Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 288 Sect Trial
"Senior Brother Li, would you consider this a trial?"

"Senior Brother Li, the elder has divided the five of us into two teams to carry out the same mission. Is this intended to create competition and evaluation among us?"

"Senior Brother Li, that inner disciple died during the Great Swamp Mountains trial half a year ago. Does the sect really not care about our lives?"

……

Three years have passed since I officially embarked on my spiritual practice in this lifetime.

On this day, the elder of the Dharma Transmission Hall summoned the five people and asked them to go to the state to investigate and capture a thief cultivator from a family that had been wiped out.

As soon as they stepped out of the hall, the three disciples hurriedly sent telepathic messages to inquire.

Li Ji'an nodded, and without using telepathy, he stated openly and honestly: "As far as I know, this is the sect trial. As for dividing into two teams to carry out the mission, it is indeed intended to be a competition."

Whether what's inside the door concerns our life or death, I think they certainly don't want us to die.

However, last year, Junior Brother Liu was demoted to an inner disciple to be observed for his future conduct. This shows that whether we are considered true disciples is ultimately decided by the sect itself.

The fact that he had lived on Danding Peak since he was eight years old was not a secret, and as the chief disciple, he could not avoid the questions from his junior brothers.

However, the sect keeps the news of the true disciples' protectors a secret, and those who haven't reached a certain level may not know it, so he can't say it openly.

Last year, one of the six true disciples broke through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining in two years and became somewhat arrogant. In addition, he had some ties with his family before joining the sect and couldn't help but frequently interact with his family again. As a result, he was made an example of and demoted to an inner disciple to observe his future conduct.

"Enough with the nonsense, whoever's in my team, let's head to the Xue family in Pinghu right now." Yao Rui, who had been silent since leaving the Dharma Hall, suddenly spoke, her gaze sweeping over the other three.

“This…” The other three disciples besides Li Ji’an looked at each other in bewilderment.

He then glanced at Li Ji'an, then at Yao Rui, and was momentarily conflicted.

Li Ji'an didn't care at all.

Ever since Elder Tian tricked him during the trial, he probably knew that the conflict between them was irreconcilable, and in the past three years, he has frequently plotted to have Yao Rui replace him.

They even openly spread rumors that they had the idea of ​​taking Yao Rui as their personal disciple.

However, when a sect's True Core Elder accepts a personal disciple, the disciple must be the chief disciple.

The implication was that he was encouraging Yao Rui to work harder.

Unfortunately, Yao Rui was also very ambitious. With her natural talent in earth spirit roots, she cultivated a mid-grade earth-level fire-type cultivation technique that she had brought out from an ancient tomb in the Blackwater Swamp a few years ago. Although her cultivation technique was not as good as Li Ji'an's, and her elixir supply was also not as good as Li Ji'an's, her cultivation progress was always very close.

In three years, Li Ji'an broke through to the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining three months ago, just one step away from the late stage of Qi Refining.

The other three disciples had only just reached the fifth level of Qi Refining.

Yao Rui also broke through to the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining yesterday, almost on par with Li Ji'an.

Although Li Ji'an and Yao Rui have different spiritual roots, one is of superior quality and the other is of earthly quality, their actual spiritual resonance is only about four strands apart. Moreover, during the Qi Refining stage, both of them have almost reached the upper limit of refining magic power, so there will not be much difference between them.

Even for those with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, the difference between the early and mid-stages of Qi Refining and those with a high-grade or upper-level Spiritual Root is almost zero.

The biggest differences actually lie in the techniques, resources, and one's own mental fortitude.

Li Ji'an cultivates a high-grade Earth-level technique, which is on par with the sect's most powerful technique. Moreover, the "Evergreen Wood Technique" nourishes and repairs the spiritual veins simultaneously during cultivation due to the nourishing effect of wood-type magic power, making it more resilient and efficient.

This should have been his advantage.

As a result, he didn't have a significant lead in this area of ​​strength.

As for magical power and combat advantage, which were already at a disadvantage, they were even less able to compare with Yao Rui.

His "Burning Heaven Technique" produces a fierce and explosive fire-type magic power that is also effective against wood-type magic power. Half a year ago, he fought against a late-stage Qi Refining inner disciple from the previous generation and won despite being at the sixth level of Qi Refining, thus gaining the admiration of countless disciples.

If Li Ji'an were to engage in a magical duel without revealing his physical and spiritual cultivation abilities, even with his profound and enduring wood-type magic power, he could only last for a few more hours.

"Senior Brother Li, I'm sorry, it's my first time in the trial..." Zhou Zheng lowered his head awkwardly, bowed to Li Ji'an, and moved behind Yao Rui.

"I'll go first!" Shen Xingchen said decisively.

Li Ji'an smiled and nodded, not particularly concerned.

"I..." Hu Zaiyi had also considered choosing Yao Rui, after all, her combat strength was superb, and this time she was facing a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator who had wiped out her clan. Finding a strong backer would be safer, but because he felt guilty, he was a step too slow, which led to the other two choosing Yao Rui.

"Then I'll follow Senior Brother Li." Feeling somewhat guilty for leaving Li Ji'an alone in the group, he finally walked behind Li Ji'an.

"Let's go!" Yao Rui smiled triumphantly and was about to ride away on her flying sword.

Upon seeing this, Li Ji'an couldn't help but frown.

Although they had been practicing for three years and had received a steady stream of spiritual resources, these were only the elixirs and ritual implements they needed for daily cultivation, and they received no other rations.

Aside from Li Ji'an, the four of them only had one high-grade magic weapon in their storage bags, which was a reward for reaching the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

This journey was long and arduous. The mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators rode their flying swords, stopping countless times along the way to replenish their magical power.

Moreover, most of the places along the way are barren and lack spiritual energy, making it virtually impossible to fully replenish one's mana without spirit stones and pills.

As a result, by the time they reached their destination, everyone was lucky to have about 50% of their magic power left.

"Don't rush. The elder only gave a general overview. It would be better to ask for more details," Li Ji'an said.

Upon hearing this, Yao Rui, who was about to fly away on her sword, paused, then sheathed her sword and landed on the ground: "Hmph, I, Yao Rui, don't bother to take advantage of your back door. I'll wait for you to set off together!"

"..." Li Ji'an looked at her expressionlessly.

I don't like using connections!

Afterwards, the group followed Li Ji'an to the Hall of Law Enforcement.

The elder of the Transmission Hall told them that they were carrying out a sect mission to capture thieves, without specifying that it was a trial. Therefore, it was normal and reasonable for them to check information about thieves and inquire about relevant information from the Enforcement Hall in order to carry out the mission.

Yao Rui, however, had preconceived notions, believing that this was a sect trial to demonstrate one's abilities. She failed to understand that intelligence gathering and prior planning were also a form of ability, and even more crucial.

As expected, the information about this mission in the Enforcement Hall was very detailed.

"It is suspected to be a wanted gang from Daoyuan Prefecture that colluded with the remnants of the demonic clan that was wiped out. Initially led by a fake Dan, the gang fled to Tianyuan Prefecture, where the fake Dan leader was beheaded, and the remaining members scattered and fled. After escaping to Cangyun Prefecture, there were about ten of them."

He was ruthless and hated all families because his own clan was wiped out.

Six months ago, the remaining Foundation Establishment leaders were killed by the enforcement team, and only six people escaped, all of whom were late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.

They thought that without a Foundation Establishment leader, they were no threat, but three months ago, a Qi Refining family in northern Cangyun Prefecture was wiped out, including a three-year-old child. The thief ransacked the place and escaped.

Half a month ago, the Xue family of Pinghu, a Qi Refining clan, was wiped out again, using the exact same methods as before.

The law enforcement team has not found any trace of it, suggesting that it may have been concealed by some special means.

"They are vicious and audacious, causing fear and trembling among the minor Qi-cultivation clans in the state. They must be killed as soon as possible, and captured alive to interrogate them about the whereabouts of their remaining accomplices..."

"If they are truly so utterly depraved, I, Yao Rui, will surely kill them!" Yao Rui had initially disdained Li Ji'an's inquiry at the Enforcement Hall, maintaining an attitude of indifference, but upon hearing the detailed information, she was instantly enraged.

"I'm leaving now. I've already given you a chance. If you keep dawdling, don't blame me for taking advantage of you and going through the back door." In his rage, he didn't care about anything else and insisted on leaving.

Li Ji'an nodded: "The reason for this is clear, it's time to set off."

With a "whoosh," Yao Rui nodded in satisfaction, mounted her flying sword, and headed towards Pinghu.

Shen Xingchen followed closely behind.

"Senior Brother Li, we'll go first." Zhou Zheng smiled, shrank back, and followed Yao Rui away.

After watching the three of them walk away, Hu turned to Li Ji'an and asked, "Senior Brother Li, shall we?"

"A skilled craftsman must first have the right tools. No rush, let's go exchange some Qi-replenishing pills and spirit stones first, just in case," Li Ji'an said casually.

"Ah! Right, right, the outside world is not like the sect. You can't do without spirit-replenishing pills, and you need spirit stones everywhere outside." Hu Zaiyi suddenly sobered up from his eagerness to show off. He couldn't help but scrutinize Li Ji'an again.

"Following Senior Brother Li might just be a lucky accident! The direct descendants of the sect know a lot."

After Hu Zaiyi finished exchanging the spiritual funds for going out, Li Ji'an was already waiting at the sect gate.

However, when Hu Zaiyi saw Li Ji'an sitting on a palanquin pulled by a rock ox, he was lost in thought again.

"Senior Brother Li, this is... a training exercise, isn't this... not a good idea?" After calming down, Hu Zaiyi hurriedly stepped forward and whispered to Li Ji'an to dissuade him.

"How many Spirit-Replenishing Pills and how many spirit stones did Junior Brother Hu exchange? Can he afford the mana cost of flying ten thousand miles?" Li Ji'an asked.

"This is naturally insufficient... So, Senior Brother Li, what did you exchange for?"

As a disciple of the sect, this is my first trial. I haven't made any contributions yet, so naturally I can't contribute much. I only have the one hundred points given to me when I entered the sect.

“I have rented this beast and the imperial carriage.” Li Ji’an raised his chin.

"Brilliant! Senior Brother Li is indeed experienced." Hu Zaiyi suddenly realized.

With the spiritual resources they can exchange, they cannot guarantee that they will reach the Xue family in Pinghu in their prime.

If you ride a spirit beast, you don't need to consume your own magic power, nor do you need to stop to recover. The spirit resources you exchange can be used as its food.

"Young master, please be seated. This old servant will depart now." Old Huang drove the carriage, raising his whip.

"Hmm." Li Ji'an nodded lightly.

"Snap!" Old Huang's whip struck the hindquarters of the Earth Rock Ox.

Old Huang's cultivation level had always been only at the early stage of Qi Refining, and for the past three years he had served as a servant to Li Ji'an, cleaning and tidying up for him.

This Earth Rock Ox is a late-stage Tier 1 flying beast. Its speed is comparable to that of a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, but its endurance is more than ten times greater.

The Xue family of Pinghu is located ten thousand miles northeast of the Biyun Sect. With the speed of the Earth Rock Ox, it would only take seven or eight days to reach them.

Three days later.

"Senior Brother Li, those are Senior Sister Yao and the others!" Although Hu Zaiyi approved of Li Ji'an's actions, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

They were afraid that Yao Rui and the other two would arrive at the Xue family ahead of time and finish their mission prematurely.

In that case, since he and Li Ji'an did nothing, their evaluation in this trial would probably be very low.

He feared that he might suffer the same fate as the true disciple who had been demoted to an inner disciple a year ago.

However, at this moment, as he looked at the three figures struggling to recover their magical power on the barren hillside, the gloom instantly dissipated.

"Senior Brother Li, should we go say hello?"

However, before Li Ji'an could respond, Yao Rui and the other two seemed to see Hu Zaiyi peeking out, and immediately got up and flew away on their swords again.

Two days later.

Hu Zaiyi was pleasantly surprised to see Yao Rui and the other two again.

Similarly, upon seeing the oxcart, Yao Rui once again rode away on her sword.

Unfortunately, the spiritual energy in this area is scarce, and their use of flying swords is too taxing, making it difficult for them to continue.

A day and a half later, they were overtaken by the oxcart again.

This time, just as Yao Rui was about to fly away on her sword, Zhou Zheng and Shen Xingchen were both severely depleted of their magical power. Forcibly activating it would easily damage their very foundation.

Helpless, Yao Rui could only watch the oxcart disappear into the distance with resentment.

"Pah! You still say you didn't get in through connections?"

"As expected of a direct descendant of a sect, they even have spirit beasts pulling a cart during trials." Shen Xingchen sighed with a gloomy face.

"Why don't we go with Senior Brother Li? He's a very easygoing person, so he probably won't refuse us, right?" Zhou Zheng was flexible and adaptable.

"Go yourself if you want. Even if my spiritual energy is depleted and my magic power is exhausted, I, Yao Rui, will not ride in his oxcart," Yao Rui said resentfully.

“What difference does it make if we get to the Xue family faster? Those thieves will have already escaped. They might not be able to find any trace of them. Speed ​​doesn’t matter at all,” Shen Xingchen echoed Yao Rui.

……

Nine days after their departure, Li Ji'an and Hu Zaiyi arrived at the Xue family in Pinghu.

Beside a large, mirror-like lake, the Xue family mansion stands alone.

However, it was unusually quiet at this moment.

The air was even filled with a mist of blood.

"Not even a single mosquito?" Hu Zaiyi's eyes narrowed.

Before long, the two arrived at the Xue family's ancestral home and met the Enforcement Hall cultivators who were on duty there.

"Greetings, Master Li; greetings, Master Hu." The guarding cultivator verified the two men's tokens and bowed in respect.

"Hmm." When he was with Li Ji'an, Hu Zaiyi was timid and submissive, but when facing other disciples of the sect, he had the status and attitude that a true disciple should have.

Nodding slightly, Hu Zaiyi walked towards the interior of the ancestral home.

But after taking only two steps, he realized that Li Ji'an was still standing in the same spot.

"You two have worked hard. Please let me know what's going on here." Li Ji'an smiled at the two of them.

"Yes, sir. All 123 members of the Xue family have died. The seven members, including the patriarch and elders, who were the most powerful, all showed signs of poisoning. The type of poison has not yet been determined..." the guard immediately replied.

"I knew it smelled so bloody, yet there wasn't a single mosquito. It's poison!" Hu Zaiyi exclaimed in realization.

Li Ji'an ignored him. He had detected the poison as soon as he approached the area. It was a near-second-tier poison, and the method of its preparation was quite sophisticated. It had a faint odor and resembled spiritual energy, making it difficult to guard against. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages could fall victim to it if they were careless.

The reason it is only a quasi-second-tier technique is because its effect is to assist rather than to kill. It can only gradually weaken the magic power of the poisoned person, and it takes quite a long time, at least a month, to take effect. If one is not experienced, one might even suspect that there is something wrong with their own technique.

He focused on the content in the duty roster that complemented the sect's records. The sect's law enforcement hall only described possible information about this group of thieves, and the description of the annihilation of the clan in this place was rather rough.

"Was there any special event before the Xue family's downfall? Such as purchasing Foundation Establishment Pills, or other fortuitous encounters?" Li Ji'an continued to ask patiently.

Although the sect's Enforcement Hall provided information about the suspicious individuals, it was all suspected, not certain, so it cannot be ruled out that it was misleading.

The trials that sects conduct for their true disciples are not as straightforward as those for their inner disciples.

Instead, they will be honed through a comprehensive process, including developing their character, experience in the martial arts world, interpersonal skills, teamwork, and individual combat abilities.

After all, even the most junior disciples will eventually become elders of their respective peaks, and will need to deal with families, forces, and sects and holy palaces in the other two states.

"Our investigations have revealed nothing unusual about the Xue family in recent years..."

After asking a series of detailed questions, Li Ji'an thanked him before stepping into the Xue family's ancestral home.

Over the next three days, Li Ji'an and Hu Zaiyi thoroughly investigated the entire residence.

Many of the clues matched what the guards said.

"It seems that the Enforcement Hall did not mislead us, and indeed, the thief has not yet been found." Li Ji'an nodded secretly.

Just as Li Ji'an was leaving the Xue family ancestral home with a worried-looking Hu Zaiyi, they could see Yao Rui and the other two landing unsteadily in the distance...

(End of this chapter)