I want to tread the heavens

Ling Xiao knew that he would have to reveal his true abilities in this test. He took a deep breath, grasped the spirit-testing crystal, and stopped trying to suppress his power. He slowly and steadily injected the pure meteorite power from his dantian into the crystal.

hum-

The spirit-testing crystal suddenly burst forth with a dazzling light, a starlight interwoven with pale gold and deep purple! The light wasn't blinding, yet it gave off an extremely concentrated and weighty feeling, while simultaneously carrying a hint of sharpness and boundless vitality. The mist within the crystal swirled wildly, its colors constantly shifting. Finally, two large ancient seal characters condensed on the crystal's surface—"Jia Shang!"

"Spiritual energy purity: Top tier!" The woman in the purple dress's voice carried a hint of undisguised surprise. The cold-faced middle-aged man also raised an eyebrow slightly. Elder Mo Yuan paused in stroking his beard, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, his gaze towards Ling Xiao becoming more profound.

Above Grade A! This is a level that only true disciples of major sects, cultivating top-tier techniques and tempering themselves with massive amounts of resources, can usually achieve! A rogue cultivator with no foundation...

"Young man, your spiritual power... is quite special." Elder Mo Yuan spoke slowly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

"In my early years, I had some unexpected encounters and stumbled upon an ancient cultivator's cave, where I obtained some incomplete inheritances, causing a slight mutation in my spiritual power," Ling Xiao replied calmly. He had already prepared this explanation. The power of the meteorite was special and couldn't be hidden from these experts, but attributing it to an "encounter in an ancient cultivator's cave" was the safest explanation. The Qingxuan Continent was vast, with countless ancient cultivator relics; while this explanation aroused curiosity, it wasn't anything earth-shattering.

Elder Mo Yuan gave him a deep look, but didn't press further. Instead, he nodded. "Adversity is also a form of strength. The third aspect: comprehension and deduction."

He lightly tapped the ground with his cane. The array patterns on the stone tabletop suddenly lit up, shimmering with light and color, projecting an extremely complex, mostly incomplete, three-dimensional array of light and shadow onto a foot or so above the tabletop. The array's lines twisted and intertwined, the nodes flickered, and many key parts were completely blank, giving it a fragmented yet mysterious feel.

"This is a partial diagram of the ancient incomplete formation 'Small Heavenly Cycle Star Formation,' about 70% missing. I will give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Observe it, deduce its possible location, point out the possible location of its core hub, and explain at least three basic trends of change. There is no need to pursue completeness, as long as your words are substantial and your thinking is clear." Elder Mo Yuan's tone was calm.

The Lesser Heavenly Cycle Star Formation? Ling Xiao's heart skipped a beat. This name... has a faint resemblance to the formation concept mentioned in the "Great Dao Scripture of Heavenly Stars"! Although the incomplete formation diagram in front of him is far from the formation in the inheritance, the core "intention" of using stars as points to connect heaven and earth gives him a strange sense of familiarity.

He forced himself to calm down, clear his mind of distractions, and focus all his attention on the incomplete array of light and shadow before him. His eyes remained fixed, and his fragmented understanding of the *Zhou Tian Xing Chen Dao Dao Jing* (a classic text on the cosmic universe) regarding stellar orbits and the connection of spiritual energy rapidly collided, confirmed, and deduced with the flickering lines and nodes before him…

Time ticked by. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, save for the faint hum of the swirling light and shadow array. The three from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion watched silently, their gazes scrutinizing.

Ling Xiao was completely immersed in it. He seemed to "see" that the incomplete lines, under a certain pattern, should have connected to form a sparse yet orderly network, conforming to the trajectory of stars. The flickering nodes, like stars in the night sky, echoed each other. The missing parts were not completely dark in his mind, but rather, a vague intuition derived from the cultivation technique outlined their general direction...

Just as the incense stick was about to burn out, a sharp glint flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes. He raised his hand, his fingertips carrying a faint wisp of meteorite power, and pointed in the air at three seemingly unrelated, even slightly off-center, flickering nodes in the array. His words were quick and clear:

"The core hub is not fixed in one place, but should form a 'dynamic triangle' at these three points, rotating with the tides of external spiritual energy or the activation of formations—this is the 'living hub.' There are three basic changes: First, when stellar energy converges, the three hubs return to one point, forming a 'defensive stance,' as solid as a rock; second, when stellar energy spreads, the three hubs expand along their tracks, forming a 'trapped stance,' sparse yet impenetrable; third..."

He spoke slowly but clearly and logically. The nodes he pointed out and the changes he explained, though superficial and even different from what was shown in the array diagram, precisely complemented the most crucial dynamic balance "spirit" of this array. Moreover, the ideas he proposed for change subtly touched upon some of the fundamental truths of the star array.

As he finished speaking, the incense stick burned out its last wisp of smoke.

The quiet room was utterly silent. Elder Mo Yuan's hand, stroking his beard, completely stopped. He looked at Ling Xiao, his eyes no longer showing surprise, but a profound light. The woman in the purple dress stared at Ling Xiao with her mouth slightly agape, as if looking at a monster. For the first time, a flicker of emotion appeared on the cold, hard face of the middle-aged man in blue.

"You...have studied formations?" Elder Mo Yuan asked slowly.

"I've never studied it systematically; I only have a slight sense of star trails," Ling Xiao answered truthfully. This was not an exaggeration; his knowledge of formations mainly came from his insights and self-exploration alongside the "Zhou Tian Xing Chen Dao Dao Jing," and it was indeed not a systematic approach.

"A slight feeling..." Elder Mo Yuan repeated in a low voice, then suddenly laughed, his laughter carrying an indescribable meaning. "What a fine 'slight feeling.' With only a fragmented map missing seventy percent of its length, within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, you were able to grasp the meaning of the 'Living Pivot' and deduce three fundamental changes that fit the rhythm of the Star Dao... Such comprehension is something I haven't seen in the Luo Xing City branch for many years. In terms of comprehension, I would rate it as top-tier."

The woman in the purple dress quickly took notes. The middle-aged man in blue looked at Ling Xiao with less coldness and more seriousness.

"The fourth item: Combat simulation." Elder Mo Yuan put away his smile and gestured to the middle-aged man in blue.

The middle-aged man stepped forward, and with a wave of his hand, the array on the ground to one side of the quiet room lit up. The light gathered and quickly condensed into a humanoid figure dressed in black, with a blurred face and holding a long sword. The figure was as solid as a real person, radiating the spiritual energy fluctuations of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, with empty eyes, yet carrying a chilling killing intent.

"This is a 'Battle Puppet,' simulating a mid-Foundation Establishment sword cultivator. You must withstand its attacks for the duration of an incense stick burning without defeat. You can dodge, block, and counterattack. Begin."

Before the words were even finished, a red light flashed in the black-clad battle puppet's eyes, its figure blurred abruptly, and in the next instant, it appeared beside Ling Xiao! The lightsaber in its hand drew a chilling glint, aiming straight for Ling Xiao's ribs! Fast, accurate, and ruthless! Without any frills, it was pure killing swordsmanship!

Ling Xiao's pupils constricted sharply! The speed and aura of this battle puppet far surpassed that of an ordinary mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator! Almost instinctively, he activated the "Swimming Fish Step," his body twisting abruptly as if boneless, narrowly avoiding the sword tip. At the same time, he drew the broken sword from beside his feet, not infusing it with much Starfall power, but only with pure spiritual energy. The blade gleamed with a faint golden light, and he struck it horizontally with the back of the blade, not with a direct confrontation, but by using the force of the blows against the side of the lightsaber, attempting to deflect its attack.

Clang!

The clang of metal against metal echoed through the quiet room. The battle puppet's sword strike paused slightly, but then slashed upwards at an even more cunning angle, aiming straight for Ling Xiao's throat! The sword light split, simultaneously creating three illusory sword shadows that enveloped Ling Xiao from above, below, and in the middle!

Ling Xiao's heart skipped a beat; the battle puppet's swordsmanship was incredibly exquisite! His footwork shifted again, his figure moving like a willow catkin in the wind, shifting with lightning speed within a small space. The broken blade in his hand transformed into a dense barrage of light, not seeking to injure the enemy, but only to protect his vital points. Clang! Clang! Clang! The dense sounds of impact were like a sudden rainstorm pounding on banana leaves. With each collision, Ling Xiao felt a slight numbness in his arm; the battle puppet's strength was astonishing!

In the blink of an eye, ten moves had passed, and Ling Xiao was completely on the defensive, forced to defend himself in a corner of the quiet room by the battle puppet's sharp sword light. But his eyes remained calm, and he did not panic. He was observing, observing the battle puppet's attack patterns, rhythm, and the regularity of the three sword shadows' shifting between reality and illusion.

After several more moves, a glint flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes! He had discovered it! Although the battle puppet's sword shadows were ingeniously differentiated, one of the three sword shadows always had a very slight delay in the flow of spiritual energy, and its attack trajectory was slightly stiff! This might be because its simulation was not yet perfect, or it might be a "flaw" in some kind of setting!

The opportunity was fleeting! Ling Xiao shouted, abandoning his defensive stance. The power of the Meteorite Force surged into his legs, increasing the speed of his "Swimming Fish Step" by a factor of three. In the nick of time, he slipped through the gap between the two sharp sword shadows, heading straight for the slightly stiffened one! The pale golden light on the broken blade suddenly receded, transforming into an incredibly solid deep purple starlight. Instead of slashing, he used the tip of the blade to swiftly strike the core spiritual energy node of the sword shadow!

laugh!

With a soft sound, the sword shadow shattered like a bubble. The main body of the battle puppet seemed to be disturbed, its movements momentarily frozen. And this was the instant Ling Xiao wanted! He moved closer like a ghost, his left palm concealing the power of a meteor shower, silently striking the battle puppet's sword-wielding wrist, while his right leg swept across its lower body like a whip!

The battle puppet reacted extremely quickly. Despite the interference, it still managed to parry the palm strike with its sword in time, while simultaneously raising its knee to block the sweeping leg. Bang! With a muffled sound, Ling Xiao used the force to fly backward, landing steadily back on the spot. He stood with his sword in hand, slightly out of breath, but his eyes were fixed on the battle puppet.

The red light in the war puppet's eyes flickered uncertainly, but it did not immediately give chase. Inside the quiet room, only Ling Xiao's slightly rapid breathing could be heard.

"Time's up." Elder Mo Yuan's calm voice rang out. He raised his hand and pressed down, and the black-clad battle puppet instantly turned into specks of light and vanished, as if it had never existed.

Ling Xiao slowly exhaled a breath of stale air and sheathed his broken sword. The battle that had lasted only a short time had consumed a great deal of his mental and physical strength. This battle puppet's combat power definitely exceeded that of an average mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. If it weren't for his rich combat experience, keen perception, and ability to seize that fleeting "weakness," he probably would have been injured.

"Adaptability and decisiveness in battle. Able to spot weaknesses in a defensive posture and strike decisively. Excellent combat awareness and decisiveness." The middle-aged man in blue spoke for the first time, his voice deep and resonant. "Combat simulation: Grade A, Medium."

The woman in the purple dress quickly took notes, her gaze towards Ling Xiao now tinged with admiration. To achieve this level of skill on one's first encounter with a "war puppet" was no easy feat.

Elder Mo Yuan stroked his beard and pondered, his gaze lingering on Ling Xiao for a long time before slowly saying, "Bone age of sixteen or so, early stage of Foundation Establishment, spiritual power purity above average, comprehension and deduction above average, practical combat ability above average. Overall assessment..."

He paused, then said, word by word, "Jia Shang."

The quiet room fell silent once more. The woman in the purple dress paused slightly as she wrote, and a strange light flashed in the eyes of the middle-aged man in blue. The overall assessment was excellent! Even within the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, this was an extremely high evaluation, signifying immense potential and a worthy recipient of significant cultivation.

"Ling Xiao." Elder Mo Yuan looked at Ling Xiao, his gaze profound. "Do you know that being a guest elder of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is not a nominal position? While enjoying the pavilion's resources and conveniences, one must also bear corresponding obligations, complete tasks assigned by the pavilion, and sometimes even face danger. Moreover, the pavilion's rules are strict and cannot be violated. Are you willing to accept this?"

Meeting Elder Mo Yuan's gaze, Ling Xiao knew the most crucial moment had arrived. Suppressing his inner turmoil, he solemnly cupped his hands: "This junior is willing. But what are the specific rights and responsibilities? And what will happen if I pass the evaluation?"

"Hehe, no rush." ​​Elder Mo Yuan smiled, seemingly quite satisfied with Ling Xiao's caution. "Passing the assessment only grants you the qualification to become a 'Prospective Guest Elder.' You need to go to the headquarters of my Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, 'Heavenly Mystery City,' to pass the final verification and the 'Trial of the Heart' before you can be officially registered and granted the status and corresponding privileges of a Guest Elder. Until then, you can temporarily receive a 'Temporary Guest Elder' token, enjoying the convenience of accessing some resources and seeking information within the Luo Xing City branch's authority, and you can also accept some low-level missions to accumulate merit. As for the specific details of your rights and responsibilities, Su Mo will discuss them with you in detail."

He paused, then continued, "Based on your top-tier evaluation, if you pass the final verification, you will at least receive the position of 'Bronze Medal Guest Elder,' enjoying a monthly salary of fifty low-grade spirit stones, first-level access to the Basic Cultivation Techniques Pavilion and the Library Pavilion, bonuses to mission rewards, and a certain degree of protection from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. In the future, with meritorious service, you can be promoted to Silver Medal and Gold Medal, and your privileges and benefits will also increase accordingly."

A monthly stipend of fifty low-grade spirit stones! Access to the Basic Cultivation Techniques Pavilion and the Library! And the protection of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion! Ling Xiao was shaken. This treatment was simply a dream come true for a rogue cultivator with no background! Not to mention the potential resources and connections.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Elder." Ling Xiao bowed deeply.

"Hmm. This is what you deserve." Elder Mo Yuan nodded and gestured to the woman in the purple dress. The woman immediately took out a palm-sized, dark cyan token from her bosom, which was neither gold nor wood, and was engraved with intricate cloud and star patterns. She handed it to Ling Xiao. The token felt slightly heavy in his hand. The front was engraved with the two ancient seal characters "Heavenly Secrets," and the back had the two characters "Temporary" and a number.

"This is a temporary guest token. With this token, you can access some publicly available files and accept Yellow-level missions in the 'Hall of Literary Glory' on the first floor of this pavilion. You can also enjoy a 10% discount on properties under the name of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion in Luo Xing City. You can bind your token to the owner by dripping blood," the woman in the purple dress explained.

"As for the trip to Tianji City..." Elder Mo Yuan continued, "A team from our organization will be returning to headquarters to report for duty around three months from now, and you may accompany them. Su Mo will inform you of the specific date. During this time, you should focus on consolidating your cultivation and also take on more missions to familiarize yourself with the organization's procedures."

"Yes, junior will remember." Ling Xiao took the token and without hesitation pricked his fingertip, a drop of blood falling onto the token. The token flashed with a faint light, absorbing the blood, and Ling Xiao immediately felt a weak connection established. At the same time, a brief message flowed into his mind, concerning the basic usage and precautions of the token.

"Alright, the evaluation is now over. Go back and prepare well. Su Mo will be waiting for you in the outer room; he will handle the handover of matters to you." Elder Mo Yuan waved his hand, seemingly somewhat tired.

"This junior takes his leave." Ling Xiao bowed again, and then, led by the young servant, left the quiet evaluation room.

Only after stepping out of that metal door and feeling the quiet, slightly chilly air within the tower again did Ling Xiao truly breathe a sigh of relief. His back was already slightly damp with sweat. The brief evaluation just now, especially the battle against the war puppets and Elder Mo Yuan's all-seeing gaze, had put immense pressure on him.

But what filled him more was excitement and anticipation. A top-tier evaluation! A temporary guest elder token! An opportunity to access the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion headquarters! All of this was far better than he had expected. He had thought passing the preliminary selection would be good enough, but he hadn't anticipated receiving the highest evaluation directly.

"Young Master Ling, please follow me. Steward Su is already waiting in the side hall." The young servant's voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

Ling Xiao nodded, gripped the warm, smooth temporary guest token in his hand, and followed the servant downstairs. His steps were lighter and more determined than ever before.

He knew that from this moment on, his path had truly begun to change.