Volume One, Chapter 45: The Initiation Trial Begins

After carefully collecting the scattered cosmic seed dust, the Aurora Shuttle once again pierced through the void, heading toward the next location where fate might unfold.

“They’ve confirmed it—he is indeed a registered Taoist priest at the Purple Cloud Temple, a disciple of Elder Chaoyang, practicing the Quanzhen Southern Sect’s alchemical methods. And this year, he’s not even eighteen yet.” At the mention of age, Liao Zhong’s eyes gleamed with sharp insight.

It was only at this moment that Xie Bi’an vaguely grasped the meaning behind Fan Bin’s earlier words. The poisoning of this body had occurred before she travelled here; Hu Liansheng’s methods were unscrupulous, leaving no trace to pursue.

With his left foot lifted, he executed a sidestep stance, deftly using the blade to parry the tip of Zuo Zhu’s sword with precision.

“Tell me about your human kingdoms. I’ve long wished to travel, but my grandfather forbids it, saying we belong to the sea… A fish out of water will surely perish.”

The Black-Clad Divine King’s method proved effective. Although Amon had connected the primal energy of the Douluo Star Realm to the barrier through a ‘faulty’ link, it served to replenish the barrier’s depletion.

As the stronghold of the Blood-Robed Marquis Bai Yifei, Snowclad Fortress was connected to the outside world by only a single suspension bridge, a strategic choke point easily defended by one against ten thousand.

At six in the evening, a video titled “You Beyond Light Years | Su Zhi x Xia Linxing Edition!” was posted in the film editing section of Station M.

Yun Zheng, unable to withstand the pressure, pleaded repeatedly but dared not raise her voice, holding back her cries.

“They were only given a sedative. It can be cured—I have the antidote here. I’ll give it to you, just don’t kill me.” Qian Yi’s hand trembled as he reached into his pocket and produced a bottle of elixir.

But before that, there was a need to accumulate strength, to find comrades discontented with this world, and still more… to kill.

Of course, no matter how excellent the Taoist arts, flaws remain. The greatest weakness of “Divine Tear Fire” is its immense demand for energy each time it is cast—equivalent to consuming one-third of an elite cultivator’s internal power. Thus, though potent, its usage is limited.

If there are ten people in a sub-temple, what about a few more? And the sub-halls? Could there be hundreds involved? Perhaps the incident at the “Spiritual Plant Immortal Mansion,” involving several hundred people, is connected to them.

This strike contained the most powerful blow Zhu Xiao could muster at present. The impact collided instantly with a palm strike from Gu Yuan, causing a rapid explosion around them.

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Fortunately, Han Zhenglong had consistently ignored the provocative words Lin Wanbai had spoken to Long Wei, indicating that Long Wei was a magnanimous person.

“Tribulation stage!” Upon hearing Jijie’s warning, Song Paiyu’s heart raced wildly. Despite his frantic consumption of elixirs earlier, he had only barely touched the edge of the tribulation stage. His mental cultivation was even more inadequate. He hadn’t expected to encounter a tribulation-stage expert today.

The sky, once blanketed with dark clouds, suddenly burst forth with a magnificent light. The Holy Angels, upon seeing the radiance, each became immersed as if bathed in sweet dew.

Regarding the truth of the matter, it was now impossible to discern. Even Master Zhu would likely prefer others not pry. In any case, this was a major reason for Master Zhu’s fame.

Lin Yan smiled wryly at the shifting expression on her face. He knew she was lost in wild thoughts again. Sometimes she was brilliant beyond compare; other times, she faltered momentarily.

Though the realm was peaceful now, common folk barely managed to sustain themselves, let alone spare food for others. Besides, the outskirts were filled with tenant farmers.

In the sixth year, just last year, a massive industry layoff occurred. Unfortunate to be cut, he sent out hundreds of resumes on job platforms, lowering salary expectations again and again, but heard nothing in return. Months of unemployment at home yielded no results.

But looking at the sky, Man Xue worried that the heat might cause her wounds to fester. She was always overly anxious.

From the elderly beggar grandfather to the three elder chiefs of the Beggars’ Sect, and even to the venerable Taoist of the Wudang Sect.

Chaoye, observing the clerk’s attitude, felt a rising temper but held back. “Yin Lin, be good. Gege will find a way to help you!” she said, then rushed out of the shop.

Gu Ping’an and Li Zhengyu searched along opposite walls. Aside from walls adorned with porcelain masterpieces and wood carvings, they found nothing connected to the Vermilion Bird. They scoured from one end to the other but discovered no suspicious items.

This time, clearing the White Mountain Martial Arts Hall instance was not without gain—five hundred taels of silver were earned.

Wang Ke and Hai Ling had nothing to hide from the chief. They quickly recounted the entire encounter with Riggs from start to finish.

The night wind was cold and fierce. She pulled out a scarf from her bag, wrapped it twice around her neck, and hid half her face within it.

At the entrance to the Star Academy Villas, a handsome young man in a gray Taoist robe took out a crumpled envelope from his bag.

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The bar here was also open, offering every kind of human-world liquor, along with some unique to the Black Iron Continent—usually stronger and not tolerable for the average person.

Every word from Luo Ningyu was filled with deep affection for Liu Xunyi, leaving her heartbroken and overwhelmed with indescribable shame.

“You’re no match for him,” Ning Ze said calmly to the guard after regaining composure.

From afar, countless birds and animals flew over the mountains in panic, terrified and disoriented.

“Enough pretending. I know the last to appear must be your true formation spirit. Reveal yourself! Let me see what the formation that imprisoned me here for nine hundred years actually looks like.” Yu Mengmeng laughed heartily as she slowly approached the barrier and spoke to the figure inside.

Honestly, the feeling of striking empty air was unpleasant—like exerting force against nothing. That helplessness was maddening, almost making one want to vomit blood.

Sean roared furiously inside the conference room, silencing everyone below, who dared not speak for fear of incurring his wrath.

This was the first poem Teng Sanshi taught Xiao Zhirou when she was learning to speak. Especially this line, which beautifully captured the bond between father and son. It was deeply cherished by Teng Sanshi and left a lasting impression on Xiao Zhirou.

Therefore, when Luo Tianjin and Shen Dongshan met secretly, calling him the “instructor” who trained martial officers was quite fitting.

“Wuwuwu…” The immense form of the soul treasure trembled, roaring like a body opening the abyss.

Although the premier and the Minister of Education had returned backstage to rest, they viewed the footage transmitted from the conference stage on the wall screens. The premier was very pleased with Zhang Dong and the students’ performance.