Chapter 8, Junior Brother, you understand me.

However, Wang Lu seemed unconcerned about whether the attendant understood, and began to explain on his own: "The Lingjian Sect is renowned as an ancient sect, with a very strict selection process for disciples. Additionally, due to a sparse population, it is generally the elders of the sect who descend the mountain to seek out disciples. The sect is not suited for a mass-production style of ascension conference, which is why this time, the opening of the mountain gates has attracted so many people. But an ancient sect is still an ancient sect; even a mass-production ceremony will not be treated lightly. The necessary procedures will certainly be in place, and they will be more complex than most people imagine..."

Zhou Ming shook his head: "In any case, I have never seen it."

Young master, how can you be so certain

As the Chief Elder of Punishment, should the law not be applied to fellow disciples but rather to the townspeople of Lingxi? You all, as esteemed elders of the Heavenly Sword Hall, entrusted with the important supervisory role of today's Ascension Conference, have so grossly neglected your duties and openly violated the sect's regulations against gambling. According to the sect's rules, you shall not leave the mountain for a hundred years

Wow! Who is it! Who dares to impersonate Junior Brother Fang He! Such audacity to pretend to be the Elder in charge of punishment. I will report this to the Sect Leader and have you punished! If you have the ability, stay here and do not run away!

Of course, it was during the task chain... Do you think I was just running errands in the town that day? I listened carefully to the task descriptions at each task point. Many players today are overly eager for quick results, completely disregarding the text beyond the task objectives and rewards, not realizing that the truly valuable information lies in the task descriptions. For instance, when I completed the final stage, the old man at the entrance said, "This is the first time in a hundred years that the Lingjian Sect has held an ascension conference. We have no experience, but precisely because we lack experience, the effort invested will be substantial. Even this old man, who has been retired for many years, has been called back to guard the town..." The amount of information contained here is astonishing. But who can hear it? Those young masters want to inquire, but if they don't even do the tasks, how can they get the news from the books? Just because you have money? In a town where five hundred taels of silver can't buy a single carrot, what does money even mean...

The young master is indeed the young master; there is no room for dissent.

Fang Heyue became increasingly puzzled: "Behind the Cloud Wave Diagram... it should connect to one of the Chijishan, Bingfeng Valley, Qingyun Gorge, or Youming Path based on the performance of the trial-taker. If one can make it all the way to the end, they would qualify to enter the Mysterious Peak... But I don't recall this stage. Could it be that you have modified the Immortal Ascension Conference's segments, Senior Brother?"

Wang Zhong felt a sudden sense of unease: "Young Master, is there any danger?"

Congratulations, Senior Brother, on soon transforming into a Nascent Soul Elder!

Liu Xian was stunned for a moment: "When was the last time I saw such speed?"

Once Wang Lu was out of ideas, the little scholar felt the surrounding mist becoming menacing, as if it could swallow him at any moment. This path to immortality was ultimately not meant for the little scholar from Wangjia Village

Go over there and find the Elder in charge of punishment to buy some time

It is less common; the elder in charge of punishment is stricter with the true disciples! If I were to go, I would definitely be confined until reaching the Nascent Soul stage

Not necessarily

According to Wang Lu, the mist on both sides of the valley serves as a buffer when switching maps. Behind the mist lies a brand new challenge, which is crucial for entering the inner sect of the Lingjian Sect, the Qiaomiao Peak

As he spoke, Wang Lu suddenly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of mist to see the mountain peak standing tall in the clouds in the distance

This road is truly damn long

The book boy could not comprehend the young master's sentiments at all, but the disdain for others in his tone was vividly apparent. This strong confidence had already been experienced many times in Wangjia Village, and unexpectedly, even while walking the path to immortality, his confidence remained unchanged

Fifth junior sister, what exactly are you trying to cause a commotion about

Young master, is there a problem with this soil

The peak master of Tongming Peak, Zhou Ming, quietly tore off the white strip from his face while leaning over to ask: "What happened to these two? Do you know them? Their performance is quite good, they exited the Yunbo Map in just two hours... Wait, just two hours!?"

Do you still remember what those two in blue and white said? Every blade of grass and every tree is a connection, doesn't that mean you can walk however you like? More importantly, if I were to design it, I would probably do it this way... Previously, when I was in Lingxi Town, I felt that the designer of the Lingjian Sect's Ascension Conference was quite professional and should not disappoint anyone

Young master, I can no longer understand what you are saying...

In the narrow valley, both the master and the servant were somewhat out of breath

I have long since left the valley, and the transformation of the map has been completed unconsciously... I initially thought the mist was a buffer, but it seems this is also a component of the map

Quickly inform Master and Uncle Zhou Ming to pack up the stall

The disciple's expression was grave, as if he could not see the mahjong table that had been overturned on the ground, nor the elders of the sect who were arguing heatedly. He coldly said, "Elder, I report that someone has already emerged from the Yunbo Map."

Wang Lu smiled and said: "In other words, this path actually has no wrong turns; each direction symbolizes a person's opportunities... In other words, as long as you choose a direction and walk forward, a new map will emerge after you have traveled a certain distance"

Liu Xian was also puzzled: "Junior brother, you know me; how could I casually change the sect's rules?"

Young master, are we on the wrong path?

There is no danger, but there are also no clues

It was initially thought to be a brief respite, but as the two of them groped their way forward in the fog for an indeterminate amount of time without finding a way ahead, even Wang Lu began to feel some hesitation

Indeed, I am completely exhausted, so please carry the luggage for me

"Brother Liu Xianshi, Junior Brother Zhou Ming, what are you doing?"

After a while, Liu Xian said: "Truly a talent favored by the sect leader, with qualifications roughly between the third and fourth rank, but this temperament likely reaches the first rank level"

What on earth is the Elder of Punishment doing here

"Brother Fang He, the sect leader has passed on to you the Starry Sword Classic, not for you to use against your fellow disciples!"

Although the book boy does not truly understand the difference between Xiaoyao Peak and Piaomiao Peak, it seems that the young master places great importance on it... There can be no mistake in that

I can't believe it! Which version of the rules is this?

The book boy wiped the sweat from his forehead, rendered speechless.

Ah ah ah ah

Have you all seen it? In my impression, the one who performed best in this challenge should be Senior Brother Zhangmen, who also spent more than four hours, even more than him..." Zhou Ming said with a frown, suddenly pausing, "Senior Brother Fanghe, could it be that you are saying..."

Wang Lu explained: "Surely you do not think that the path to immortality is a simple straight line? There will definitely be many challenges designed to test a person's various qualities along the way. If it were merely about root bones or knowledge, it would be fine; a golden bridge and a test paper could suffice to measure depth. However, how can one test a person's temperament and fate? Through written exams, answer sheets, or personality tests? If it were merely about root bones or knowledge, it would be fine; a golden bridge and a test paper could suffice to measure depth. However, how can one test a person's temperament and fate? Through written exams, answer sheets, or personality tests? The Lingjian Sect wants to thoroughly assess newcomers, so it must design sufficiently complex scenarios along the path to immortality. These scenarios could be ordinary settings or independent realms akin to dungeons, and the mist surrounding us is likely a buffer zone for switching maps.

The effective visibility in the fog is less than three meters, beyond which everything is completely obscured. Wang Lu only remembers that before entering the fog, he was in a valley that was less than ten meters wide, and then he continued straight ahead...

... ...

The book boy was as confused as ever: "What is entering the new map?"

What? So fast!

... ...

Fang He glanced at the overturned mahjong table beside him and said nothing. Although his senior brother had made some minor mistakes, he was indeed not someone who acted on his own initiative, which means that...

Uh ... ...

How would I know? It's not like I'm digging for maps or books. Wang Lu said, brushing off the dust from his hands, "I thought I could find some clues in the soil, but it seems that's not going to work."

Lingjian Sect, wait for me...

Fang He shook his head: "It is still too early to make such a judgment. The Yunbo Diagram is merely a preliminary test. The outcome is influenced not only by temperament but also by chance. Let’s first see where their next challenge lies... Oh, Senior Brother, when did you design such a challenge at the Miao Miao Peak?"

Upon hearing this, the young servant could no longer contain himself: "Young Master, how do you know about the matters of the Lingjian Sect?"

Fang He said softly: "Haven't seen it? Junior Brother Zhou Ming, your memory is getting worse. We have all seen it, the last person who was able to walk out of the Yunbo Map in two hours..."

Brother Liu Xian, have you had enough of your antics? Additionally, Junior Brother Zhou Ming, do not think of escaping with the Light-Splitting Shadow Sword; a Starry Shadow Screen has already been set up before your arrival, and you cannot escape.

Hmm, what is going on... I remember that before entering this fog, the valleys on both sides were quite long, so why is it now...

... ...

Of course not, the absence of clues is precisely the greatest clue. I have mentioned that the path to ascension tests a person's overall qualities, and thus luck, or what one might call fate, is also an important aspect. I have experienced this while undertaking task chains; those who cultivate immortality place great importance on fate.

Wang Lu wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Sigh, I can no longer feel the abundant support from the Golden Bridge just now... It seems that my luggage has become a bit heavier."

On the ethereal peak, while a group of elder sect members were arguing fiercely, suddenly a beam of sword light pierced through the clouds, transforming into a black-and-white disciple who landed on the summit platform

Ah! Senior brother, you are the true disciple; this matter should be handled by you

It turns out to be those two people

The extent of the fog is much broader than expected

... ... can there be anyone else

"Wang Zhong, let's turn right"

Uh ... ...

Um, that is to say...

Meanwhile, far above the valley shrouded in mist, the Mysterious Peak has become a chaotic scene

At this moment, the mist began to rise again, and in addition to the small cloud figures representing the master and servant, dozens of protrusions in the shape of buildings emerged, forming a small village that was beginning to take shape

Ah? That is a cliff over there

The young master actually arrived in Lingxi Town only a day in advance, yet he has been cooped up in his room for an entire week. How did he gather so much information? Is he truly a manifestation of the literary star, possessing innate knowledge?

Congratulations, my lord! I am just one step away from the virtual elixir, and if I am confined like this, I won't be able to get out for at least one or two hundred years! Stop wasting time and quickly go stop the Elder in charge of punishment!

The book boy sighed, saying: "Where is any assistance coming from, young master? Are you confused..."

As he spoke, Wang Lu suddenly became excited, pointing ahead and saying: "Look, the fog around us has thickened again; this is clearly a sign that we are entering a new map"

Wang Lu spoke as he bent down, his fingers picking up the dust beneath his feet

Wang Lu carried his luggage. Although he had been consistently exercising, he felt even more fatigued at this moment. Thus, despite his unwavering confidence, he slowed his pace and began to look around.

The attendant was momentarily taken aback, then followed Wang Lu as he turned to the right. However, he thought they would only take a few steps before running into a mountain

Nonsense, it has been a single path from beginning to end. Why don't you tell me where we started to go wrong?

Several people simultaneously envisioned a figure in their minds, and then they all sighed in unison

Who among you wants to stop me

Ah! Are we not going to be trapped here?

The originally heated argument between the Elder Zhang and the Master of Piaomiao Peak, who was flushed with anger, suddenly took a turn. He abandoned the confrontation, took a few steps to the edge of the cliff, and gazed at the ever-changing clouds below, his expression growing even more astonished

At this moment, even the usually stern Elder Fang He could not help but raise an eyebrow: "Two hours? Does that mean one can emerge from the enigma without any confusion? The individuals in the Yunbo Map are not only obscured from their five senses by the grand formation, but even the flaws deep within their hearts are magnified. Unless one possesses absolute confidence in oneself, one is bound to be lost within for a long time. Two hours, that is almost a straight path with no twists or turns, what an extreme temperament!"