han Luo felt a chill crawl up his spine under the old man¡¯s intense stare. Instinctively, he pulled his robes tighter around himself. ¡°What about you two?¡± Hong Niang turned to Yun Qianli and Lei Xing. Yun Qianli crossed his arms. ¡°I share the same thoughts as Yun Ding. How could we neglect our new disciples? We wouldn¡¯t want them to feel unwelcome.¡± His ability to lie with a straight face was remarkable. Hong Niang rolled her eyes and turned to Lei Xing, who coughed awkwardly. Unlike the other two, he still cared about appearances. ¡°Er¡­ well, I just stepped out to take a leak. You didn¡¯t actually think I left, did you? Hahaha¡­ ha¡­ ha¡­¡± His forced laughter died down under everyone¡¯s skeptical stares. A Nascent Soul cultivator talking about needing a bathroom break? Who was he trying to fool? These old foxes had clearly never left in spirit. They had been observing all along, and the moment the Supreme Spiritual Root was revealed, they shamelessly rushed back, ready to claim the prize. Any one of them knew that taking Han Luo as a disciple would solidify their legacy and elevate their lineage. If they played their cards right, they might even ride his success straight to immortality. Supreme Spiritual Root? Han Luo was no fool. Back in his world, he had read enough cultivation novels to understand what this meant. Supreme Spiritual Root¡ªthe equivalent of a nuclear-powered cultivation engine. If others cultivated like a slow-moving stream, he would be an ocean. If others trained like melting snowflakes, he¡¯d be an avalanche. If they were a single drop of rain, he¡¯d be a full-blown monsoon. In short, he was ridiculously OP. But this wasn¡¯t what he wanted! He had planned to cultivate in peace, staying under the radar, taking things slow and steady. But now? Now, he would be a walking target. The kind of prodigy that attracted both admiration and envy¡ªthe kind that would never be left alone. Before he could process his situation further, Yun Ding stepped forward. ¡°Han Luo , allow me to introduce myself. I am Yun Ding, Peak Master of Xian Ding Peak. I am at the late Nascent Soul stage and a grandmaster in alchemy. If you join my peak, you will never lack for pills. With your talent, I guarantee that within a century, you will form a Nascent Soul with ease.¡± Not wanting to lose ground, Yun Qianli immediately countered, ¡°Senior brother, you overlook something important. Cultivation resources are one thing, but what Han Luo truly needs are battle techniques!¡± His eyes locked onto Han Luo . ¡°I am the Peak Master of Qian Ren Peak, home to the most formidable martial techniques in the sect. We supply the best warriors to the Golden Battlefield, and our reputation speaks for itself. With me as your master, you will stand as an immortal warlord, feared across the land.¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The two Peak Masters stared at Han Luo like wolves circling prey. Han Luo remained silent, glancing at his mental "Survival Notebook." Both men had solid reputations within Luo Xian Sect, and joining either of them seemed like a reasonable choice. But being the careful planner he was, he wanted to see all the offers on the table before making a decision. Lei Xing cleared his throat, seemingly preparing to make his pitch¡­ but after a moment of thought, he sighed. What was the point? Luo Xian Peak was unique in its operations. Even if Han Luo joined him, he wouldn¡¯t have time to mentor him properly. If he wasted a Supreme Spiritual Root on a slow path, the sect master would skin him alive. Wait a second. Then why the hell did I come back?! Lei Xing fell into deep self-reflection. A Dangerous Proposition ¡°Since Lei Xing is bowing out, allow me to speak next,¡± Hong Niang said, her voice smooth like silk. Yun Ding and Yun Qianli immediately turned their eyes toward her with wary expressions. ¡°Hold on,¡± Yun Ding interjected. ¡°You only accept female disciples. Are you seriously considering changing that rule now?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Yun Qianli added. ¡°For hundreds of years, Luo Xian Sect¡¯s Piao Miao Peak has only taken in women. Are you really going to break tradition just for one disciple?¡± Hong Niang chuckled, her gaze playful. ¡°Oh? How rare. The two of you are actually standing on the same side for once.¡± She let out a soft sigh and folded her arms. ¡°But as the Peak Master of Piao Miao Peak, the rules are mine to change. And tell me, dear seniors¡­ don¡¯t you think a Supreme Spiritual Root is worth a little flexibility?¡± The room fell silent for a moment. She wasn¡¯t wrong. ¡°Besides,¡± Hong Niang continued, her tone turning sly, ¡°considering the rarity of such a prodigy, shouldn¡¯t we be thinking about future generations?¡± Han Luo ¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Wait¡­ wait, what?! What was she implying?! The other peak masters exchanged glances, giving small nods as realization set in. That¡­ actually made a lot of sense. Ensuring Han Luo had children would guarantee a whole new bloodline of monstrous geniuses. Slowly, all eyes turned back to Han Luo . His stomach twisted. Was he seriously about to be forced into a breeding program?! ¡°Hold on!¡± Yun Yangzi, the Sect Master, finally spoke, cutting through the tension. ¡°While Hong Niang raises an interesting point, we are a righteous sect. We will not force such matters upon our disciples. The choice remains his.¡± Han Luo exhaled in relief. Thank God! If Hong Niang had her way, he¡¯d be knee-deep in romantic drama and brainless rivalries for the rest of his life. No thanks. ¡°Oh, of course,¡± Hong Niang said sweetly, her lips curling in a teasing smile. She turned back to Han Luo , her voice soft as silk. ¡°But if you do join Piao Miao Peak, I can assure you that *you will have everything Yun Ding and Yun Qianli offered¡ª*and more. Including full access to our three thousand female disciples.¡± She deliberately let her gaze flick toward Ye Qingqing as she spoke. Han Luo froze. Ye Qingqing? The most beloved woman in the sect? Did she want him dead?! If he even breathed the wrong way in her direction, half the sect¡¯s male disciples would be lining up to murder him. This was a trap. Han Luo immediately eliminated Piao Miao Peak as an option. The Last Offer With everyone having spoken, all eyes turned to Wu Dao, the silent master of the Wu DaoPeak. If anyone would remain calm in this chaos, it would be him. Wu Dao finally opened his eyes. His gaze was clear and penetrating, carrying a sense of wisdom beyond measure. He studied Han Luo for a long moment, then¡­ He simply uttered two words. ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡± Then, just as slowly, he closed his eyes again. ¡­That was it?! Everyone stared in shock. Compared to the heated offers before, Wu Dao¡¯s pitch was two words long?! The peak masters were used to it. Han Luo , however, was not. ¡°¡­That¡¯s all?¡± he thought. A brief silence passed. ¡°Alright then,¡± Yun Yangzi finally said, clearing his throat. ¡°The offers have been made.¡± His eyes locked onto Han Luo . ¡°Now, make your choice.¡± Han Luo took a deep breath, glancing around the room. He knew that whichever path he chose would shape his future. He carefully weighed his options. Then, cautiously, he raised his hand. ¡°¡­Can I make a small request first?¡± Chapter 20 ¡°Of course,¡± Yun Yangzi replied with a nod. Han Luo cleared his throat and said, ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t know much about the Peak Masters, so¡­ can I conduct a little test for them?¡± As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of exam papers from his spatial bag. Yes, exam papers. He wasn¡¯t joking. He actually had a stack of them. In his mind, this was a completely reasonable request. As a Supreme Spiritual Root holder, he was essentially the most valuable "prize" in the sect. If they wanted to take him as a disciple, they should earn it. ¡°A test?¡± ¡°Exam papers?¡± ¡°Is he serious?¡± The Peak Masters exchanged looks of disbelief. They were all Nascent Soul experts, figures who stood above thousands. They were the ones who set the rules, who decided who was worth training, who had talent, and who was destined for greatness. Yet now, this little brat wanted to test them? However, given the importance of this once-in-a-lifetime genius, they had no choice but to endure it. With reluctant sighs, each of them retrieved ink, brushes, and paper¡ªsitting upright like obedient schoolchildren awaiting their test papers. Han Luo handed the first paper to Yun Ding. ¡°Pass it down,¡± he said. Yun Ding hesitated for a moment, then followed the instructions. ¡°The exam will last one hour.¡± Han Luo placed a sand timer on the table. ¡°Once time is up, you must hand in your papers.¡± At first, the Peak Masters found this amusing. But the moment they read the questions, their expressions darkened. The Exam Questions Section One: Multiple Choice (10 questions, 3 points each, total: 30 points) Question 1: "If both your mother and your wife are drowning, who do you save?" ¡°...What kind of question is this?¡± Yun Ding frowned. Lei Xing scratched his head. ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m an orphan! What the hell am I supposed to pick?¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Question 2: "Which came first: the chicken or the egg?" ¡°What the hell is an egg?¡± Yun Qianli muttered, completely baffled. Question 3: "When a female cultivator says, ''I¡¯m not mad,'' what does she actually mean?" ¡°Han Luo seems to be quite experienced in these matters,¡± Hong Niang remarked with a smirk as she continued writing. Question 4: "Which of the following divine beasts tastes the best?" ¡°Does he think divine beasts are like livestock? You can¡¯t just eat them!¡± Yun Yangzi shook his head. These creatures were legendary! Who had ever eaten one? And it only got worse from there. Section Two: Riddles (5 questions, 5 points each, total: 25 points) Question 1: "Two dogs are in a race. Dog A runs fast. Dog B runs slow. When they reach the finish line, which dog sweats more?" ¡°If he asked whether dog meat tastes good, at least I¡¯d have an answer¡­¡± Yun Ding muttered under his breath. Question 2: "What do you call a sword that is invisible?" ¡°There exists a cultivator who forges transparent swords? I need to meet him.¡± Yun Yangzi¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity. Question 3: "Two people go to the beach. Suddenly, a wave sweeps one away. That person¡¯s name is Xiao Ming. What is the name of the person who remained?" Hong Niang chuckled and wrote down her answer. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s ¡®Save me!¡¯¡± Section Three: Truth or Dare (Choose one, 15 points) Lei Xing put down his brush. ¡°I quit.¡± He had officially given up. The moment he discarded his exam, he felt liberated. Meanwhile, the other Peak Masters gritted their teeth and pressed on. Section Four: Essay (30 points) "Write at least 800 words to move me emotionally." At this point, the Peak Masters all paused. What the hell was this exam?! The questions were nonsensical, random, and had absolutely nothing to do with cultivation. No tests on spiritual techniques. No questions on treasures or Dao comprehension. Not a single mention of spellcasting or battle formations. Just¡­ bizarre nonsense! ¡°Is Han Luo from another world?¡± Yun Ding muttered, dumbfounded. Yet, they had no choice but to continue. The Grading Process Han Luo paced around the hall like a strict examiner. These weren¡¯t just random questions¡ªhe had carefully crafted them. As time passed, the Peak Masters looked exhausted. Completely drained. The exam finally ended. Han Luo gathered the test papers, sat down at a desk, and carefully began grading. Did this kid really need TWELVE days to grade a test?! But just as they were about to explode, Han Luo finally announced his decision. ¡°I choose Wu Dao of the Wu DaoPeak as my master.¡± Everyone froze. He hadn¡¯t picked Yun Ding. He hadn¡¯t picked Yun Qianli. He had ignored Hong Niang¡¯s tempting offer. He even turned down Yun Yangzi. Instead, he had chosen Wu Dao¡ªthe one who had remained silent the entire time. The Reason? Han Luo had carefully analyzed their test scores: But Wu Dao? Wu Dao handed in a blank sheet. Except for one single line written at the bottom: ¡°They all talked behind your back. I have proof.¡± Absolute. Game-winning. Move. Han Luo was instantly convinced. Plus, Wu DaoPeak was the quietest of the five peaks. Including himself and Shen Xian¡¯er, it only had six disciples. For a guy who valued stealth and survival, this was perfect. He had waited twelve days just to test their patience. Now, he had his answer. Chapter 21 "This can''t be real!" Yun Ding grumbled sourly. "Never expected that the biggest winner this year would be Senior Brother Wu Dao," Yun Qianren muttered, equally bitter. "Senior Brother Wu Dao not only took in a little girl with a seventh-grade spirit root but now has also accepted a boy with a supreme-grade spirit root. It''s truly enviable," Hong Niang sighed. She had really wanted Shen Xian''er to join Piaomiao Peak¡ªit was the most fitting place for her. But who could have predicted that Ye Qingqing would fail, and that little rascal Du Ming would trick her away with a plate of seven-colored pastries? It was simply ridiculous. Wu Dao slowly opened his eyes. "We are all disciples of Luo Xian Sect. My disciples are also your disciples. I hope everyone will take care of them in the future." For someone as reserved as Wu Dao, saying so many words was already quite rare. On one hand, he had indeed taken in two extraordinary talents, which was a bit excessive¡ªthough undeniably satisfying. On the other hand, he was subtly reminding everyone that Luo Xian Sect was a whole. Internal conflicts were fine, but outright hostility was unacceptable, as that would lead to the sect¡¯s downfall. "Wu Dao is right," Yun Yangzi said in a solemn tone. "All of you understand what a supreme-grade spirit root represents and what it means for Luo Xian Sect. Until Han Luo fully establishes himself, this information must not spread. Otherwise, we may bring unnecessary disaster upon ourselves." "Senior Brother speaks wisely," Yun Ding agreed, retracting his playful tone. "The sudden appearance of demonic cultivators near the sect is no coincidence, and with the influx of talented disciples this year, I have a bad feeling that something big is brewing. We should start preparing in advance," Hong Niang warned. As someone skilled in divination, she had a vague sense of an impending crisis. Everyone exchanged looks, realizing that they all shared similar concerns. If word got out that Luo Xian Sect had a disciple with a supreme-grade spirit root, it would undoubtedly attract trouble. Compared to the truly elite sects, Luo Xian Sect wasn¡¯t even as powerful as a single peak of theirs. "It might be a good thing that Han Luo has joined Senior Brother Wu Dao. At least he will avoid unnecessary attention," Yun Qianren commented. "Han Luo ," Yun Yangzi said, turning to him with a serious expression. "I trust that you are intelligent enough to understand. A supreme-grade spirit root is exceedingly rare, and if the wrong people find out, your life will be in danger. Before you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you must not reveal this secret. Can you do that?" "I understand." Han Luo had already considered this. If he were stronger, he might have even forced the others to swear an oath not to disclose it. "That settles it. Dismissed," Yun Yangzi said, waving his hand. Yun Ding, Yun Qianren, Hong Niang, and Lei Xing left. Wu Dao was about to take Han Luo away when¡ª "Master, wait!" Han Luo called out, turning to Yun Yangzi. "Um¡­ Sect Master, I recall you saying that if I managed to break the Ancient Bronze Mirror, you''d give it to me, right?" Han Luo had been keeping this in mind. The Ancient Bronze Mirror looked extremely valuable, and even if it was damaged, it was still far superior to an ordinary magic treasure. If he could get it, it would be a great asset. "Hmm, Senior Brother, you did say that," Wu Dao unexpectedly chimed in. Han Luo ''s eyes lit up. His master was always a man of few words, yet he had just given him a helping hand at the perfect moment! Yun Yangzi looked at the two of them. For some reason, he suddenly felt a chill around his storage ring¡­ Forget it. A promise was a promise. He retrieved the Ancient Bronze Mirror and handed it to Han Luo . "Han Luo , though the Ancient Bronze Mirror is damaged, it remains a postnatal spiritual treasure. As you cultivate and nourish it with your spiritual energy, it will gradually repair itself. However, I must warn you¡ªdo not use it for anything improper. If I find out, I will not spare you." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "I understand." Han Luo carefully accepted the Ancient Bronze Mirror. This was his first magic treasure, and he cherished it deeply. Wu Dao then led Han Luo away. Yun Yangzi sighed and shook his head, but soon, his expression turned serious. What kind of catastrophe awaited them that would require such monstrous talents to counter? The Eastern Domain¡­ would not remain peaceful. ¡ª¡ª Wu Dao brought Han Luo to a secluded mountain. A massive phoenix tree stood tall, its dense leaves casting a vast shadow. Beneath the tree was a stone table and four stone stools, and not far away stood a thatched hut¡ªsimple, yet far from ordinary. Behind the mountain, a thousand-foot-high cliff loomed. A silver-white waterfall cascaded from the heavens, feeding into a deep blue lake below. "This place is called Luo Xian Mountain. According to legend, an immortal once descended from the Milky Way and landed here. With your talent, you are worthy of this place," Wu Dao said calmly. "Thank you for your generosity, Master," Han Luo quickly expressed his gratitude. This was undoubtedly a treasure trove of a cultivation ground. He had discreetly checked the spiritual energy concentration using a testing talisman and found that it was at least ten times denser than other places. Cultivating here would be twice as effective with half the effort. "From today onward, you are my disciple. Pay your respects." Wu Dao¡¯s tone remained indifferent, as if this were an insignificant matter. Even though Han Luo ¡¯s talent was unprecedented, to Wu Dao, it made no real difference. "Thud!" Without hesitation, Han Luo knelt and kowtowed three times. Wu Dao, seeing his sincerity, revealed a rare hint of emotion. He extended a finger and gently touched Han Luo ¡¯s forehead. At that moment, Han Luo felt an influx of information flood his mind. However, the sheer amount was overwhelming, making it impossible to process all at once. He could only vaguely sense that it contained sect rules and cultivation techniques. "I have passed down Luo Xian Sect¡¯s rules, along with the foundational technique, Luo Xian Art, to you. Focus your mind, and you will be able to comprehend it." Following his master¡¯s guidance, Han Luo concentrated. Sure enough! His mind quickly organized the information, and the part that intrigued him the most was the Luo Xian Art. It was the most basic technique of Luo Xian Sect and the first cultivation method every disciple was required to learn. Curious, he began mentally reciting it. "One more thing," Wu Dao interrupted. "Yes, Master?" Wu Dao gazed at him. "Han Luo , your talent is exceptional, but talent alone is not enough. The world is filled with countless geniuses, like the stars in the sky. However, only a handful ever reach the peak and ascend to the immortal realm. You must not become complacent." "Master¡¯s teachings¡ªI will remember them." "Good. Cultivation must be taken step by step. The transition from a mortal to a cultivator is the hardest hurdle in this journey. It often takes one or two years for most to cross this threshold. As for you¡­" Wu Dao suddenly fell silent, his eyes filled with doubt. "You¡­ already broke through?" Han Luo froze. Wait, had he really? He had only been silently reciting the Luo Xian Art when he suddenly felt a warm sensation spreading through his body, as if he had just drunk a cup of hot water. Was that all it took to step into cultivation? Where was the dramatic transformation? The overwhelming rush of power? The grand ceremony? Why did it feel so¡­ underwhelming? "Master, I just recited the technique once, and then¡­" "Yes, you¡¯ve already broken through," Wu Dao confirmed, his emotions complicated. Others struggled for a year or more to cross this threshold. This kid? He did it while casually chatting. What kind of monstrous talent was this? Wu Dao was about to finish speaking when he suddenly noticed Han Luo looking as if he were suffering from constipation. A large bead of sweat formed on his forehead. "Master, I feel a surge of energy gathering inside me¡­ could it be that I''m about to break through again?" "Yes, that is indeed a sign of another breakthrough." "Master, I''m sorry! It¡¯s my fault¡ªI couldn¡¯t control myself and ended up reciting Luo Xian Jue again." Han Luo immediately apologized, feeling guilty for causing his master this embarrassment. It was his own curiosity that got the better of him. Taking deep breaths, he forced himself to calm down. After some effort, he finally managed to suppress the force within him, preventing it from shattering his current bottleneck. "You did well," Wu Dao nodded approvingly. "Cultivation is like building a tower. The Qi Refining stage serves as the foundation¡ªits stability determines how high you can go. With your talent, your ambitions should not be limited to the mortal realm, but should instead be aimed there." Wu Dao lifted a finger and pointed toward the sky. "I understand, Master." Han Luo nodded seriously. "Good. You¡¯ve had a long day, rest for now. If you encounter any difficulties in cultivation, come find me at Wu Dao Peak." Wu Dao turned to leave, then suddenly stopped. "One more thing." He raised his hand and tossed a bronze ring toward Han Luo . "This ring is something I crafted personally. If you ever find yourself in danger, focus your thoughts on it, and I will come to your aid." Han Luo ¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. He took the ring with great care. "Thank you, Master!" Wu Dao gave a small nod. "Go rest." With that, his figure turned into a stream of light and disappeared. Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, Han Luo let out a breath and turned toward his new residence. The sight of the humble, almost primitive thatched hut made him shake his head. "First things first¡ªI need to set up a proper shelter for the night. Everything else can wait until tomorrow." A Poll I would Like to Know what do you think is the best option and if u have any suggestions I would love to know them. PLz don''t forget to answer the poll above. Thanks ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Chapter 22 The sky at dawn was tinged with pale hues of white, the sun rising lazily from the east. The morning air was crisp, and the sky looked as if it had been washed clean by a gentle spring rain. "Ahhh¡­" Han Luo yawned, stretching as he stepped out of his makeshift shelter. After ten years of preparation, he had finally achieved his goal, and last night''s sleep had been especially sweet. After checking the defensive formations he had set up around his dwelling to ensure everything was secure, he went through his morning routine¡ªusing the latrine, brushing his teeth, washing his face, and eating breakfast. Once he was full and satisfied, he settled at the stone table, ready to start his day. Around him, ten first-tier formations had been carefully arranged. The reason they were all first-tier was simple¡ªhe didn¡¯t have access to higher-level formation disks yet. Taking out all his belongings from his spatial backpack, he began to assess his inventory. - Bronze Mirror: A damaged postnatal spiritual treasure. Its main function was to perceive all things and reflect non-physical divine attacks. It also contained a Mirror Realm, a personal space where one could raise livestock and grow vegetables or spiritual herbs. - Seven-Colored Stone: Unknown grade and function, its only known property was its extreme hardness. When thrown, it would automatically return to its owner¡¯s hand. - Bronze Ring: A custom-made artifact primarily for storage but also functioning as an emergency distress beacon. When infused with spiritual energy, it generated a protective shield, the strength of which matched the user''s cultivation level. Clearly, his master had been quite thoughtful in providing it. - Second-Tier Demon Cores: Twenty pieces. - First-Tier Demon Cores: Ninety pieces. - Broken Ancient Jade: Unknown grade and function. Infusing it with spiritual energy yielded no reaction, suggesting it was likely a defective item. Apart from these, his spatial backpack contained all the tools and supplies he had gathered over the past ten years¡ªspiritual talismans, formation plates, poisons, cooking utensils, and over thirty thousand miscellaneous items. Now that he was officially part of Luo Xian Sect, it was time to upgrade what was necessary and discard what was outdated. Spending half a day organizing everything, he then focused on the Bronze Ring. Despite being a gift from his master, Han Luo was cautious by nature. He retrieved specialized spiritual talismans designed to test artifacts for hidden tampering. Even though his master was unfathomably powerful and might be able to bypass detection, it was better to be safe than sorry. He meticulously tested the Bronze Ring, Bronze Mirror, Seven-Colored Stone, and Broken Ancient Jade ten times each, exhausting all his testing talismans in the process. Only when he confirmed there were no hidden dangers did he feel reassured. He proceeded with the blood recognition ritual, binding both the Bronze Mirror and the Bronze Ring as his personal artifacts. Just as he finished, an unexpected event occurred. The Seven-Colored Stone suddenly lifted into the air on its own and, with a sharp whoosh, embedded itself at the top of the Bronze Mirror. Immediately, the entire mirror emitted a dazzling seven-colored glow. The cracks that once marred its surface rapidly repaired themselves until it was completely restored. "They merged?" Han Luo was taken aback. Holding the now palm-sized Bronze Mirror in his hand, he examined it closely. Aside from the Seven-Colored Stone now embedded in it, there seemed to be no other noticeable changes. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. "This is too weird¡­ I need to check the sect''s library for any records on these artifacts. If I can''t find anything, I¡¯ll ask Master." He didn¡¯t like using mysterious objects of unknown origin¡ªit made him uneasy. By the time he finished organizing everything, the sun had already begun to set. After dinner, he lounged under the phoenix tree, basking in the warmth of the evening glow. Then, without warning¡ªhe broke through. "Damn it!" Han Luo cursed at his own incompetence. He had been trying to suppress his cultivation, yet somehow, he had advanced to the second level of the Qi Refining Stage. "Why does this keep happening?" There was a deep frustration in his heart. Other cultivators had to struggle and train diligently for years, while he had to fight to stop himself from progressing too quickly. "This isn''t fair," he muttered, feeling utterly discontent. Other people cultivated with sweat and blood, yet all it took for him was a moment of distraction, and he''d advance. What kind of absurd joke was this? Shaking his head, he decided to put his frustration aside and go to sleep. The next morning, Han Luo woke up early, finished his morning routine, and made his way to the sect¡¯s library. The Luo Xian Library was essentially a vast archive of knowledge. One of the reasons he had chosen Luo Xian Sect for his cultivation was precisely because of this library. Sect Master Yun Wanli had a peculiar obsession¡ªhe loved collecting books. During his travels across various kingdoms, he would acquire any interesting book he encountered and send it back to the sect through specially crafted teleportation formations. After centuries of collecting, the Luo Xian Library had become the most extensive archive in the Eastern Region, boasting a collection of over ten million volumes. The categories were vast and varied¡ªcultivation techniques, divine abilities, spiritual talismans, alchemy, formation arrays, even historical records and imperial scandals. And because of this immense resource, Han Luo had crafted his next ten-year plan. The Next Ten-Year Plan: 1. Mastering Formations, Alchemy, and Talismans These three disciplines were mandatory. They were essential for his survival. He never felt safe relying on someone else¡¯s tools. What if they cut corners in the crafting process? What if they hid malicious enchantments? If he crafted everything himself, he could be certain of their reliability. Formation arrays would provide secure cultivation chambers. Alchemy would allow him to refine pills to aid his breakthroughs. Talismans would serve as both defensive measures and escape tools. He also needed to stockpile a variety of talismans, including his favorites¡ª"Peaceful Passing Gift Package," "Instant Disintegration Package," and "Three-Thousand Instant Death Package." Because in the world of cultivation, you never knew when someone might try to kill you. 2. Reaching the Peak of Qi Refining Within the next decade, he needed to push his cultivation to the seventh level of the Qi Refining Stage. At the same time, he planned to refine his spiritual energy to its purest possible form. While spiritual energy itself had no fixed strength, there was a difference between crude and refined energy. The purer the energy, the greater the combat strength. Additionally, using highly refined energy in alchemy, talisman crafting, and formation engraving would make the final products hundreds of times more effective. 3. Other Goals There were smaller side objectives that would be developed along the way. While reviewing his ten-year plan in his mind, he arrived at the Luo Xian Library. The massive structure occupied an entire mountain. The 99-story tower stretched into the heavens, standing like a sacred monument to knowledge. The entrance was bustling with disciples from various peaks, their distinctive robes making it easy to tell them apart. As for Luo Xian Peak and Wu Dao Peak, their disciples were rarely seen. Luo Xian Peak was an enigmatic faction, while Wu Dao Peak simply had too few people. Fortunately, Han Luo blended in effortlessly. Because he was wearing Yun Ding Peak¡¯s robes. With thousands of Yun Ding disciples, no one would ever notice an extra face. Dressed inconspicuously, he stepped inside, heart pounding with excitement. The Luo Xian Library operated on automated access control. As long as a disciple carried their sect badge, they could enter freely. Han Luo passed through smoothly. It seemed that his Bronze Ring functioned as his Wu Dao Peak identity token. Looking at the towering shelves filled with books, he took a deep breath. Time to get to work. Determined, he found the formation studies section and immediately dove in. Chapter 23 Deep inside the Luo Xian Library, in an inconspicuous corner, Han Luo sat with a few books on the fundamentals of formation arrays, reading intently. Formation arrays were auxiliary cultivation tools born from the natural laws of heaven and earth. They came in various types¡ªthe most common being offensive arrays, defensive arrays, and supportive arrays, among others. Han Luo was already familiar with the foundational concepts of formations. After all, he had spent ten years preparing to join Luo Xian Sect. Now, he was simply reviewing the materials to ensure there were no discrepancies between his prior knowledge and the teachings of Luo Xian Sect. Learning required focus. To ensure he wouldn''t be disturbed, he set up thirty alarm talismans around his study area. If anyone entered within a ten-meter radius, the talismans would emit a sharp, piercing sound to alert him of the intrusion. Once everything was properly arranged, he picked up his book and began to study diligently. Perhaps due to his advancement into the realm of cultivators, Han Luo found that his memory had vastly improved. After testing himself, he was shocked to discover that he now possessed photographic memory¡ªhe could read ten lines at a glance and never forget a word. "Is this the true advantage of becoming a cultivator?" Though thrilled, Han Luo remained humble. He had always been someone who focused deeply on his work. He continued to study meticulously, carefully taking notes as he progressed. Unfortunately, his current soul strength was still too weak to engrave jade slips, so he resorted to using a handmade pencil and notebook to record his insights. Time flew by when one was immersed in study. After three days, Han Luo had finished reading and memorizing all the foundational knowledge on formation arrays stored in Luo Xian Sect''s library. "Ahhh¡­" Setting down his book, he stretched, feeling the stiffness in his body. Luckily, he was now a cultivator. His flesh and bones were nourished by spiritual energy at all times¡ªotherwise, going three days without food or water, sitting still, and reading non-stop would have surely led to sudden death¡­ or worse, a second reincarnation. To shake off his fatigue, he silently recited the Luo Xian Technique in his mind. Suddenly¡ªhis expression changed. He immediately stopped reciting the technique. But it was too late. A warm flow of energy surged within him. He had broken through. Now at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage. "Not again!" Han Luo held his head in frustration. Why did this keep happening? Why did he accidentally break through every time he let his guard down? What if someone had been talking to him just now? What if something had distracted him? This kind of uncontrollable cultivation progress was extremely dangerous. A single misstep could turn a pleasant surprise into a disaster. Han Luo despised unexpected surprises. He despised being caught off guard even more. He firmly reminded himself to stay vigilant and disciplined. After composing himself, he resumed his studies. Even though he had already memorized all the fundamental theories of formations, he hadn''t fully internalized them yet. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. He demanded absolute mastery¡ª99% was not enough. Formation arrays were directly linked to the laws of heaven. Even the slightest mistake in an array¡¯s construction could lead to catastrophic failure. At best, the array would self-destruct. At worst, it could trap and kill him in an inescapable death formation. To be cautious, Han Luo restarted his studies from the very beginning, ensuring he completely absorbed and understood every concept. Time passed like fleeting youth. By the time he realized it, a month had gone by. Closing his book, Han Luo exhaled deeply. This time, he was careful not to recite the Luo Xian Technique. Good. No signs of an impending breakthrough. After an entire month of studying, he had fully mastered the fundamentals of formations. "Now, I can finally move on to first-tier formation arrays." Han Luo was feeling confident. However, a problem soon presented itself. There were over 5,000 first-tier formation arrays. And many of them were¡­ completely useless. For example¡ª Roughly one-third of all first-tier formations were practically useless in serious cultivation. Should he skip them or study them anyway? For Han Luo , this was not a question. It was an obvious answer. He would learn them all. His reasoning was simple¡ªwhat if he needed them someday? A cultivator''s journey was long. He could live hundreds of years, and who knew what kind of bizarre situations he might encounter? Better to be prepared than regret later. Thus, he picked up the first-tier formation books and began his slow and steady study process. Three months later. Han Luo put down the 5,000th formation book. He was confused. Why? Why was this happening? Why was his talent so absurdly high? He had just memorized all 5,000 first-tier formations in only three months. On average, he had studied 55 formations per day. For a normal cultivator, this would have been impossible. But for a genius who had fully grasped the fundamentals of formations, this pace was actually him holding back. If he went all out, he could have easily done 100 formations per day. "This doesn''t make sense¡­!" Han Luo thought back to his previous life. Back then, his intelligence was average at best. In school, he had consistently ranked third from the bottom¡ªnever once falling to dead last. But now, in this life, he was learning at an inhuman speed. Then it hit him. It was just like memorizing the multiplication table. Once you fully mastered the core principles, solving basic arithmetic problems became effortless. The 5,000 first-tier formations were nothing more than elementary exercises for him. No wonder he learned them so quickly. Now reassured, Han Luo moved on to review everything three more times, ensuring absolute mastery. This time, it only took him two months to reinforce all his knowledge. Now that he had perfected first-tier formations, he set his sights on second-tier formations. However¡ªhe couldn''t access them yet. Second-tier formation manuals were located on a higher level of the library, and only cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Stage could enter. Currently, he was still at Qi Refining Level Three, a long way off. Han Luo sighed. Then, his gaze landed on a girl sitting across from him. She had been in the same spot since the first day he arrived. At first, he thought she might be a shy junior sister trying to muster the courage to confess to him. But when he saw the ancient book she was holding, he realized¡ª She was also a formation master. And she was reading one of the rarest formation books in the library¡ªThe Nine Scrolls of Formation Dao. This book wasn''t a compilation of completed formations, but rather, a theoretical framework¡ªlike a multiplication table for formations. It was one of the most valuable texts in the library, but also one of the hardest to comprehend. This girl must have been exceptionally talented. After observing her for months, he judged her to be harmless. Thus, he approached her. "Excuse me¡­ Junior Sister, my name is Han Luo from Xian Ding Peak." The girl slowly lifted her head. Her face was covered in freckles, and her messy hair looked like it hadn''t been combed in ages. She wore Piao Miao Peak¡¯s robes, but she resembled more of a little sparrow than a phoenix. "H-Hello, Senior Brother¡­ I-I¡­ My name is Jiu Li¡¯er from Piao Miao Peak¡­" She was clearly nervous. Han Luo smiled warmly. "Don¡¯t be afraid. I just wanted to borrow the Nine Scrolls of Formation Dao for seven days." Han Luo had confidence in himself. Though the Nine Scrolls of Formation Dao was an incredibly profound text, he believed that with his talent, seven days would be more than enough to comprehend the first scroll. ¡°Seven days?¡± Jiu Li¡¯er¡¯s voice stretched out, filled with clear skepticism. She found it hard to believe that Han Luo could grasp in just a few days what she had been struggling with for weeks. Han Luo didn¡¯t bother explaining. "Junior Sister, you''ve been studying this for quite some time now. Take a break, digest what you¡¯ve learned¡ªI¡¯ll be right here. I promise I¡¯ll return it to you in seven days.¡± Jiu Li¡¯er hesitated but found his words reasonable. She had indeed read through half of the first scroll, but some of its esoteric concepts were still too complex to fully grasp. Perhaps taking time to consolidate her understanding wasn''t a bad idea. ¡°¡­Alright. Thank you, Senior Brother, for your advice.¡± She politely handed over the first scroll of Nine Scrolls of Formation Dao. Han Luo didn¡¯t dare be careless. Without wasting a second, he immersed himself in its contents. Truth be told¡ª Perhaps it was because he genuinely enjoyed playing with these intricate and mysterious concepts, but Han Luo , who once hated studying, was now finding joy in learning. It turned out¡ª The key to mastering a skill wasn¡¯t just hard work¡ªit was falling in love with it. With that thought, he flipped open the first scroll and dove headfirst into the vast ocean of knowledge.