A Good Day to Travel, A Bad Day to Cheat

The second day of the second lunar month, a day suitable for travel.

A steady rain poured down, splashing against the earth and kicking up the scent of soil, rippling across the surface of the lake, and landing on the heads of passersby, drawing low curses from them.

"Who said today was suitable for travel? It started raining the moment I stepped out," Lu Yang complained, regretting that he hadn't brought a straw raincoat in advance.

This was his first time traveling far from home, and he lacked experience. The rain had come on suddenly, soaking him through. His shoes were caked in mud, and every step felt like the ground was harboring malice toward him—he had to physically yank his feet out of the mire.

A clattering sound came from behind, catching Lu Yang's attention.

Lu Yang turned his head to look and discovered a carriage approaching him. There was no driver; the old horse seemed to know the way, requiring no one to guide it.

"What a miraculous horse," Lu Yang marveled. The old horse had several scales on its forehead, resembling those of a snake; it was clearly some sort of exotic beast.

Though he didn't understand its specific value, he knew this old horse was precious.

At the very least, his own financial means would never be enough to purchase one.

"Walking in the rain, brother, you truly have a refined spirit. Why not come and sit in the carriage?"

A hearty laugh came from inside the carriage. Lu Yang accepted the man's kindness, pulled his foot out of the mud, and hurried onto the carriage.

"Pardon the intrusion, I am Lu Yang." Lu Yang sat down cautiously, afraid that the rainwater and mud on his body would dirty the carriage.

"Meng Jingzhou." The owner of the carriage was just like his voice—a carefree young man, optimistic and cheerful, as if he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

"Is Brother Lu also here to participate in the Ask Dao Sect selection?"

"Just trying my luck."

Meng Jingzhou laughed heartily: "Brother Lu, what harm is there in being honest? If you truly only wanted to try your luck, you wouldn't be walking through the rain to reach the Ask Dao Sect."

Lu Yang felt a bit ashamed: "Who doesn't want to enter the Ask Dao Sect?"

The Ask Dao Sect was one of the five great immortal sects of the Central Continent, possessing countless powerful cultivators and immense strength. With the sect recruiting disciples today, there was no telling how many people wanted to give it a try.

Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou were two among them.

Lu Yang had transmigrated to the Central Continent. His parents had died early, and he had survived on the small inheritance they left behind and the charity of his neighbors.

In the dozen years he lived in the small town, he had heard storytellers speak of immortals striking the Heavenly Gate with swords, heard of river demons turning over five hundred miles away causing floods, heard of immortal sect disciples slaying demons with flying swords to uphold justice, and seen sloppy Daoists swindling people before leaping into the air to escape prison, only to be caught by government officials who also leaped into the air.

Back then, he knew this was not the world he was familiar with, nor any dynasty he knew. This was a world of cultivation where individual might was everything.

He wanted to seek the Dao and learn the immortal arts of longevity.

The Ask Dao Sect was his first choice.

There was no other reason for choosing the Ask Dao Sect; it was simply because there were no other sects around his home, only the Ask Dao Sect.

With the Ask Dao Sect located there, other sects wouldn't be so foolish as to try and establish their own base nearby.

During their conversation, Lu Yang learned that Meng Jingzhou came from a cultivation family and possessed far more knowledge about cultivation than he did.

"The Ask Dao Sect's requirement for recruiting disciples is that they must be mortals under the age of sixteen. It's not just the Ask Dao Sect; most sects have this same requirement."

"The path of cultivation is long and arduous. Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Void Refinement, Body Integration, Tribulation Transcendence—each realm is a watershed that traps countless people. It's one in ten, one in twenty, or even one in a hundred who manages to succeed."

"There are many factors that determine one's achievements in cultivation, such as luck, wisdom, spiritual roots... By the way, Brother Lu, do you know what your spiritual root is?"

"Although the Ask Dao Sect doesn't have high requirements for spiritual roots, they won't accept those that are too poor."

Lu Yang frowned. He had only heard the term "spiritual root" from the storyteller and didn't know what his own was.

"I don't know. What about you, Brother Meng?"

Meng Jingzhou's expression became very confused, and he shook his head as well: "I once tested my spiritual root in my clan, but the elders looked troubled and wouldn't tell me the result. They only said my talent was heaven-defying and that joining one of the five great immortal sects would be no problem, and that I would know when I eventually joined one. When I secretly asked my parents, they were even more worried than the elders and also wouldn't tell me."

Lu Yang speculated: "It's possible your spiritual root is too shocking and could easily bring disaster to the Meng family. Only a behemoth like the Ask Dao Sect could protect you."

"That's what I guessed, too." Meng Jingzhou patted Lu Yang on the shoulder, looking like he had met a kindred spirit. The more he looked at Lu Yang, the more he felt this person was as talented as himself—a natural seed for the Dao.

Listening to the sound of the rain growing heavier outside, Lu Yang felt fortunate that Meng Jingzhou had let him into the carriage.

"Stop." Meng Jingzhou suddenly shouted. The old horse trotted a few steps and slowly came to a halt.

The carriage was a rare treasure, and Meng Jingzhou could see the situation outside.

Meng Jingzhou saw a woman walking in the rain outside, just like Lu Yang had been a moment ago.

"This sister is walking in this direction, so she must also be going to the Ask Dao Sect for the test. The rain is so heavy, why not come into the carriage to rest your feet?"

The woman was a bit surprised by Meng Jingzhou's suggestion, but after a moment of thought, she agreed.

As soon as the woman entered the carriage, Meng Jingzhou and Lu Yang were both stunned.

Meng Jingzhou considered himself a man of the world, but he had never seen such a beautiful woman. As for Lu Yang, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen was the young widow who sold tofu next door.

Of course, Lu Yang was a gentleman and had no improper thoughts about the widow.

The woman was like a lotus, alluring but not gaudy. Dressed in white, she stood tall and graceful, with bright eyes and white teeth, giving one the feeling of being in another world.

The woman also wore a string of golden bells on her right wrist.

"Yun Zhi thanks the two of you."

The woman's voice was like a clear spring, very pleasant to the ear.

Lu Yang noticed something strange and whispered: "Brother Meng, how is it that her clothes are dry? Could she be a demon?"

Storytellers often tell tales of Demons and Monsters transforming into beautiful women to lure in young, strapping lads like them.

Just a moment ago, Lu Yang had been soaked to the bone, looking utterly bedraggled, whereas Yun Zhi was completely dry, not looking at all like someone who had just walked through the rain.

Meng Jingzhou didn't think much of it: "Perhaps she carries a rare treasure that repels rain; that's quite common among noble families."

Meng Jingzhou wasn't worried that Yun Zhi might be some sort of demon, ghost, or monster. This was the territory of the Ask Dao Sect; what kind of monster would have a death wish and dare to come to the Ask Dao Sect to cause trouble?

"Is Miss Yun Zhi here to participate in the Ask Dao Sect's trial?"

"Indeed."

Meng Jingzhou said eagerly: "I happen to have the contents of the Ask Dao Sect's trial right here. I spent a heavy sum to buy it from an elder of the Ask Dao Sect. Would Miss Yun Zhi like to hear it?"

Lu Yang looked at Meng Jingzhou in surprise. Why hadn't he told him about this?

Yun Zhi looked even more surprised than Lu Yang: "But that's cheating. What if the Ask Dao Sect finds out..."

Meng Jingzhou waved his hand, looking confident: "This carriage of mine is a rare treasure. Even those great cultivators or reclusive old monsters wouldn't be able to probe inside with their divine sense."

"I see. Then please, Young Master Meng, do tell me the contents of the trial."

Hearing this, Lu Yang also pricked up his ears to listen.

Meng Jingzhou cleared his throat: "The Ask Dao Sect's trial is divided into three stages. The first stage tests spiritual roots; this is a rigid test with no room for tricks or shortcuts. The room for maneuvering lies in the second and third stages."

"The second stage tests character. A carriage loses control and is about to hit five people lying on the side of the road; hitting them would surely be fatal. There is another person lying not far away. As outsiders, we can control the direction of the runaway carriage. Do we choose to ignore it and let the five people be hit, or change direction and hit the other person instead?"

Lu Yang answered without hesitation: "Hit the other person."

Meng Jingzhou was extremely surprised. Ever since he learned the content of the second stage, he hadn't been able to find a solution. How could Lu Yang make a decision so instantly?

Choosing to ignore it meant watching five people get hit, which was hard to justify logically and even harder to accept emotionally.

Choosing to change direction and hit the other person meant that person was just unlucky and deserved to die, and furthermore, you were the one who did it.

Meng Jingzhou voiced his doubts, and Lu Yang explained: "There isn't enough time for you to think. By the time you think of a result, those five people would have already been hit. I suspect the Ask Dao Sect isn't testing whether you choose to save five people or one, but whether you can make a decision quickly."

"I've heard storytellers say that in a cultivator's duel, a hair's breadth is the difference between life and death. What is the character tested in the second stage? It's to see if you are indecisive or decisive. Making a decision in the shortest amount of time is what matters most."

Meng Jingzhou suddenly realized.

"The third stage tests honesty. The Ask Dao Sect has a mirror that can determine whether you are telling the truth or a lie. If you are caught lying, you are kicked out of the trial immediately."

Lu Yang pondered: "This stage is actually simple. If you weren't warned in advance, it would be easy to lie to cover yourself, but since we know ahead of time, we just need to tell the truth."

Meng Jingzhou nodded; he thought the same.

The two discussed for a while, bringing up many possible accidents and countermeasures, and after totaling them up, they felt their plan was flawless.

Miss Yun Zhi revealed a faint smile, as if she thought they had come up with a good method.

"Many thanks to Young Hero Lu for the information."

"Hmm, has the rain stopped?" Lu Yang noticed that the pitter-patter of rain outside the carriage had ceased, and he couldn't help but curiously peek outside.

The area they had just passed through was still experiencing a torrential downpour, while the place they were in was sunny and fragrant with flowers, as if a peerless sword energy had split the world into two halves—yin and yang—never to intersect.

Lu Yang looked up and saw countless rare beasts and immortal artifacts rushing toward the towering mountain that reached into the sky.

The majestic mountain was plated with a pale gold by the sunlight, and magnificent patterns spread out from behind the mountain, covering the sky and blocking out the heavy rain.

That was the gateway mountain of the Ask Dao Sect, and upon it was the sect-protecting formation, which no one could break.

Out of respect for the Ask Dao Sect, the cultivation geniuses, led by their family elders, landed at the foot of the mountain to wait for the Ask Dao Sect to open the trial.

The old horse was already a rare species of demon beast, but compared to the majestic and extraordinary beasts resting at the foot of the mountain, it still fell a bit short.

"Good heavens, this is way more imposing than our Meng family estate." Meng Jingzhou rubbed his hands, feeling a bit nervous. Thinking that he would soon pass the trial and become a member of the Ask Dao Sect, he felt mostly excitement.

Lu Yang didn't speak. When he was at home, he could see this mountain, but it was too far away then, and he didn't feel much. Standing at the foot of the mountain, he finally realized what a behemoth this was.

He was a bit nervous. He had ways to deal with the second and third stages, but he still didn't know what his spiritual root was. He might not even pass the first stage.

Dozens of cultivators stood in mid-air, guarding the front of the mountain, all radiating powerful auras. Lu Yang suspected that if they fully released their pressure, there wouldn't be many people left standing.

These cultivators remained silent, giving off an inexplicable psychological pressure.

Lu Yang heard a family elder introducing them to the younger generation: "Look at the style of their robes; these are core disciples of the Ask Dao Sect, all apprenticed under various elders. In the future, these people will be your fellow disciples."

"Don't be nervous. They aren't intentionally putting pressure on you. It looks like they are waiting for the person presiding over this trial. Once the presiding officer arrives, the trial should begin."

Lu Yang turned his head, wanting to see Miss Yun Zhi's reaction—was she excited or nervous?

She couldn't possibly still be looking so indifferent, could she?

"Miss Yun Zhi, you..."

Lu Yang had just wanted to say something when he saw Miss Yun Zhi take a light step. Before each step landed, a white lotus would rise to support her delicate body.

The crowd was in an uproar. The family elders broke out in cold sweat and hurriedly told their juniors to keep quiet.

The white lotuses paved a path, crossing over the crowd. Miss Yun Zhi arrived among the core disciples of the Ask Dao Sect. The Ask Dao Sect disciples bowed to her to show their respect. Miss Yun Zhi raised her fair hand slightly, then turned to face the crowd, smiling with pursed lips.

"I've kept you all waiting. I am the senior sister of the Ask Dao Sect, and the presiding officer for this trial."

"I announce that the trial officially begins."

After saying this, Miss Yun Zhi still glanced at the stunned Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou with a half-smile.

She was indeed here to participate in the Ask Dao Sect's trial, but she wasn't an examinee—she was the examiner.