Chapter 150 The Realm of Trials (Part 1)

The flying boat that Jiang Gu and his group were traveling on was not small, but it was insignificant compared to the various magical artifacts in the sky.

High in the sky, all sorts of magical arrays were densely packed, scattering the flowing clouds in all directions. These arrays varied in size and were usually far apart, like links in a spider web. Cultivators of different shapes and attire entered and exited the arrays. Some rode swords, some rode flying boats, some rode flying magical artifacts, some rode spirit beasts, some relied on their own wings, and many flew through the air... They seemed to have a set route, busy yet orderly.

Beneath their feet lay magnificent and well-organized cities. These cities covered a considerable area, but they were all square and closely packed together. Each city shimmered with a dazzling golden light, and each was covered by a different colored magic array. From a bird's-eye view, they resembled countless squares on a chessboard, differing only in size.

Compared to this magnificent city complex, the enormous flying ship they were on was like a drop in the ocean, and the likes of Daohai City and Guan City outside the border were not even the size of city gates here.

"These are the cities under the jurisdiction of Yanyu Terrace, totaling nine hundred and ninety-nine, including the ten towers and eight pavilions that you are familiar with," Xiao Qingyan said with a smile as she introduced them to Jiang Gu and the others from the deck.

He seemed unconcerned about what had happened earlier. He leaned slightly to the side, getting a little closer to Jiang Gu, and pointed to the golden light, saying, "These golden dots are the statues of the ancient temple ruins. Once you come out of the Yin-Yang Tower, you can go to different statues to receive blessings according to your own attributes."

Jiang Xiangyun gripped the railing tightly, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. "There are so many ancient temples on the Wangyue Continent."

Ancient temples are extremely rare on the Pingze Continent, and most of them have sunk to the bottom of the sea. Previously, only one ancient temple appeared in the Xiyun Secret Realm, which attracted the attention of various sects and families to scramble for it. In Wangyue, there were hundreds of them.

"These are just the ancient temples that have been discovered so far. These cities were built based on the ancient temples. Xiang Yun, A Gu, look over there." Xiao Qingyan raised his arm and pointed to the west of the continent.

The magic circle in his hand formed a huge water mirror, reflecting the scene to the west.

They were all cultivators with excellent eyesight, and they also had water mirrors to magnify their vision. But even so, the west was too far away for them, and they could only vaguely see a general outline in the water mirror—it was a vast and boundless continent with lush greenery and mountains stretching to the horizon.

"Currently, only one or two-tenths of Wangyue has been developed. There are still many ancient temple ruins and ancient secret realms waiting to be explored." Xiao Qingyan smiled and said, "Once you pass the Yin-Yang Tower's trial and enter the Eight Pavilions, you can go with them to explore the secret realms. At that time, you will find all kinds of divine artifacts, magical treasures, and rare materials."

Jiang Gu and Jiang Xiangyun exchanged a glance.

After entering the True Immortal Realm, cultivation progress becomes extremely slow. In the Pingze Continent, it is not uncommon for family heads such as Jiang Yinzhong to remain in the same realm for thousands of years. Even a cultivation genius like Yao Li had been stuck in the True Immortal Realm for three hundred years before he barely squeezed into the Golden Immortal Realm after obtaining a great opportunity.

Jiang Xiangyun also remained at the early stage of the True Immortal Realm for a full five years without making any progress.

"Reaching the Golden Immortal realm is as difficult as ascending to heaven." This proverb accurately summarizes the difficulty of their cultivation. Even in Wangyue, where spiritual energy and resources are so abundant, most cultivators can only barely reach the Golden Immortal realm.

The five realms of True Immortal, Golden Immortal, Taiyi, Daluo, and Dao Ancestor are all incredibly difficult, even for those with one in ten thousand Heavenly Spiritual Roots. High-level magic treasures and divine artifacts become especially important, sometimes even playing a decisive role. At this time, abundant resources are the greatest support.

Jiang Gu and Jiang Xiangyun both saw the burning desire and determination in each other's eyes.

——

The flying boat passed through the magic array and slowly came to a stop in front of a city.

This city is not particularly conspicuous among the major cities, and there are no so-called ancient temple ruins inside. Entering through the tall city gate, one finds a dense cluster of buildings. Unlike the relatively flamboyant and exquisite architectural style of Pingze, this place seems to pursue grandeur and magnificence, with a simple and rustic style that is similar to the ancient temple that Jiang Gu had visited before.

"This is Yin-Yang City, where the Yin-Yang Tower headquarters is located. The eastern half is Yin City, and the western half is Yang City. Your school is in the western Yang City." Xiao Qingyan led them forward.

"Study building?" Jiang Xiangyun looked at the almost identical buildings around him, the only difference being the numbers written on them.

“The dormitories are assigned to you based on your different spiritual root attributes. Different dormitories have different spiritual veins below them. For example, Xiang Yun, you have a thunder spiritual root, so you have been assigned to room number three of the Yang Thunder category.” Xiao Qingyan said, “Normally, the dormitories are for three people per room, but because of your different status, Xiang Yun, you have been assigned a whole room.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a teleportation array appeared in front of the house next to him, and then several people walked out of it. They were all injured to varying degrees, one of whom had most of his body destroyed. He was wailing pitifully and was helped into the house by his companions.

"This fourth level is absolutely awful! Without the Primordial Spirit Jade Armor, we're basically just waiting to die!" The cultivator supporting him cursed, only to be nudged by someone next to him.

They finally noticed Xiao Qingyan and his group beside them, glanced at them coldly, and when they realized their cultivation level, their coldness turned into arrogance. They ignored them and went straight back to their room.

"And who lives in Yin City?" Advisor Jiang asked.

Xiao Qingyan lowered his voice unintentionally and said, "Yang City is inhabited by human cultivators, while Yin City is inhabited by demons, spirits, monsters, demonic cultivators, Rakshasa cultivators, and a small number of ghost cultivators. Most of them are eccentric and have unpredictable methods. If you have nothing to do in the city, don't go to the east, they are very troublesome."

Jiang Gu nodded.

“There are still forty-two cultivators left from Pingze Continent this time. You should enter the Trial Realm together with the new cultivators from Shunlou.” Xiao Qingyan said, stopping in the Yang Lei area. “Xiang Yun, this is your dormitory. You can use your Misty Rain Token to enter the room. I will escort you here.”

"Thank you." Jiang Xiangyun nodded and was about to walk forward when Yao Li followed closely behind, but was stopped by Xiao Qingyan.

"Young Master Yao, your school is located in Yangtu 95."

Yao Li frowned and looked at Jiang Xiangyun disapprovingly.

“Uncle, you were also chosen, you don’t need to follow me anymore,” Jiang Xiangyun said.

"My duty is to protect your safety, young master," Yao Li said in a deep voice.

Jiang Xiangyun sighed helplessly, "You're in the Thunder Department, where there's a pure thunder-type spiritual vein buried beneath you. How are you going to cultivate? How can you protect it if your cultivation doesn't advance?"

Yao Li was blocked by him, and Xiao Qingyan said, "Young Master Yao, there is no need to worry. Once you enter the trial realm, you can still protect Xiang Yun."

Yao Li then stopped walking.

After seeing Yao Li off, Xiao Qingyan took Jiang Gu to the Metal Department's academy. Room number 73 was on the top floor of the fifth floor. As soon as Jiang Gu stepped into the Metal Department area, he felt the pure and vast metal-elemental spiritual power. This was completely different from the natural spiritual power he had received on the Pingze Continent. Natural spiritual power was impure and contained all five elements. It required the dantian and spiritual root to remove impurities before it could circulate through the meridians to continue cultivation, which would consume a lot of cultivation time. However, here, this step was almost completely omitted, and the abundance of metal spiritual power was no less than that of the top blessed lands in Pingze.

"Ah Gu, have you thought it through?" Xiao Qingyan escorted him to his room, her gaze fixed on him. "The cultivation environment at the Heaven and Earth Pavilion is a hundred times better than here. If you come back with me, my resources will be your resources."

"Thank you, I appreciate your kindness." Jiang Gu tried to soften his tone, but couldn't hide his coldness.

Seeing that Jiang Gu's mind was made up, Xiao Qingyan did not try to persuade him further. Having learned from the previous example, he did not give Jiang Gu any more magic treasures. Instead, he quickly drew a small magic array in the air and lightly covered Jiang Gu's palm.

"If your life is in danger, you can activate this formation. It can save your life in a critical moment." Xiao Qingyan seemed to want to touch his hand, but then forced himself to curl his fingers. He smiled gently at Jiang Gu, "I'll wait for you to complete the trial."

He must have used some special privileges; Jiang Gu's room was a suite with an inner and outer room, and even had a pool for refining medicine and bathing, which was much better than Jiang Xiangyun's room.

Jiang Gu knew he should give him some response in order to make better use of him, but Wei Feng's tearful face flashed before his eyes.

'Master...now that you have spiritual ties with me, you are not allowed to have any further involvement with others...'

'Master...Master, touch me...you can't touch anyone else...'

Jiang Gu unconsciously rubbed his hot fingertips, but ultimately did not reach out to touch Xiao Qingyan. He simply nodded and softened his tone, saying, "Okay."

The smile in Xiao Qingyan's eyes deepened even more.

After Xiao Qingyan left, Jiang Gu casually found a place to begin cultivating. Because of the last spiritual interaction, his primordial spirit was somewhat mixed with Wei Feng's primordial spirit mist. He had dispelled a lot of it in the past few days, but some residue remained.

Only a small patch of black mist remained in his sea of ​​consciousness. He used his primordial spirit to gather it, but the mist transformed into a round-headed little person and squeezed out from his tiger's mouth.

Jiang Gu was stunned for a moment. Wei Feng had actually left a small piece of his primordial spirit in his sea of ​​consciousness.

As his primordial spirit returned to its place, the small tuft of primordial spirit followed him out of his sea of ​​consciousness, curiously surveying the unfamiliar surroundings, before finally grabbing his sleeve and climbing onto his shoulder.

This primordial spirit is too small, lacks its own consciousness, and cannot connect with the main body. Dispersing it will have no effect on Wei Feng.

The little spirit trembled as it grabbed a strand of hair from his temple, tiptoed and affectionately rubbed its cheek against his. Perhaps because it was too forceful, it slipped and fell, startling the little spirit so much that two streams of misty tears streamed down its face.

Jiang Gu reached out and caught it. It curled up in its little head for a while before lowering its hand to look at it. While shedding tears, it hugged Jiang Gu's little finger with lingering fear.

"..." Jiang Gu expressionlessly added a small magic array to cover its primordial spirit, placed it on the table, closed his eyes and continued cultivating.

——

The following day at noon.

The central square of Yin-Yang City was bustling with people. At the very center was a magic array nearly a hundred feet high. Upon closer inspection, it contained eight large magic arrays, nested within hundreds and thousands of smaller ones. They were constantly rotating, faintly revealing the divine power of ancient times.

Jiang Gu stood in the crowd, with Jiang Xiangyun and Yao Li beside him. Around them were dozens of cultivators, mostly from Pingze, who were all implicitly led by Jiang Xiangyun.

Beyond them were the human cultivators of the Moon Gazing Continent. Most of them looked very young, some even as young as eleven or twelve, but their cultivation was already no less than that of a True Immortal.

"Heh." Someone sneered as they looked at Jiang Gu and his group.

"A bunch of bumpkins."

"What exactly is going on with Yanyutai? So many people from Pingze have come this year, and there weren't enough divine artifacts to go around."

A disdainful voice reached Jiang Gu's ears. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw two young men dressed in dark green outfits. Their gazes swept over Jiang Gu, and one of them paused for a moment, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Don't tell me you've come to the wrong place. This guy should clearly be in the Life and Death Tower as a furnace cauldron."

"Hiss." Several more people nearby gasped.

"It's such a waste to use them as furnaces; they should be taken in as servants." Another cultivator, wearing a golden roc crown, was full of amazement. "He plays with them every day."

"Putting everything else aside, these cultivators in Pingze are all quite good-looking." A female cultivator wearing a short skirt laughed out loud. She had fiery red scales on her forehead, clearly a demon cultivator. "It must be quite a unique experience to use her for cultivation."

"What a pity, the Trial Realm can only advance to the Nascent Soul stage, and there's also the Jade Armor protecting you."

“It’s alright, once you pass the first level, you can snatch the jade armor. At that time…” The Golden Roc Jade Crown’s gaze never left Jiang Gu’s face.

Their malice was not restrained at all. Even Jiang Xiangyun was "reserved" in advance. Yao Li almost rushed up to fight them, but was stopped by Jiang Xiangyun.

"Seventh Brother, I should have used the disguise technique," he said.

Jiang Gu said calmly, "With their cultivation level, they can easily see through it. It's a useless effort."

Jiang Xiangyun clicked his tongue, feeling somewhat nauseous from those blatant stares.

Just then, a female cultivator dressed in a pinkish-purple gauze dress appeared in front of the great magic array. She was extremely beautiful, with bright eyes and a radiant smile. Beside her were Dharma images that looked exactly like her, and behind them were Dharma images with halos that were half a person tall. Her gentle voice quickly spread throughout the entire square.

"I am Wen Ziheng, the master of Yin Yang Tower."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in a noisy cheer.

“Wen Ziheng is six hundred years old this year and has already reached the Great Perfection of Taiyi cultivation. Today, she actually personally conducted the trial realm opening ceremony.” Jiang Xiangyun whispered in Jiang Gu’s ear, “It is said that she rarely shows her face.”

Jiang Gu narrowed his eyes and looked at the woman in front of the large magic array.

She merely smiled at the noisy cheers and continued, "Beside me is the activation array for the Trial Realm. The Trial Realm has ten levels in total. As long as you can pass the first five levels, you will pass the trial and be able to enter the Eight Pavilions. Of course, you can also challenge the last five levels at will. The more levels you pass, the higher your ranking will be."

With a wave of her long sleeves, a huge water mirror appeared in the square, with the following words written on it: Tempering the Spirit, Refining the Heart, Forgetting the Elixir, Summoning the Spirit, and Forging the Bones.

“Each trial lasts three months. Those who fail to pass within three months will be eliminated. Those who successfully pass the trial will rest for ten days before participating in the assessment competition. The assessment will be ranked, and the bottom thirty will be eliminated. All eliminated individuals will enter the Tower of Life and Death.” Wen Ziheng’s gaze swept over everyone present. “Only the primordial spirit is allowed to enter the trial realm. Your physical bodies will be kept in custody by the Yin-Yang Tower. Before entering the trial realm, each person will be issued a protective jade armor. The jade armor can protect the primordial spirit from external influences and will not be forcibly contaminated or devoured. The first level of the tempering jade armor cannot be stolen. Those who violate the rules will be eliminated directly.”

"Good luck, everyone."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Dharma Image around her suddenly increased in size by hundreds of times. A light veil, like a dream, enveloped everyone's heads. The primordial spirits of these cultivators automatically separated from their physical bodies. Their bodies were gathered into the huge Dharma Image halo, while their primordial spirits were covered with a layer of soft, thin armor, merging into the primordial spirits and transforming into tangible entities.

The moment Jiang Gu's primordial spirit left his body, he activated the black jade bracelet. The black jade bracelet automatically concealed his brilliant golden primordial spirit, transforming into a thin layer of spiritual energy that separated the jade armor from his primordial spirit.

With a gentle wave of his hand, Wen Ziheng caused the primordial spirits of all the cultivators to transform into dazzling streams of light and surge into the trial realm.

Meanwhile, in the main city, thousands of miles away from Yin-Yang City, in the magnificent ancient temple, thousands of water mirrors were neatly arranged in the center of the hall. Inside were the cultivators who had entered the trial realm, and the movements of their primordial spirits were displayed at all times.

Around the water mirrors, there were eight Dharma images of varying sizes, floating in the air, their gazes all fixed on the water mirrors. These were the Eight Pavilion Masters.

“Among the cultivators who entered this batch, there are those at the Jade Rank,” Jin Ge said.

"How is the view of the mountain?" asked the waterside pavilion.

The largest of the eight Dharma forms chuckled, “It’s not confirmed yet. As you all know, jade steps are not easy to find, especially those from the lower realms that have come to undergo tribulation. They haven’t appeared for tens of thousands of years. I’m more inclined to believe that he might be a pseudo-immortal jade step that failed to undergo tribulation.”

“The divination skills of the platform master are infallible,” Feng Ge said. “Ten thousand years have passed; a new tribulation-crossing jade staircase should appear in the world soon.”

“But we might not be looking for the right one. Didn’t Wei Mingzhou make the wrong choice before?” Shui Ge shook his head. “Let’s investigate more carefully and avoid wasting our time.”

Chu Guanshan laughed and said, "Please calm down, everyone. Have you forgotten that we still have a trump card?"

"Heh, your little spirit pet." Jin Ge sneered.

"No, I can only restrain his physical body. His primordial spirit is an indestructible tribulation jade connected to the Jade Rank. As long as the person undergoing tribulation enters the trial realm, he will definitely react," Chu Guanshan said.

"There are seven people suspected of being Jade Steps this time," Tu Ge, who had been silent until now, said. "Should we test them one by one?"

"No need," Chu Guanshan said with a smile. "I have already dismembered the primordial spirit of the Jade Tribulation and suppressed it in the tenth level of the Trial Realm. It has been almost five years now, and it is time for it to play its role."

"I hope he won't become the next Song Sui," Jin Ge scoffed.

The eight Dharma images all fell silent.

The Void, a realm of trials.

Wen Ziheng's voice carried far into the water mirror:

"Those who are at the first level of the Spirit Tempering Realm and whose primordial spirit cultivation is lower than that of a True Immortal will be eliminated."

"Anyone who falls within the territory will be eliminated."

"Anyone whose primordial spirit is damaged will be eliminated."

"Anyone who fails to find the technique to temper their spirit will be eliminated."

A waterfall cascaded down the cliff, and fine snowflakes drifted in the sky. Jiang Gu gripped his sword tightly, and a small, dark primordial spirit emerged from his sleeve, catching a falling snowflake and stretching out its arm for Jiang Gu to see.

Jiang Gu lowered his eyes, chuckled softly, and reached out to press it back down.