Chapter 470: The Trial Begins

Chapter 470: The Trial Begins

2024-10-25

Disciples came and went from Moonless Mountain, each batch offering their essence blood four to five times. While none would perish from this, their physical strength would be compromised, leaving them feeling somewhat weak. But this weakness wasn't life-threatening, and those who offered their essence blood would not achieve much upon entering the Inner Mountain.

Some of the new disciples were quick to understand the ways of the world and sought guidance from other seniors. They flattered and asked for pointers, hoping to avoid detours in their cultivation. In contrast, Su Chen became the negative example in their conversations. To thrive here, one must not follow in Su Chen's footsteps. Even the goose, the disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal, deserved respect.

After a night's rest, there were only four days remained until the official trial in the Inner Mountain. Su Chen, taking a breather outside, coincidentally encountered the goose descending the mountain for a stroll. Others nearby bowed and addressed it as "Goose Senior Apprentice." Watching their behavior, Su Chen found it rather comical.

The goose, upon spotting Su Chen, wobbled its plump body and prepared to peck at him. Su Chen was ready, intending to give it a kick. He thought, kicking this fat goose might be quite satisfying.

In the crowd, Lu Xiaonan and Qian Cheng seemed to understand Su Chen's thoughts. They rushed to Su Chen's side and apologized to the goose, bowing. Only then did the goose change direction, no longer pecking at Su Chen.

"Brother Su, you've already caused enough trouble. If you dare to lay a hand on Goose Senior Apprentice, you won't live to see another day," they said.

Su Chen couldn't help but find their concern amusing. They meant well, but their approach was misguided. They wanted to help, but Su Chen didn't need it.

However, it didn't matter anymore. The trial in the Inner Mountain was approaching. They wouldn't waste their essence blood at the mountain's waist anymore. Even with some improvement, Su Chen's assistance would only take them so far. Reaching Eighth Stage Perfection, their strength might only match others at the initial Eighth Stage.

The others nearby were startled, especially when they saw Su Chen's intention to strike the goose. They might all be implicated. Fortunately, the incident was halted, preventing a disaster.

Several new disciples in the crowd seemed particularly excited. "This person shows no remorse from start to finish. Should we just watch him cause trouble? Why don't we unite and apprehend him, taking him to Goose Senior Apprentice to apologize?"

These new disciples agreed with the idea, voicing it right in front of Su Chen. The other disciples saw no issue with speaking openly in front of him. If he heard, so be it.

But this proposal was impractical. "You newcomers, you think you can just lay hands on those who come to practice on Yue Xi Mountain? The Sect will severely punish any such actions, even Eternal Victory Immortal must abide by this. If not, do you think he could have lasted until today?"

One person finished, and another continued, "You can challenge each other on the arena. But will he go there? There's no chance to confront him, wait for the trial. Someone will teach him a lesson."

The crowd left these words and returned to their tasks, no longer paying attention to Su Chen. Lu Xiaonan and Qian Cheng glanced at Su Chen and moved away. Staying too close would invite trouble. During the trial, they might become targets of Eternal Victory Immortal.

Su Chen observed the young disciples seeking martial arts guidance. They couldn't discern the value of martial techniques but were enthusiastic in their pursuit. The artificial gap created by Eternal Victory Immortal made them dismiss Su Chen's criticism as jealousy and slander. In their eyes, Su Chen's words stemmed from his inability to learn the Immortal's techniques.

Mid-December.

Finally, the day of the Inner Mountain trial arrived.

Snow came late in this area, usually falling in the winter month in the outside world. But without the presence of monsters, snow wasn't a necessity here.

Su Chen reflected during these days, thinking that the disciples' shallow understanding of martial arts might be due to the absence of monsters.

In the Great Zhou Kingdom, the martial techniques one learns are usually put to the test soon after.

Whether it's all for show or not, a simple confrontation with a monster will reveal the truth.

Those martial artists who are all style and no substance will immediately be exposed in the face of monsters.

The trial date was designated by the higher-ups of Yuexi Mountain.

However, the examiner and the intensity of the assessment were decided by the Outer Mountain Lords.

At the Hour of the Snake, Su Chen arrived at the summit of Moonless Mountain with the crowd.

Moonless Mountain wasn't particularly tall, and from its peak, one could only see the other outer mountains.

There was no feeling of overlooking the world from a high vantage point.

Lu Xiaonan, Qian Cheng, and the others around them had looks of excitement on their faces.

After more than a month, they also wanted to know how much they had learned.

Moreover, they were filled with fantasies about the Inner Mountain.

As long as they could enter the Inner Mountain, even if they hadn't learned much, they would become the upper echelon in their hometown upon their return.

At the third quarter of the Hour of the Snake, the Eternal Victory Immortal arrived.

Beside him walked a middle-aged man, sent by Yuexi Mountain to supervise.

To observe the trial of the outer mountains.

It was said to be a supervision, but they had all been bribed by the outer mountains.

As long as things didn't get too excessive, they wouldn't have much to complain about.

This was Su Chen's first time seeing this Eternal Victory Immortal.

From his appearance, he seemed to be a true sage living in seclusion from the world.

His long white beard hung down his face, and his eyes carried a hint of detachment, as if he could see through everything.

He held a flywhisk in his hand, looking truly immortal.

Behind the two of them followed the disciples of the Eternal Victory Immortal.

Even that goose was among the group, and it was even lined up before the other disciples.

The Eternal Victory Immortal and the supervisor from Yuexi Mountain sat in the central viewing area.

The other disciples stood on either side.

When the goose noticed Su Chen, it started wobbling its body and rushed over as if it wanted to peck at him.

But this time, it was held back by the Eternal Victory Immortal's second disciple.

Seeing this, both the Eternal Victory Immortal and the supervisor couldn't help but laugh.

"Please don't blame Minister Min, this rascal is usually well-behaved.

But when it sees disciples with inappropriate behavior, arrogance, and haughtiness, it wants to peck at them, probably to urge them to correct their ways."

The Eternal Victory Immortal explained with a smile.

Minister Min, who was standing beside them, also smiled and nodded, "Indeed, it's quite interesting. I've only heard about it before, but now seeing it with my own eyes, it's even more fascinating.

Being able to witness this goose disciple today makes this trip worthwhile."

The two of them chatted and laughed.

But Su Chen felt more and more disgusted with the goose.

It seemed to know that someone was behind it, and it was extremely arrogant, as if it wanted to peck at him.

Even a good-tempered person like Su Chen wanted to wring its neck and roast it.

The open space in the middle was the arena for today's trial.

The Eternal Victory Immortal's second disciple stepped forward and announced the trial rules.

The rules were very simple: fight against the disciples sent by the Eternal Victory Immortal in the arena.

Defeating an opponent meant passing the trial.

This trial method wasn't new and was often used by the outer mountains.

But upon hearing it today, everyone still felt a bit worried.

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Lu Xiaonan and the others had practiced with the disciples of the Eternal Victory Immortal, so they knew their strength well.

To win against them and pass the trial seemed incredibly difficult.

"Gu Chao, your cultivation is the best among the disciples. You're up first."

Hearing his name called, Gu Chao also felt nervous.

But when the Eternal Victory Immortal said he was the best among the disciples, joy filled his heart, and his confidence grew.

He walked towards the central arena.

The Eternal Victory Immortal's seventh disciple also followed.

This was the Eternal Victory Immortal's youngest and weakest disciple.

In a moment of hesitation, both of them made their moves.

Gu Chao held a spear in his hand, and as he thrust the spear forward, an energy pulse surged ahead.

Compared to before, he had actually improved.

The other disciples were all shocked by this sight.

The strength Gu Chao had shown them was already formidable.

They didn't expect him to still be holding back.

His spear technique was fierce yet heavy, and this strength even made Minister Min, the supervisor, nod in approval.

The surroundings were extremely quiet, except for the sound of the two fighting in the middle.

As the spear swung, Gu Chao seemed to have gained the upper hand.

There was even a chance he could turn this advantage into a victory.

On the sidelines, compared to the others' shock, Su Chen's face was filled with helplessness.

It was just an ordinary spear technique, and its foundation was only around the initial stage of the eighth rank.

It was clear that Gu Chao possessed some foundation in the Martial Way.

This foundation gave him a significant advantage when cultivating martial techniques.

However, these skills were not highly regarded in the smaller sects of the Great Zhou Kingdom.

His opponent, the seventh disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal, seemed to effortlessly dodge every move Gu Chao made.

Others might not have noticed, but Su Chen could clearly see it.

The seventh disciple was more than a match for Gu Chao, and he seemed to be handling the situation with ease.

Soon, the situation in the arena would change.

As they exchanged blows, the situation suddenly shifted after twenty moves.

Gu Chao, who had been on the offensive and constantly attacking, suddenly found himself at a disadvantage.

The seventh disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal had not even used his full strength yet.

His speed and the power of his moves far surpassed Gu Chao's.

He could completely ignore Gu Chao's previous attacks and directly engage him in a contest of strength.

The final outcome was certain to be in his favor.

To put it bluntly, Gu Chao's advantage was only because his opponent had intentionally given him the upper hand.

Lu Xiaonan and the others' initial shock turned into solemnity.

Among the disciples who came here to seek guidance, Gu Chao was the most outstanding.

Yet, he was still no match for the seventh disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal.

Did that mean that none of them would pass the trial?

The two continued their battle in the central clearing.

After gaining the upper hand, the seventh disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal briefly fought with Gu Chao before starting to hold back.

He then revealed some flaws, presenting them to Gu Chao.

Gu Chao did not waste this opportunity, seizing these flaws and securing the final victory.

However, it was evident to everyone that Gu Chao's victory and passing of the trial were due to Eternal Victory Immortal's instructions.

Based on strength alone, Gu Chao had no chance of winning.

After this outcome, the observing disciples seemed to feel more at ease.

At least it indicated that one didn't have to defeat Eternal Victory Immortal's disciples to have a chance.

As long as they performed decently, they would likely pass.

At the same time, it also meant that to pass the trial, one must not go against Eternal Victory Immortal.

Upon realizing this, many disciples turned their gazes towards Su Chen.

Everyone knew that Su Chen had offended Goose Senior Apprentice before and was sent down the mountain, not even given the chance to offer his essence blood.

Moreover, Second Senior Apprentice had previously mentioned in front of everyone that everything would be settled during the trial.

That goose was a favorite of Eternal Victory Immortal, and he would surely take action for its sake.

In the eyes of the disciples, Su Chen was about to pay the price for his disdain towards Goose Senior Apprentice and his hesitation during the offering of essence blood.

But in fact, this was just one of the reasons.

The goose was merely the inciting factor.

The real reason was to reestablish his authority in front of everyone once again.

By regularly demonstrating his might and occasionally bestowing small favors, he could prevent some from harboring ill intentions.

Remaining inactive for too long would not bode well for Eternal Victory Immortal.

Lessons like these could be forgotten.

After Gu Chao passed the trial, one by one, the disciples entered the central clearing for their trials.

Their opponents were also rotated.

The sixth disciple, seventh disciple, and fifth disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal.

When facing these examination opponents, the disciples' strengths were far inferior.

They weren't too weak, and there didn't seem to be any conflict with those above.

In the end, it seemed like all of them were allowed to pass the trial.

Su Chen watched six trials, and one disciple failed to pass.

He was too weak.

After offering his essence blood, his physical strength couldn't keep up.

The martial techniques he had learned couldn't unleash enough power.

Without a solid foundation, he had damaged his body.

Now, with his weakened physique, he couldn't even enter the Inner Mountain.

There was always a 20-30% failure rate, and with his strength, he was naturally kept behind.

Those who failed the trial would easily harbor resentment and cause trouble.

After the trials, two more disciples were held back, failing to pass.

Eternal Victory Immortal stood up and pointed at Su Chen.

"I've waited here at Moonless Mountain for so long, isn't it all for this trial today? What are we waiting for? Come to the central position now."

It was time to demonstrate his authority; prolonging it would only cause trouble.

Upon hearing his words, Su Chen didn't hesitate and walked directly into the central clearing.

The senior disciple of Eternal Victory Immortal, known as Second Senior Apprentice, appeared.

His figure swayed, and he landed in the central clearing, standing opposite Su Chen.

It was clear that he was to be Su Chen's opponent.

The others were the fifth, sixth, and seventh disciples.

But Su Chen had to face the true senior disciple.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end