Chapter 121: The Place of Trial

Chapter 121: The Training Grounds

The Main Hall of Mount Hua

Jiang Yan sat high upon the meditation cushion on the raised platform of the newly upgraded sect hall. Tang Wan stood behind him, while little Yun Ying sat cross-legged at his side. Her exquisitely delicate face kept turning back and forth between Tang Wan and Jiang Yan, scarcely pausing for even a moment. After their long separation, Yun Ying had grown even more attached to her senior brother and Senior Sister Wan.

Nanmen Luo and Mu Yun stood on either side of Jiang Yan, gazing at him with fervent admiration. The sight of Jiang Yan suddenly appearing out of thin air had completely stunned them. The ability to tear through the void belonged only to legendary Spirit Transformation cultivators. Could their Sect Master Senior Brother truly be that formidable?

Ning Qian and Zisu stood directly before Jiang Yan, with several disciples, including Sun Yang and Ding Ning, standing beside them.

“Tell me everything that happened in the sect during the days I was away,” Jiang Yan said cheerfully, looking at his two excited junior brothers and the several composed disciples.

“Senior Brother, Wan’er has something to say. Several cranes have appeared in the Spirit Beast Garden. Third Senior Brother says they are always bullying the moon martens. We mustn’t drive them away, Senior Brother. The cranes are so beautiful, while the moon martens do nothing but sleep. They never come play with Howling Sky Hound.”

Yun Ying tugged at Jiang Yan’s sleeve, lifting her exquisitely delicate face as she spoke with hopeful anticipation.

Jiang Yan reached out and rubbed her head, smiling. “Very well. We won’t drive them away. Those cranes were found by your senior brother. Later, I’ll give one to Ying’er. All right, Junior Brother Mu, tell me about the important matters that occurred these past few days.”

Mu Yun cupped his hands and bowed solemnly to Jiang Yan. “This disciple obeys.”

“Three days ago, mountain patrols began. The patrol area was set as the region within one hundred li of Mount Hua. All matters related to cultivators fall within the scope of the patrols.”

“Two days ago, mortals came to pay their respects at the mountain, hoping to join Mount Hua. They have all been placed on Sunset Peak of the Southern Mountain, awaiting Senior Brother Sect Master’s decision.”

“Yesterday, the main hall underwent a sudden transformation, as did the mountain gate. Six cranes appeared in the Spirit Beast Garden.”

“Today, white-robed cultivators began appearing in Qingyang Town, and their numbers are gradually increasing.”

Mu Yun respectfully reported, one by one, the events that had occurred during Jiang Yan’s absence. To Jiang Yan’s pleasant surprise, people had already begun coming to the sect to seek discipleship. However, the backgrounds and families of these people still needed to be investigated thoroughly. Otherwise, accepting infiltrators sent by other factions would cause trouble.

“There is no need to rush the recruitment of disciples. If their family backgrounds are not sufficiently clean, Mount Hua must refuse them without exception. Even if their origins are clear, I will make the final decision only after examining their innate aptitude. Ning Qian, you and Sun Yang will investigate these disciples’ backgrounds. Anyone whose family history is unclear is to be politely sent away.”

Jiang Yan addressed Ning Qian, who stood respectfully before him. Both men were natives of Qingyang Town—one the son of a local official, the other the son of the town’s wealthiest notable. They were surely well acquainted with the circumstances of the town, and would be able to distinguish anyone suspicious.

“This disciple obeys.”

Ning Qian and Sun Yang respectfully clasped their hands before Jiang Yan.

After dealing with the matters that had arisen on Mount Hua over the past few days, the next task was naturally to distribute the rewards Jiang Yan had promised before his departure.

His gaze swept over his junior brothers and disciples. Their cultivation levels appeared before him on the transparent information interface.

Name: Mu Yun
Sect: Mount Hua
Position: First-Generation Disciple of Mount Hua
Cultivation: Seventh Level of Qi Refining
Weapon: Earthwalker Axe
Techniques: Grade-One High-Rank Azure Wood Formula; Grade-One High-Rank Thick Earth Formula
Merit Points:
Innate Aptitude: 93
Attribute: Earth
…

Name: Nanmen Luo
Sect: Mount Hua
Position: First-Generation Disciple of Mount Hua
Cultivation: Seventh Level of Qi Refining
Weapon: Golden Flame Sword
Techniques: Grade-One High-Rank Azure Wood Formula; Grade-One High-Rank Golden Flame Formula
Merit Points:
Innate Aptitude: 105
Attribute: Metal

Jiang Yan rubbed his chin in satisfaction. With the assistance of Mount Hua’s various special buildings, the terrifying spiritual-energy amplification of the small cultivation room, and the daily support of Qi-Gathering Pills, the two men had finally broken through the sixth level of Qi Refining and entered the seventh level in the short span of a few days.

With a turn of his wrist, two manuals appeared in Jiang Yan’s hands. Wrapped in spiritual power, they floated before the two men.

“Junior Brothers Mu and Nanmen, since you have both reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, I shall grant each of you an offensive technique.”

Mu Yun and Nanmen Luo accepted the manuals with delighted expressions and bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Master.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze fell upon Ning Qian, Zisu, and the others, and his brows rose once more. The progress of these disciples was truly astonishing.

Name: Ning Qian
Sect: Mount Hua
Position: Second-Generation Disciple
Cultivation: Sixth Level of Qi Refining
Weapon: None
Technique: Grade-One Mid-Rank Azure Wood Formula
Merit Points:
Innate Aptitude: 110
Attribute: Wood

Granting Ning Qian a Bone-Easy Pill had originally been Jiang Yan’s decision. He had not been surprised that Ning Qian’s innate aptitude had risen to 110. Jiang Yan had long known that the Bone-Easy Pill could assist a cultivator in advancing from the third level of Qi Refining to the fourth.

What he had not expected was that, in the space of only a few days, Ning Qian would break through from the fourth level all the way to the sixth. Jiang Yan was almost at a loss for words. Even Tang Wan, whose innate aptitude had surpassed Ning Qian’s, had never advanced so rapidly in her youth.

But when he recalled what he had witnessed above Mount Hua, Jiang Yan realized that Ning Qian was a cultivation fanatic. Combined with his terrifying innate aptitude, reaching the sixth level of Qi Refining was not entirely beyond imagination.

Name: Zisu
Sect: Mount Hua
Position: Second-Generation Disciple
Cultivation: Seventh Level of Qi Refining
Weapon: Violet Condensation Sword
Techniques: Grade-One High-Rank Water Transformation Formula; Grade-One Mid-Rank Water Arrow Technique
Merit Points:
Innate Aptitude: 84
Attribute: Water

Zisu had also reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, placing her on equal footing with Mu Yun and Nanmen Luo. Yet before joining Mount Hua, she had already been a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator, so her progress could not be considered especially rapid.

Even so, in the present Linqing Prefecture, this was nothing short of extraordinary. A cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refining was already an unrivaled expert among Grade-One sects.

“Master, this disciple has a question. I do not know whether I should ask it.”

Jiang Yan was considering how to reward Zisu and Ning Qian when Zisu suddenly stepped forward and asked softly.

Jiang Yan waved his hand, signaling that she should speak freely.

Her face filled with doubt and expectation as she asked, “This disciple dares to ask, Master—have you already established your foundation?”

Jiang Yan turned and exchanged a glance with Tang Wan. A trace of amusement shone in both their eyes.

Tang Wan stepped forward. The spiritual pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator suddenly burst forth, instantly filling the entire main hall and descending upon the heads of all the disciples.

Zisu’s chest tightened violently, as though an immensely heavy force had suddenly settled upon her shoulders, pressing her toward her knees before Senior Aunt Tang Wan.

“A Foundation Establishment cultivator!”

Zisu’s brows relaxed. She had once witnessed a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and this was unmistakably the spiritual pressure of one. Although the weight upon her was as immense as a mountain, Zisu stubbornly remained standing. Her eyes shone with delight as she stared at Senior Aunt Tang Wan.

After their journey to the Demon-Hunting Battlefield, Senior Aunt Tang Wan had advanced from the sixth level of Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment. Then Master, who had been at the ninth level of Qi Refining, naturally needed no further explanation—he had certainly established his foundation as well.

At the thought of improving her strength, Zisu suddenly felt eager to enter the Demon-Hunting Battlefield.

“My journey to hunt demons yielded enormous gains. Not only did Junior Sister and I both establish our foundations, we also obtained a realm gate leading into the Demon-Hunting Battlefield. From now on, the Demon-Hunting Battlefield will serve as a training ground for our disciples.

“However, that battlefield is filled with demon beasts, and spiritual medicines grow there in abundance. Before entering, you must be prepared to suffer injury—or even lose your lives.”

Jiang Yan gazed at the several people below and announced his decision in a calm voice.

The Valley of Spiritual Medicines in the Lanyun Demon Realm contained not only an abundance of spiritual medicines, but also countless demon beasts. Moreover, it possessed no realm gate leading to another world.

Thus, Jiang Yan could treat the valley as Mount Hua’s natural spiritual farmland and cultivate medicinal herbs there. The demon beasts within the Demon-Hunting Battlefield were mostly at the Qi Refining stage, making it perfectly suited as a training ground for the sect’s Qi Refining disciples. There, they could strengthen their ability to protect themselves in the face of life and death.

“The Demon-Hunting Battlefield is a confidential matter of our sect. It is strictly forbidden to reveal this information. Anyone who leaks it will be dealt with according to the sect’s regulations.”

After announcing the battlefield’s purpose, Jiang Yan imposed an even stricter demand for secrecy. The Demon-Hunting Battlefield was currently Mount Hua’s secret. Even if its existence did not necessarily provoke covetous attention from the outside world, trouble would certainly follow one wave after another if the news were exposed.

The monks of the Temple of Transformation should not spread the news that Mount Hua possessed access to the Demon-Hunting Battlefield. Naturally, it would be best if the disciples of Mount Hua could also be restrained from revealing it.

Wrapped in spiritual power, two manuals floated before Ning Qian and Zisu.

“These are two Grade-Two offensive techniques: the Wood-element Azure Wood Arrow Technique and the Water-element Blackwater Sword Rain. Cultivate them carefully. I believe that in time, Lu Tiannan of Mount Heaven will come to us of his own accord.”

At the mention of Lu Tiannan’s name, a cold gleam flashed through Zisu’s beautiful eyes. She respectfully accepted the manual of Blackwater Sword Rain and bowed to Jiang Yan.

“This disciple will cultivate diligently, kill Lu Tiannan, and avenge Master.”

Ning Qian accepted the Azure Wood Arrow Technique and likewise bowed respectfully.

“Recently, this disciple’s cultivation has advanced too quickly, leaving the spiritual power within my body somewhat unstable. I wish to enter the Demon-Hunting Battlefield for experience while cultivating the Azure Wood Arrow Technique. Master, please grant permission.”

A look of astonishment briefly appeared on Zisu’s lovely face, but it vanished at once. Tightening her grip on the manual of Blackwater Sword Rain, she made her request in a clear voice.

“This disciple also requests permission to enter the Demon-Hunting Battlefield for experience.”

Jiang Yan’s brows furrowed.

These two disciples were truly too eager. The Demon-Hunting Battlefield contained a Grade-Two demon beast, the Flesh-Crested Bear King. Even with his current Foundation Establishment cultivation, entering the battlefield was far from safe. If the two of them went in, they would certainly face countless dangers. Should either of them suffer even the slightest mishap, Jiang Yan would be heartbroken.

Seeing his hesitation, Tang Wan gently addressed the two disciples.

“Zisu, Ning Qian, we understand your desire to improve your strength. However, the Demon-Hunting Battlefield is fraught with danger. There are many demon beasts comparable to cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining, and Man-Eating Flowers with strength equivalent to seventh-level Qi Refining cultivators are everywhere.

“Even Senior Brother and I had difficulty moving freely within it. If anything happened to either of you, would that not break Senior Brother’s heart?”

Yun Ying’s delicate little face turned several times between the resolute Zisu and the equally determined Ning Qian. The little girl tilted her head back and forth, then suddenly spoke in a clear, ringing voice.

“Senior Brother, I want to learn the spell that turns me into golden light. Senior Sister already knows it, so I want to learn it too.”

Jiang Yan’s furrowed brows suddenly relaxed.

The Earth-Vault Golden Light Technique was an exceptionally effective technique for escaping danger. Had he and his junior sister not relied on it to escape the pursuit of the Golden Flame Sect in the Demon-Hunting Battlefield, as well as the pursuit of numerous demon beasts?

If every disciple of Mount Hua mastered the Earth-Vault Golden Light Technique, and they combined it with the rune map in Jiang Yan’s possession that could issue warnings, escaping the claws of the Grade-Two Flesh-Crested Bear King should not be too difficult.

Jiang Yan raised his hand and waved. The formula for the Earth-Vault Golden Light Technique settled into Tang Wan’s fair hand.

“From this day onward, Junior Sister Wan will be responsible for teaching all of you the Earth-Vault Golden Light Technique. None of you may enter the Demon-Hunting Battlefield for training until you have mastered it.”

Having established the conditions for entering the battlefield, Jiang Yan reached out and rubbed Yun Ying’s little head.

“Very well. Later, I’ll have Wan’er teach Ying’er the spell that turns her into golden light. You must study diligently with your senior sister.”

With all matters settled, Jiang Yan was about to wave his hand and dismiss everyone when Sun Yang suddenly stepped forward. His voice was filled with unease.

“Uncle-Master Sect Master, this disciple has something to report.”

Jiang Yan glanced at Sun Yang. The boy’s progress was also quite good—he had reached the fifth level of Qi Refining. Jiang Yan smiled and waved for him to continue.

“The several people waiting on Southern Peak to seek discipleship are all respectable townsfolk of Qingyang Town. I ask Sect Master Master to accept them.”

Sun Yang was extremely nervous. He did not dare look at Jiang Yan, lowering his head and staring at his shifting toes as he spoke anxiously.

Jiang Yan smiled and waved his hand.

“If their family backgrounds are clean and their innate aptitudes are acceptable, this Sect Master will naturally be willing to accept them as disciples of Mount Hua. Have I not already assigned you and Ning Qian to investigate the matter? Once you have completed your examinations, report the results to me.”

A tense expression rose across Sun Yang’s face…