"They've enhanced the paralysis effect and reduced the damage—seems like the Qionghua Sect has quite a grasp of celestial techniques."
The paralyzing effect from the lightning-based technique didn't faze Daniel at all, and Yun Tianhe quickly recovered as well. After enduring yet another lightning strike, Daniel took the opportunity to strike back. Using his mastery of earth-elemental techniques, he dispatched Xingtian, causing it to dissolve into a talisman.
"Looks like these can be reused." Staring at the talisman on the ground, Daniel felt a strong urge to study it immediately. However, given the current situation, he decided to hold off for now.
"It's you again!" Yun Tianhe called out with a wide grin as the group encountered another monster further along the path.
"You pighead! That's not the same one we ran into in the Stone Sink Ravine!" Han Lingsha scolded, jumping up to smack Yun Tianhe on the head.
"This pretty much confirms that your parents had some connection to the Qionghua Sect." Seeing an identical talismanic spirit, Han Lingsha became even more certain of her theory.
"We'll find out once we reach the Qionghua Sect," Daniel said calmly. Summoning a chunk of earth into his hand, he launched it at the talismanic spirit, piercing through its body with a single blow.
The group was now close to reaching the Qionghua Sect, and Daniel, driven by anticipation, no longer held back in his actions. In truth, Yun Tianhe, Han Lingsha, and Liu Mengli would likely have managed to complete the trials on their own. With Daniel's presence, their journey became even smoother.
Thanks to Daniel's decisive strikes, the group quickly progressed without any major obstacles. After making their way through the Ziwei Path, they arrived at the Baihao Path, only to find their next trial: a labyrinth constructed with celestial formations. Unlike the earlier talismanic spirits or rogue monsters, this trial tested perseverance and preparation.
Navigating the labyrinth required patience and a sufficient supply of food and water. Those who entered unprepared could easily find themselves lost or exhausted, risking death if help didn't arrive in time. While Qionghua Sect disciples periodically patrolled the labyrinth to rescue the unlucky, they couldn't monitor it constantly. Worse yet, monsters occasionally wandered into the maze, adding to the danger.
Under Liu Mengli's leadership, the group navigated the maze quickly and efficiently. Along the way, they encountered other individuals undergoing the trials. Unlike Daniel's group, most of these people were battered, injured, or running low on supplies.
Moved by compassion, Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli shared small portions of their food and water with the struggling individuals. However, they made sure to keep enough for themselves, just in case the labyrinth proved more difficult than expected. Their aid was a gesture of kindness, not charity—those who couldn't persevere would have to turn back on their own.
Some of the others even tried to buy food and water from them, but Han Lingsha refused. She wasn't willing to jeopardize their own survival for the sake of others. The supplies they shared were already an act of generosity; many others wouldn't have bothered at all.
"I wonder... if someone brought food and water up from the base of the mountain to sell here, they could make a fortune," Han Lingsha mused aloud.
Daniel chuckled at her thought. "That's easier said than done. Those with the ability to come and go freely wouldn't care about money, and those who do care wouldn't have the means."
"This time, it's all thanks to you, Mengli! If not for you, we might have ended up like those poor souls back there," Han Lingsha gushed, clinging to Liu Mengli's arm as they exited the labyrinth.
"Stop right there! Leave your food if you want to pass!"
The group was startled by two voices shouting suddenly from behind the trees as they entered the Jixuan Path. Two men stepped out from the shadows, attempting to block their way. Their unexpected appearance caused Han Lingsha to jump in fright, and Yun Tianhe immediately drew the Wangshu Sword, ready to confront them.
The two men paled as they saw Yun Tianhe approach with his sword.
"This mountain is yours, huh? Funny, I seem to remember this being Qionghua Sect territory. Should I go ask them if this mountain really belongs to you?" Han Lingsha said, quickly regaining her composure. Her sarcastic tone revealed that she had already seen through the men's act.
The shorter of the two bandits panicked and turned to the taller man, whispering nervously, "Big Brother, what do we do if they really tell the Qionghua Sect?"
"Don't worry! We are the Sword Twins of the South! We've traveled far and wide—what haven't we seen? This is nothing!" the taller man declared boldly. However, his confident words were betrayed by the nervous glance he cast toward Yun Tianhe, who still glared at them with sword in hand.
"Yeah, you heard Big Brother! Hand over your food, or don't blame us if things get ugly!" the shorter one shouted, emboldened by his companion.
"Robbing people is bad. I'm going to teach you a lesson!" Yun Tianhe stepped forward, ready to act.
"Hold on, Tianhe!" Han Lingsha stopped him just in time. Turning to the two bandits, she smirked mischievously. "Oh? I'd love to see what you mean by 'ugly.' Go on, show me."
The shorter bandit immediately looked to his companion for guidance again. "Big Brother, what do we do now?"
Before the taller man could respond, a stern yet melodious voice called out from behind them. "What are you two up to now?"
A slender young woman dressed in elegant green robes emerged from the shadows. Her graceful presence and commanding tone caused the Sword Twins of the South to flinch.
"Oh, nothing at all, Sister Pomegranate! We were just... explaining the rules to the newcomers!" the taller bandit stammered, forcing a smile before he and his companion scurried off.
"Don't pay attention to them. Come with me," the young woman said, her serious demeanor melting into a friendly smile. Introducing herself as Sister Pomegranate, she gestured for the group to follow her down a side path.
"What are you all doing here, Sister Pomegranate?" Han Lingsha asked curiously as they walked.
"This is where people who didn't pass the final test stay," Sister Pomegranate explained. She went on to clarify the situation: while passing the Ziwei, Baihao, and Jixuan Paths was an achievement, it was only the beginning. The Qionghua Sect had one final test, and only those who passed it would be allowed to formally join the sect.
Unlike the earlier trials, the final test was shrouded in secrecy. Discussing its details with others was strictly prohibited, as it would invalidate one's qualification.
For those who failed to pass the final test, the Qionghua Sect didn't abandon them entirely. These individuals were allowed to remain near the sect and await another opportunity to try again. This arrangement was why many people had settled in the valley below.
When Sister Pomegranate finished her explanation, she led the group to a stunningly picturesque valley. Several wooden cabins dotted the area, and a handful of others—no more than ten in total—could be seen nearby.
It didn't take long for Daniel to piece together why the Sword Twins of the South had tried to steal food earlier. It wasn't because they were starving—though most of the people here had exhausted their supplies by the time they arrived. The Qionghua Sect regularly delivered rations to those in the valley, but the food was simple and bland, with no trace of oil or seasoning. The bandits had likely been hoping to steal tastier provisions, though their attempts had never succeeded.
"Lately, it seems something is happening in the Qionghua Sect. They've suspended the final test for now. Bad timing for you lot, but you're welcome to stay here and wait," Sister Pomegranate informed them.
"They've paused the test? Really?" Han Lingsha's face fell. Just as she was on the verge of achieving her goal, an unexpected obstacle had appeared.
"If you don't believe me, you're free to check for yourself," Sister Pomegranate replied with a shrug. Many others had reacted similarly, only to return to the valley disappointed.
"I'm going to see for myself!" Determined to confirm the truth, Han Lingsha rushed toward the Qionghua Sect's gates, leaving Sister Pomegranate behind. The others quickly followed.
Soon, they arrived at the sect's towering, mist-shrouded gates, a grand sight to behold. Beyond the gates, a massive statue of a goddess stood proudly, its presence both awe-inspiring and foreboding.
"Huanying Realm…" Daniel murmured to himself, glancing at Liu Mengli. He already knew why the Qionghua Sect had paused its recruitment process.
The Demon Realm's arrival was imminent, and the Qionghua Sect was in no position to focus on welcoming new disciples. For the sect, the potential recruits waiting in the valley were better off staying where they were—it was safer. In the upcoming conflict, even the sect's lowest-ranking disciples would likely be nothing more than cannon fodder.
Approaching the disciples guarding the gates, Han Lingsha initiated the conversation. "Greetings. We've come to join the Q
ionghua Sect."
"Apologies, miss. By order of the Sect Leader, the Qionghua Sect has temporarily suspended its entrance trials. Please return. If you wish to wait, you may stay in the valley along the Jixuan Path," the guard replied politely.
"How long will we have to wait?" Han Lingsha pressed.
"That will depend on the Sect Leader's orders. Once the suspension is lifted, you will be notified. Until then, please remain patient," the guard answered.
Frustrated but left with no choice, the group descended back toward the valley. As they walked, Daniel couldn't help but smirk to himself. "If this suspension continues much longer, I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to sneak in at night."
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