After Xiao Hua settled Cai Lin, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Ya Fei within his abode, his attention remained solely upon them. He ensured that they lived without boredom, often bringing them out to wander the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. At times, he even allowed his daughter, Xiao Yuyan, to grow familiar with the mansion's grounds and people.
Whenever disciples and elders encountered them, they immediately offered respectful greetings. On occasion, a few bold female disciples would even request permission to play with Xiao Yuyan. Naturally, Cai Lin harbored no objections, and often let her daughter join them in laughter and games.
Within a single week, nearly every disciple and elder of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion had heard of Xiao Yuyan's existence. Her delicate, lovable appearance stirred the hearts of many, to the extent that even certain elders without children began developing an almost instinctive protectiveness toward her.
Thus, Xiao Hua passed his days in quiet peace, accompanying his future wives and his daughter. Yet beneath this tranquil surface, his thoughts wandered. He contemplated the upcoming trials of the sect, the standards by which disciples should be judged, and even the hidden qualities he sought in his own future direct disciple.
Three more days slipped by in the blink of an eye. The long-awaited moment had finally arrived—the day when the Moonlit Chaos Mansion would open its gates to welcome new blood.
…
Outside the Brightmoon Mountain Range, a city had risen—Clear Moon City. Though it had been established for barely two months, its streets now surged with vitality, bustling with merchants, practitioners, and countless hopefuls.
The cause of this uproar was none other than the announcement from the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Their decision to recruit new disciples was an event more enticing than any grand festival or rare treasure auction.
Ever since the battle between the Moonlit Chaos Mansion and Hall of Soul, followed by the Xiao Hua, the Ever since the fateful battle where the Moonlit Chaos Mansion clashed against the Hall of Souls—and afterward, when Xiao Hua, Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion, defeated Hun Tiandi, the Clan Head of the Hun Clan—their prestige had soared to unprecedented heights.
Now, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion stood as the unshakable overlord of the Central Plains, drawing the gaze of all. Though they openly displayed little interest in such status, countless factions and forces had already acknowledged them as the supreme power.
Endless streams of sects and clans poured into Clear Moon City, greeting the elders of the Mansion with reverence. Meanwhile, groups of talented youths gathered just outside the city, on the mountain path leading toward the Brightmoon Range. Each of them had received word from the Mansion's elders that this was the designated place for the trial to commence.
Hong! Hong! Hong!
Spatial ripples surged outward, and eight figures seated upon thrones slowly emerged. They were none other than the five Hall Masters of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—and the three manifestations of Xiao Hua himself.
At their appearance, the atmosphere shifted. The bodies of the gathered participants tensed, and even the observing sect leaders and faction representatives felt an invisible weight press upon them.
Honglong!
With a sweep of a sleeve from Xiao Hua, a snow-white jade archway rose from the ground. Within its frame, a spatial tunnel took form, swirling with light and mystery, awaiting those who dared to step inside.
Xiao Hua's voice reverberated across the skies after the archway has emerged:
"Our apologies for keeping you waiting. For those who wish to take the test—enter the archway. The trial shall begin once you step through."
Excitement flickered in the eyes of the young talents, unable to be concealed beneath their tense expressions. One by one, figures shot forth like meteors, surging into the archway without hesitation.
Once the participants stepped through the archway, Xiao Hua waved his sleeve once more. Instantly, the natural energy above gathered and condensed into a hundred mirrors, each one projecting the silhouette of a candidate.
The watching crowd leaned forward with keen interest, eyes fixed on the scenes unfolding. Everyone wished to discern what kind of trials the Moonlit Chaos Mansion had prepared—and which among the participants might catch the Mansion's eye.
After all, with the Mansion's current reputation, this disciple recruitment trial had seized the attention of the entire continent. Even the long-secluded ancient clans could no longer remain indifferent.
…
Excitement surged among the participants. Some already pictured themselves standing as disciples of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, basking in glory and the envy of countless peers.
Yet not all carried themselves with such restless eagerness. A few walked with calm steps, composed, prepared for what lay ahead.
Among them was a young lady whose presence drew countless gazes. Her tall and slender figure was wrapped in a black-and-red robe, a white inner vest clinging tightly to her graceful curves.
Her black hair cascaded like a silken waterfall, while her finely arched brows and distant, cold demeanor lent her a breathtaking charm. The spear in her hand only heightened that allure, making the young men who caught sight of her feel both admiration and intimidation.
As she crossed the archway, a flash of light engulfed her sight. When her vision cleared, she stood upon the edge of a river of molten lava, flames of nine colors flowing turbulently as scorching heat seared the very air. Even her sturdy frame felt as though it might ignite from within.
Above the fiery torrent drifted fragments of black stone, each etched with suppressive runes that radiated pressure. At the far end of the river stood a door upon an unmoving slab of stone, solitary and immovable amidst the chaos.
Her eyes narrowed, calm and vigilant. She instantly understood—this realm was personally crafted by Xiao Hua. As she fixed her gaze upon the river, a voice echoed within her ears, resonant and profound:
"Within the breath of three incense sticks, cross the span and touch the end. For energy unguided and impure is but chaotic ore, and strength without foundation is but a mountain of illusion."
When she heard the voice, understanding dawned—she had to cross this river of molten flames to succeed. Her gaze swept toward the drifting black stone fragments, only to realize the path was far trickier than it first appeared.
When she heard the voice, understanding dawned—she had to cross this river of molten flames to succeed. Her gaze swept toward the drifting black stone fragments, only to realize the path was far trickier than it first appeared.
The young lady recalled the words echoing in her mind and whispered softly, "If I rely on brute force, I'll be consumed by the flames. If I charge recklessly, the stones may shift or sink without warning. I can only take this step by step…"
Moreover, she felt the suppressive force of a flying restriction pressing upon her body. There would be no second chance.
Drawing a steady breath, she ignored the blistering heat and store the spear into her storage ring. She leapt lightly onto one of the black fragments. The instant her weight landed, the shard shuddered yet held.
She realized then—nothing would change unless she moved. The danger lay not in standing still, but in advancing.
Beneath her, the river roared, nine-colored flames hissing with spiritual heat that could incinerate even an ordinary Dou Huang in an instant. Though she herself was at the peak of Dou Huang, she knew one careless step could still turn her to ash.
Her expression grew solemn as she circulated her Dou Qi with exquisite control. Each leap was deliberate, precise, her body and qi balanced in perfect measure.
More than once, she narrowly avoided disaster—stones collapsing into fire just as her toes pushed off or suddenly jerking sideways as though pulled by an unseen force. Even standing upon one offered no safety; fragments occasionally sank without reason, forcing her to retreat with impeccable timing.
Several times, she was left with no choice but to channel Dou Qi to her feet, kicking against the scorching air itself to propel her toward a distant shard before the flames devoured her.
Step by step, danger shadowed her, yet her focus did not waver.
After some time, she discerned a subtle truth about the fragments of black stone. Those that shifted and shook irregularly tested her physical foundation, balance, and composure. But those that sank without warning reflected a flaw in her Dou Qi control.
At first, she dismissed the searing waves of heat as nothing more than discomfort. Only later did she realize her grave mistake. The scorching air was the most treacherous element of the trial—it unsettled her footing, disturbed her balance, and even disrupted her circulation of Dou Qi.
The nearer she drew to the gate, the fiercer the heat became, its disruptive force intensifying with every step.
There was no reprieve. The sweltering current blurred her thoughts, frayed her focus, and gnawed at her composure. Worse still, more than once a fragment shattered beneath her the instant her foot was about to land, forcing her into desperate recoveries that nearly cost her everything.
The deeper she pressed into the trial, the harsher her condition grew. Yet if she rushed recklessly toward the door, the scorching air would only break her rhythm further.
Her complexion darkened, pallor overtaking her exhausted face, while sweat poured from her skin only to be scorched away by the heat. But at the moment when the final fragment beneath her shattered, her sharp gaze caught something faint—strange and out of place.
Drifting fragments bore obscure runes carved into their surfaces. Even the slab of stone beneath the distant doorway contained one. Yet, unlike the others, it remained utterly still, unmoving amidst the chaos.
At first, she assumed these runes caused the unnatural movements of the stones. But that alone could not explain why the ground beneath the exit remained static while the drifting fragments did not despite the pattern of the runes are the same.
Her mind raced, recalling every moment of the trial: the hurried leaps to avoid collapsing stones, the countless near-failures, the way certain fragments shattered the moment her footing faltered.
Then her gaze lifted to the stone gate. Its carved patterns were no mere decoration, but a profound sequence of steps—an intricate method teaching how to harness the scorching air to refine Dou Qi into a purer, denser state. Meanwhile, the runes inscribed upon the black slabs revealed corresponding hand seals, a means to absorb the flames themselves to temper one's body.
It was not a trial meant only to test survival—it was an opportunity. A hidden method of cultivation lay before her, granting both refinement of Dou Qi and the strengthening of one's constitution. The shattering fragments were not punishment, but correction—proof her steps were wrong, urging her to restart and follow the proper path.
"Could it be…?" she whispered, her eyes widening in sudden realization.
Rising with newfound determination, she leapt once more. From one drifting slab to another, her movements became fluid and elegant, her hands weaving complex seals as she advanced.
Her Dou Qi dwindled rapidly—but she did not panic. Instead, she felt the flames surging into her body, tempering her bones, marrow, and veins. At the same time, the scorching air seeped into her Qi Paths, cleansing and refining her Dou Qi into something far purer and denser.
This trial did not merely test endurance—it was a baptism, one that refined both body and essence. With every leap, her Dou Qi control sharpened, and her foundation grew steadier.
She could feel her constitution growing firmer, her essence solidifying. A transformation was underway—her cultivation walking the edge of nirvana.
…
Outside the trial realm, countless gazes were fixed upon the mirrors, every onlooker watching with rapt attention. At first, many assumed the challenge to be overly simple, for numerous participants had managed to pass.
Yet those with keen eyes knew better. They understood there was more hidden beneath the surface. Their suspicions were soon confirmed when they saw a certain young lady move with quiet grace, her steps steady, her hands weaving seal after seal.
"Oh?" Xiao Hua's brows lifted, a faint smile touching his lips as he murmured, "It seems someone has uncovered the true secret within this trial."
Even he had not anticipated such a scene.
"Some participants have realized the fragments of black stone are precious cultivation spots and chosen to sit and refine themselves," Xin Yu remarked softly. "But what they do not know is that by moving in a precise pattern and forming numerous hand seals, the benefits multiply many times over."
Li Mei's eyes gleamed as she added, "More impressive still, she isn't afraid of failure. Step by step, through repeated setbacks, she uncovers the meaning of the runes—each one a guide to the correct footing and the next seal required to draw greater benefits."
"Her endurance is remarkable," Ming Cheng said with approval, his arms crossed firmly over his chest. "Even as the heat erodes her focus and her strength wanes, she presses on without faltering."
Wei Jie gave a low whistle and nodded. "Most youths at her level would hesitate, clinging only to the end goal and neglecting their foundation. Yet she presses on with unwavering determination, choosing the harder path. For that, I can't help but respect her."
Indeed, amidst the searing trial, the black-haired young lady's will shone brighter than flame itself.
"You all speak as though you've lived a hundred years," Mei Ling rolled her eyes at her sworn brothers and sisters, drawing a round of chuckles. "Have you forgotten? You're only a few years older than the ones participating in this trial."
"Still," she added, her tone softening, "her insight cannot be ignored. Just as Sister Xin Yu has stated, she isn't the only one who noticed the hidden benefits of this trial, but she alone has uncovered the proper sequence of movements and seals to maximize them."
The others nodded in agreement. Just as Mei Ling had said, many participants had sensed the peculiarity of the trial, yet none had discerned the true method.
"Ke ke… it is difficult to notice the obvious when one is already satisfied with lesser gains," a new voice chuckled lazily.
Xiao Hua and the others turned their gazes toward a young man sitting leisurely atop a cow, chewing on a blade of grass.
"Greetings, Pill Tower's Ancestor."
They rose together and bowed in respect. The Pill Ancestor of the Pill Tower had quietly arrived to observe the ceremony, a surprise to many.
"Hee hee, no need for such courtesy," the old man waved his hand with an easy smile. He said to Xiao Hua, "The Pill Tower is already a member of the Supreme Court, while you are its Alliance Head. If word spreads that you bow to me, it will only make things awkward."
Xiao Hua gave a dry laugh, still finding the situation somewhat helpless. He had never expected the Pill Tower and Burning Flame Valley to push the responsibility of leadership upon him once more.
After much discussion, Flame had even proposed the alliance's name: "Where they turn souls into a vile hall, we shall raise a Court—where justice is upheld, and punishment delivered. From this day forth, we shall be known as the Supreme Court."
The Pill Tower's Ancestor could clearly see through Xiao Hua's thoughts, yet he paid them no mind. In the cultivation world, strength commanded respect, and talent inspired awe. Whether in Dou Qi or alchemy, few under heaven could compare with Xiao Hua.
Moreover, both the Pill Tower's Ancestor and the Ancestor of the Burning Flame Valley disliked entangling themselves in mundane management. To leave such affairs to Xiao Hua—who possessed both ability and prestige—was naturally the best choice.
Turning his gaze back to the mirrors, the Pill Ancestor spoke, "The drifting fragments of black stone already provide great benefits to anyone who cultivates upon them—so long as they can maintain stability in body and composure in Dou Qi."
"If one chooses to stop there, ignoring the strangeness before their very eyes despite its clarity… then it simply means they are not fated." Xiao Hua shook his head lightly as he replied.
The Pill Ancestor's expression flickered, and he suddenly asked with a smile, "Are you planning to take her—or perhaps anyone who uncovers this hidden method—as your disciple?"
Though the tone seemed casual, they immediately stirred a great commotion among those listening. None had imagined that this trial concealed such a hidden purpose. No wonder it contained not one, but three secrets…
"Perhaps. There are still other matters we must observe first. After all, it is not uncommon to see talent—but it is also not uncommon for talent to be crippled by a hidden flaw in the heart." Xiao Hua's voice was calm, his expression composed.
The Pill Tower's Ancestor narrowed his eyes, silently agreeing. Talent alone separated one from mediocrity, but only perseverance and conviction carved a path that defied the heavens.
Neither spoke further, yet neither could deny that the black-haired young lady had already drawn everyone's attention.
…
Within the trial, the young lady finally completed her nirvana. The condition and strength of her constitution had risen drastically, while the purity of her flowing Dou Qi had reached near-perfection.
By her estimation, the process consumed the time of one and a half incense sticks. Altogether, she had remained within this realm for more than two and a half. Fortunately, she had finished just as the time limit for the first trial was about to end.
She stepped forward, leaping across the drifting fragments of black stone. Before, each movement had been strained and perilous, but now her body flowed like water. Her footing remained unshaken despite the unpredictable shifts, and her Dou Qi coursed with smooth, unwavering precision.
A moment later, she reached the final fragment of black stone that led to the next trial. With steady resolve, she pushed the door open and stepped into the spatial tunnel.
Her vision blurred, and when it cleared, she found herself standing in a vast, endless white world. There was no horizon, no ground nor sky—only boundless emptiness that evoked a deep loneliness within her heart.
Her eyes flickered, and in that instant, she dispelled the loneliness, regaining clarity and stabilizing her heart.
"I see… the first trial tempered constitution and foundation. This second one… is to test the heart and will."
Even as her words faded, two hazy figures appeared in the distance, walking slowly toward her. As they drew near, their forms became clear—it was an elderly couple, their faces carrying gentle smiles filled with warmth.
Her body trembled, eyes wavering as a storm surged within her chest. Her heart grew restless.
They opened their mouths, as if to speak, yet no sound reached her. The silence pressed heavily, making the illusion all the more real. The couple grew anxious, hastening their steps as if afraid she would slip away.
The young lady inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Her voice came soft, almost like a whisper carried by the void. "So this is the second trial… an illusion born of my own heart… my regrets and sorrows."
She exhaled slowly, then stepped forward, closing the distance. Taking their hands, she smiled with quiet serenity. "If it is so, then let me face it without fear… and see through it all."
The old couple's figures brightened, smiles deepening before they dissolved into light. The black-haired young lady's figure faded alongside them.
Watching this scene unfold, Xiao Hua's lips curved faintly, his eyes flickering with a mysterious glint.
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