Chapter 033: Third Stage of Transcending the Mortal Realm (Third Update – Seeking Votes)

The first trial was the gathering at the Immortal Viewing Terrace, a test of what the sect called “immortal fate.” Xu Xuan understood that those with true insight could easily reach the terrace, and even those lacking in such comprehension, if they possessed the essential aptitude for cultivation, could also arrive. Having fused memories and epiphanies from his previous life up to the age of sixteen, Xu Xuan’s perception was naturally extraordinary. He was the second to reach the Immortal Viewing Terrace, and in his earlier conversation with the young girl Yu Qin, he learned she had only arrived moments before him.

Perhaps she was a rare genius, gifted in both perception and aptitude, or perhaps she was simply luckier than he. Reaching the Immortal Viewing Terrace did not guarantee admission to the sect; further tests lay ahead.

Xu Xuan had his suspicions about what would come next, as all eyes turned toward Senior Brother Yun, their gazes filled with reverence.

“The second trial examines what immortals value most: spiritual root aptitude. This test is crucial. Those with exceptional talent may become disciples immediately,” Senior Brother Yun announced as his figure floated once more into the air. The green gourd at his waist expanded with a gust of wind, lifting him aloft like a celestial being.

Spiritual root aptitude!

Under Senior Brother Yun’s cold gaze, many youths felt uneasy and nervous. Whether or not one possessed spiritual roots was a mystery even to themselves—it had little to do with their current cultivation level or strength.

“As expected, it’s a test of spiritual roots,” Xu Xuan thought, unfazed. Spiritual root aptitude referred to the ability to sense and harmonize with the world’s spiritual energy. The stronger this ability, the faster one could cultivate—a matter of utmost importance to any aspiring immortal.

“Follow me,” Senior Brother Yun commanded. The green gourd beneath him floated forward at a gentle pace.

Among all the disciples, only Senior Brother Yun could float; the others, though earthbound, moved with a grace that seemed to ride the breeze. The young candidates could not help but look on in admiration.

Xu Xuan observed quietly and noted that Senior Brother Yun’s low-altitude floating required at least fourth-level Qi Cultivation and the assistance of a flying artifact—both essential. Though this was not true flight, it was enough to inspire envy among ordinary cultivators and mortals alike.

The group of youths followed the winding mountain path for several more miles, trailing behind Senior Brother Yun. Though his speed was not fast, he could ignore the rugged terrain, causing some of the candidates to struggle to keep up.

Along the way, the mountain scenery was enchanting. Every building was a spirit pavilion or ancient hall, constructed from special materials used in the cultivation world, infused with spiritual energy and shimmering with a faint, strange glow under the sunlight.

After several miles, Senior Brother Yun slowly descended beside an ancient bronze cauldron. Within its furnace, a clear, colorless liquid flowed, pure as crystal.

Xu Xuan immediately sensed a distinct aura of spiritual energy, though it was remarkably still.

“Young ones, step forward one by one and queue up to test your spiritual roots.”

Without needing further instruction, disciples such as Wan Fushan quickly began organizing the candidates.

Soon, a nervous youth approached the cauldron and, at the disciples’ urging, placed his hand above it. The crowd held its breath.

But the spiritual liquid within the cauldron remained utterly still, like dead water.

“Hmph! What a disappointment—a useless spiritual root!” Wan Fushan sneered. Immediately, other disciples escorted the boy away.

“Please, let me join the immortal sect...” the youth pleaded desperately.

With a thud, he was knocked unconscious and sent down the mountain.

Witnessing this, the other youths grew even more anxious, whether poor or well-born—all now felt a sense of helplessness.

Next, another youth stepped up for the test.

Buzz!

The liquid in the cauldron rippled ever so slightly, and the boy’s face lit up with hope.

“Barely a common spiritual root, but only third-level Body Refinement, and twenty-eighth to reach the terrace in the first trial—not enough insight either...”

His fate was sealed with a cold, merciless verdict.

What!

The youth trembled, his spirit shattered, and he was sent down the mountain in despair.

These outcomes chilled the hearts of the remaining mortal youths in the crowd.

Talent, the quality of spiritual roots—who could force such things?

At that moment, Xu Xuan saw Xu Xiaohu step forward hesitantly.

“Useless spiritual root—down the mountain!” came the icy, unfeeling judgment. Xu Xiaohu’s face turned ashen; unwilling, he turned to leave. Before he went, he glanced at Xu Xuan and at their companions from the village—Yang Xiaoqian, Xu Yuan, Zou Hongwu, and the others.

“To enter the immortal sect, the requirements are so harsh. If I can’t make it, neither may you,” he muttered bitterly, casting a cold look before leaving.

After him, Young Master Xu Yuan stepped forward and touched the cauldron.

Buzz!

The spiritual liquid rippled faintly. Xu Yuan looked pleased but remained uneasy.

“Common spiritual root, fourth-level Body Refinement, tenth to reach the Immortal Viewing Terrace—you pass to the next round,” the disciple announced, his tone slightly softer, though his expression still showed disdain.

“Thank you, honored immortal!” Xu Yuan exclaimed, overwhelmed. His spiritual root was ordinary, just barely enough to advance.

Several more candidates followed, but only a handful managed to scrape by.

Then, the radiant figure of Yang Xiaoqian entered everyone’s view.

She looked nervous, her fair, slender hand reaching out to the cauldron.

Buzz!

The liquid rippled with blue light, stronger than Xu Yuan’s result.

“A low-grade spiritual root! Just barely, but it qualifies!” the testing disciple said, pleasantly surprised.

“Low-grade spiritual root?” Even Senior Brother Yun looked at Yang Xiaoqian with interest, though not astonishment.

“Moreover, not yet sixteen and already fifth-level Body Refinement. With this spiritual root, quite impressive,” the disciple noted, his eyes flashing with green light as he probed her cultivation and age.

Fifth-level Body Refinement!

The other youths, including Xu Xuan, were astonished—she was the strongest among them.

“Congratulations, you may enter the immortal sect directly. A low-grade spiritual root isn’t exceptional, but it meets our standards. Work hard in the future,” Senior Brother Yun said with a smile.

“Thank you, Senior Brother.” Yang Xiaoqian bowed gracefully, joy shining in her bright eyes. As she joined the disciples, she threw Xu Xuan a meaningful glance.

Yet Xu Xuan remained uneasy; according to the remnant soul from his past life, this body’s spiritual root was average, even mediocre.

Whether he could enter the immortal sect was uncertain.

Next, Zou Hongwu and others from the Zou family failed the test and left, their faces gloomy.

“It’s your turn,” Xu Xuan said gently to the timid girl beside him.

All eyes watched as Yu Qin, her bright eyes flickering with shyness, lowered her head and approached the cauldron. Her small hand trembled as she touched the ancient vessel.

The moment her hand made contact, everything changed.

Woom!

The entire cauldron trembled, sending out violent ripples like boiling water. A beam of azure light shot skyward, stirring the surrounding clouds.

At once, the wind howled through the mountains, and the spiritual energy seemed to pulse.

“Heavens! It’s a rare high-grade spiritual root!”

A chorus of astonished cries rose from the disciples, all eyes turning with envy and awe to the timid young girl.

Even the usually composed Senior Brother Yun was moved.

High-grade spiritual root!

Xu Xuan was stunned. With his memories, he knew well the rarity of such a gift. Spiritual roots above the useless and common grades were ranked: low, medium, high, and supreme.

Useless roots could barely sense spiritual energy and were unfit for immortality; even mastering sword or martial arts was arduous. Common roots left one mired in mediocrity, with only a faint hope of cultivation.

But to possess even a low-grade root was a rare gift—perhaps one in a thousand, like the fortunate Yang Xiaoqian.

Beyond that, medium and high-grade roots were rarer still, providing much greater affinity with spiritual energy and significantly faster cultivation, especially in the early stages.

Thus, Yu Qin—with her high-grade root—was a child truly favored by the heavens. Such talent was exceedingly rare, even in the immortal sect.

“Hahaha! To encounter such a rare high-grade spiritual root!”

From the distant mountains, an elderly voice rang out. A flash of white light soared toward them, the voice’s power nearly making everyone’s blood churn.

Xu Xuan saw a silver-haired elder descending from the sky, seated atop a white spirit crane, beaming with delight.

Swoosh!

The old man landed gently, surrounded by a ripple of clear energy. To ride a spirit crane and command the Wind Riding Technique—he was at least a Master of Spirit Refinement!

Xu Xuan was deeply awed.

All knew that above the Body Refinement realm of mortals was the Qi Cultivation realm, granting wondrous powers. Beyond the ninth level of Qi Cultivation lay the mysterious Spirit Refinement stage, whose adepts were honored as immortal masters.

Body Refiner—Qi Cultivator—Spirit Refinement Master.

These three stages were known as the “Three Steps Beyond Mortality”: Body Refinement trained the flesh, Qi Cultivation attuned one to heaven and earth, and Spirit Refinement elevated both spirit and mastery, wielding profound magic and delving into the depths of the mind.

Thus does the path of cultivation proceed, from the outer to the inner, step by careful step...

“Greetings, Uncle Master Lu!” Senior Brother Yun and the other disciples bowed deeply, reverent and silent.

“No need for formality,” Uncle Master Lu said, his face aglow with joy as he approached the timid young girl. “Would you like to become my disciple? I can lead you onto the path of immortality and teach you boundless arts.”

“I... I would!” Yu Qin replied, blushing scarlet, her eyes brimming with happiness as she knelt to perform the formal rites.

“Come with me,” the silver-haired master said, motioning the spirit crane to land so Yu Qin could mount.

As she departed with the immortal master, all the youths and disciples looked on enviously.

Xu Xuan sighed inwardly. Talent truly was enviable—aside from his past self, he had never seen anyone so blessed as Yu Qin.

“Next!” barked the cold voice of a disciple by the cauldron.

Who was next?

Under everyone’s gaze, Xu Xuan steeled himself. It was his turn.

He stepped forward, took a deep breath, and laid his hand upon the ancient cauldron.

Whether he could enter the immortal sect—his fate would be decided here and now.