Chapter 137 Trials

The Wandao Sword Sect—Earth Sword Peak. The mountains are rugged and steep, and the Sword Qi pierces the clouds.

Several days had passed since the Flying Sword arrived at the Wandao Sword Sect that day.

Relying on his "extraordinary" Aptitude (which was actually his unfathomable foundation and disguise) and the "favor" of Elder Di Jian, Xiao Ming (Mu Changge) successfully entered his Sect, becoming a Core Disciple of Earth Sword Peak, with treatment far superior to ordinary Inner Sect Disciples.

As for Mu Wanning, due to Xiao Ming's arrangements and conditions that were not suitable for sword cultivation, she temporarily resided in a relatively quiet side room nearby.

Although she was not an official Disciple, no one dared to neglect her, thanks to her status as "Mu Changge's sister" and her background from the Mu Family.

This morning, as the morning sun rose, the sound of swords chiming echoed through the mountains.

Today was the day for the Wandao Sword Sect's newly admitted Disciples to have their first collective trial and showcase their strength. The location was set in an outer area of the "Twilight Forest," not far from the Sect.

(It is located at the intersection of the four major top-tier Sects, filled with rugged, gargantuan beasts and is extremely dangerous.) Although this trial was only in the outer area, there was no lack of ferocious Yao Beasts and treacherous terrain.

Xiao Ming wore the dark grey sword robe of an Inner Sect Core Disciple, with the Earth Sword Peak Core Disciple token hanging at his waist. His posture was upright, and he walked calmly towards the outer Sect area.

Just as he came out, he saw a pale yellow figure standing quietly outside the side door.

Mu Wanning was still wearing that pale yellow dress, her black hair flowing like a waterfall, with a few stray strands falling beside her cheeks, highlighting the cold and stunning lines of her profile.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting mottled shadows on her, making her look like a Fairy who did not eat the food of mortals.

However, if one looked closely, they could see that the innate arrogance and aloofness between her brows seemed to have faded slightly, replaced by a more restrained calmness, and a hint of... complexity that was difficult to detect.

She stood there quietly, her gaze fixed on the distant, mist-covered mountain peaks, not knowing what she was thinking about.

Hearing Xiao Ming's footsteps, she slowly turned around, her pale golden eyes looking at him, calm and waveless, only nodding slightly as a greeting.

"I have kept you waiting, Sister." Xiao Ming walked up to her, his face wearing his usual inscrutable, gentle smile.

His gaze lingered on Mu Wanning for a moment, appearing quite satisfied with her current state—she had restrained her sharpness, like a peacock that had "folded its tail," possessing a unique charm.

Mu Wanning did not reply, only frowning imperceptibly before stepping forward, walking alongside Xiao Ming toward the direction outside the Sect.

But if one looked closely, they could see that although she was walking side-by-side with Xiao Ming, she maintained a subtle half-step distance, neither too close nor too far; it was a silent, guarded submission.

Xiao Ming saw all of this, understanding it in his heart.

After these days of getting along, Mu Wanning seemed to have gradually "gotten used" to accepting his arrangements and proximity.

Of course, she was still far from being completely tamed.

However, he was not in a hurry.

The two walked in silence, traversing within the Sect.

Along the way, they encountered many Disciples who were also heading to the trial. Some were well-connected individuals who had entered the Sect at the same time as Xiao Ming, but most were Disciples who had joined earlier.

Seeing Xiao Ming's Core Disciple attire, and the stunning woman beside him who possessed top-tier temperament and beauty but carried no sword, many people cast curious, inquisitive, and even envious glances.

"Look, that seems to be Elder Di Jian's newly accepted Core Disciple, the Mu Family Young Lord, Mu Changge!"

"He is indeed extraordinary! Who is that woman beside him? She's so beautiful!"

"I heard she is his sister, came to the Sect together, but it seems she didn't enter under any Elder?"

"Tsk, but with a younger brother like that looking after her, life in the Sect will be much better..."

The whispers could be heard faintly.

Mu Wanning's expression did not change, as if she hadn't heard, though her fingers inside her sleeves curled slightly.

Xiao Ming accepted it calmly, even occasionally returning a faint smile to those who were looking at him, solidifying his image of being "gentle as jade" and having a "deep sister-brother bond."

The closer they got to the trial grounds, the denser the crowd became, and the atmosphere grew vaguely restless.

The entrance to the Twilight Forest was a wide, rocky plaza. At this moment, hundreds of new Disciples had already gathered, divided into several small groups based on their affiliated peaks or the Elders who had recommended them.

In front of the plaza, several Inner Sect Deacons with powerful Auras and a few Elders were already seated. Elder Di Jian was among them, closing his eyes to rest.

Xiao Ming led Mu Wanning straight towards the area where the Earth Sword Peak Disciples were located.

The Senior Brother, Second Senior Sister, and Third Senior Brother had all arrived and were instructing several newly admitted Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters.

Seeing Xiao Ming approach, the Senior Brother nodded. The Second Senior Sister greeted him with a smile: "Little Junior Brother, you're here? Is this Wanning, the younger sister? Truly as beautiful as the rumors say."

Her gaze turned to Mu Wanning, filled with scrutiny and curiosity.

Mu Wanning nodded slightly in response, saying calmly: "Second Senior Sister, you flatter me."

The Third Senior Brother glanced at Xiao Ming, then at Mu Wanning, and snorted lightly without speaking. However, the disdain and vague jealousy in his eyes (perhaps because Xiao Ming obtained the Core Disciple status so easily, and had a beauty by his side) were not concealed.

Xiao Ming smiled faintly, ignoring him, and responded one by one to those who showed goodwill.

Just then, a clear bell chime rang from the high platform in front of the plaza, and the noisy crowd immediately quieted down.

Everyone's gaze gathered. They saw an elderly man in a white robe, with a gaunt face and an Aura as deep as the sea, walk out slowly. He was the person in charge of this Disciple trial, a highly respected Inner Sect Elder.

The Elder's gaze was like lightning as it swept over the Disciples below. His voice, like a booming bell, began to announce the rules, area scope, danger levels, and precautions for this trial.

It was nothing more than not being allowed to go deep into the inner area, needing to operate within the designated area, and aiming to hunt Yao Beasts and collect crystals.

As the Elder finished speaking, the atmosphere in the plaza became increasingly solemn, with many new Disciples looking both excited and nervous.

The Twilight Forest is located at the intersection of the four major top-tier Sect forces, where Yao Beasts run rampant and crises are everywhere. Although it is the outer area, it cannot be underestimated.

On the Earth Sword Peak side, the Senior Brother said in a deep voice to everyone: "Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters, I suggest you form teams of three to five to look out for each other. Remember, safety first; do not push yourselves."

The Second Senior Sister also added with a smile: "That's right, Little Junior Brothers, especially be careful of those Yao Beasts that are good at hiding and living in groups. If you encounter a strong enemy, activate your Jade Talisman for help immediately, do not hesitate."

As she said this, her gaze glanced at Xiao Ming almost imperceptibly.

The Third Senior Brother stood to the side with his arms crossed, his expression arrogant, obviously not intending to associate with these "newcomers."

Xiao Ming took the Jade Talisman and the simplified map, and casually put them into his Storage Pouch.

He had no intention of forming a team. The main purpose of this trip was not to hunt for crystals, but to relieve boredom...

He glanced at Mu Wanning beside him, who had a cold expression and was lost in thought, the corners of his mouth curling up imperceptibly.

"Sister, let's go!"

In the outer area of the Twilight Forest, ancient trees towered into the sky, the forest was deep and lush, and the light filtered through layers of branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

The air was filled with the damp fragrance of vegetation, and from deeper within, the low roars of unknown Yao Beasts and the chirping of insects could be heard faintly, making it appear deep and dangerous.

Hundreds of new Disciples were like stones thrown into water, quickly dispersing and disappearing into the vast sea of trees.

The Disciples of Earth Sword Peak also mostly formed groups of three or five, each choosing a direction to explore.

Xiao Ming and Mu Wanning walked side-by-side, not following the main force.

He walked calmly, as if strolling in his own courtyard, his gaze sweeping casually around.

Mu Wanning appeared much more vigilant, her pale golden eyes scanning the surrounding environment from time to time, and her perception was cautiously extended outward to prevent any accidents.

Although she was not a Sword Cultivator, after cultivating the "Purple Emperor Sovereign Technique," her spiritual perception far exceeded those of the same Rank, and there was a faint Dragon Qi within her body.

The two remained silent, with only the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.

After walking for about half an hour, they had penetrated a distance into the forest. Gradually, the figures of other fellow Disciples could no longer be seen, only the increasingly dense primitive atmosphere.

"Sister seems a bit nervous?" Xiao Ming suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.

Mu Wanning looked straight ahead and said coldly: "The Twilight Forest has a fearsome reputation; being careful is never wrong. As for you, as a Core Disciple, why are you wandering around here instead of hunting Yao Beasts to obtain crystals and complete the trial?"

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

"Why?" Xiao Ming chuckled, casually pushing aside a hanging vine. "For things like that, I can just get a few whenever I want. I'm not looking for fame."

Mu Wanning paused slightly and pursed her lips, but in the end, she said nothing.

Seeing her silence, the smile in Xiao Ming's eyes deepened. He was about to say something more when suddenly—

"Boom!!!"

From deep within the distant forest, a world-shaking explosion suddenly rang out! Immediately after, a majestic and vast Sword Intent, filled with brilliant righteousness and an Aura of destruction, soared into the sky. Even from such a great distance, it was still soul-shaking! This was followed by the eruption of several equally powerful but violent, cold, and evil Vicious Beast Auras, clashing frantically with that Sword Intent!

Terrifying energy fluctuations spread like ripples, causing the ground beneath their feet to tremble slightly. In the distance, trees collapsed in swaths, and dust mixed with various spiritual lights shot straight into the clouds!

"Is this... a battle at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage?" Mu Wanning's eyes narrowed as she looked toward the source of the fluctuations. It was at least dozens of miles away, yet its power was already so astonishing. That brilliant Sword Intent gave her a faint sense of familiarity.

Xiao Ming also looked up, his eyes flickering slightly as his perception silently spread out. A moment later, he withdrew his Divine Sense, the corners of his mouth curling into a playful arc.

"It seems someone is in trouble." His tone was relaxed, as if he were saying the weather was nice today.

"Trouble?" Mu Wanning glanced again toward the direction of the sound. Judging from the fluctuations, there was definitely more than one Yao Beast attacking. Their Auras were extremely powerful, at least at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage, and there might even be a Soul Transformation level existence!

As if to confirm her thoughts, another deafening beast roar came from afar. That brilliant Sword Intent clearly wavered, seemingly suppressed a little. This was followed by even more intense sounds of clashing and explosions; clearly, the battle was extremely tragic.

"Judging by the commotion, that person is surrounded by at least three Peak Nascent Soul Stage 'Netherworld Shadow Leopards' and one Mid Spirit Severing stage 'Earth Dragon Rhino.' Oh, and there are several Early Soul Transformation stage 'Bloodthirsty Monster Wolves' waiting for an Opportunity in the distance." Xiao Ming commented nonchalantly, as if he had seen it with his own eyes. "My, my, my, did they stir up a Vicious Beast nest? Or... was it bad luck, and they ran into something extraordinary?"

Xiao Ming and Mu Wanning walked one after the other, unhurriedly toward the direction of the intense energy fluctuations. The closer they got, the more obvious the chaotic Spiritual Qi in the air became, mixed with the smell of blood, Sword Qi, and the Rank odor of Vicious Beasts.

"Are we... really going over?" Mu Wanning couldn't help but ask, her cold voice carrying a hint of hesitation. An extraordinary battle was clearly taking place there; approaching recklessly risked being caught in the crossfire, and the consequences would be unimaginable.

Xiao Ming didn't stop. His tone was relaxed: "Scared? Don't worry, with me here, I'll ensure Sister is safe. Besides, wouldn't it be a pity not to see such a 'grand occasion' with our own eyes?" A light of great interest flickered in his eyes, as if he weren't approaching a dangerous place but going to see a long-awaited show.

Mu Wanning bit her lip and said nothing more, only thinking disdainfully in her heart: 'Pah, with just you?'

She secretly heightened her vigilance. The Purple 極 Emperor Art within her body quietly circulated, and faint purple-gold spiritual power flowed through her Meridians, ready to respond to any sudden situation at any time.

Passing through a mess of woodland, stepping over broken giant trees and ground emitting a burnt smell, the two finally reached the edge of a slightly elevated cliff. Looking down from here, they could perfectly see the scene in a relatively open valley several miles below.

In the center of the valley was a mess; the ground was covered with crisscrossing sword marks, deep pits, and cracks smashed out by immense force. In the air above that area, several black shadows were frantically attacking a figure in platinum sword light!

That platinum sword light was as brilliant as the sun. Its Sword Intent was pure and overbearing, carrying an Aura that could slash through everything. It was exactly one of the Wandao Sword Sect's exclusive Cultivation Techniques—the "Sky-Shattering Sword"! However, at this moment, the sword light appeared somewhat strained, its brilliance flickering inconsistently, clearly showing great exhaustion.

Attacking him were four Yao Beasts of overwhelming ferocity!

Three beasts, pitch-black and shaped like leopards but with bone spikes on their backs, moving with afterimages, were the "Netherworld Shadow Leopards" known for their speed and stealthy kills. Judging by their Auras, they were all at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage!

And the other one, with a body as massive as a mountain, thick skin, and a hideous single horn on its head, was an "Earth Dragon Rhino"! Further out, there were several "Bloodthirsty Monster Wolves" with blood-red eyes and exposed fangs prowling, waiting for an Opportunity.

Within the encirclement, a figure in tattered white robes stained with dark red blood stood holding a sword. It was the current Saint of the Heavenly Dao Sword Sect, Jian Wushuang. His face was pale, and his breathing was slightly hurried; he had clearly suffered significant injuries in the previous battle, and his spiritual power was severely depleted. But his eyes remained resolute, his posture upright. Every time the glowing longsword in his hand swung out, it carried a brilliant Aura like it could burn mountains and boil seas, forcing back the pouncing Netherworld Shadow Leopards or leaving a charred sword mark on the Earth Dragon Rhino's thick scales.

But two fists are always no match for four hands, let alone an encirclement by several Vicious Beasts of similar or even stronger Realms. The Earth Dragon Rhino possessed infinite strength, each collision causing his sword light to vibrate violently and his blood to churn. The Netherworld Shadow Leopards were elusive, attacking from tricky angles, making them impossible to fully guard against. The poisonous fire and demonic winds of the Bloodthirsty Monster Wolves constantly interfered, depleting his protective spiritual power.

The situation was critical! Jian Wushuang's sword light had been compressed to a range of three zhang around him. Defeat seemed only a matter of time.

"It's actually him... Jian Wushuang?" Mu Wanning's pale gold eyes flashed with a hint of surprise when she saw the figure clearly. Although she had only seen him once from a distance after joining the Sect, his unique Aura and that hard, disdainful expression left a deep impression. She just hadn't expected this exceptionally talented Saint to be alone and trapped in such a dangerous situation.

"It seems our Saint has some bad luck!" Xiao Ming rubbed his chin. His tone didn't carry much worry; instead, it held a bit of interest, as if he were watching a spectacle.

Mu Wanning stared intently at the battle below, her brow furrowed slightly. She could feel that Jian Wushuang's Sword Intent was still tenacious, but the trend of failing strength was very obvious. Facing the encirclement of many Vicious Beasts, even if he was a peerless genius, he was ultimately only at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage. The gap in Spiritual Qi and strength was real.

"He probably won't be able to hold out for long," Mu Wanning analyzed calmly.

"Oh? Does Sister think he's doomed?" Xiao Ming became interested and turned to look at her, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Mu Wanning felt a bit uncomfortable being watched by him, but she still stood by her judgment. She wasn't gloating; she was just basing it on the facts. In such a situation, wanting to escape unscathed was indeed as difficult as reaching the heavens.

Hearing this, a half-smile curled on Xiao Ming's lips. He turned his gaze back to the tragic battle zone below and said slowly, "I don't think so. Sister, how about... we make another bet?"

"A bet?" Mu Wanning immediately became alert. Recalling the events of the past few days, her pretty face heated up slightly, and she gave him a sharp look. "What are you trying to do now?"

"Nothing much, just betting on our Saint Highness here," Xiao Ming pointed a finger at Jian Wushuang, who was in a life-and-death situation under the beasts' attack below. His tone was certain. "Not only will he not die here, but he will also use this pressure to make a Breakthrough in the heat of battle, and even... turn a misfortune into a blessing by gaining an Opportunity. Do you believe it?"

"A Breakthrough in the heat of battle? And gaining an Opportunity?" Mu Wanning looked as if she were hearing a Fairy tale, her beautiful face full of disbelief. "In his current situation, Jian Wushuang would be lucky just to keep his life. A Breakthrough? An Opportunity? It'll be a miracle if he isn't torn apart and eaten by those Vicious Beasts!"

She felt that Xiao Ming was being completely unreasonable, or rather, intentionally teasing her.