From Mortal To Immortal: Reign Of The Unyielding Chapter 6: The Trial of the Elders

The halls of the Taiyan Sect were vast and labyrinthine, a maze of stone corridors adorned with intricate carvings, statues of past sect leaders, and ancient symbols of power. The air here was thick with spiritual energy, a pressure that seemed to weigh down on Lin Tian’s every step. It was clear that this was the heart of the sect, where the most important decisions were made, and where the true power resided.

Following the man in white robes through the halls, Lin Tian’s thoughts raced. He had passed the trial of strength easily enough, but this next trial—this trial of the Elders—was going to be far more difficult. The Elders were the highest authorities in the Taiyan Sect, their strength and wisdom unparalleled. To impress them would require more than just raw power—it would take a combination of intellect, determination, and the ability to navigate the complex web of sect politics.

They arrived at a massive chamber, its walls lined with ancient scrolls and tomes, filled with the scent of old parchment and incense. The room was dimly lit by flickering lanterns, their light casting long shadows across the stone floors. At the far end of the room, a raised platform sat in front of a group of five figures, their faces obscured by the darkness.

The man in white robes stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Elders, this is the candidate, Lin Tian. He has passed the trial of strength, but now he must face your judgment."

The five figures on the platform remained silent, their presence commanding and foreboding. Lin Tian could feel their eyes on him, though he could not see their faces. He stood tall, his expression neutral, showing no fear or hesitation.

A voice echoed from the shadows. It was deep, ancient, and filled with authority. "So, you are the one who defeated our disciples so effortlessly. Impressive. But strength alone is not enough to join the Taiyan Sect. We will see if you have the wisdom and resolve to truly belong here."

Another voice, lighter but no less commanding, spoke up. "The test will not be easy. If you fail, you will be cast aside as nothing more than another unworthy aspirant."

Lin Tian’s heart remained calm. He had faced far worse trials in his previous lives, battles with entire armies and beings that could warp reality itself. He was not afraid of some political maneuvering or tests of wit. This was just another step on his path to dominance.

"Proceed," Lin Tian said, his voice steady and cold.

There was a brief pause, then the deep voice from the shadows spoke again. "Very well. We shall begin with the trial of intellect. We will present you with a series of questions. Answer them correctly, and you will prove that you possess the wisdom worthy of a disciple of the Taiyan Sect. Fail, and you will be cast out."

Lin Tian nodded, his gaze unwavering. He had no doubt that he could handle whatever questions the Elders threw at him. His mind had always been sharp, a natural strategist, able to see through the complexities of any situation. This would be no different.

A third voice, soft yet piercing, asked the first question. "What is the fundamental principle of cultivation? The very essence that allows one to rise above the mortal realm and ascend to immortality?"

Lin Tian’s eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. This was a question many would struggle with, but for him, it was simple. He had transcended realms before, in other lives. The answer was clear.

"The fundamental principle of cultivation is the harmony between the body, mind, and spirit," Lin Tian answered confidently. "Only through achieving balance in these three aspects can one ascend beyond mortality. The body provides the vessel, the mind governs the will, and the spirit connects one to the Dao, the source of all energy."

There was a brief silence, and then the voice from the shadows spoke again, its tone slightly approving. "Correct. But do not grow complacent. The next question is more difficult."

A new voice, this one cold and detached, asked the second question. "In the vastness of the cultivation world, there are countless sects, each with their own methods and beliefs. What sets the Taiyan Sect apart from the others? What is our unique strength?"

Lin Tian’s brow furrowed slightly, but only for a moment. He had studied the sects and their histories during his journey, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. The Taiyan Sect was known for its emphasis on controlling the flow of spiritual energy, using a unique form of energy manipulation that allowed its disciples to bend the laws of nature to their will. But there was more to it than that.

"The Taiyan Sect is unique because of its ability to fuse martial prowess with spiritual cultivation," Lin Tian answered. "While other sects focus on one or the other, the Taiyan Sect excels in both. You teach your disciples to harness the natural energies of the world and mold them into a weapon. This dual cultivation allows you to reach levels of power that others can only dream of."

The room was silent for a moment, and then a low chuckle emanated from the shadows. "Impressive. You are indeed well-informed. But now, the final test."

Lin Tian stood tall, his mind already prepared for whatever came next. He had faced trials before, battles of will and strength. This was no different.

"Resolve is the true measure of a cultivator," the deep voice intoned. "In this world, one must sacrifice everything in order to gain power. Are you willing to make such sacrifices? Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals, even if it means walking a path that others would deem unworthy or immoral?"

Lin Tian’s heart hardened. He had already walked that path, again and again. He had sacrificed everything for power, forsaking friendships, family, and even his own humanity in the pursuit of strength. He was no stranger to the darkness that came with it.

"I am willing to sacrifice everything," Lin Tian replied without hesitation. "There is no limit to the lengths I will go to achieve my goals. I will walk any path, no matter how dark, if it leads to power."

The Elders were silent for a long time, their presence weighing heavily on the room. Lin Tian could feel their eyes upon him, probing, searching for any sign of weakness. But there was none. He had proven his strength, his wisdom, and now, his resolve.

Finally, the deep voice spoke once more. "You have passed the trial. Your strength, intellect, and resolve are worthy of our sect. You will be accepted as a disciple of the Taiyan Sect."

Lin Tian’s expression remained unchanged, though a flicker of satisfaction crossed his mind. This was just the beginning. The Taiyan Sect would become his foundation, and from here, he would grow even stronger. Nothing would stop him from reaching the pinnacle.


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End of Chapter 6

Chapter end