Chapter Fourteen: The Illusion Array Test

So that’s how it was.

Su Yi nodded quietly to himself, a sudden clarity dawning in his heart.

It seemed that ring was truly extraordinary—it could even alter Xu Ze’s spiritual roots, elevating him to a higher level.

No wonder he was the child of fate; even before stepping onto the path, his opportunities were already so formidable!

Before long, everyone had completed the first round of tests.

Looking around, all those eliminated had left; the remaining individuals numbered fewer than three dozen. Such a high elimination rate was truly alarming.

Qi Yongnian looked at the remaining young boys and girls with a pleased expression, stroking his beard.

The entrance test for the Xianxia Sect was held once every three years, and the last time, those who survived the first round were fewer than twenty.

Aside from a few scions from families with cultivators who had entered the Dao, the rest—though qualified—were mediocre at best. Of those left, some lacked spiritual roots entirely, while others possessed five spiritual roots. Those who passed the first round were pitifully few.

Five spiritual roots could absorb the five elemental spiritual energies of the world, but the impurities in those energies were difficult to endure, and cultivation was much harder than with other spiritual roots.

The body’s ability to sense multiple types of spiritual energy meant that all such energies had to be cultivated; otherwise, uneven strengths within would cause conflict. A five-rooted cultivator had to train five elemental attributes, making progress painstakingly slow—often requiring ten times the effort to advance a single stage.

Thus, apart from impure roots, the five-elemental roots were also called “waste roots.”

If an ordinary person awakened with five spiritual roots, they might as well give up on entering the immortal path for their lifetime.

Compared to five roots, four-rooted individuals still had some hope, though slim. Many sects were willing to accept them as disciples.

At least they could cultivate. If they could cultivate, there was still a glimmer of hope. It was better than being unable to enter the sect at all. Powerful sects needed a solid disciple base.

Moreover, legends spoke of many mediocre individuals who obtained great opportunities and thus overturned their fate to become overlords.

So accepting four-rooted candidates was not only to strengthen the sect but also an investment in the future.

Though these people had low talent and no fortune, they could still be useful, increasing the sect’s numbers and vitality. If fortune did come, it was a windfall. Their task was simply to accept them and provide minimum guarantees.

Qi Yongnian cleared his throat, and the faces of the remaining crowd instantly grew solemn.

“Now, the next round begins!”

With a wave of his wide sleeve, a section beside them suddenly collapsed, revealing a path of blue stone winding downward into the earth.

The narrow road was deep and shadowed, its end swallowed by darkness like an abyss, evoking fear of unknown creatures emerging at any moment.

“Anyone who reaches the end passes the trial. This is the Xianxia Sect’s test of temperament. Those who succeed will become our disciples directly, without waiting.”

Many had already been eliminated in the first round; fewer than a hundred remained.

As Qi Yongnian’s words faded, a resolute-faced youth gritted his teeth and stepped onto the path without hesitation. Seeing this, the others followed suit without pause.

Those who completed this path would truly become disciples of the immortal sect, even if only at the most basic level. They would leave behind the mortal realm and gain security, bringing honor to their families as well.

Su Yi and his companions joined the main group and set off. After a few steps, Su Yi felt a sudden dizziness, and the next moment found himself on a forest path, his footing unsteady. He collapsed and touched something cold.

Looking closely, it was a shining silver broadsword.

Su Yi weighed the sword in his hand. Its presence and temperature felt unnervingly real.

Such a powerful illusion—so lifelike. The Xianxia Sect was impressive indeed...

Though he had only shallow experience with formations, Su Yi was still a Golden Core cultivator. For this illusion to affect him so easily was remarkable.

Just as he was marveling, a heavy sensation pressed upon his mind—a mysterious force invading, attempting to alter his perception, blurring his identity and recent memories.

He knew the illusion was intensifying. Years ago, when he entered the Tianyuan Sacred Land, he faced a similar challenge—a supreme treasure known as the Heart Reflection Mirror. Once gazed upon, one was trapped for over a decade, nearly ready to marry and settle down before being pulled back. He had been dazed for days afterward.

That time, he had not only passed perfectly but also caught the attention of his master, the Sacred Lord, who took him as a disciple, causing a stir throughout the Sacred Land...

Recalling those memories, Su Yi began to exert himself.

This illusion was no ordinary test. Though it did not create a decade-long dream like that treasure, it still manipulated thought and perception.

This test of temperament was unrelated to cultivation level or talent; if one failed, it would affect their very soul.

If not taken seriously, failure—and disgrace—was all but certain.

He silently began to practice the “Tianyuan Correct Method,” guarding his mind.

Though his perception was still partly altered, he vaguely understood he was undergoing a trial; what he saw might not be real...

Outside the formation, members of the Xianxia Sect gathered around a huge mirror. Within its surface, the events unfolding inside the formation were clearly visible.

Satisfied that the formation was stable, Qi Yongnian stroked his beard and spoke loudly.

“This Ten-Breath Thousand-Illusions Formation was created a thousand years ago by a friend of our sect’s founding ancestor, a realm-duplicate cultivator. Its transformations are infinite, and the scenes inside are incredibly lifelike, probing the very hearts of men. We hope all can endure this trial.”

“This formation is integrated with the sect’s grand array, complementing each other. After a millennium of nurturing, it has developed its own formation spirit, now possessing intelligence. The illusions are even more exquisite than a thousand years ago. Even a Refining Void realm cultivator would find it nearly impossible to escape quickly.”

Ziling smiled softly at Qi Yongnian and bowed slightly.

“Father has been secluded in bitter meditation lately, striving to break through the peak Nascent Soul stage and cannot attend to affairs. Elder Qi has managed all the sect’s matters; I thank you for that.”

Then her gaze returned to the images in the mirror, eyes full of hope.

“The Xianxia Sect wishes to regain its former glory of a thousand years past. Cultivating excellent disciples is paramount. I hope this year’s disciples will not disappoint.”

...

Inside the formation,

Su Yi walked along the path when suddenly he sensed commotion ahead and immediately grew alert. Soon, two figures appeared in his sight.

A beautiful young woman fled in panic, glancing back repeatedly. Behind her was a hulking man wielding a knife.

The man’s face was twisted with lecherous delight, spouting obscene words.

“Little beauty, your running is so enticing! Don’t run anymore. There’s no one in these wild mountains. Stop obediently, and I’ll give you a good time!”

“Help! Help!”