Crowds surged in the Cloud Arena, five-colored auspicious clouds suspended above, disciples from each peak standing clearly divided, each searching for promising talents.
A tiger or leopard cub may not yet be fully grown, but it already shows the aura of a beast that can devour a cow.
The Imperial Princess’s Spiritual Foundation was flawless, leaping directly into Foundation Establishment Second Stage, all thanks to the Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment Pill from the Rosy Fragrance Pavilion.
The medicinal effect of the pill crafted by Qin Cha was extraordinary.
However, most Elders’ attention lingered on two other young girls, both recently famous—Xiao Xinran and Ji Shiyu.
They wanted to see if their comprehension matched their innate talent.
The Miss Xiao of the Xiao Family wore a gray cloud robe with red lining, brimming with fighting spirit and heroic vigor.
Unfortunately, she had already been reserved by the First Peak.
With the Sect Leader absent, the Vice Sect Leader was in charge.
Who would dare compete with the Grand Elder for a disciple?
The Blonde-haired girl, however, was rubbing her Starmoon Eyes absent-mindedly, seeming indifferent and lazy.
Well, she was a new student, after all.
No wonder—without combat experience and sword way comprehension in the first two years, passing the Inner Disciple trial was difficult.
After all, the Five-Phase Trial balanced all disciples’ cultivation—suppressing the strong, supplementing the weak, focusing on sword way aptitude.
Also present was a group of second-generation Inner Disciples below Golden Core realm.
Only a single star shone on their Sword Emblems—not enough to be considered core members.
The purpose of this trial was both to guide Outer Disciples to comprehend the Nine Sword Truths in preparation for future cultivation of the Sword Canon, and to assess whether new Inner Disciples were neglecting their studies.
At this moment, except for the absent Chief of Falling Cloud Peak, the Grand Disciples of the other four peaks were present, presiding over the trial and scrutinizing the young faces of their future junior brothers and sisters.
Two of the Five Peaks’ Head Seats had arrived, and with the immortal-like acting Sect Leader Grand Elder present, only the elusive Chief of Celestial Phenomena and the physically weak First Seat of Hidden in Mist Peak had not appeared—showing just how seriously this year’s selection was regarded.
The First Seat of Sunset Peak was a sturdy, round-faced man with narrow eyes, whose fierce appearance was softened by the friendly smile of the Head of Qingxia beside him.
In other words, among this year’s new students, two Outer Disciples had drawn the interest of the Head Seats and Grand Elder.
On Celestial Phenomena Peak, the moon-white auspicious cloud was off to one side, with only one person standing there, solitary but unremarkable in the eyes of the crowd.
Only two disciples remained within the peak—one paralyzed, the other missing with unknown whereabouts—leaving the purpose of their existence uncertain.
Yun Liu stood with hands behind his back, frowning in silence, appearing worried and unsure to onlookers.
Yet, this person had received a letter from Miss You the day before, a Heavenly Invitation Card officially sent by the Shanhai Pavilion’s manager, signaling his upcoming appointment—thus, as a job-hopper, he had no interest in sect affairs.
The lineage of Falling Cloud Peak remained as aloof as ever, with Fang Ting and his close friends among them, casting sidelong glances at the white-robed youth in the corner, eager to test their skills—seemingly already aware of the lottery outcome and preparing to cause a stir in the trial presided over by the Celestial Phenomena lineage.
At that moment, delicate snowflakes began to fall from the sky, and the air turned cold.
Ge Lan’s eyelids twitched, and sure enough, a white-clad woman rode her sword down from Celestial Phenomena, arriving instantly.
With closed eyes and an icy, jade-like complexion, the woman stood gracefully upon the Frost-Sky Auspicious Clouds.
A beam of moonlight enveloped Yun Liu. Arriving late, the young man looked surprised but did not turn his head.
With this, four of the five auspicious clouds had found their masters, with only the Grand Disciple of Hidden in Mist Peak conveying the Head Seat’s orders in their stead, sparking whispers among the crowd.
“Who is that? A Celestial Phenomena Peak cloud robe… How have I never seen such a beautiful Senior Sister?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. That’s Aunt Master!”
“What? She’s…”
“Shh, shut up. Do you want the mountain sealed by snow?”
There were always strange happenings every year, but this year was especially odd.
Not only did Aunt Master never attend trivial events, but even at the Cloudtop Sword-Contending Sect’s grand ceremonies, she never appeared—her mystery making most disciples unaware of the peerless white-clad beauty.
Known as Aunt Master of Celestial Phenomena, she was counted among the Seven Great Mysteries of the Sea of Clouds, alongside the Grand Elder’s wig and Head Seat Ge Lan’s chest muscles.
Head Seat of Qingxia and First Seat of Sunset Peak exchanged glances, both puzzled.
Why had Yan Bingling appeared at the Inner Court admission, and when did Aunt Master become eager to accept disciples?
A flash of spiritual light shot skyward, silencing the murmurs.
A white-haired Elder of Falling Cloud Peak stroked his beard and stepped forward solemnly.
“The auspicious hour has arrived. I trust everyone is familiar with the Sect Rules. Once you enter the Inner Sect, the Test Ground becomes essential—never to be taken lightly or recklessly. Above all, safety is paramount.”
The Strong Practitioners of Xixu Peak responded in unison, having already been briefed on exam discipline by Outer Sect mentors during registration—only new students might be unaware.
The Test Ground was created by immortals through great supernatural power to simulate a cave heaven secret realm, serving as a daily training site for sect disciples—normally limited in access, but specially opened during selection events.
Any spiritual materials or hunted prey obtained could be exchanged for points to acquire resources, making it both a challenge and a training opportunity for Outer Disciples, and a benefit for Inner Disciples.
As disciples queued to draw lots, strange-colored vortexes slowly rose beneath the five auspicious clouds, representing the teleportation entrances for the Five-Phase Trial.
The Grand Elder tossed a golden Linghu, which resisted spiritual senses.
Each person drew a lot and then stepped aside—no dawdling allowed.
“Please, please, don’t let me draw the Fire Aspect!”
Everyone silently wished to avoid the Sunset Peak territory—infamous for its devilish examiners.
As results emerged, some rejoiced while others despaired.
Different Spiritual Roots received buffs in certain trial fields. If assigned to a countered attribute, they gained advantages, but being countered was the worst.
Take the unlucky Chang Su, for example—a Mixed Spiritual Root with only a slight affinity for Water Aspect, yet she was assigned to the Five-Phase Earth Aspect.
Water meets earth, blocked.
A hopeless sigh.
Looks like there’s no hope for promotion again this year…
For Outer Disciples, the Test Ground was fraught with both opportunity and danger, but for seasoned Inner Disciples, it was a playground for earning sect resources.
The responsibilities of the Chief Disciple were even heavier—not only maintaining exam discipline and protecting junior brothers and sisters, but also assessing their skills as the examiner.
Thus, Yun Liu was both examiner and examinee—year after year, a tiring job.
Unfair, but unavoidable—especially since all of Aunt Master’s accepted disciples had fled, leaving only a solitary Grand Disciple to command.
The Celestial Phenomena lineage had only recently returned to the Inner Sect’s Five Peaks after a century of isolation, with shallow roots—excluding them wasn’t possible either.
Who would’ve thought Ah Lian would skip so many classes?
The Grand Elder glanced at Yun Liu, his spiritual presence nearly undetectable, worry evident—he wanted to speak but ultimately remained silent.
It could only be said that luck was a form of fortune—fate and destiny had always been part of a cultivator’s strength.
“Liu’er.”
Just as Yun Liu was about to step into the vortex, a soft call stopped him.
He turned in surprise.
Yan Bingling’s pretty face was serious, but her voice was weak, lacking its former coldness.
“I…I’ll ask you one more time. Are you really… going to leave?”
A question from a Master who should be apologizing and pleading for him to stay—her little mouth stubborn.
Yun Liu nodded.
“Are you sure?”
“Mm.”
“No regrets?”
Yun Liu scratched his head.
“What exactly do you want to say?”
Once he saw the obsessive, frigid face beneath her frosty exterior, even her stern demeanor became endearing—he couldn’t help wanting to tease her, reluctant to reveal the truth.
Yan Bingling said gloomily,
“Since you’re determined, I have no right to stop you. Once you leave, I’ll just be alone, right?”
Why did that sound like she was talking about herself?
“You’ll just be a wandering cultivator, with no home but the mountains and forests, drifting wherever you please, visiting whoever you like, with no one to force you to practice sword way if you’re tired, no one to make you cook when you’re hungry, and no one to leave a mess for you to clean up.”
Yun Liu struggled to hold back a laugh.
Was this persuading him to stay, or encouraging him to leave faster?
Emphasizing the joys of life after leaving the sect—was she afraid he wasn’t leaving quickly enough?
Yan Bingling raised a finger, muttering a powerless threat, panic flickering in her heart.
“T-that’s not all! A life without constraints will only make you degenerate. Without anyone to urge you to follow the rules and uphold righteousness, you’ll go to a brothel and order a thousand girls, gamble all your money in the casinos, kill for fun when bored, rob when you’re broke—life of indulgence!”
?
Wait, what kind of nonsense was this—leaving the sect to become a villain?
Perhaps realizing how odd her words had become, the cold and proud fairy hurriedly corrected herself.
“Yes, on the surface, it sounds happy, but when you kick off your blanket and get cold at night, there’s no one to cover you. No one misses you day and night, waiting for you to come home. Who will you cook for, boil water for, or hand your salary to?”
“……”
Yun Liu covered his face and turned away, barely able to endure.
At this rate, she was making it impossible for him to stay.
Some foster mothers act strict but strive to appear as responsible parents—no matter how many times you see it, it never gets old. With a Master like this, when would you ever go home?
“Master, take care.”
“Don’t go! I’m not done talking!”
Yan Bingling reached out anxiously, hearing Ge Lan’s stifled laughter nearby, glaring at her fiercely.
The white-robed youth turned and entered the Test Ground, vanishing into the vortex.
Qingxia Peak’s trial for the Wood Aspect was hosted by Qin Xing, while Sunset and Hidden in Mist each held the Fire and Water aspects.
The Golden Lord was Falling Cloud, leaving the Earth Aspect—steady and immovable—to Celestial Phenomena Peak.
Outer Disciples who drew Earth Aspect lots cheered, feeling assured—including the meaningfully smiling Fang Ting.
Xiao Xinran stomped her foot in frustration, glancing at the bewildered Chang Su, wishing she could snatch the lot and charge in to protect Xiao Yun.
Foes often cross paths—similarly, the little Princess couldn’t reunite with the Prince Consort, colliding with Xiao Xinran instead.
The two stared at the fire aspect bamboo lots in their hands, sparks flying between their gazes.
“Just watch.”
“Right back at you.”
Ji Shiyu scratched her head, holding the wood aspect lot as she walked to the Qingxia lineage, her small face melancholy.
She had just built a good relationship with her Senior Sisters, and now she had to leave—reluctance tugged at her heart.
There weren’t many beautiful and gentle sisters like Qin Senior Sister.
“Good luck, Junior Sister Ji! If you succeed, you’ll break Senior Brother Yun’s record!”
“I…I’ll do my best.”
The Mistress of Xiangfang Pavilion clenched her fist to encourage her apprentice, while the Blonde-haired girl hesitated, nodded, then looked away disinterestedly.
Ao Tian soared into the sky, curiously surveying the scenes unfolding within the centers of the five auspicious clouds—apparently with no intention of helping.
As more disciples entered, Shenhua Sect members left Xixu Peak and appeared at the center of the Five-Phase platform, each tense and gripping their swords tightly.
The Grand Elder retrieved the Linghu, chuckling and shaking it.
The artifact contained a world of its own—vast and limitless.
The Sea of Clouds hummed like ancient bells and tripods, signaling the official start of the Five-Phase Trial.
The restrictions lifted, and everyone on the platform scattered to search for their prey.
The rules were simple: collect enough prey within the allotted time to exchange for points with the examiner—any treasure or monster material counted.
Whether Inner Disciples allowed passage depended on the examiner’s mood.
If a candidate was deemed unqualified for promotion, they’d face additional trials—not considered harsh, given the Five Peaks each had different sword canons and entry thresholds.
The Chief Disciple of Sunset Peak was the strictest—a battle maniac who required candidates to spar and earn his approval before granting passage.
The Senior Sister of Clear Mist Peak was the gentlest—so long as a candidate amassed enough trial points, they passed.
However, her lineage only accepted female disciples—even passing the Wood Aspect trial didn’t guarantee recognition by other peaks for male candidates.
The Fire Aspect was a blazing volcano, filled with fire spirits and stifling heat, indistinguishable from reality to Outer Disciples.
Lessons had covered how to detect spiritual veins, search for treasures, and deal with monsters—it was up to Outer Disciples to apply themselves.
No sooner had the trial begun than wails echoed from the Water Aspect’s muddy swamps—a panicked Outer Disciple had blundered into a monster nest while searching for spiritual materials, provoking a giant python.
The attending Elders could barely contain their laughter—Outer Disciples were still immature, their hearts and cultivation needing growth.
These monsters were all pets nurtured by the Grand Elder within the Linghu’s world.
The Five-Phase Trial featured monsters up to the Second Stage—hardly fearsome, yet dangerous enough that rookie academy students were usually barred from entering.
Suddenly, the Cloudsea Formation sounded an alarm, ripples spreading throughout.
A guest had arrived—one with considerable cultivation.
The Grand Elder’s brow furrowed at first, but then relaxed, a broad smile spreading.
The immortal-like old man waved his long sleeve, sending a cloud to greet the visitor at Xixu Peak and instructing the Outer Sect mentor to escort them to the peak’s arena.
Soon, three people rode a cloud to the summit—a gentle middle-aged man striding confidently at the front, followed by a lively Jade-Crowned Boy, adorable and bouncing along.
The last was unexpected—a familiar face, the Shanhai Pavilion manager Miss You, recognized by all frequent customers.
The little girl, pink-cheeked and exquisitely dressed, her sleeves trailing on the ground, looked around as if searching for someone.
Even upon seeing the peak’s Head Seats, she showed no respect.
Visitors from outside the region rarely came to Shenhua, but the Elders present were not unfamiliar with this distinguished guest.
The middle-aged man looked at the bustling Xixu Peak, five auspicious clouds circling, all the Head Seats present—a scene of importance—and said in surprise,
“It seems I’ve come at a bad time. Forgive my intrusion.”
“Not at all, Mister Canghai. The Shenhua Sect always welcomes your visits to the Sea of Clouds. Since you’re here, why not observe the junior disciples’ trial and offer some guidance?”
The usually stern Grand Elder beamed warmly, unconcerned by the interruption, raising a hand to invite them to the golden auspicious cloud’s seats—their status clearly extraordinary.
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