Chapter Twenty: The Strange Second Round

Fei Chengji only knew that Hongjian had just advanced to the fifth layer of Qi Refinement a few days ago. Arranging her as the fourth contestant was already a courtesy to Yan Changqing, who was in charge of the Water Spirit Root assessment. He had no idea that on the day Yan Changqing placed Hongjian before Zheng Jin from the sixth layer of Qi Refinement, it was not an oversight. Shortly after the assessment began, Yan Changqing realized that this young girl at the fifth layer surpassed her peers in both mastery of techniques and the speed of true energy recovery. He even sighed inwardly, "If only she were a boy."

Hongjian had been observing the proceedings for quite some time and had already discerned the true purpose and method of this so-called trial. If the first few participants had to display knowledge and courage, for those who followed, it was purely a test of cultivation level: the overlay and stacking of elementary techniques. If one's strength was sufficient, passing was certain; if not, even testing until nightfall would not yield success.

Since Zhu Jingxian, who was also at the fifth layer, had passed, there was no reason she could not. Hongjian was unconcerned, not to mention she was still simmering with resentment from being underestimated by Elder Fei. At her age, she was eager to prove herself. Without hesitation, she channeled the Water Condensation Technique with all her might.

Since she had arduously gained entry to the mysterious technique that could heal divine sense, using the Water Condensation Technique—a simple method accessible from the first layer of Qi Refinement—felt effortless. Almost instantly, several ripples of water flashed around her body: one layer, two layers, three layers... dazzling to the eye. While those from other sects paid little attention, all eyes from the Dan Cliff Sect were fixed on Hongjian, stunned by the speed at which she executed the technique. Even Fei Chengji's eyes widened in surprise.

Jian Hui was unaware that this young girl had not yet broken through to the sixth layer. He merely wondered why Elder Fei had arranged such a powerful apprentice so late in the order. Seeing Hongjian take a deep breath and stride through the light curtain, he smiled slightly and loudly announced, "Hongjian of Dan Cliff Sect has passed the trial!"

This was the second time, aside from the Xianyun Sect, that two disciples from the same sect had passed consecutively. By now, everyone's pace in the trial had slowed, and the sudden success of a Dan Cliff disciple drew the attention of all present.

Hongjian paid no heed to the gazes. After passing, she turned and made a fist gesture at her chest to encourage her younger brother, Fang Zheng.

Her own passage had been so effortless, even swifter than some of those at the seventh layer, prompting her to suspect the trial took age into consideration. Otherwise, Senior Brother Shen Yan would not have finished in similar time to Senior Brother Zhu. Thus, though Fang Zheng was only at the third layer, he still had hope; however, his mastery of the Green Wood Technique was lacking. She hoped her easy success would ease his nerves and bolster his confidence.

Fei Chengji paused before calling Qin Shangyi, who followed behind Hongjian.

Hongjian no longer looked back. She bowed to the pale-faced Jian Hui beside her and quickly ascended the jade steps toward the grand entrance of Huanhua Hall.

Outside, one could hardly notice, but within, the grand hall was brightly lit. Once inside, Hongjian could see everything clearly. The hall was vast and deep, over a dozen yards long. At the far end, several chairs sat high on a platform, most empty, with only six people seated.

Though far away, Hongjian—being at the fifth layer—had sharp eyes. She immediately saw Sect Master Ling Xuzi and the recently arrived Nascent Soul cultivator Xing Wuyai, and beside Xing Wuyai sat the mysterious cloaked figure.

On Xing Wuyai’s other side was an elder with snow-white hair and beard. All those seated high in Huanhua Hall today were surely Nascent Soul or above—venerable seniors. This man looked so aged, he might be centuries old; Hongjian guessed he must be the sect’s own Nascent Soul Grand Elder, Jin Donglou.

Hongjian dared not scrutinize them individually. Upon entering, she knelt and bowed, respectfully saying, "Hongjian of Dan Cliff Sect greets the Sect Master and all esteemed seniors!" In her heart, she wondered if the stern-faced middle-aged man beside the Grand Elder might be Dai Mingchi, the Nascent Soul master and Sect Leader of the Talisman Sect.

The man presumed to be Dai Mingchi spoke first: "Oh? Another from Dan Cliff Sect?"

The previous entrant was Zhu Jingxian of Dan Cliff Sect; two apprentices in succession drew the attention of those seated.

Hongjian dared not raise her head but caught, from the corner of her eye, the apprentices who had passed sitting in neat rows. The first two rows were full; only one person, Zhu Jingxian, sat in the third.

She could only see their backs, all sitting cross-legged and unmoving, uncertain what they were doing.

"Water Spirit Root, fifth layer of Qi Refinement—this little girl is rather special. If Elder Jin is interested, perhaps test her more thoroughly." Hongjian, still not daring to look up, guessed the speaker—who knew her situation and could address Jin Donglou thus—must be the Sect Master's senior brother, Sun Yougong, master of Late Tide Peak.

A hoarse voice responded, "Mm."

No matter her anxiety, hearing a Nascent Soul cultivator speak stirred Hongjian’s excitement.

Suddenly, a blunt voice interjected, "Whether she’s up to it, let’s wait until the trial is finished." The tone was unmistakably Xing Wuyai.

With Xing Wuyai speaking, the other five fell silent. After a pause, perhaps seeing the small figure kneeling pitifully, Ling Xuzi said, "Go on."

Hongjian, setting aside her thoughts, hurried to sit beside Zhu Jingxian. With twenty seats per row, her position was clear: the forty-second. Zhu Jingxian sat in meditation, holding a jade slip to his forehead.

Hongjian realized with a jolt that those who entered first had an advantage—Lin Suoyue, Jiang Yan, and others had already gained nearly half an hour.

Hongjian settled cross-legged, finally daring to glance at the seated masters. Her gaze swept past Xing Wuyai's side; the mysterious figure never looked at her, kept his face hidden in shadow, silent and motionless.

Ling Xuzi’s robe sleeve stirred, and a point of white light flew toward Hongjian from the table before him. She caught it: a jade slip identical to the others'.

Hongjian pressed it to her forehead, infusing her divine sense, and was startled.

Within the jade slip, countless black shapes clustered like motionless insects suspended in the void. Each was distinct—some intricate, some simple, some with complex patterns and designs. What was this? Could it be a secret technique? Was it possible that any apprentice present could comprehend such strange things?