“The second trial within the illusion tests honesty. That old man is blind and frail, utterly defenseless against the test-taker. Under such temptation, maintaining honesty counts as passing the trial.”
“Of course, the passing requirements for this trial were modified once, making it much easier than a thousand years ago…”
As Yin Qingyuan’s explanation continued, Bai Xirou’s face remained as calm as still water, her gaze fixed intently on Qi Yuan’s performance within the illusion.
Her eyes lit up when Qi Yuan exposed the old man’s lie and returned the bundle to its true owner.
Another perfect pass!
Not only her, but the Falling Cloud Valley cultivators nearby also showed looks of surprise, their murmurs rising and falling.
“Who would have thought there were so many twists to the second trial? Our ancestral master certainly knew what he was doing when he invited that formation expert to create this array.”
“This wandering cultivator is indeed extraordinary. Not only did he not covet wealth upon seeing it, but he also wasn’t deceived by sweet talk. His will is firm, his wisdom exceptional; he’s definitely no ordinary person.”
“I’m not so sure. Although this Big Qi performed well, his Four Spiritual Roots cultivation aptitude can be considered poor. With such aptitude, I’m afraid he won’t achieve much in the future.”
“True. With such poor prospects, there is little point investing resources in him…”
Just as everyone was whispering and commenting, a female cultivator curiously asked Bai Xirou:
“Eldest Senior Sister, how did you fare in the second trial nine years ago?”
Instantly, several other Falling Cloud Valley disciples nearby also focused their gazes on Bai Xirou, clearly curious about this question as well.
Bai Xirou’s pretty face flushed slightly, her expression somewhat embarrassed.
“I was young and naive. That old fox of a Formation Spirit fooled me. I only asked how many spirit stones were in the bundle, and when the count matched, I handed it over. I earned a rating of Excellent, not Perfect.”
Hearing this, the junior disciples around immediately understood and comforted her.
“It’s fine. Senior Sister, you were only ten years old then; your mind was still immature. If you took the test now, you’d definitely be better than this Big Qi.”
“Right, Senior Sister is still more impressive.”
“We believe in Senior Sister’s ability…”
“Not necessarily. This trial is much harder than the first,” Bai Xirou said, shaking her head. “You must resist greed, but also guard against your own contempt for the weak. It is easy to assume a frail old man would never dare lie to you.”
“Let your guard down for an instant, and a perfect pass is out of reach.”
Hearing her explanation, all the disciples suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly, secretly feeling relieved.
Thankfully the passing requirements were lowered significantly; otherwise, with such a difficult illusion trial set up, Falling Cloud Valley basically wouldn’t be able to recruit any new disciples in the future.
At this moment, Lin Zhen and Wang Luchuan, who were under much attention, also passed through the second illusion.
Notably, Lin Zhen returned the bundle to the old man immediately upon meeting him and even proactively helped him home…
Meanwhile, Wang Luchuan—suspected of cheating—continued his previous perfect performance, becoming another test-taker after Big Qi to achieve a perfect pass.
Actually, whether one chose to return the bundle directly or asked to take a portion of spirit stones as a reward counted as passing this trial’s character assessment. The source of this chapter is novelping dot com.
The first illusion trial had eliminated about sixty percent of the candidates, leaving just over fifty to enter the second.
About half of those fifty-odd candidates then failed, either by lying or by simply killing the old man. Fewer than thirty remained…
Illusion.
Qi Yuan continued his journey and soon arrived before a small hill.
It was barely a hill—little more than a bare earthen slope a little over ten zhang high, without a single tree.
Atop the slope stood a tall stone archway inscribed with three characters: 【Gate of Knocking on Dao】.
At the foot of the slope was a staircase that could be seen from end to end at a glance—exactly one hundred steps.
Seeing this setup before him, Qi Yuan immediately understood what Falling Cloud Valley’s final trial within the illusion was:
Mountain climbing!
Once clear in his mind, he didn’t hesitate and stepped toward the staircase.
Upon stepping onto the first step, he felt no abnormality whatsoever.
On the second, his steps grew a little heavier, though it was still effortless.
Then came the third step, fourth step, fifth step… He stopped only at the tenth step.
Because he had already discovered and confirmed that with each ascending step, the pressure on his body doubled.
Continuing like this meant facing terrifying pressure at the hundredth step—pressure that could probably crush even Gengjin metal, considered one of heaven and earth’s hardest refining materials.
Using this as reference, Qi Yuan quickly calculated his current limit—around seventy steps.
Of course, if he drained all his potential and exerted immense effort… he might manage another three or four steps.
But he was only here to become a Servant Disciple of Falling Cloud Valley. There was no need to make things harder for himself.
He studied the ancient stone archway. There had to be a way to keep his strength hidden, spare himself the effort, and still be certain of passing.
Thinking this, he narrowed his eyes slightly and calmly walked back down along the steps.
…….
Outside the Illusion.
“What’s going on? Why did Big Qi only walk ten steps up Knock-on-Dao Mountain then retreat? Could that already be his limit?”
A Falling Cloud Valley cultivator noticed Qi Yuan’s actions, looking full of suspicion.
“This guy performed quite miraculously in the first two trials. He wouldn’t possibly fail at a mere ten steps, would he?” Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Didn’t expect someone who looks so young to be quite frail physically…”
“Wait! Look, he tried throwing a pebble onto higher steps! He must be looking for loopholes in the trial!”
These words immediately caused an uproar.
“Knock-on-Dao Mountain has been refined for a thousand years. How could someone who just arrived find a flaw in it?”
Seeing everyone discussing animatedly, Yin Qingyuan, responsible for this assessment, snorted coldly and spoke gravely.
“Rest assured,” Yin Qingyuan said. “Our ancestral master designed Knock-on-Dao Mountain to test resolve in pursuing the Dao. Every living being that comes from outside the formation is subject to its effects.”
“Within the illusion, magical tools or treasures cannot be used, nor can one fly through the air. Even attempting to prop ladders or dig the earth won’t have any effect.”
“In short, even if he suddenly grew wings, he couldn’t fly up.”
“The third trial of the illusion leaves no room for cutting corners. Everyone must ascend step by step. Exceeding thirty steps counts as qualified. Those climbing fifty steps receive a 【Perfect】 rating…”
Everyone nodded upon hearing this.
“No wonder it is so formidable. Our ancestral master designed it.”
“Our late ancestral master was truly wise…”
Suddenly, the Falling Cloud Valley group stared at the scene within the magic mirror as if seeing a ghost, unable to utter a single word…
Simultaneously.
Within the Illusion.
“You would not give me the bundle. What have you come back for?”
Discovering Qi Yuan sought him out again, the old man fumed angrily, his beard bristling and eyes glaring, clearly unwelcoming.
Qi Yuan didn’t mind. Instead, he said smilingly:
“Old sir, I have many spirit stones. Wonder if you are interested in earning some?”
“What do you mean?”
The old man, startled, asked subconsciously.
Seeing the other’s expression, Qi Yuan’s smile grew even brighter.
“Very simple. Ahead is a small slope. As long as you carry me up, I’ll give you a hundred spirit stones…”