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Chapter 419: The Test of Life
At last, they descended toward the ground. Hui looked around. The slope on this peak ascended steeply into the sky, and rocks broke through the earth all around them. Compared to before, they stood on a wild, barren peak, with no visible infrastructure or buildings. He raised his hands and squinted into the distance.
Overhead, a chain looped off from the peak, dangling through the sky. They stood closer to where it connected to the peak on this mountain, just below it, and the massive metal structure cast a deep shadow over them. The chains enormous links creaked loudly when the wind blew, a strangely melancholy sound, deep and metallic. Following the chain back, Hui found the previous peak theyd stood on, hovering in the distance. He nodded to himself.
Were on a different peak now. Away from the original trial peak, but not much deeper into the sect. Did each of the cultivators take their group to a different peak? It makes sense, especially for the spirit beasts, where they might have very large creatures that might need special conditions to show their greatest strength. For the rest of us, its best to separate us so we dont interfere accidentally with one anothers trials. Besides, at this realm, its possible that one of us might draw too much qi and disturb the natural flow of qi for everyone else. Better to spread us out and lessen the risk of overdrawing the local qi flow.
It works out for me, in any case. Since I managed to split the clones into the different groups, none of us have to worry about showing our skills one after another and overlapping too obviously. Naturally, we still must be cautious, but theres at least a small barrier between us!
After a moment, he frowned. Were only a small distance from the original peak. It shouldnt have taken more than the blinking of an eye to fly over. So why did it take long enough that some random Elder Brother had the time to confront me?
Across the field, Qin Donghai sneezed.
Well, I guess I can only wait for guidance from the glowing senior, Hui thought, turning toward the man. Even now, he continued to glow brightly, his aura shimmering on the air.
Watching the man, Huis thoughts wandered. I wonder if he can turn that off? If he got naked, wouldnt he blind the entire world? Ah, ah, how pitiful. I wonder if that senior has ever dual cultivated the old-fashioned way Though I guess I could simply ask someone. If he ever took his clothes off at night, surely the peaks all around him would see the massive beacon he lit with his naked body!
Eh, come to think of it, this peak is rather barren. Dont tell me, is this his peak? Have all his disciples and fellow cultivators abandoned him to this lonely peak because he glows too much for them to sleep or meditate properly at night? How pitiful, how pitiful.
The glowing cultivator put his arms out welcomingly toward them. You stand upon my humble peak, the Brilliant Gold Peak. Here, we will test your healing arts, and see if your techniques are a fit with All-Heavens Sects current peak lords. Those who have unique skills and those who have skills that could be honed to greater perfection are much preferred, as All-Heavens Sect is always searching for new and upcoming talent. Please line up neatly and enter this immortal cave one at a time.
He waved his hand, and a boulder Hui had thought was part of the bedrock rolled aside, revealing a dark hole descending into the earth.
I will await you inside. Whatever conditions you need to show your strength, we can provide you. You simply have to say the word. Unlike the rest of the trial, this trial is not about how well you can accomplish some simple task, but instead, about showing the extent of your skill. Rather than surpassing your fellow cultivators, think about showcasing the uniqueness and effectiveness of your particular skillset, the glowing cultivator said gently, nodding at them.
It seems easy, and yet, its deceptively hard. When were put around others who also have honed the same arts, its hard to stand out without some preparation. Not to mention that simply showing ones skills wont be enough. We have to present them well enough to catch his eye which means that not only are our skills alone enough, but also our presentation skills. The worlds foremost expert on healing might be overlooked if he mumbles and stumbles through his explanations. 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Hui sighed to himself. It seems unfair, and yet, for a large sect like All-Heavens, which doubtless can attract plenty of talent and has affairs with sects all over the continent, having a presentation angle to the trials makes sense. They dont just want talented peak lords. Those they can recruit through other methods, or take in from a young age and raise themselves. For peak lords they externally recruit, they want to make sure were capable of presenting ourselves well and impressing other cultivators. I dont think they want us to go out and shame them by mumbling arcane healing arts to a sect who doesnt understand them, and therefore make All-Heavens look bumbling. Theyd much rather we present ourselves well, but be full of hot airas long as we can bluff our way through, its good enough for them!
Huis eyes shone. It works for me. I can bluff my way through anything!
Well, this is only this small cultivators meager comprehension of the purpose of this test, anyways. Its quite possible Ive entirely misunderstood. After all, that beast cultivator looked shabby but its also possible that shes an internally-raised peak lord, or that other beast cultivators respect the shabbiness. In any case, I think its reasonable to expect that our presentation skills are part of the test, rather than merely a coincidental element!
Looking at Jin Xian, he bit his lip. Which backs me into a corner when it comes to Elder Sister, unfortunately. Jin Xian might be able to pass a test of skill emphasis on might. But when it comes to presentation, shes, well He glanced at the man whod interrupted his healing earlier. A bit of a strong taste.
Qin Donghai sneezed again. He rubbed his nose, confused, and looked around. Why am I sneezing? Did someone curse me? I shouldnt be sneezing at this realm
The glowing cultivator cupped his hands to them and descended into the cave. The other cultivators lined up, some eagerly pushing to the front of the line while others hung back, brows furrowed in thought. Hui took Jin Xians hand and led her toward the back of the line, careful not to take the final slot nor a slot too far toward the front.
Jin Xian doesnt want to leave, but I cant see her overcoming this trial. Maybe I should just let her fail?
No, thats not a good idea. She cant talk, let alone present herself well.
Come to think of it, what about Zhubi and Bai Jingwen?
Well, Zhubi is a spirit beast, and if the peak lord is any indication, he wont have as strong an emphasis on presentation as the rest of us. If not theyll probably notice how exotic he is and accept him anyways. Snake demons are rare beasts, after all. To say nothing of the rest of it.
Bai Jingwen
IllIll believe in her!
