Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 73: Dream Building Counterattack, Peak Master's Sudden Change (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Lin Hao)

"This child has a firm will; he actually withstood my mind-controlling spell for several breaths."

Seeing that Zhao Wuji was already in a daze, a hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes, which then turned into a light laugh, "However, it's just a mere first level of Qi Refining, nothing more."

Seeing Zhao Wuji's eyes completely glaze over, the old man's expression relaxed slightly. His hoarse voice, carrying a seductive power, slowly spoke like a viper's hiss: "Come, tell me."

His voice carried a seductive power as he began to interrogate numerous private secrets.

"Did you have any extraordinary encounters or adventures outside the grotto? Tell me the truth."

"Do you have any grievances against the Xuan Kingdom's royal family and the Linglang Grotto-heaven? Speak the truth."

"Did you plant yourself in my grotto-heaven by another faction, attempting to seize a spot in the secret realm and its resources?"

For the first few questions, Zhao Wuji gave negative responses while feigning confusion.

He had come to understand the methods used in this dazzling grotto.

He had previously thought that the so-called "questioning one's heart" was like the online novels he had read in his previous life, where one would be placed in some kind of magical illusion, where some kind of illusionary trick would bewitch the mind.

Unexpectedly, it was a simple, crude, and direct attempt to confuse and inquire about secrets.

However, this seems to be more in line with the state of immortal sects and Taoist sects in the Dharma-ending Age. Where would they find so many resources to set up formations and test a group of newcomers?

"Although it has some interest, this kind of hypnosis-like technique is simply child's play compared to the Dream Marriage Technique. We can't even use the incantation that Peak Master Hua gave us for the time being."

Zhao Wuji was relaxed, responding nonchalantly on the surface, but inwardly he sneered.

The methods employed by this dazzling grotto are even less dignified than those of the demonic path.

Suddenly realizing that the old man had suddenly set the paper on fire, he gave a low shout and smeared some ash on his chest, near his heart.

"Do not betray the grotto. Do not complain upon receiving the order. If you obtain any treasure, you must present it to the heavens."

A strange power suddenly took effect; the hoarse incantation, imbued with eerie power, seemed to be branded into the depths of one's soul.

Zhao Wuji immediately realized that this might be the 'character assessment' after the questioning of his conscience, and a strong sense of seduction seemed to be imprinted deep into his soul.

Zhao Wuji could no longer remain calm.

He quickly recited the mantra given to him by Peak Master Hua: "When the mind is free of dust, the bright moon shines forth; when the heart is pure and unblemished, the mysterious female opens."

Within his dantian, a wisp of spiritual energy stirred, and his consciousness began to regain its clarity.

"Hey!" The old man's eyes suddenly flashed with a strange light as he angrily shouted, "You scoundrel, you're playing mind games!"

His withered fingers, like hooks, drew three gray marks on Zhao Wuji's chest, while his hoarse curses became more rapid and intense, forcefully suppressing his voice.

"We must not betray this celestial realm. We must not."

"You're so shameless!"

Zhao Wuji suddenly looked up, feeling his will begin to waver, and could no longer maintain his feigned confusion.

The right foot that emerged from under the table suddenly exerted force, the sole of the boot grinding hard against the old man's instep, using this contact as a medium.

At the same time, her hands moved swiftly beneath the table like butterflies, and the spiritual patterns of the Dream Weaving Technique quickly wove a net of backlash.

Countermeasures!

"You?!" The old man's cloudy eyes widened suddenly, only to see the young man, who had been dazed just moments before, suddenly raise his head.

There was no trace of confusion in his eyes anymore.

His eyes gleamed, radiating power and sharpness, like two icy swords piercing the depths of his gaze.

Even more terrifying, the mind-controlling spell he cast backfired like a tidal wave.

The old man groaned, feeling dizzy and disoriented. The pupils opposite him seemed to transform into an endless vortex, dragging him into the abyss of a dream after the backlash.

Several dozen breaths later, inside the quiet room.

Zhao Wuji maintained the casting state of the Dream Marriage Technique, continuously channeling spiritual power outwards, and in a short time, he had already channeled three streams of spiritual power.

Compared to when he previously altered mortals' memories, the damage was several times greater.

At the same time, his proficiency in the Dream Marriage Technique was also increasing rapidly, rising by more than ten points in a short period of time.

Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but he saw the old man opposite him with a strangely distorted face, sometimes letting out a grotesque "heh heh" laugh, and sometimes revealing a mocking expression of complete control.

In the dream world meticulously constructed by Zhao Wuji using the Dream Marriage Technique, the old man was "as he wished" to see a superior immortal being protected by the Flower Peak Master gradually showing a devout oath of loyalty to the Linglang Cave Heaven.

However, the truth is that Zhao Wuji is using the dream as a bridge to quietly peruse the old man's recent memories.

The old man was still immersed in the joy of control, unaware that he had become the prey being spied on.

The secrets about questioning one's heart and determining one's nature unfolded like a scroll in Zhao Wuji's mind.

"So this is how the Linglang Cave Heaven has been able to so quickly bewitch and control the minds of its disciples all these years. Although this technique does not directly manipulate them, it has quietly smoothed out the rough edges of those new disciples."

In time, I fear they might truly be willing to go through fire and water for the cave.

The methods used by the immortal sects to manipulate people's hearts are far too easy for mortals.

Zhao Wuji couldn't help but think of the incantation given to him by Peak Master Hua.

These two tests of self-examination and character assessment, on the surface, are actually shackles placed on the disciples by the grotto heaven.

The words of truth bestowed by Peak Master Hua were the sharp blade to sever these invisible shackles.

"Peak Master Hua is also a high-ranking member of the Linglang Cave Heaven. Why would she risk helping me? Is it merely because she needs me to treat her?" "If it's just for treatment, my loyalty to the Linglang Cave Heaven wouldn't prevent me from treating her; in fact, it would be more beneficial, unless..."

Zhao Wuji pondered, recalling how Peak Master Hua had once told him not to publicize the diagnosis results, as if he was deliberately concealing something.

He suddenly realized, "It seems that there is a scheme within a scheme, a curse within a curse, and even within the grotto, there is not a peaceful scene."

At this moment, the old man opposite him gradually woke up from his dream. His eyes were half clear and half muddled, and he smiled with satisfaction, muttering to himself.

"Alright, you've passed the test of self-examination and moral character building. From now on, cultivate diligently and share the burdens of the grotto heaven."

The old man raised his hand, picked up a pen, wrote the word "passed" on a piece of yellow paper, stamped it with the spirit seal, and handed it out.

Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed as he took the yellow paper and, as he stood up, glanced at the old man's boots where footprints had been left.

He shook his head slightly, then suddenly bent down, lightly brushing the dust off the shoes with his sleeve, leaving no trace.

He then feigned exhaustion and walked out of the quiet assessment room.

With a soft click of the door hinges, Deacon Xu snapped back to reality and rubbed his throbbing temples.

What came to mind was the obedient look on that boy's face as he swore allegiance to the cave, and he couldn't help but nod slightly.

"tsk"

He pressed his knuckles against his temples, muttering to himself, "Why does casting a spell on a mere novice on the path of immortality take so much effort?"

He stared at the closed door, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes. "Next time, I must advise the elders that no matter what their background is, anyone who has cultivated to a certain level before even entering the sect should not be allowed to participate in the assessment!"

Outside the quiet room, Senior Brother He, who was waiting, saw the yellow talisman in Zhao Wuji's hand and immediately bowed and smiled.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Zhao, on successfully passing the tests of 'Asking the Heart' and 'Settling the Character.' From now on, you are officially a disciple of our Linlang Cave Heaven and can now go to Hanyue Peak to cultivate."

He paused, then smiled and said, "You are a superior immortal seed and have already cultivated some power, so you can apply to enter and exit the cave twice a month. You only need to apply to Steward Liu in the Affairs Hall."

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother He."

Zhao Wuji glanced at the gentle Senior Brother He.

For some reason, I felt that there was a hint of pretense in this senior brother's smile that I hadn't seen yesterday, like a carefully painted mask.

He looked at the gray-robed immortals who were walking out one after another from the side hall opposite.

Those gray-robed disciples who had previously been filled with resentment now all had smiles on their faces, like donkeys that had been relieved of a heavy burden.

This submissive demeanor was a stark contrast to his appearance before entering the palace.

"No wonder Lian Yunxuan, who died at my hands, was willing to do hard labor in the cave for so many years. The waters of Linlang Cave are too deep. Who exactly is the master of Ning Shen Cave?"

"If the Linglang Cave Heaven is like this, what about the Supreme Cave Heaven behind the Supreme Sect? Zhixia."

Zhao Wuji's eyelids drooped slightly as he thought about some of Nan Zhixia's past actions.

Even though she suspected he knew the whereabouts of the sacred artifact, she did not try to take it by force. Instead, she left room for maneuver in every way and even secretly helped him.

From this perspective, Zhixia was at least mindful of feelings and remained clear-headed at that time.

But after embarking on the path of immortality and going to the Supreme Celestial Realm, whether one can remain clear-headed is another matter.
Zhao Wuji frowned, and without waiting for Li Shiyu and Li Nianwei's results, left the main hall first.

With his current strength, if he were to use the Dream Marriage Technique, he might be able to break the curse on these people.

At least it can protect their minds from becoming dull, so that they won't become puppets or cannon fodder in the future.

but
Zhao Wuji walked along the mountain path, gazing at the clouds and mist over Hanyue Peak.

The time has not come yet.

If one day it is necessary to save Zhi Xia or others from the curse, this hidden method will be the key to breaking the deadlock.

"The path to immortality is long and there is no need to rush. It is easy to plant a spell, but difficult to tame the heart of the Dao. The one who casts the spell will eventually become a prisoner of the spell."

Holding the talisman, Zhao Wuji used his movement technique to walk through the mist.

Wherever the figure in green robes passed, numerous gray-robed cultivators gave way and bowed, heading straight for Cold Moon Peak.

Having passed the test, he went straight to find his biggest backer.

Ironically, the solitary peak ahead, perpetually covered in snow, though seemingly cold, brought him more peace of mind than any other place in this celestial realm.

The seemingly cold and aloof Master Hua was actually more reassuring than his smiling fellow disciples.

In the next few days, as long as he can expel the cold from Master Hua's body several more times, he will be able to accumulate enough Yin Pearls, not only to gain a hundred years of lifespan, but also to truly unlock the second Yin Pearl and learn the new Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Techniques.

"Diagnose and treat to build up strength, cultivate to break through realms, and then secretly plan and collect resources and materials."

As for Zhixia, perhaps a letter should be sent to probe the truth.

Zhao Wuji moved like a startled swan, skimming through the clouds. He already had a plan in mind. In the snow and mist, he could vaguely see the eaves of the ice palace on the mountain peak ahead.

However, just as he reached the foot of the mountain, a voice filled with frost suddenly pierced his eardrums.

It was the familiar, cold voice of Peak Master Hua, yet it unusually carried a hint of urgency:

"Now that you have passed the test, proceed immediately to my bedchamber."

"Ok?"

Zhao Wuji was taken aback. At this moment, the Yin Pearl in his sea of ​​consciousness also trembled slightly for no reason, as if it had sensed something.

His eyes flickered slightly, and without further hesitation, his figure transformed into a streak of green, traversing the jagged ice rocks straight to the summit.
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(End of this chapter)