The System was also baffled. What kind of bizarre questions were these?
But it didn’t forget to encourage Chi Yu: “Host, it’s okay. You’re so smart—isn’t sixty points a piece of cake for you? Keep going ( _).”
Chi Yu took a deep breath.
She absolutely had to get into the Taixu Sect.
It was fine. Maybe the first question on this exam was just unusually difficult.
Back in school, teachers always said that if you couldn’t solve a problem, you shouldn’t waste time on it—just skip to the next one.
She looked at the second question.
“Question Two: If you use a venomous snake’s venom to poison another venomous snake, will the snake die from the snake venom?”
Chi Yu: “…”
Great, next question.
“Will a vampire get blisters in their mouth from a passionate youth?”
“Is infertility hereditary?”
“Does a pregnant woman fighting count as a group brawl?”
“Why do many people like to eat Mapo Tofu, but Mapo never resists?”
…
With all that skipping, she ended up at the final, most challenging question.
“For sword flight, besides requiring Qi to flow through the Dantian, the sword must also be at least three feet and seven inches long to bear the load. So, if a 200-pound pig rides a cloud into the sky, how big does the cloud need to be?”
Chi Yu: “…”
Who the hell came up with these questions?
They were too twisted.
Just end it all. She was exhausted.
The System’s CPU was practically overheating trying to figure out the answers to these questions. It could only encourage Chi Yu: “Host, keep going! Think about it—if you get into the Taixu Sect, you’ll be able to spend day and night with Shen Yanzhou. That’s a billion dollars right there!”
Chi Yu silently clenched her small fist.
She was determined to pass the exam, but not for Shen Yanzhou.
She just wanted to see for herself how much water was in the brains of the people who came up with these questions.
She picked up her pen and quickly answered the questions.
Not long after, she put down her pen. The answer sheet was filled to the brim with writing, which gave her a great sense of satisfaction.
Even if she didn’t know whether her answers were correct, it just felt good to see the page completely filled.
The enclosed space suddenly dissipated, and when she looked back, she was standing once again on the long steps of the Morning Dew Platform, with a stunned Jiang Jiuming and an expressionless Shen Yanzhou by her side.
The surrounding candidates were chattering away, discussing the exam questions.
Candidate One: “Brother, is infertility really hereditary?”
“Of course it is! A delicate bride, an empty room, year after year waiting for her husband. If she needs help with anything, I’m here—I live next door, my surname is Wang.”
Candidate Two: “Then why doesn’t Mapo resist?”
“Because Mapo is already numb.”
Candidate Three: “So how big does the cloud need to be for a 200-pound pig?”
“Are you stupid? Pigs can’t ride clouds, so they don’t need one.”
Candidate Four: “You’re talking nonsense. I can ride clouds, so why can’t a pig?”
Chi Yu: “…”
All she could say was that these questions were absolutely outrageous.
She looked at the two people beside her: “How did you two do?”
Shen Yanzhou shook his head: “It’s up to fate.”
Jiang Jiuming said: “Probably okay, I guess.”
Chi Yu wasn’t really worried about Shen Yanzhou or Jiang Jiuming, because one was the male lead and the other was a top-tier Talisman Cultivator—they were definitely getting in.
She was worried about herself.
After all, in the original story, she was just a cannon fodder character.
Not long after, a senior disciple from the Taixu Sect announced the results.
As each score was called out, the number of people on the long steps, which had originally been in the thousands, instantly halved.
“Chi Yu, sixty points.”
“Jiang Jiuming, seventy points.”
“Shen Yanzhou, ninety points.”
Hearing these three announcements, Chi Yu immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
She looked at Shen Yanzhou with admiration.
The dragon-proud-heaven male lead truly was like an immortal farting—extraordinary beyond compare.
Such a difficult test, and he still scored ninety.
“Wang Shiyi, perfect score.”
Chi Yu was stunned: “Who is this genius? His name is so simple, yet he’s so incredible?”
Just as she wanted to see what Wang Shiyi looked like, the recruitment elder spoke again.
“Congratulations to everyone who has passed the first round of assessment.”
As he spoke, a colorful orb appeared beside him.
The second round of assessment was no different from other sects—it tested spiritual roots, verified aptitude, and checked cultivation base.
When it was Chi Yu’s turn, she placed her hand on the orb. A flash of light appeared, and the elder said: “Qi Refining Fifth Stage, dual gold and earth spiritual roots, primary gold spiritual root, root values 60, 49. Pass.”
Fewer spiritual roots and higher values indicated better talent. Taixu Sect’s requirement for multiple spiritual roots was that at least one root value must reach the passing threshold.
Chi Yu’s aptitude wasn’t particularly good, but she managed to pass nonetheless.
Suddenly, the orb emitted a more dazzling light. Chi Yu looked back and realized it was Jiang Jiuming.
The Taixu Sect elder immediately smiled: “Qi Refining Fifth Stage, single water spiritual root, root value 68. Pass.”
As soon as this was announced, the others began discussing.
A single spiritual root was already rare, and this person’s root value was quite high. His future prospects were limitless.
Chi Yu wasn’t surprised either. Water spiritual roots were inherently adept at wide-range magical damage, and most Talisman Cultivators had water or wood spiritual roots. Jiang Jiuming was, after all, a future top-tier Talisman Cultivator; his innate talent wouldn’t be poor.
But when it was Shen Yanzhou’s turn, Chi Yu felt sour.
“Qi Refining Fifth Stage, single gold spiritual root, root value… 90?!”
The surrounding crowd gasped in astonishment. The Taixu Sect elder abruptly stood up, showing respect for the male protagonist, the dragon soaring to the heavens.
For a single spiritual root, a root value above 80 was considered genius-level, with cultivation speed far beyond ordinary people.
However, this spiritual root value somewhat didn’t match his cultivation base.
Logically, he shouldn’t only be at Qi Refining Fifth Stage.
But this youth’s root value was so high; perhaps he hadn’t previously focused on cultivation. Given time, he would surely become a great master.
Considering this, the elder smiled slightly: “Junior brother, please wait over there for the next round of assessment.”
Chi Yu: So sour.
She wanted that kind of treatment too.
Faced with so many people’s admiration, Shen Yanzhou felt somewhat awkward, looking at Chi Yu with a bewildered gaze.
She tugged his sleeve: “Let’s go.”
The three of them walked together to one side to wait.
Not long after, the cultivators on Morning Dew Platform all learned that Taixu Sect had recruited a disciple with extraordinary talent this year, making other sects envy them greatly.
Chi Shuyun heard the commotion and instinctively looked up, wanting to see who this exceptionally talented disciple was.
But there were too many people blocking her view.
“Shu Yun, drink some water.”
Mo Chongyang said softly. Chi Shuyun took the cup from his hand and smiled gently: “Thank you, Mo senior brother.”
Today, Azure Flame Sect was recruiting disciples. She came here to observe, memorizing those with exceptional talent in her mind. If she entered Azure Flame Sect in the future, these people would be stepping stones for her advancement.
Seeing her gaze directed toward Taixu Sect, Mo Chongyang said: “Taixu Sect has quite a few disciples this year. I heard there’s even one with a single gold spiritual root—his future is boundless.”
“But Shu Yun, you’re not bad either.”
Chi Shuyun’s eyes darkened.
If it weren’t for her physical condition, she would also want to go to Taixu Sect.
Her mother used a secret technique to conceal her fire spiritual root, preventing others from discovering that her spiritual root conflicted with her constitution. She couldn’t rely on her own cultivation and could only boost her cultivation base through elixirs.
To this day, everyone believed she possessed a Wood Spiritual Root and a Pure Yin Body, endowed with extraordinary natural talent.
Only she herself lamented daily, wishing she could cast off this physical shell.
Fortunately, Mo Chongyang’s Mo family held some influence. He brought her into the Azure Flame Sect, directly exempting her from the entrance assessment, which prevented her secret from being exposed.
Thinking of this, Chi Shuyun smiled at Mo Chongyang: “Senior Brother Mo is the true genius, having already reached Foundation Establishment at such a young age. I must strive even harder.”
Mo Chongyang was quite pleased by her praise.
After saying this, however, her peripheral vision caught a familiar figure: “Is that… Chi Yu?”
Hearing this, Mo Chongyang looked over and indeed saw Chi Yu standing among the Taixu Sect’s group.
Chi Shuyun instinctively clenched her hand: “How could she be here?”
She remembered that back at home, Chi Yu’s cultivation base was only at the early First Stage of Qi Refining.
How could she have broken through in such a short time?
Could she have used some Evil Technique?
Chi Shuyun could no longer sit still.
If she couldn’t even surpass Chi Yu, wouldn’t all those years of cultivation and training from her family be in vain?
Instinctively, she wanted to get up and go over to see what was really happening.
But before she could approach, the Taixu Sect’s second round of assessment had already concluded. The senior brother led the successful cultivators away on clouds, leaving only those who failed to gain entry sighing on the spot.
Chi Shuyun’s eyes widened—she clearly saw Chi Yu leaving with them.
Could it be that she passed both rounds and entered the Taixu Sect?
If so, then by entering the Azure Flame Sect, she would actually be inferior to Chi Yu.
Chi Shuyun’s mood instantly plummeted to the depths. She no longer wanted to stay there and forced a smile: “Senior Brother Mo, I’m a bit tired. I’ll head back first.”
Naturally, Mo Chongyang escorted her back.
Before leaving, Chi Shuyun glanced once more at the Taixu Sect’s recruitment area, her expression darkening.
Given Chi Yu’s aptitude, what did it matter even if she passed two rounds?
The Taixu Sect’s final assessment was notoriously difficult; she was bound to be eliminated.
Only by thinking this way did Chi Shuyun feel slightly better.
The Taixu Mountains were a range of towering peaks shrouded in mist and clouds. Due to the numerous Spirit Veins, many spirit beasts thrived there.
And the Taixu Sect was situated upon the Taixu Mountains.
At the foot of the mountain.
Shen Yanzhou descended first from the misty cloud, then carefully reached out to support Chi Yu.
Chi Yu pushed his hand away and jumped down herself.
Jiang Jiuming, however, wanted to ask for a hand—the cloud ride had been too bumpy, and he felt a bit dizzy.
But just as he was about to extend his hand, Shen Yanzhou had already withdrawn his.
He could only get down by himself.
“Everyone, this is the Taixu Sect’s third assessment. If you can pass these Cloud Ascension Stairs within half an hour and report to the Star-Gazing Platform, you will become disciples of our Taixu Sect.”
The senior brother raised his hand: “Please proceed.”
Looking at the heavenly stairs that disappeared upward into the mist and clouds, Chi Yu muttered: “This doesn’t look too difficult.”
Wasn’t it just climbing a mountain?
Everyone prepared and set off. As Chi Yu stepped onto the Cloud Ascension Stairs, she soon broke into a fine sweat, feeling utterly exhausted. Her mind grew muddled, and she instinctively sat down on a step, intending to rest for a while.
A cool breeze brushed past, inducing drowsiness.
Wrapped in the mist, Chi Yu fell into a deep sleep.
When she awoke, she found herself back at the Cloudwater Inn.
She sat up abruptly in bed: “What the hell? Wasn’t I taking the assessment?”
“The assessment is over.”
Suddenly, a voice sounded by her ear. A pair of slender, well-defined hands rested on her shoulders as someone embraced her, speaking lazily.
Chi Yu froze, then abruptly pushed the person away and turned around. Behind her, Shen Yanzhou was wearing a robe embroidered with golden threads and floral patterns, slightly open, revealing distinct collarbones and faintly visible abdominal muscles. He leaned half against the bed, his peach blossom eyes filled with confusion: “What’s wrong?”
He sat up straight and leaned closer: “Yesterday on the Cloud Ascension Stairs, weren’t you exhausted? Why aren’t you sleeping more?”
The distance was so close that she could clearly feel the young man’s scorching breath, his sexy Adam’s apple, slender eyelashes, high and straight nose bridge, crimson thin lips, and…
The beast ears on his head that occasionally twitched.
Chi Yu’s breath caught.
He chuckled softly, reaching out to pull her sash: “Why aren’t you speaking?”
A white tail wrapped around her waist from her ankle, sliding over her spine, bringing a tingling sensation, then gently hooked her, pulling her closer to him. Shen Yanzhou’s voice was low and hoarse: “Let’s keep sleeping.”
Chi Yu: This scene is too intense.
She swallowed, suddenly feeling her nose itch a bit. She rubbed it with her hand and noticed a slight metallic smell. She looked down.
Wow, a hand covered in blood.
She stared blankly at the crimson blood, feeling something wasn’t quite right.
Beside her, Shen Yanzhou still tried to hug her, but she pushed him away.
He looked aggrieved: “What’s wrong with you?”
Chi Yu stared at him blankly.
She didn’t know what was wrong either.
But she felt things shouldn’t be like this.
He cautiously asked: “Was I too forceful? Are you angry?”
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and suddenly bundles of hundred-yuan bills appeared on the bed: “I apologize to you. All of these are yours. Don’t be angry.”
Shen Yanzhou stuffed the stack of hundred-yuan bills into her hand, then hugged her.
Chi Yu murmured to herself: “Now I know what’s wrong.”
The currency in the Cultivation World is Spirit Stones, where did hundred-yuan Renminbi come from!!
As she realized this, a urgent electronic voice faintly sounded in her ear: “Host, this is all fake, illusions. Don’t fall into it. Wake up quickly!”
Seeing the “Shen Yanzhou” before her still reaching out to pull her, Chi Yu gritted her teeth: “Zhouzhou, although you are indeed very tempting like this, I’m sorry!”
She picked up the teapot and smashed it on his head. “Shen Yanzhou” immediately bled profusely and collapsed weakly.
Chi Yu didn’t care about anything else, turned around and ran outside, but always returned to Yunshui Residence.
But at the same time, the System’s voice in her ear became clearer.
“Host, there are spells on the Cloud Ascension Stairs that create illusions based on people’s desires.”
“You are greedy for money and lustful, so you ended up here. You must break it to get out.”
Chi Yu: “…I understand.”
She returned to that room again. “Shen Yanzhou’s” injuries had long disappeared, and he looked at her with reddened eyes: “Don’t you want me anymore?”
“Don’t you want the money either?”
Chi Yu sighed, feeling regretful: “Goodbye, beautiful and coquettish Zhouzhou. Goodbye, my beloved Renminbi.”
She recited an incantation, then a flame appeared in her palm and she threw it out. The room was engulfed in flames, and “Shen Yanzhou” and all the money were burned clean.
At the same time, Chi Yu on the Cloud Ascension Stairs suddenly opened her eyes, finding herself mostly suspended in mid-air, almost stepping into emptiness.
And on the long staircase, only she remained.
The clouds and mist had all dispersed, the path ahead was clear.
Chi Yu quickly straightened up and began climbing step by step. Finally, after crossing the last long stair, a large plaza appeared before her.
“Congratulations, junior sister, for passing the assessment and becoming a disciple of the Taixu Sect.”
Suddenly, a gentle voice chimed in from the side, and a person stood before Chi Yu.
The youth wore dark-colored disciple robes, with deep-set features, fair skin, and a pair of phoenix eyes—quite handsome. However, his hair was short, half deep blue and half light green, strikingly sharp.
Chi Yu: ?
Wait, are Taixu Sect disciples this trendy even in their style?