The first test for entering the Qingyun Sect was to climb that precipitous, cloud-shrouded mountain. The Lin family disciples gathered at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the towering peak that seemed to pierce the clouds. Its majestic grandeur inspired awe. The mountain pierced the sky, appearing to connect with the heavens, giving off an indescribable sense of oppression.
The mountain peaks are not only steep and precipitous, but also shrouded in thick fog, making it almost impossible to see the path ahead, increasing the difficulty and danger of the climb. The mountain walls are jagged with grotesque rocks, sharp stones protruding like fangs; a slight misstep could result in cuts or a loss of balance, plunging the climber into the abyss. A fierce wind howls through the mountains, its violent roar like the howling of evil spirits, seemingly intent on blowing down any who dare challenge it.
Lin Shiyun, as always, adopted an arrogant attitude, looking at Lin Qian with disdain and mocking, "With your poor and pathetic appearance, you still dare to dream of passing the first test? That's just wishful thinking!"
Lin Qian didn't back down at all. Her eyes were cold as she stared at Lin Shiyun and retorted, "Lin Shiyun, who do you think you are? You're just a fool who flaunts your family background! In this first round, I will definitely leave you far behind and let you know what it means to humiliate yourself!"
Lin Shiyun was taken aback by Lin Qian's sudden tough attitude, her face instantly turning ugly. She gritted her teeth and said, "You bitch, how dare you talk to me like that! You'll see!"
Facing this extremely dangerous first hurdle, Lin Qian showed no fear. She took a deep breath, adjusted her mindset, and prepared to meet the challenge.
"003, scan the mountain for me and see if there are any relatively safe routes," Lin Qian said silently in her mind.
“Okay, host.” 003 immediately began scanning the mountain. “Host, there are several loose sections on the left side of the mountain that could easily cause rockfalls; although the right side of the mountain is steep, there are some places to hold onto, so it is relatively safe.”
Following 003's advice, Lin Qian chose the right-hand cliff face as her climbing route. She carefully searched for footholds, using both hands and feet to painstakingly ascend. The wind howled in her ears, trying to pull her off the cliff face, but she clung tightly to the protrusions, daring not to loosen her grip for a moment.
During her climb, Lin Qian encountered some hidden traps. One seemingly solid rock suddenly shifted when she stepped on it, nearly causing her to lose her balance. Fortunately, 003 warned her in time: "Host, be careful! That rock is a trap!" Lin Qian quickly adjusted her posture and avoided the danger.
There was still a stretch of road ahead, the mountainside covered with thorns, their spikes incredibly sharp. Lin Qian carefully avoided these thorns, searching for a safe way to pass.
After a period of arduous effort, Lin Qian finally overcame numerous difficulties and successfully passed the first hurdle. Standing on the mountaintop, looking down at the crowd still struggling to climb below, she felt a great sense of accomplishment.
"003, thanks to you, this time everything went so smoothly," Lin Qian said gratefully in her heart.
“Host, this is all thanks to your own efforts. I only provided some information,” 003 said.
At this moment, Lin Shiyun, who was at the foot of the mountain, saw that Lin Qian had successfully reached the top. She felt both jealous and angry, but she could only climb harder and try to catch up with Lin Qian.
Next came the second challenge—the Inquiry of the Heart. The group arrived at a mysterious valley, shrouded in a thin mist, as light as gauze yet carrying a heavy, oppressive feeling. The valley was silent, save for the faint sounds of their breathing and footsteps, which only amplified the mystery and eeriness of the place.
Upon entering the valley, the group discovered it was filled with strange runes and lights. The runes resembled ancient script, imbued with profound power; the lights intertwined like threads, forming a complex network that seemed to conceal endless mysteries. With a flash of dazzling light, the group was plunged into an illusion.
In the illusion, the Lin family members begin to confront the fears and desires deep within their hearts.
Lin Shiyun found herself in a dazzling fairyland, clad in magnificent celestial robes, surrounded by ethereal energy, her every move radiating power. She felt an unparalleled strength, as if she had become a supreme master in the cultivation world, revered by thousands. She saw countless people bowing and worshipping her, and she reveled in this feeling of being the center of attention, her heart filled with pride and satisfaction.
Lin Qian found herself trapped in a dark space, filled with an atmosphere of fear and despair. She saw the bullying and suffering she had endured; those painful memories surged back like a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm her. Just as she was about to be consumed by these negative emotions, 003's voice rang in her mind: "Host, wake up! This is an illusion, don't be fooled!"
Lin Qian's heart skipped a beat when she heard 003's voice. She tried to regulate her breathing and calm herself down. She told herself that none of this was real, just her inner fear at play. With 003's constant reminders, Lin Qian gradually regained her senses and began to try to break free from the illusion.
At this moment, on the viewing platform above the valley, several elders were watching their disciples who were trapped in the illusion.
"These children have such rich and colorful inner worlds," an elder remarked.
“Yes, this realm of self-examination is the best test of a person’s mindset and willpower,” another elder nodded in agreement.
“Look at Lin Shiyun, she’s caught up in the pursuit of power and glory and can’t extricate herself.”
"Such excessive desires and obsessions may become obstacles on her path to immortality."
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