Free Web NovelChapter 35: Chapter 35: Sword Control Technique and First in Heart
"Watch carefully. I will now demonstrate a Sword Control Skill. After you’ve memorized it, record it onto a blank Jade Scroll. Finally, I will consider your individual Cultivation levels to judge the extent of your Comprehension!"
"This Sword Control Technique is also a reward for you. Even if you ultimately fail to join our Sect, you can continue your Cultivation with it. As long as you work hard, it will benefit you for a lifetime. But how much you can remember will depend on your own fortune."
At this point, Zhang Chi and the others had passed the first trial and arrived in a new area.
Once most of the people had arrived, a young Cultivator from the Cangwu Sect at the Peak of Qi Cultivation finally appeared, his gaze sharp.
SWOOSH!
The young Cultivator slapped his Storage Bag and summoned a Flying Sword. He then formed a hand seal for the Sword Technique, and the Flying Sword instantly transformed into a streak of silvery-white Sword Light, as agile as a dragon or snake, dancing and circling around him.
Zhang Chi and the others watched without blinking, hastily trying to memorize it.
But they soon discovered that even as Cultivators with superior memories, they couldn’t retain much of it at all.
The young Cultivator in white finished his demonstration quickly, leaving them no choice but to brace themselves, pick up the Jade Scrolls they had been given, and record what little they had learned.
Zhang Chi found that his Comprehension was decent, but still only average.
Fortunately, most people were about the same as him, and some were even worse.
Therefore, his performance in this trial wouldn’t drag him down.
In contrast, within Qin Susu’s small group, both she and He Shi seemed to have performed quite well.
After they handed in their Jade Scrolls, the young Cultivator praised both of them.
Next, everyone received a Jade Token and began the final trial.
This trial was a test of the Heart.
’Good, we’re finally at this trial. This is what I’m good at!’
Zhang Chi couldn’t help but rejoice inwardly.
He had already gathered detailed information about the Cangwu Sect’s entry tests.
The performances in these three trials, along with their registration information, would be used to calculate a comprehensive score.
This score would determine whether they could successfully join the Cangwu Sect.
He had a Middle Grade Spirit Root and had even been praised, so gaining entry was practically guaranteed.
However, his untraceable background was a drawback.
Thus, while he could gain entry, getting into the Outer Sect wasn’t a sure thing.
But if he performed exceptionally well in this third trial, it would be foolproof. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Moreover, placing first in the second and third trials came with generous rewards.
Therefore, he absolutely could not miss this opportunity.
At this moment, everyone had walked to the base of a high platform.
The platform was very large, and a golden, antique-styled Treasure Mirror floated in the air above it.
The Treasure Mirror was like a bright lamp; each time it activated, it would emit a field of light that enveloped the area below.
The Immortal Seeds were led onto the high platform in batches and instructed to sit cross-legged.
Under the radiance of the light, they would enter an Illusion Realm, and the quality of their Heart would be laid bare for all to see.
It was even said that followers of the Demon Dao would have their true forms exposed during this trial.
Furthermore, in this trial, the sooner one woke up, the better their score.
Zhang Chi had also found out that during an entry test ten years ago, someone had woken up in just ten breaths.
That person only had a Middle Grade Spirit Root, but their Comprehension in Swordsmanship was extremely high. It was later said they were even discovered to have an Innate Sword Bone, and as a result, they were accepted directly into the Inner Sect.
’That person took ten breaths. Nine breaths for me shouldn’t be too excessive, right?’
Zhang Chi thought to himself.
With the protection of the Jade Pendant, it was highly likely he wouldn’t fall into the Illusion Realm at all.
But it would be a disaster if he didn’t conceal this fact.
Therefore, finding the right balance was crucial.
Nine breaths was, without a doubt, just right.
Although it was only one breath faster than the person from ten years ago, the difficulty was actually doubled.
To put it simply, an Immortal Seed who could awaken in ten breaths was a talent seen only once a decade.
But one who could do it in nine breaths appeared only once or twice a century.
As for eight breaths, the last time that happened was supposedly eight hundred years ago.
Therefore, by waking up in nine breaths, he could definitely secure the first-place reward for this trial.
Moreover, this performance would most likely offset the disadvantages of his background and his Spirit Root.
However, he didn’t have an Innate Sword Bone, nor did he possess that person’s extreme Comprehension of Swordsmanship. He also lacked the backing of an Immortal Cultivation Clan, so entering the Inner Sect was impossible for him.
Unless he woke up in eight, seven, or even fewer breaths—which might grant him direct entry into the Inner Sect—it would be far too shocking and would certainly attract unwanted attention.
With his Jade Pendant, there was no need to take such a huge risk.
"Next batch, move up quickly."
Just then, the previous batch finished their test.
The light from the Treasure Mirror temporarily faded. Zhang Chi, Qin Susu, and the others were in the next batch and were immediately led onto the high platform to sit down.
SWOOSH...
The next moment, the Treasure Mirror once again emanated light.
Everyone instantly fell into the Illusion Realm, but just as he expected, Zhang Chi was completely unaffected thanks to the protection of the Jade Pendant in his mind.
However, he kept his eyes closed, silently counted the time, and then gave a stellar performance, feigning the look of someone just waking from a deep slumber.
"Eh? He woke up so quickly? Not bad. Quick, bring me his Jade Token."
"Yes, Martial Uncle!"
The moment Zhang Chi opened his eyes, he startled the onlookers.
A Foundation Establishment Cultivator from the Cangwu Sect, who was overseeing this area, was especially taken aback, his eyes lighting up.
’Only sixteen, and already at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer. He also has an Immortal Ascension Order. Although his background is a bit unclear, his Spirit Root isn’t bad.’
’The key is his astonishing performance in this trial. This kid can definitely take first place in the test of the Heart. He’ll surely have a chance to break through to Foundation Establishment in the future!’
Soon, this seemingly middle-aged Foundation Establishment Cultivator, who had a three-stranded beard, had learned all about Zhang Chi’s situation.
He couldn’t help but look at him with a mixture of envy and admiration.
The greatest benefit of becoming first in the test of the Heart was the chance to receive an Upper Grade Cultivation Technique from the Sect for free.
Its Cultivation speed was double that of a Middle Grade Cultivation Technique.
If one were to practice a Middle Grade Cultivation Technique, it would take a hundred years to reach the Qi Cultivation Peak. But with an Upper Grade one, fifty years would be enough.
Even he hadn’t received such treatment back in his day.
He had paid a tremendous price just to obtain a good Cultivation Technique.
After all, according to the Sect’s prices, without the free opportunity at entry, a Middle Grade Cultivation Technique that covered the path from Qi Refining to Golden Core would cost fifty thousand Contribution Points, while an Upper Grade one would cost five hundred thousand.
Exchanging for it in installments, Realm by Realm, was much cheaper, but that was only relatively speaking.
The Upper Grade Cultivation Technique he currently practiced was one he had exchanged for in installments after reaching Foundation Establishment.
Not having an Upper Grade Cultivation Technique during the Qi Refining Stage meant his foundation was noticeably less solid than other Foundation Establishment Cultivators who had practiced one from the very beginning.
Their future prospects couldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath.
"Zhang Chi, come on down. Congratulations, you’ve passed the third trial with flying colors. I will now report this matter to the Sect. If there are no surprises, you will certainly place first."
The Foundation Establishment Cultivator finally managed to compose himself, his face immediately breaking into a wide, friendly smile.
If Zhang Chi obtained an Upper Grade Cultivation Technique, there was a real possibility he could reach Foundation Establishment.
If he succeeded, in just a few decades, the two of them would be addressing each other as martial brothers.
Therefore, he naturally wouldn’t slight the boy for no reason.
"Thank you, I’ll be in your care then, Martial Uncle."
Zhang Chi had anticipated this, but he was still overjoyed. He immediately offered a fist-and-palm salute before leaping off the high platform.
"Heavens, that kid is getting an Upper Grade Cultivation Technique?"
"His luck is just too good!"
"What can you do? The guy’s the number one candidate from the trials, and his score is a once-in-a-century achievement!"
Hearing this, the audience exclaimed endlessly.
Even some of the Cangwu Sect disciples were stunned and envious.
At the same time, they weren’t worried that speaking loudly would affect the entry test.
Those immersed in the Illusion Realm couldn’t possibly be woken by the noise.
"Of course!"
The Foundation Establishment Cultivator laughed heartily.
He increasingly admired Zhang Chi; the boy had achieved success at a young age yet remained so humble and polite.
Moreover, since he was in charge of this area, recruiting a talent like Zhang Chi was undoubtedly a great merit for him.
But just then, a Communication Golden Light suddenly flew down and landed in his hand.
"This!"
After reading it, his expression immediately became dark and uncertain.
