NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 59: Another Test?
The deep and ancient voice echoed from the bamboo house, filled with a mysterious power that made Wen Ran unable to resist the command. It was as if the spiritual energy itself bent to the will of the voice.
Is this the voice of the sect master? Wen Ran thought, his heart sinking. He seems extremely powerful... Despite the unsettling feeling, Wen Ran didn't show fear on the outside. His legs moved on their own, carrying him forward. Soon, he reached the entrance, and as soon as he stepped inside, the seemingly empty and average-looking place transformed into something far beyond his imagination.
Rivers flowed, filled with spiritual energy, while mountains stretched far and wide. In the distance, he could see the massive palace standing tall, an imposing presence that seemed to command the entire landscape.
"This…" Wen Ran couldn't find the words to describe what he was seeing. It was as if every word he tried to say got stuck in his throat, overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of this world.
The three people soon followed, and Xiao Mo rested on Wen Ran's shoulder, her eyes taking in the mysterious domain before them. Even the rabbit could feel her spiritual power rapidly rising, close to the ninth circle of Spirit Gathering, just a few steps away from catching up to Wen Ran.
The air was thick with spiritual power, the atmosphere so dense with energy that it almost felt tangible. Wen Ran had already been amazed by the amount of concentrated spiritual power in the outside world, but now…
In his eyes, this place was a paradise—the immortal domain every mortal dreamed of. It was as though he had entered the very heart of what the gods might call home.
So why was the Fang clan so weak? Wen Ran thought, his mind struggling to make sense of the paradox. It doesn't make much sense… Was it that the talent of the people in this world wasn't sufficient enough? But then again, to create a domain like this, even a god would have difficulty doing so.
Just who is behind this whole world? The question echoed in his mind, as the mystery of the place deepened.
In the distance, Wen Ran could see thousands of people, all wearing the same light blue clothes, with some dressed in light yellow, most likely indicating their superiority within the sect.
"Follow us, we will conduct your talent assessment. After that, you will either become a servant or a cultivator of the outer sect. The same applies to the people who have come with you."
Wen Ran was taken aback. He had already imagined this sect to be high and mighty, a place where only the strongest could thrive. He had never imagined that those who failed would also be accepted. Maybe the sect is in decline? he wondered. Or is it that they give a chance to everyone?
"You will accept those kids as well?" Wen Ran asked, for a moment forgetting that he himself was only fourteen at the moment. The question slipped out before he realized it.
"Since you have an invitation, we will accept everyone with one. That is the rule, no matter your talent." The woman said with a smile on her face. "May I ask, junior brother, who was the daoist that passed you this invitation?"
Wen Ran could feel something probing his mind, a subtle attempt to invade his thoughts. But his mind was fortified by a powerful pagoda, and whatever tricks the woman tried were quickly rejected by his mental defenses. The woman's expression shifted to one of surprise and curiosity.
It was her first year as a senior, and she had yet to meet many talents, but Wen Ran instantly grabbed her attention. His presence, his aura, the way he handled the situation—he was someone who clearly stood out.
"I don't know the senior's name, she didn't tell me. The only reason I'm here is because she showed me kindness, that's all. I want to grow strong and be unrivaled under the heavens."
His words made the three people chuckle, and they looked at Wen Ran as if they were inspecting a precious gem. There weren't many youngsters with such a mindset and respect these days, and the trio nodded their heads in approval.
"Junior brother is a true man, I like your guts, but let's see how you talk when you meet the sect master." The man with the bald head laughed. He held praying beads in his hand, giving him the appearance of a monk, though his bulky frame could easily trick anyone into thinking he was cosplaying as one. Perhaps a battle monk suited him more, given his stature.
"Thank you, senior brother," Wen Ran bowed respectfully, his mind focused on getting through this test and starting his cultivation as quickly as possible.
"Let's go," the woman instructed. She turned away and gestured into the air. Suddenly, a sword flew from the sky, landing right in front of her. The sword was extremely long, almost as long as her body, but it was thin, just wide enough for one foot to step on. With grace, she stepped onto the sword and soared into the distance.
The other two quickly followed suit, summoning their own swords from thin air. Wen Ran, however, was left standing there, speechless.
Is this also some sort of test? he thought. How the hell am I supposed to follow them from this massive cliff?
He looked down, and the massive cliff seemed to stretch endlessly. Below him, only a wild forest could be seen, and there was a significant distance to the palace. He didn't have a flying sword. Even if he did, his abilities weren't enough to control one with ease.
They must be kidding me... he thought bitterly. If they wanted to test me again, why trick me into thinking you'd take me there?
He clenched his fists, a dark fire burning in his heart. Just you wait until I grow strong enough... I will make sure the three of you suffer a fate worse than death.