Chapter 7: Such disciples are not needed

Lu Ming, however, smiled wryly and said: "Senior Brother, there is nothing to be embarrassed about admitting this... From the outside, Lingjian Mountain appears to be a solitary peak, but in reality, it consists of multiple peaks. The so-called Xiaoyao Peak is actually the outer gate of Lingjian Mountain, while Piaomiao Peak is where the inner gate is located. Those two senior brothers are on a completely different level compared to us"

The young spirit sword cultivator wore an expression of shock, while Liu Xian displayed a look of admiration: "The sect leader's cultivation is unparalleled; even a trace of his residual power was enough to break through the misty grand formation of Piaomiao Peak... I am completely convinced, both in heart and mind."

... Let's not mention her matters; I asked her to help design the Ascension Conference, and the result was a complete mess. My head has been about to explode these past few days. ... Hmm? I have an impression of this child; her aptitude is quite good and deserves special attention.

Master?

Wang Lu spoke as he picked up his luggage again and strode forward

Is this mocking someone for being overly affectionate everywhere

Which step? The true path to ascension has only just begun, alright?

Hehe, remember to invite your Master Zhou Ming. Last time, they from Tongming Peak won over ten magical artifacts from us. This time, let me help you win them back

Young Master! Did you hear? We have succeeded! We have already been accepted into the Lingjian Sect!

... ...

Wang Lu: "Day."

Wang Lu raised his head, his gaze becoming profound amidst the clouds and mist, as if flames were burning within his pupils

Wang Lu followed Zhang Ying's指向 and looked ahead; in the long, narrow valley, another mass of mist obscured the path.

Liu Xian was greatly surprised: "Senior brother, do you have high hopes for them? Hmm, their performance on the Golden Bridge is indeed quite good..."

Master Zhang, Senior Brother!

Haha, what it means is for you to figure out for yourself. If I say any more, I will be punished by my master. I wish you good luck

Oh, there is no need to be so strict

Zhang Ying's complexion appeared somewhat unnatural: "They? They are the senior brothers from the Miao Liao Peak"

Liu Xian's expression was serious as he lowered his head and replied, "Back then, my senior brother entrusted me with an important responsibility, and Liu Xian would never dare to show even the slightest negligence"

What are you saying

Zhang Ying let out a cold snort: "Want to reach the Mysterious Peak? That's simple. Just go straight ahead from here, and you will arrive at the Mysterious Peak. If you can make it, the Peak Master will naturally take you in"

Lv Ming added: "The Ascension Golden Bridge was personally crafted by the sect leader to assess the qualifications of the cultivators. The better the qualifications, the farther one can walk on the bridge. Reaching this point signifies that one has met the entry standards" wwwhetushucomcom

Oh right, remember to tell your junior brothers to bring the spirit stones and the sword manual... Sigh, also bring the mahjong along, this ascension conference is likely to take a long time, let's not make it too boring...

Hey! Who is this? Why are you using the Spirit Sword Heavenly Talisman to find me when there's nothing going on? ... Indeed, it's you! What do you want? Is it the end of the Dharma Era? Is the demon clan invading? What? Overtime pay? You want overtime pay for holding an Ascension Conference? Have you no shame? Fine, let's talk in person. Oh dear, this is infuriating, my primordial spirit is about to collapse. ...

As the two spoke, they reached out to tear the mist from the mountains, wrapping it around their ankles, and then gradually flew away from the valley, disappearing from sight

What the hell! Who is this demon!

Suddenly, a voice emerged from behind me as I was speaking

Of course not, who said I was going to give up? The challenges behind Mount Xiaoyao have left the talents of the world at a standstill for over three hundred years. Unless one witnesses it with their own eyes, how could you be willing to accept it?

Wang Lu shrugged and said, "In any case, since we are here and knowing that the path to immortality is not yet complete, we must certainly go all the way in one breath"

Wang Lu shook his head and said, "May I ask, who were the two individuals that previously missed the Golden Bridge... ?"

The young attendant was momentarily stunned, overjoyed: "Is this, is this really true?"

Wang Lu smiled, looking at the book boy's wrinkled face. He opened his mouth, but ultimately shook his head and said: "In any case, I must move forward. If you wish to follow, then keep up."

If we were to use a storybook as a metaphor, it would be approximately 70,000 to 80,000 words in length

How much further is it

Lü Ming also smiled: "There are a few newcomers I have seen before, but none are as familiar as you. Well, let me say one more thing: the path to immortality is unpredictable, and every blade of grass and every tree is a connection."

Forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. Now, shall we move on to the third point

Is it necessary to speak so seriously? I do not perceive you as second-class citizens of Ling Jian San, nor as useless individuals who cannot rise or fall.

Ah, the rules are determined by the circumstances. The Lingjian Sect has been dwindling for too long; don't you think it's time to liven things up a bit

Wang Lu smiled and said, "I told you, those two black and white ones are clearly much larger than your two blue and white ones." He then expressed some doubt, "However, does the Lingjian Sect only rely on that one golden bridge to recruit new members? Once you reach here, you enter the outer sect, and then what? If one can walk all the way to the end, does that mean they can enter the inner sect?"

Above the vast sea of clouds, an elderly man with graying hair and beard gently stroked his beard and murmured thoughtfully

Wang Lu smiled: "It's nothing, so what are the considerations for us newcomers who wish to enter the inner circle?"

In short, I must continue moving forward, whether or not I follow you. Anyway, those two in blue and white have already left, so it's impossible for you to turn back, haha

Two disciples appeared indifferent. The slightly older one cupped his hands towards Wang Lu and the young attendant, saying: "Disciples of the Lingjian Sect, Xiaoyao Peak, I am Zhang Ying, and this is Lü Ming"

The old man scoffed: "Hmph, crossing the Golden Bridge only indicates that the quality of the spiritual roots is acceptable. It is not so easy to enter my Mysterious Peak. Out of these one hundred people, it would be considered good if only ten remain in the end"

Let us pay special attention to those two individuals, and I hope they do not disappoint me... Then, we shall prepare to handle the logistical work properly

Congratulations to both of you for climbing up the Golden Bridge to this point. According to the rules of our sect, you may return to the mountain gate with us, the two senior brothers, and enter the Carefree Peak to cultivate your path.

If you want to go, then go ahead; there is no need to seek my approval

Wang Zhong, who was already somewhat fatigued, asked: "How long is it?"

This is undoubtedly true

A young monk in black and white robes beside him smiled and said, "Master, have you perhaps already found a favored candidate?"

Zhang Ying said: "... Hmph, I have said all I need to say, you should take care of yourself!"

Wang Lu said: "So, if we choose to continue, we can only proceed all the way to the Mysterious Peak, right?"

Young master, is it really alright to give up like this

However, the gates of Xiaoyao Peak have already been opened? Don't be foolish. The second point is that the blue and white just mentioned that the senior brother of Xiaoyao Peak is not much inferior to the true disciples. Even if there is some exaggeration, he should still be an outstanding talent. But why does such an excellent senior brother remain at Xiaoyao Peak? Why isn't he at Piaomiao Peak?

No problem, I have been a professional adventurer for decades, and my nickname is "Ascendant Laxative." What need is there to worry about trivial difficulties and obstacles

There are three key points. The first is what those two in blue and white just mentioned: the path to immortality is tested by multiple factors, including aptitude, temperament, and opportunity. As of now, we have only passed the aptitude threshold, and in fact, it cannot even be considered a true test of aptitude; it is merely a necessary hurdle we have crossed. How can you even claim that we have come this far on the path to immortality?

The black-and-white monk nodded slightly and was about to leave

Wang Lu laughed heartily and then waved goodbye to Lu Ming, saying: "Well then, Senior Brother Lu Ming, I look forward to seeing you again at the mountain gate in the future"

Being favored by both the sect leader and Xiao Ling'er at the same time... Although the sect leader stated that everything would proceed according to the rules, this very privilege has already broken the rules.

Zhang Ying frowned and said, "Why ask so many questions?"

Zhang Ying glanced at the two individuals

Uh... Master?

After the master spoke, he transformed into light and vanished. Liu Xian sighed, his gaze penetrating through the misty cloud formation beneath the Miao Peak, where he saw the two figures, master and servant, walking in the canyon.

Liu Xian felt somewhat troubled: "Senior brother, that is against the rules"

What?

Wang Lu let out a sound of acknowledgment

The path of ethereal wandering is certainly not as easy to traverse as the Golden Bridge of the Spirit Sword

Why ... ... ?

What is the difference between Qiaomiao Peak and Xiaoyao Peak

Lu Ming smiled and said: "Then let it be as fate dictates, perhaps it is far away, or perhaps it is right before our eyes; the path to immortality is ever-changing"

"What a joke, I slept from beginning to end anyway... Forget it, no more idle talk, I will take my leave first; otherwise, if Junior Sister burns a few more heavenly talismans, I will go bankrupt... Junior Brother, I leave the matter of the Ascension Conference to you, no need to mind what I said, just follow the rules."

Zhang Ying asked: "How do you plan to choose? Will you return with us to the Xiaoyao Peak, or will you continue on this path to immortality? Let me make it clear in advance, once you miss this village, there will be no more shops like this."

Ah?

That is indeed quite long

Zhang Ying sneered: "Indeed, either we walk all the way to the Mysterious Peak and enter the inner sect of the Spirit Sword, or the path to immortality ends here, returning you to the mundane world. Since you look down on our Xiaoyao Peak, do not expect to use us as a safety net. Although Xiaoyao Peak is an outer sect, we do not want the sugarcane that others have chewed."

Hmph, don't regret it... Don't think that the Xiaoyao Peak is inferior just because it is an outer sect. My senior brother from Xiaoyao Peak is not much less than the true disciples. Among the thousand of you, only one in ten has made it this far, so cherish your opportunity well

"Oh, don't be so nervous," Master Fengyin said with a smile, waving his hand. "I just came to take a look. Behind the Golden Bridge is your Miao Miao Peak, Junior Brother Liu Xian. This is indeed the backbone of our sect."

It is fine, let us follow the rules of the Mysterious Peak; how far one can go depends on their own abilities

You two, do not regret it. Let me remind you that the latter half of the path to immortality is far more arduous than you can imagine. In the past three hundred years, there have been no successful cases of passing through. In previous Immortal Ascension Conferences, the disciples recruited were limited to the Xiaoyao Peak. The method by which the Lingjian Sect recruits inner disciples is through the elders of the sect traveling the world in search of opportunities for immortality. It may take ten years, or perhaps a hundred years, to find a good seedling. However, the path to immortality is nearly impassable.

Looking at the puzzled gaze of the young attendant, Wang Lu made an exception and began to explain his strategies and insights.

Ah, the Golden Bridge is merely a small trinket made casually, so there is no need to take it too seriously

The sudden voice that appeared behind Wang Lu startled him, causing him to jump. However, when he turned around, he discovered that two young men dressed in blue and white robes had appeared behind him at some point. They appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Although the colors of their robes were different, the style was similar to that of the black and white brothers from the Falling Gold Bridge, indicating that they were disciples of the Spirit Sword sect

Additionally, Wang Zhong, the upcoming journey is likely to be extremely long, so be prepared

Suddenly appearing behind him was the leader of the Lingjian Sect, Master Fengyin

However ... ...

Congratulations to both of you

To be honest, I don't think it would be any livelier with just one more junior sister.

Twelve years ago, Master Zhangmen set the date for today's gathering, and indeed, it is extraordinary to see so many talented individuals from across the world come together. Just the fact that nearly a hundred people have traversed four-fifths of the Golden Bridge is remarkable, as they are all geniuses who qualify to enter the Xianyao Peak solely based on their spiritual root attributes

Zhang Ying nodded: "Indeed, that is correct"

Zhang Ying said to his junior brother: "Alright, with you like this, I can no longer explain myself... It seems the next wave is coming, prepare to welcome them."

In the valley, Wang Lu and Wang Zhong, the master and servant, exchanged glances at each other

Just like those who feel quite remarkable upon reaching this point, believing that joining the Xiaoyao Peak is an unparalleled honor... because their limits have been reached here. If you choose the easy difficulty, do not complain about not being able to witness the hidden plot.

Then ... ...

Ah!

As a strategist, one should possess the momentum to pierce through the clouds and the sky, overcoming all obstacles with determination

Wang Lu furrowed his brow, remaining silent

In the cloud, an old and a young cultivator were both startled, and when they turned their heads, their fear intensified

The senior brother is being modest. The Ascension Golden Bridge can precisely control the intake and output of innate spiritual energy. The higher the quality of the spiritual root, the easier it is to naturally receive a replenishment of spiritual energy, making it easier to walk on the bridge. However, the further one goes, the greater the resistance becomes. When the resistance equals the assistance, one can determine the optimal position for a person. Although it is possible to overdraw physical strength and stubbornly continue walking, if too much physical strength is consumed on the Golden Bridge, there is no need to continue on the path ahead. The principle is simple, but the design is truly ingenious, serving as an excellent preliminary assessment of one's aptitude. Given the achievements of these two individuals, they certainly deserve the senior brother's special attention.

Well, it's not really me; it's Xiaoling who has high hopes for one of them... It is said that they have cracked that ghostly quest chain. As for their qualifications, they are similar to what I saw before, around the third or fourth rank, which is quite good.

You have worked hard over the years. Looking at the current grandeur of the Miao Miao Peak, it is truly difficult to imagine the scene from back then... However, since this conference has been specially organized, there is no need to be overly demanding of the newcomers. If there are any suitable ones, just accept them.

After a moment, Wang Lu remained silent, but the young scholar gently spoke: "Esteemed immortal, do you mean to say... that we have already been accepted by your esteemed sect?"

The Wind Whisperer took a few moments to calm his anger, yet upon turning his head, he found the vast clear sky within his view, with the clouds that had surrounded the mountains completely dispersed!

Hmph, is this a demonstration

As he spoke, real fingers touched the clouds, and two ethereal figures emerged vividly, representing the master and servant from Wangjia Village

Zhang Ying did not urge, quietly waiting for Wang Lu's response

At this moment, the young servant also nodded and replied, "Young Master, how about we go to Mount Xiaoyao?"

Only the first layer has been breached, and as for the mere transformation into a deity, it is hardly significant on the Jiuzhou continent. Hehe, ten years ago at the meeting of the Wanjian Alliance, several standing committee members had already reached the stage of integration.

Lu Ming said: "Of course it is impossible. The inner door selection of the Lingjian Sect is extremely strict. One's aptitude, temperament, and celestial affinity must all be above standard; otherwise, relying solely on aptitude, even with a heavenly spiritual root, one would likely not catch the attention of the master of Piaomiao Peak, right?"

Ah... the young servant immediately wore a distressed expression, "Young Master, I was specifically sent by the Master to take care of you, how could I possibly leave you alone..."

The result was that the book boy nodded in disappointment: "I am truly willing, very willing! Young master, I never dreamed you would come this far. When you said you wanted to participate in the Lingjian Sect's Ascension Conference, everyone in the village thought you were crazy. Before I left, the master even advised me that if you were eliminated and returned, we could go to a nearby big city to relax. Who would have thought that you actually... actually made it this far?"... actually made it this far?

As they spoke, a burning sword talisman suddenly appeared, nearly igniting the sect leader's beard