Chapter Sixteen: The Second Test of Sincerity

Suddenly, an elder who had been intently watching the screen spoke up.

“Look! Someone else has achieved a perfect clear!”

Everyone’s attention was drawn, and upon seeing who it was, they couldn’t help but exclaim.

“It’s Xu Ze! He’s also completed a perfect clear!”

“He actually discovered that there was something wrong with that beauty!”

Before the crowd could fully react, another shout rang out.

“Zhao Zijin! He’s also achieved a perfect clear!”

At the sound of this, those still recovering turned instantly to the screen showing Zhao Zijin.

On the screen, Zhao Zijin unhesitatingly saved the beauty, then quickly realized something was amiss. Without hesitation, he struck her with a blade—decisive and flawless, his performance was impeccable, flowing smoothly from start to finish.

Seeing this, the crowd’s expressions shifted subtly, and instinctively, they looked toward Elder Chi.

This elder was one of the co-hosts of the entrance ceremony and had said little throughout, seemingly trying to keep a low profile.

It was one thing for Zhang Yi and Xu Ze to succeed; they had no backing. But Zhao Zijin was Elder Chi’s own nephew, and his flawless performance naturally aroused suspicion…

After all, if Elder Chi wished, it would be easy enough to leak the trial’s secrets to Zhao Zijin.

Though the illusion would cloud one’s judgment and perception, the illusion was only a recent development. If Elder Chi wanted Zhao Zijin to cheat, all he needed was to brief him beforehand and reinforce the details.

Yet, despite their doubts, everyone present was clever enough not to voice them openly.

Elder Chi noticed their gazes and furrowed his brow, speaking coldly.

“What are you all staring at me for?”

The crowd quickly withdrew their eyes. Elder Qi shot him a glare but said nothing.

Zi Ling’s eyes showed some displeasure but she said nothing and looked away.

Having dealt with everyone, Elder Chi finally exhaled in relief, feeling he had gotten through it.

Indeed, he had leaked the questions to Zhao Zijin, just to ensure his perfect success and save some time.

According to the rules of the Xianxia Sect, all new disciples must serve as attendants for a time to strengthen their bodies and temper their minds.

But if one could perfectly pass the trial of one’s heart and show exceptional talent, the sect might make an exception.

Zhao Zijin was his nephew and possessed the rare dual spiritual roots. If he passed the heart trial perfectly, and Elder Chi mentioned it casually, it would be perfectly natural.

This way, Zhao Zijin could skip unnecessary stages and formally enter inner sect cultivation, starting at least a year ahead of his peers—a benefit that spoke for itself.

But things didn’t go as planned. Under immense pressure, Elder Chi had done this hoping Zhao Zijin would shine brilliantly, yet unexpectedly, two others also achieved perfect clears.

This made Zhao Zijin less outstanding; three sharing the spotlight was far less impressive than one standing alone, and it planted many uncertainties for the future.

...

Inside the illusionary array,

Su Yi walked along a narrow path, no longer as tense as before.

Having passed the first trial, he understood that as long as he stayed close to the spirit platform, restrained his desires, and observed carefully, he could clear the challenge.

He felt he had already grasped most of the array’s patterns.

Then, suddenly, he saw a brightly colored package lying not far ahead.

The package was placed right on a path everyone must take—it was impossible to miss, even a blind person would stumble over it.

Clearly, the illusion had struck again with another test.

Smiling wryly at this, Su Yi quickened his pace, picked up the package, and weighed it.

Finding no danger, he opened it, only to find it filled with gleaming inferior spirit stones—at least a hundred of them.

As the saying goes, “Man dies for wealth, bird dies for food.” Spirit stones served not only as currency but were essential materials on a cultivator’s path.

For novices who had yet to enter a sect, such a pile of spirit stones was an overwhelming temptation.

But for Su Yi, this bundle was like trash on the roadside—he didn’t even glance twice, much less covet it.

As a saint’s son, his expenses were all covered by superior spirit stones. Every month, he received a thousand superior stones without lifting a finger, free to spend as he pleased. One superior stone could be exchanged for a hundred medium-grade ones; one medium-grade could be exchanged for a hundred inferior stones.

“Looks like this trial tests one’s greed. Trying to tempt me with just a few dozen inferior spirit stones? That’s a bit too insulting, isn’t it?” Su Yi muttered, unaware if others’ illusions were the same as his.

Though he dismissed the stones, considering this was a test, he decided to rebind the package and sling it across his back.

Though these stones were little more than dirt to him, this was an illusion. To throw them away outright would be excessive. The performance must continue, and with no other clues, he might as well carry them.

Soon, an elderly man appeared down the path, walking unsteadily.

His temples were streaked with white; he leaned heavily on a cane, coughing as he moved, like a dying candle flickering in the wind. One feared he might collapse and pass away any moment.

As he neared, Su Yi noticed the man’s pupils were clouded white—he was blind.

Hearing Su Yi’s footsteps, the old man quickly waved and called out.

“Young man, wait a moment. Have you seen a heavy package along the way?”

Su Yi smiled.

“Sir, I see your eyes are clouded; you cannot see. How do you know I am a young man?”

The old man was taken aback, then laughed heartily.

“Though my sight is gone, my hearing is sharp. Judging by your lively step, you must be a vigorous young fellow.”

Su Yi made a sound of acknowledgment and nodded, saying nothing further.

“Here’s the thing—I did see a package, and it’s with me now. You must tell me what’s inside and prove it’s yours, or I won’t hand it over.”

Upon hearing this, the old man planted his cane firmly.

“There are ninety-two inferior spirit stones in the package!”

Su Yi’s face lit with understanding but shook his head.

“You’re mistaken. Goodbye.”

The old man grew anxious as Su Yi turned to leave.

“Young man! How can you be like this? In this desolate mountain wilderness, have you seen anyone else? If the package isn’t mine, whose could it be? You think I’m old and feeble, so you want to steal my belongings?”

Su Yi stopped and turned back to him.

“I counted the stones inside. There are only eighty-eight, yet you say ninety-two. You can’t even get the number right; how can I trust you?”

The old man’s face suddenly showed realization.

“Yes, yes! I’m old and confused. There are clearly only eighty stones. If there are extras, I’ll give them to you as a gift, as a token of thanks!”