A Follower and a Challenger, Like Carp Crossing the River in an Endless Stream

This space is not nothingness, but is composed of ancient rocks and flowing clouds. Ahead, three distinct trial grounds are arranged in sequence, each exuding a powerful Dao Rhyme.

Elder Liang's voice echoed in the void, clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"The entrance test for the Wandao Academy consists of three parts."

"The first path: the Heart Demon Road."

He pointed to the left.

There was a straight, long road paved with Black Stone. On both sides of the road, countless illusory Shadow Figure whispered and roared. It looked ordinary, but in fact, countless formations were buried beneath the road.

"Upon entering this path, the trial participant will be immersed in an incredibly realistic illusion. If successful, they will emerge on the other side; if unsuccessful, they will return the way they came and lose their qualification to enter the Academy."

"This trial is for attaining enlightenment in the future, and for upholding one's original heart."

"The second one, the True Self Mirror."

Elder Liang pointed to the center.

A Bronze Mirror, as tall as a person, stands on the plain, its surface ancient and gleaming with the patina of time. In front of the mirror stand three Stone Tablet engraved with runes.

"This test examines the practitioner's true nature and pursuit of the Dao Path. Stand before the ancient mirror and answer the three questions it poses."

"Do not lie, face your true self, let another version of yourself uncover your scars, and temper your Dao Path."

"The third path, the Heaven Ascending Ladder."

He pointed to his right.

A massive staircase made of White Jade pierces the sky, stretching as far as the eye can see, as if connecting to the real heavens.

"There are a total of Hundredth Tier. With each step you ascend, the pressure increases exponentially, a pure test of your endurance and the steadfastness of your Dao heart. Only after reaching the Hundredth Tier will you be qualified to leave your name on the Wandao Heavenly Stele."

"It's starting already?"

As soon as Elder Liang finished speaking, Chu Wujiu looked around but didn't see the familiar figure. He frowned and asked, "Where's Qin Wangchuan?"

Zhao Lingyun had already looked around but didn't see anyone. He replied calmly, "I don't know, they probably went in a while ago."

"He went in a while ago?" Chu Wujiu was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Good, at least he won't be in the way."

He strode forward, pointing straight at the Black Stone -paved Heart Demon Road, declaring, "I'll be the first one here!"

After saying that, Chu Wujiu stepped onto the Heart Demon Road.

In an instant, his aura suddenly froze, as if he had been pulled into another dimension by an invisible force.

Those around him only saw his body sway slightly, then he froze in place like a statue, his eyes closed, his face sometimes contorted in rage, sometimes filled with ecstasy, clearly having fallen into the depths of an illusion.

However, this Heart Demon Road did not trap him for long.

With just a breath's pause, Chu Wujiu suddenly opened his eyes, a flash of golden light disappearing from them, and all the illusions and whispers instantly collapsed.

He strode forward as if walking on an ordinary stone path, his face calm and his eyes clear, and walked straight to the end of the Heart Demon Road.

The elders of the Academy standing nearby nodded in approval.

"This young man is quite good; he has a resolute character and a steadfast commitment to the Dao heart."

Passersby exclaimed in amazement, "He escaped his inner demons in an instant? No wonder he's Prodigy of the Imperial Clan!"

Xiang Haoran crossed his arms and sneered, "It's just a mental demon. Anyone who has knocked on the Heavenly Gate can pass through easily. What's there to brag about?"

Chu Wujiu ignored the gossip behind him and walked straight toward the second test—an ancient Bronze Mirror.

He placed his palm on it, and ripples appeared on the mirror.

"Come on, I'm ready to face the problem." Chu Wujiu spoke in a deep voice, calm yet containing an unwavering conviction.

Then, a mouth appeared in the mirror, its voice ancient and majestic, striking straight to the soul.

Jing asked, "Chu Wujiu, you see him as your goal, but deep down, do you really believe you can catch up with him?"

This was a problem that Chu Wujiu hadn't considered; it was a shadow he had been deliberately avoiding, a forbidden zone deep within his heart that he didn't want to recall.

Now that he was starkly reflected in this mirror, he opened his mouth, but ultimately fell silent.

The rule is to lie, but more importantly—he doesn't want to deceive himself.

A moment later, Chu Wujiu raised his head, a determined light burning in his eyes, and replied in a deep voice, "I can't catch up, but... I must try."

The mirror trembled slightly, and one of the Three Talisman Stones beside it went out, seemingly satisfied with this honest answer.

The mirror posed a second question:

"If you exhaust all your strength, burn out all your talents and fortuitous opportunity, and still cannot reach his level—can you still continue on your path?"

This question is even more brutal, pointing directly to the very foundation of his Dao Path.

Chu Wujiu's fighting spirit remained undiminished, and his voice was firm. "Then let us keep chasing. This is my path."

The mirror then posed a third question:

"Do you cultivate to surpass someone, or to become... the true 'Chu Wujiu'?"

This question left Chu Wujiu speechless.

He raised his head, looked at the image in the mirror that reflected his soul, and fell into deep thought.

Surpassing Qin Wangchuan was his initial motivation; but undeniably, the end of the Dao Path should not be someone else's back.

After pondering for a long time, Chu Wujiu finally answered, "Both are true. If it weren't for Qin Wangchuan back then, I wouldn't be who I am today."

"As I look up at him, I will also forge my own path with my feet; the two are not contradictory."

As soon as the words were spoken, the Bronze Mirror shone brightly before slowly fading away.

Chu Wujiu easily passed the second test.

The third path: The Heaven Ascending Ladder

If the first two trials were tests of one's inner demons and true nature, then the third trial is purely a test of endurance, to see how much suffering one can endure on the path of cultivation.

The Heavenly Ladder is made of White Jade, with a total of Hundredth Tier, reaching straight into the clouds.

Only a dozen or so people in history have passed this test, and each name represents an unparalleled will.

Chu Wujiu turned to look at the ancient Stone Tablet beside him.

The monument is inscribed with lines of names, each one a once-glorious Prodigy whose presence shines through the Myriad Ages. The inscription itself exudes an invisible, oppressive aura.

Qin Wudao, Qin Kuangge, Yan Yun, Qin Qingzheng, Chu Qingyan, Qin Hongchen, Xiao Jin, Ji Wuchen, Yun Wuyi, Zhou Su, Li Zhuo, Ji Tianming, Ye Zhiqiu, Ye Zhiqiu Su Jiuyi Gu Changsheng, Ji Yeling, Ji Yeling Chu Qingtian.

There were seventeen people in total.

These are all Peak Prodigy born in the previous Great Era, each one a dragon among men.

Without a doubt, the Qin Clan had the most members inscribed on the stele, while the Chu Clan...

"Only two."

Chu Wujiu speaking, he took a deep breath, and his eyes instantly became sharp and resolute.

Without the slightest hesitation, he solemnly declared:

"I'll be the third one!"

Before he finished speaking, he strode confidently onto the First Tier, which symbolized the challenge.

At this moment, he was no longer a follower in Qin Wangchuan's shadow, but a challenger who shouldered the glory of the Chu Clan!