“Junior Sister, outsourcing homework is not advisable… Ugh, we’re still in the middle of a match.”
What kind of match?
The three arenas of Yunyang Sect, where disciples enhanced their fire talismans, had all been snatched by her!
Lin Shuang’s face was beaming with delight.
“I didn’t snatch them—they threw them out.”
“I just happened to execute a sword technique.”
“They just happened to float over and land in my hands.”
“I only casually performed a sword move.”
How could that be considered snatching?
[“…!”]
[…]
“After this match, the fire talismans of the Yunyang Sect senior brothers would’ve been used up anyway.”
“When the talisman ashes fall to the ground, it’d trouble the Shanhai Sect’s errand boys or outer sect disciples to clean up the arena.”
Lin Shuang pondered seriously.
“By taking action, I conveniently cleaned up in advance. No need for Shanhai Sect to thank me.”
[Cough—]
[She’s just kindly cleaning the arena—what’s wrong with that?]
[As expected of the top outer sect errand disciple…]
[Shanhai Sect disciples: …]
[Yunyang Sect disciples: … Just go, please.]
Lin Shuang held the 120 fire talismans impaled on her sword tip, a thick stack, flipping through them like a book with a satisfied expression.
Huangfu Yuan sheathed his sword, helplessly taking out his hand warmer to continue warming himself.
Meng Zhi, carrying his saber, pressed his forehead.
[“…The match is over, right?”]
“You… you’re too arrogant, Lin Shuang of Qingshui Sect!”
The chief disciple of Yunyang Sect was furious.
Lin Shuang blushed. “Oh, not at all.”
Yunyang Sect chief: “…”
These fire talismans had been used once, their patterns slightly faded, barely qualifying as upper-second-grade. They perfectly matched her outer sect talisman-making level. After the Zhenchuan Trial, her talisman-crafting had improved slightly, but not by much.
“Though they’re all fire talismans—a bit monotonous—they’re still among the top-tier second-grade Five Spirit Talismans.”
A perfect plan for recycling waste into treasure for her homework submission.
At the outer sect teaching hall, Master Li Daowei was still arguing with other sect elders about the rankings for the outer sect errand disciple competition. He surely hadn’t watched the projection of this inner sect match.
After learning third-grade talismans, drawing low-grade ones for homework was pointless. Her years-long plan to outsource talisman homework had finally made progress today.
Lin Shuang held the fire talismans in her right hand, watching the Yunyang Sect chief disciple charge at her in anger. Without fire talismans, his sword’s flames were barely at Ningyuan Fifth Layer.
Lin Shuang’s eyes flickered. “…Senior Brother, you can throw out more fire talismans. No need to be so stingy.”
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
“…!”
[…]
As her words landed, the Yunyang Sect disciple’s blazing sword was already before her.
Sigh.
Lin Shuang sighed softly. The massive vortex that had absorbed the fire talismans, hovering high above the arena, finally descended entirely!
A torrent of water swept away the Dragon King’s temple—no, it swept away the Yunyang Sect chief disciple, washing him onto the adjacent arena, drenching the second and third Yunyang Sect disciples as well.
Yunyang Sect practiced fire-based techniques, and their power plummeted instantly.
[!]
[…]
She had unleashed this sword move earlier, collecting fire talismans along the way. Only now did the Dragon Water-Absorbing sword qi, condensed to its peak, crash down with thunderous force!
Lin Shuang leisurely sheathed her broadsword, looking sympathetically at the Yunyang Sect chief who had fallen off the arena.
“Take my sword—Senior Brother, I warned you, why didn’t you defend? Why didn’t you listen?”
[Her sword… has a delay?]
[…]
Fastest Learning: Tactics Chapter—Feint East, Strike West.
You thought this sword was just for grabbing your talismans? No, that was merely a “feint.” The real scoring attack comes right after, when you lose your composure.
Lin Shuang stood on the arena, taking notes:
—Dragon Water-Absorption’s timed descent, 119th test successful.
—Improvement needed: The vortex’s delayed descent is too noticeable, alerting opponents.
—Current solution: Distract opponents with verbal taunts to disrupt their judgment (moderate effect; taking fire talismans barely unsettled their mindset).
—Next improvement: Try combining with other attack methods.
Lin Shuang nodded.
Copying homework was secondary; the focus was integrating the Dragon Water-Absorption sword into her existing combat system. She was very satisfied with today’s performance, having also tested its potential for group attacks.
Lin Shuang leisurely walked off the arena, extinguishing unnecessary dantians.
“This year’s six arena matches—Baihua Sect’s still drew the most viewers, while Wanseng Sect had the fewest.”
“Who wouldn’t want to see a vibrant, dazzling display on stage?”
The Baihua Sect senior sister commentating was smiling until her expression froze.
[Quick, watch Qingshui Sect’s match—it’s about to end!]
[The commentary next door is way more exciting!]
[Really? Isn’t it Junior Sister Xiao Ke from Baihua Sect commentating there?]
[Yes, it’s her again. After the outer sect errand match, she went to commentate Qingshui Sect versus Yunyang Sect.]
[She won’t rest until she figures out Lin Shuang’s killer move.]
[?]
The Baihua Sect senior sister skeptically glanced at Qingshui Sect’s projection, hearing her junior sister Xiao Ke’s gritted-teeth commentary, paired with a replay of the thrilling scene—the Yunyang Sect chief submerged in a massive water vortex.
“Water counters fire. This is a match of who has higher cultivation.”
“We can see Lin Shuang, at Huqi Fifth Layer, stole her opponent’s fire talismans, then, while he raged helplessly, surrounded him with a water sword.”
On the arena, only towering waves and a vortex were visible, obscuring Lin Shuang’s position. But the Yunyang Sect chief was washed off the stage.
“She won.”
A brilliant commentary in just three sentences.
Baihua Sect senior sister: “…”
“She used the Five Elements’ counter to perfection, achieving multiple goals—winning the match and collecting 120 fire talismans.”
The commentary synced with a replay of Lin Shuang’s satisfied smile as she counted the talismans.
“Then, during the gap when Meng Zhi and Huangfu Yuan’s matches were ongoing, she pulled out a paper crane message from her mustard seed bag, reportedly submitting her Qingshui Sect outer sect talisman homework—12 fire talismans.”
Baihua Sect senior sister: “…”
[…]
In the projection, Meng Zhi soon leapt off the arena.
“Qingshui Sect’s Meng Zhi also defeated his opponent. Yunyang Sect, without fire talismans, was like a beast without fangs.”
“Two out of three wins—Qingshui Sect takes the victory.”
“In the third arena, Huangfu Yuan amicably suggested his opponent stop, hoping the already-defeated Yunyang Sect preserve spiritual energy for the best-of-seven.”
“Thus, the two reached a draw by agreement.”
“Qingshui Sect officially enters the top six, advancing to the next round!”
“In the next round, will Qingshui Sect’s Lin Shuang and Huangfu Yuan show their true strength? Let’s look forward to it.” Xiao Ke’s teeth-grinding voice came through.
The projection of Qingshui Sect’s match flickered off. The match was over.
[Tremble, everyone—witness the strength of our Qingshui Sect outer sect Junior Sister!]
[Heh, I held back until now, but finally, I can say it—Yunyang Sect, don’t cry. You’ve only endured what our Qingshui Sect’s Ningyuan disciples have already faced.]
[…]
Who is Lin Shuang?
In the past decade, no one had heard of her. Disciples from various sects were shocked, and the twelve sect elders turned their attention to her.
“Well done, Shui Qiantan, hiding such a disciple!”
Shui Qiantan’s expression was subtle, and he remained silent.
“Second round, the trial topic for the 9000 layers will be decided by drawing lots.”
“At the puppet stage, her odd swordplay won’t help.”
Shui Qiantan subtly lowered his head, transforming into a puddle of water on his stone chair. In the water, he sneaked a glance at his communication stone.
[Xiao Hong: Master, Lin Shuang earned the highest admiration rating at Li Family Village’s 3000th layer—‘Li Family Is My Family.’]
Ripples spread across the puddle on the stone chair.
“Shui Qiantan, what’s that supposed to mean, ignoring us?”
What’s it mean? He couldn’t help but laugh again. Sorry, the puppet stage is Lin Shuang’s home turf.
As the elders debated, the sky bloomed with seasonal flowers. Vibrant petals coalesced into a top-100 ranking list.
[Ningyuan Four Realms List]
[91. Meng Zhi: Defeated a Yunyang Sect Ningyuan Fifth Layer disciple. Though weakened, still noteworthy.]
[100. Huangfu Yuan: Reached Zhenchuan’s 3000th layer, fought for Qingshui, thus ranked 100.]
The three defeated Yunyang Sect disciples, two of whom were previously on the Ningyuan list, dropped out of the top 100, replaced by Meng Zhi and Huangfu Yuan.
The watching elders and disciples wore strange expressions. This list without Lin Shuang was unconvincing—she had just defeated Yunyang Sect’s mid-tier chief.
But soon, the Baihua Sect list paused, lingering, then displayed a line of small text:
[There was no Huqi Realm List, but today, an exception is made for Qingshui Sect’s Lin Shuang.]
[Huqi Realm Rank 1: Lin Shuang.]
[Per the list’s compiler, her true strength likely places her in the top 50 of the Ningyuan list.]
[Ningyuan cultivators, treat her with caution and respect.]
As expected of Baihua Sect’s list—daily updates, trustworthy. Everyone nodded in approval.
“Hiss.”
But Lin Shuang, leaving the arena layer, looked helplessly at the sky. No need to spotlight her, especially right before the next round—a one-on-one arena match to determine the top six for the second round.
At the teleportation boat before Yuanhe’s 9000th layer, disciples from the six major sects, each with distinct styles, were watching her.
“Junior Sister Lin Shuang, I’m Bian Bocai of Baihua Sect.”
In the vast Yuanhe Trial, among thousands of streams and lakes, a Baihua Sect disciple, second in line, stepped forward in a pearl-encrusted robe of butterflies and flowers. His jade crown and dark hair complemented the ornate robe without appearing effeminate. His sword-like brows and carefree eyes exuded charm.
As he spoke, a crimson petal drifted from his hand toward Lin Shuang.
“Let’s exchange divine sense contacts.”
His smile revealed a single dimple, not entirely dislikeable.
Lin Shuang accepted the petal, earning disapproving looks from her two male companions. Meng Zhi’s face screamed “he’s greasy,” while Huangfu Yuan was already wiping his hands. Xiao Qi, in his golden robe, looked skyward.
“Junior Brother Bian, don’t be rude,” said Zhu Jiao, Baihua Sect’s lead disciple, radiant as a spring banana flower, elegant and noble. She held a jade hexagonal embroidery hoop, threading silk that shimmered like pearls. Her makeup was impeccable, with a gilded flower ornament between her brows.
“Welcome, everyone. Visit Baihua Sect sometime.”
With that, a dozen pale pink petals scattered from her threading fingers.
Thud, thud—Wanseng Sect responded with synchronized wooden fish sounds.
The Danqi Sect couple held hands, wiping each other’s sweat and fanning one another, oblivious to the outside world.
Mingzhong Sect disciples were engrossed in books or painting.
Shanhai Sect’s Xiao Qi was wrapping his sword, his two senior brothers bitterly smiling as they accepted the petals for him.
Everyone had such personality. Lin Shuang observed quietly.
Soon, she noticed a gaze, besides Xiao Qi’s, constantly following her.
“Lin Shuang, I’m Kong Miaoke, who commentated the errand disciple match earlier.”
A mid-to-low-tier Baihua Sect disciple, third in line, wore a butterfly-and-flower robe, carrying a massive embroidery frame like a screen on her back. Though petite, her lively features glared at Lin Shuang with an accusatory “you hurt me and ran away” expression.
Kong Miaoke, Ningyuan Sixth Layer.
Due to the one-on-one matches, Baihua Sect drew weaker opponents, so she let a substitute compete and went to commentate Lin Shuang’s arena battle.
Who knew Lin Shuang would win with one move?
Kong Miaoke felt pained. “The match is over. If you’re free, Junior Sister Lin, can we discuss your cultivation experiences? Any fortuitous encounters or preferences for a future dao companion?”
“Just a couple of sentences will do.”
So humble.
Lin Shuang never imagined that Baihua Sect, compilers of cultivation gossip lists and books, had such a style—an industry built on curiosity.
“Silence, the next round begins.”
Shanhai Sect’s presiding elder, Yue Zhi, descended. Lin Shuang subtly sensed Huangfu Yuan’s aura tense behind her.
“This round, lots will decide the trial.”
Suddenly, six stone tokens shot toward the six sect disciples on the teleportation boat. Meng Zhi, never one to miss a treasure, grabbed theirs first.
Lin Shuang glanced at it—a plain, unremarkable gray stone. Flipping it revealed nothing special. But soon, a “three” slowly formed.
Wanseng Sect, silent, extended a hand, revealing a “nine.”
Baihua Sect opened their hand—an empty stone.
The Danqi Sect couple revealed a “three.”
Mingzhong Sect and Shanhai Sect both held empty stones.
[?]
“It seems they’ve drawn Layer 3903 of Yuanhe’s 9000.”
“This is Baihua Sect’s Pear Blossom, providing live commentary.”
“Joining us is Senior Brother Xu Xiang, Qingshui Sect’s inner sect manager. Welcome, everyone.”
The projection showed the six sects’ stones, with Pear Blossom’s gentle figure and Xu Xiang’s stern expression in a corner.
[Qingshui Sect assisting with commentary?]
[Baihua Sect knows how to play—Lin Shuang’s trio is new to the Ningyuan list; no one knows them.]
[Sneaky, Baihua Sect’s gathering intel on opponents. Don’t fall for it, Xu Xiang!]
“Senior Brother Xu Xiang, does Qingshui Sect have confidence in this round?” Pear Blossom smiled.
The projection flashed detailed disciple tokens for the six sects:
Baihua Sect’s Zhu Jiao: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3501 layers; Last Time, 2729 layers.
…
Baihua Sect’s Bian Bocai: …Last Time, 2729 layers.
[Baihua Sect reached 2700 ten years ago?]
[Definitely hiding strength. Nearly 3000 in a decade, only 3500 this year? Suppressing cultivation to stay under 4000 for mid-to-low-tier matches?]
Wanseng Sect: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3879 layers; Last Time, 2918 layers.
Danqi Sect: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3415 layers; Last Time, 2518 layers.
[All hiding strength!]
[I’ll bet my divine sense—they’re all beyond 3000 layers. Ten years later, they’ve climbed at least 2000 more!]
[All at least 5000-layer strength! So cunning, six major sects!]
Shanhai Sect: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3512 layers; Last Time, 2218 layers.
Shanhai Sect’s Xiao Qi: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3512 layers; Last Time, 0 layers.
[…What’s with this?]
[Oh, Xiao Qi’s Shanhai Sect’s genius. Never mind.]
Qingshui Sect’s Meng Zhi: Highest Zhenchuan Record, 3379 layers; Last Time, 1178 layers.
Qingshui Sect’s Huangfu Yuan: …Last Time, 500 layers (severely ill).
Qingshui Sect’s Lin Shuang: …Last Time, 0 layers.
[! Lin Shuang shot to Zhenchuan 3000, like Shanhai’s Xiao Qi?]
[Wake up. Look at Shanhai’s other two, then Qingshui’s trio…]
[Shanhai’s two carried one—Xiao Qi rode their coattails. Qingshui’s three were all trash ten years ago!]
[How are Qingshui’s three so bad?]
[I declare Qingshui loses this round.]
“Senior Brother Xu Xiang, what’s your prediction for the six sects’ rankings this round?” Pear Blossom asked with a smile.
Xu Xiang glanced at the projection of Lin Shuang’s trio, a faint, nearly imperceptible smile tugging at his eyes.
“They’ve drawn Layer 3903, which none of the competing disciples have reached.”
“Per sect rules, high-tier disciples cannot leak trial information to lower-tier ones. Violators are banned from the 9000 trials for life and face 999 days of reflection.”
Xu Xiang’s stern gaze fell on Lin Shuang’s trio, who were reading storybooks, popping pills, and counting spirit stones during the teleportation prep. He smiled faintly.
“Thus, this trial is perfectly fair. Until the end, anything is possible.”
[…]
[Not fair.]
[Qingshui’s trio has too little experience with Zhenchuan’s puppet stage.]
[? Confirmed Layer 3903 is the puppet stage?]
As someone asked in the projection, small text appeared:
—Competitors entering Layer 3903.
—Spectators with trial records below 4903 layers, leave immediately. 100 spirit stones refunded.
—Cultivate diligently, or lose viewing privileges.
[!]
[…]
[Heh, farewell, junior brothers and sisters.]
[Below 4903, clear out? Fine, I’ll say it—above 3900, two out of three trials are puppet stages.]
[I admire Lin Shuang, but she’s new to the 9000 trials. She’s barely scratched the puppet stage’s surface.]
[Notice how Qingshui Sect disciples aren’t speaking in the projection?]
[…They know they’re done, right?]
Most spectators in the projection doubted Lin Shuang’s trio. Qingshui Sect disciples remained silent.
“Senior Brother Daofa, they’re bullying us!”
Daofa, sitting on the viewing hill, his eyes like lightning, stared unblinkingly at Lin Shuang in the projection.
“No rush.”
“How she fares in the puppet stage…”
He trailed off, but Qingshui Sect disciples on the stands shared a complex, knowing look. Who among them dared claim to understand the puppet stage better than her? She earned the admiration of 300 Li Family Village youths in one visit!
Qingshui Sect’s high-tier Ningyuan disciples pinned hopeful gazes on Lin Shuang in the projection.
Unaware, Lin Shuang stood at the teleportation boat’s bow, watching the fleeting “3903” number.
“The last round’s one-on-one matches followed an arithmetic sequence.”
Lin Shuang pinched her fingers.
“Basic deduction: Yuanhe 9000 and Zhenchuan 9000 likely share similar patterns this year.”
“3903, divided by nine, leaves a remainder of six.”
Meng Zhi hissed, “Divine sense trial.”
Huangfu Yuan, clutching his chicken-and-rabbit-patterned silver hand warmer, said, “Divine sense trials historically include sound cultivation, talismans, formations… like illusion arrays, trapping arrays, sleep techniques, or heart-questioning arrays.”
Lin Shuang nodded. Identifying the knowledge scope of a question ensures the right approach, allowing calm, targeted application of learned knowledge.
“Well said, Senior Brother.”
“I’ll note that down.”
Mei Xin, Dao Dong, and Chen Xingchuan were baffled.
“How do you know it’s a divine sense trial?”
[How do you know beep beep beep?]
[?? Baihua Sect, you’re toxic.]
[So, 3903 is beep beep and drip?]
[What did Huangfu say? Drip drip trials historically include beep beep, ba ba, pipa’s wu hu, xi xi…]
[…Baihua Sect, refund us!]
[The five major sects aren’t so great—don’t they know this is the 9000 trials’ sound-blocking restriction?]
[Such a fuss, yet they dare mock Qingshui Sect! Five sects, hah!]
[So boring—thought the five sects were impressive.]
[Ten years ago, the five sects reached 2000 layers, and that’s it?]
[??]
“Lin Shuang’s trio discussing trial secrets?”
Baihua Sect’s Pear Blossom was shocked. “Senior Brother Xu Xiang, do you know what they mean?”
Xu Xiang stayed silent, refusing to answer.
Soon, the projection showed six small teleportation boats drifting into the same waters. Substitute disciples waited on the boats. The lead trios vanished into the trial layer.
When Lin Shuang’s trio opened their eyes, they saw a bustling commercial street, with endless passersby brushing past.
[Layer 3903: My Lady, Look at Me Once More.]
The layer’s name made them roll their eyes. No doubt—the creators of Zhenchuan 9000 and Yuanhe 9000 were the same group, with identical bad taste in names.
But after standing for a while, no further instructions appeared.
Meng Zhi, saber on shoulder, frowned. “What’s this layer’s trial task? Why no prompt?”
They stood on the lively street. Meng Zhi scanned the passersby—some in plain cloth, others in merchant silk. The street was lined with bustling shops: inns, calligraphy stores, blacksmiths, tea houses… too many to take in.
He flew up on his sword, seeing quieter residences behind the shops, with courtyards and bridges faintly visible over walls. This was clearly a wealthy area.
This layer’s map was far larger and richer than Li Family Village. In the few breaths he surveyed, at least a dozen people passed Lin Shuang. The shops had diverse clerks, owners, and customers.
“Layer 3900, the map and puppets are much richer,” Lin Shuang mused.
“The rules likely won’t be as straightforward as Li Family Village’s. We’ll need to explore.”
After standing for a while, no one approached for help.
[Heh, thought Qingshui Sect was impressive? That’s it!]
[As I said, they lack puppet stage experience.]
[3900 is near the 4000 threshold. This puppet stage differs from those below 3000.]
[Exactly. Discovering Zhenchuan’s secrets? That’s just 3000-level stuff!]
The projection split into six, with Baihua Sect, Wanseng Sect, and Danqi Sect at the top, Shanhai Sect and Qingshui Sect in the bottom corners.
All six teams stood on identical streets, facing the same shops and passersby. The Ningyuan disciples looked cautious and scrutinizing.
[Here comes the unfairness.]
[?]
As the text flashed, a voice came from the bottom corner of the projection.
“Huh? Isn’t that Great Immortal Xiao?”
In the six identical trial scenes, only Shanhai Sect’s street saw passersby swarm around Xiao Qi’s trio.
“Thank heavens! The Wang family prayed day and night, finally moving the heavens to bring three immortals here!”
A servant-like boy, tears streaming, rushed to Xiao Qi. “Great Immortal Xiao, you came just in time! The Wang family is in trouble. Our young master’s bride vanished the night before the wedding!”
[My Lady, Look at Me Once More.]
[Yuanhe Task: Find the missing bride and bring her home.]
[Six Sects: First to clear this stage scores highest.]
[Shanhai Sect triggers task first, 2 points.]
Xiao Qi’s trio hurriedly said, “Take us to the Wang family!” The servant led them away.
[!]
[So fast—]
The other five sects were still talking to passersby or analyzing the environment. Shanhai Sect had a clear task and was heading to the scene.
[The unfairness is admiration rating.]
[Shanhai Sect earned the Wang family’s admiration at Yuanhe’s 3000th layer, so they were sought out immediately, with clues delivered.]
[This layer’s key family is Wang? Our Baihua Valley has no Wang family puppets.]
In the projection, Baihua Sect disciples questioned passersby, who shook their heads, clueless. Even the Wang family servant Xiao Qi met ignored them, clearly due to insufficient admiration.
[Last decade’s competition was in Baihua Valley’s 9000 layers, right? Baihua’s Lianshen disciples had the Hua family’s highest admiration, crushing Wanseng and Shanhai. You didn’t call that unfair. Except for Baihua, no sect’s 9000 layers had Hua family puppets. Why didn’t you complain then?]
[Heh, the wheel turns. This year, it’s Shanhai Sect’s turn.]
[At least the other five sects start equally.]
[Exactly.]
In the projection, Shanhai Sect was already at the Wang family, treated as honored guests. The other five sects remained on the streets.
“This won’t do. Split up and ask at crowded shops.”
Baihua Sect’s Zhu Jiao waved, and her trio dispersed. Other sects followed suit. This layer’s vast map and numerous puppets exceeded expectations. Without guidance, finding the key puppet to trigger the task would take ages.
“One shot, two birds—what’s your take?”
Meng Zhi, standing before a grain shop with his saber, was too lazy to think and asked Lin Shuang directly.
“Paper crane messages, mass-send your survey?”
Huangfu Yuan, holding his warmer, said, “Junior Brother, without targeted divine sense, where would the cranes go?”
Lin Shuang nodded, spreading her hands.
Meng Zhi tsked, eyeing the shops—everything from calligraphy to tea.
“Didn’t you say no question is random? Why five thatched huts, not one?”
“So, with all these shops, the answer’s hidden in this street?”
[?]
[What’s that mean?]
Lin Shuang shook her head, consoling Meng Zhi. “Don’t rush. Analyze each question specifically.”
Applying formulas without understanding the question was a bad mindset. Li Family Village was a clear defense task, unlike this.
“Last time’s teamwork test—you all went to the inn first. Should we go there now?” Meng Zhi brainstormed.
Lin Shuang and Huangfu Yuan shook their heads.
Meng Zhi’s forehead veins throbbed.
Huangfu Yuan stood among the varied passersby, observing their directions. He then sidestepped, moving in sync with Lin Shuang toward the calligraphy shop beside the inn.
Meng Zhi: “…?”
“Oh, the calligraphy shop has a secret?!”
The shop’s owner, dressed as a scholar, held an ink treasure, introducing it to a customer with a child. But as Meng Zhi stepped in, Lin Shuang grabbed his scabbard.
“Senior Brother, not here.”
“We’re going to the city gate.”
“Huh?”
Meng Zhi paused, then looked at the passersby, realizing. The street’s bustling shops saw few visitors. One group, in silk and carriages, passed them. Another, moving in their direction, drove ox carts with empty baskets or cloth.
As the city’s sunset fell, villagers who sold crops were leaving, while merchants entered for rest. Following the ox-cart villagers led to the city gate.
The passersby weren’t random—every detail, as she said, was useful.
Meng Zhi got it. Their clothing, items, and direction revealed the gate’s location.
“To the gate to gauge the map’s size?”
They’d nearly failed at Li Family Village due to map issues. But Lin Shuang wagged her finger.
Many novels and RPGs set hero tasks on guild bulletin boards. In the cultivation world, without guilds, check the city gate’s notices.
“Compared to inns or tea houses,” Huangfu Yuan pressed his warmer, “the gate sees the most traffic.”
Lin Shuang nodded. “Most wanted posters and medical notices are posted there.”
Fastest Learning: Exam Chapter—First, Identify the Question.
Reverse-engineering answers is easier. Questions are often at the end, most prominent.
They reached the gate, where passersby converged, and two armored soldiers roughly checked travel documents. Lin Shuang spotted a notice on the gate’s bricks:
[My betrothed vanished mysteriously before our wedding.
I seek the world’s talents and immortals. If you can help find my beloved, I’ll reward you handsomely!
I await you day and night!
—East City Wang Family, Wang Jian]
[!]
[Found it!]
Lin Shuang’s task appeared:
[My Lady, Look at Me Once More.]
[Task: Find the missing bride and bring her home.]
[Qingshui Sect, second to trigger task, 1 point.]
[Second…]
As spectators debated, Yuanhe 9000 displayed text:
[Qingshui Sect first to find Wang family’s immortal-seeking notice, 2 points.
The notice promises a hefty reward.
If Qingshui Sect finds the bride, this round’s prize is at least 5000 spirit stones.
The Wang family likely won’t renege.]
[!]
[Did Shanhai Sect get this?]
[…No…]
[Wow.]
“Got it—the Wang family’s in the alley behind the rouge shop,” Meng Zhi said, having asked a guard. He was fast.
Lin Shuang smiled, but her expression froze. She tried tearing the notice off the gate, but it barely budged, stuck fast.
“What are you doing?” Meng Zhi, saber on shoulder, was puzzled.
Huangfu Yuan, distracted from a nearby chicken coop, looked at her curiously.
Lin Shuang pursed her lips, pressing her 69th dantian. Her face turned odd. All hundred dantians merged into a massive orb—Ningyuan Fifth Layer Peak power!
She tried again, this time fully tearing off the notice.
Her expression complex, she looked at the thoughtful Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zhi.
“The Wang family is likely a cultivation clan.”
“This Wang Jian is at least above Ningyuan Fifth Layer.”
[??]
[Qingshui Sect’s Lin Shuang first to uncover Wang family’s background and Wang Jian’s cultivation, 2 points. Total: 5 points.]
[Correct. This notice can only be torn by cultivators above Ningyuan Fifth Layer.
Disciples below this level, leave immediately.
Otherwise, Yuanhe 9000 takes no responsibility for dangers.]
In the projection, Lin Shuang’s trio left. Soon, Wanseng Sect and Mingzhong Sect arrived, effortlessly tearing off the notice and heading to the Wang family, satisfied.
[…]
[What’s clear? Compared to Qingshui Sect’s clarity, you’re clueless!]
[Wait—because they’re all Ningyuan Fifth Layer, they tore the notice easily, missing the entry threshold.]
[Exactly. Only Lin Shuang, failing at first, grew cautious.]
[Her cultivation… why’s it fluctuating?]
[Who said Qingshui Sect’s bad at puppet stages?]
[…]
[No rush. All six sects will learn the Wang family’s background upon entering.]
[True, keep watching.]
But in the projection, Lin Shuang soon stopped.
Meng Zhi, saber paused, said, “What? Finally remembered the shops’ purpose?”
The street’s puppets showed the gate’s location, so the shops must have a role!
Lin Shuang pressed her forehead. “Not necessarily.”
It depends if it’s a literature or math question. In reading comprehension, some text serves to contrast, explain, or set the mood, skippable without missing the core.
“For example, the many shops might just reflect the city’s prosperity, highlighting the Wang family’s significant cultivation clan status.”
Meng Zhi: “?”
“Speak plainly.”
Huangfu Yuan chuckled.
Lin Shuang glared. “It means the Wang family has clout, high status, likely admired.”
Her words sparked an idea. She pulled the Wang family’s notice from her mustard seed bag, handing it to Meng Zhi to flaunt at his messy waist.
Instantly, shopkeepers who ignored them turned their gaze. Passersby looked at Meng Zhi with awe.
“He tore down the Wang family’s immortal-seeking notice?”
“He’s an immortal, right?!”
Whispers spread, one to ten, ten to a hundred. Within three steps, a servant boy, tears streaming, blocked Meng Zhi’s path.
“Immortals, you took the notice? Wonderful! Follow me!”
“My young master has awaited great immortals for so long!”
The servant tore three teleportation talismans from his sleeve, and instantly, Lin Shuang’s trio vanished.
[By flaunting the notice, Meng Zhi displayed extraordinary confidence.]
[After city residents’ whispers, the Wang family servant believed your cultivation far surpassed previous immortals, using three teleportation talismans to urgently escort you.]
[Sometimes, confidence earns higher expectations and better treatment.
But beware—this is a double-edged sword.
If your confidence overpromises and underdelivers, the Wang family’s disappointed wrath will be more than your trio can bear.]
[Qingshui Sect enters Wang Jian’s sight fastest in a century, 2 points. Total: 7 points.]
[??]
[Wasn’t Shanhai Sect faster?]
[Right, Shanhai was welcomed immediately.]
Spectators were confused, but the projection showed Lin Shuang’s trio appearing directly before a blue-robed scholar, silently wiping tears before an empty wedding bed.
[!!]
[…!]
[Shanhai Sect entered the Wang family’s front gate. Qingshui Sect…]
Qingshui Sect’s teleportation talismans took them straight to the bride’s missing wedding chamber!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage