Chapter 1 Good Day for Trips, not for Cheats Translator: 549690339 [The second day of lunar February, a good day for trips.]
The rain was whirring down on the ground, splashing up the aroma of the earth. The lake made no complaints about ripples from the drops, while those pedestrians muttered curses about the rain.
“Hell good for trips huh? Started raining the moment I stepped out.” Lu Yang complained as he left his raincoat back at home.
With no experience, the rain during his first long journey suddenly soaked him. He felt like the ground was maliciously trying to consume him—he had to pull his feet out of the mud.
The echoes of hooves from behind drew Lu Yang’s attention.
A horse-drawn carriage approached him as he turned around. There was no coachman on the carriage, and the old horse seemed to know the way all by itself.
“What a miraculous horse.” Lu Yang praised. The old horse had snake-like scales on its forehead. Evidently, it was a kind of mutated demon beast.
Though he got no clues on its value, he knew the old horse must be precious.
At least he couldn’t afford it now.
“This gentleman seems to enjoy strolling in the rain, would you like to come and sit in the carriage?”
A hearty laugh of a man came from inside the carriage. Lu Yang accepted the man’s kindness, took his feet out of the mud, and quickly got in the carriage.
“Excuse me, I am Lu Yang.” Lu Yang sat cautiously inside, worrying that the rain and dirt on his body would soil the carriage.
“Meng Jingzhou.” The owner of the carriage, as expected from his voice, was a profoundly relaxed young man. Obviously an optimistic mind that could strike up a conversation with anyone.
“Brother Lu, here to join the Seek Dao Sect selection?”
“Just trying my luck.”
Meng Jingzhou laughed heartily, “Brother Lu, honest is always a good virtue, right? If you were actually just trying your luck, you wouldn’t walk towards the Seek Dao Sect in the rain.”
Lu Yang got a little embarrassed, “Reallu hard to find one without interest in Seek Dao Sect…”
The Seek Dao Sect, one of the Five Great Immortal Sects in the Central Continent, had countless cultivation masters and was extremely powerful. Today, the Sect was recruiting disciples that drew countless eyes.
Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou were no exception.
Lu Yang had been living in the Central Continent after being orphaned at a young age. He survived on his parents’ small heritage and donations from neighbors.
During his years living in the town, he heard from a storyteller about many tales. Immortal flying to the gate of heaven with his sword, the river demon causing a flood that affected five hundred miles, the disciple of the Immortal Sect slaying demons with his flying sword. A shabby Daoist swindler levitating in public, breaking out of jail, only to be captured again by levitating masters of justice.
That’s when he knew, this was not the world he was familiar with, not any era he knew. It was a world of cultivation where personal power could reach amazing heights.
He wished to seek immortality and learn the longevity method of immortals.
The Seek Dao Sect was his first stop to fulfill this desire.
The reason he chose the Seek Dao Sect was simple: there were no other sects close to his house, only the Seek Dao Sect.
With the Seek Dao Sect established here, other sects wouldn’t be foolish enough to try and establish their sect nearby.
During their conversation, Lu Yang learnt that Meng Jingzhou came from an influential family of cultivators, his knowledge of cultivation far exceeded that of Lu Yang.
“The requirement for the Seek Dao Sect’s acceptance of disciples is for them to be under the age of sixteen. That’s the case not just for the Seek Dao Sect, but a common requirement for most sects.”
“The path of cultivation is long and difficult, with stages of Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Refining the Void, Unification, and Pass Tribulation, all representing a breakthrough in cultivation. Countless people are stuck at each of these stages.”
“There are many factors determining success in cultivation, such as luck, wisdom, spirit root… By the way, Brother Lu, do you know what your spirit root is?”
“Although the Seek Dao Sect doesn’t set high requirements for spirit root, it wouldn’t accept one that is too weak.”
Lu Yang frowned, he heard of the term spirit root from the storyteller and did not know what his spirit root was.
“I don’t know, what about you, Brother Meng?”
Meng Jingzhou’s face turned puzzled, shaking his head in return, “I have tested my spirit root in the family, but the elders did not tell me the result with a worried look on their faces. They just said that my talent was extraordinary and that it wouldn’t be a problem for me to join one of the Five Great Immortal Sects and find out when I do so. I tried asking my parents secretly, but they were even more worried and didn’t tell me either.”
Lu Yang speculated, “Maybe your spirit root is so extraordinary that it could bring trouble to the Meng Family. Only a giant sect like the Seek Dao Sect could protect you.”
“That’s what I guessed too.” Meng Jingzhou patted Lu Yang on the shoulder. Now he deemed Lu Yang as talented as himself—what a pair of gifted cultivator.
Lu Yang listened to the increasing sound of the rain outside and was glad that Meng Jingzhou had invited him into the carriage.
“Halt!” Meng Jingzhou suddenly shouted. The old horse slowed down and came to a halt.
The carriage was a rare treasure, and Meng Jingzhou could see the world outside from inside the carriage.
Meng Jingzhou noticed a young woman walking in the rain, looking like Lu Yang had before.
“Lady, since you’re walking in this direction, you must be heading to the Seek Dao Sect to join the examination. The rain is quite heavy, why not rest your feet in the carriage?”
The woman looked a bit surprised at Meng Jingzhou’s offer but decided to accept it after contemplation.
As soon as the woman got on the carriage, Meng Jingzhou and Lu Yang were both stunned.
Meng Jingzhou, who considered himself worldly, had never seen a woman as beautiful as her, and there’s no need to mention Lu Yang, the prettiest woman he had ever seen was the young widow who lived next door and sold tofu.
Chapter 1 Good Day for Trips, not for Cheats Translator: 549690339 Of course, Lu Yang was an honorable man and had no indecent thoughts about the young widow.
The woman was like a charming, yet not showy, lotus. Wearing a white robe, she stood tall and delicate, with bright eyes and white teeth, giving off a transcendental vibe.
She also wore a golden bracelet on her right wrist.
“Thank you both,”
The woman’s voice was as soothing as a clear spring.
Lu Yang noticed something odd and whispered, “Brother Meng, she’s not drenched in the heavy rain. Could she be a monster?”
In fables, monsters often transformed into beautiful women to seduce young, strong men like them.
Lu Yang had been drenched earlier, looking disheveled, but Yun Zhi was completely dry. She didn’t appear as if she had just walked in the rain.
Meng Jingzhou didn’t dwell on it, “Perhaps she has some rare treasure that repels rain. It’s not uncommon in prestigious families.”
Meng Jingzhou wasn’t worried that Yun Zhi was a monster because they were on Seek Dao Sect’s territory. Any monster risking its life to cause trouble here would be elliminated.
“Mistress Yun Zhi, have you come to participate in the Seek Dao Sect examination?”
“Indeed.”
Meng Jingzhou warmly suggested, “I happen to have insider information about the Seek Dao Sect exam, acquired at great expense from an Elder. Would you like to hear about it?”
Lu Yang looked at Meng Jingzhou in surprise. Why hadn’t he told him about it?
Yun Zhi looked even more surprise, “That would be cheating. If the Seek Dao Sect found out…”
Meng Jingzhou waved his hand, oozing confidence, “This carriage is a magical treasure. Even the most powerful secluded cultivators and ancient creatures cannot probe inside it with their Spiritual Sense.”
“I understand. Please tell me the contents of the examination.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Yang also attentively listened.
Meng Jingzhou cleared his throat, “The Seek Dao Sect exam consists of three parts. The first one tests your Spirit Root—an inflexible requirement with no tricks or shortcuts possible. The second and third parts are the ones we can strategize for.”
“The second part tests your moral character. A carriage is out of control and headed towards five people lying on the roadside. If hit, they will undoubtedly die. There is another person lying not far away. As outsiders, we can manipulate the direction of the carriage. Do we choose to ignore it and let it kill the five people or change course and kill the other person?”
Without hesitation, Lu Yang answered, “Kill the other person.”
This puzzled Meng Jingzhou. Ever since he had learnt about the contents of the second part, he couldn’t figure out the solution. How could Lu Yang make a decision so swiftly?
If they ignored the situation, they would witness five deaths—an act that might be justifiable but emotionally unbearable. And if they decided to change directions and kill the other person, the individual would undeniably be unlucky. It would also mean they had a hand in causing the death.
Meng Jingzhou voiced his doubts, to which Lu Yang explained, “There isn’t enough time to ponder. By the time you come up with a solution, the five people would have already been hit. I assume the Seek Dao Sect wants to test whether you choose to save five people or one person, but rather if you can make quick decisions.”
“I’ve heard from one of the scholars that in a battle among cultivators, the slightest hesitation can lead to death. The second part is not testing your moral character, but whether you’re decisive or not. Making a decision in the shortest possible time is the key.”
Meng Jingzhou suddenly understood.
“The third part tests your honesty. The Seek Dao Sect has a mirror that can tell if you’re lying—if caught in a lie, you’re immediately disqualified.”
Lu Yang pondered, “This section is easy. Without prior knowledge, it’s tempting to tell a lie in order to cover up one’s shortcomings. But now that we know in advance, we just have to tell the truth.”
Meng Jingzhou nodded in agreement with his thoughts.
The pair discussed for a while, contemplating various possible surprises and strategies. In the end, they felt they had everything covered.
Mistress Yun Zhi showed a hint of a smile, seemingly amused by their thorough plans.
“Thank you for sharing, Young Hero Lu.”
“Hmm, has the rain stopped?” Lu Yang realized that there was no sound of falling rain outside the carriage. Intrigued, he leaned out to check.
The path they had traveled still had torrential rain pouring, while their current location was bathed in sunlight, alive with the sound of birds and the scent of flowers. It was as if an unrivaled Sword Qi had divided the world into two halves—yin and yang—that would never intersect.
Looking up, Lu Yang saw numerous exotic beasts and magical artifacts rushing toward a colossal mountain that reached the sky.
The towering mountain was bathed in sunlight, turning a faint gold color. A glorious pattern spread from the mountain, covering the sky and blocking the rain.
This was the entrance to the Seek Dao Sect, protected by an unbreakable array.
Out of respect for the Seek Dao Sect, prodigies, under the guidance of their elders, landed at the foot of the mountain to await the commencement of the examination.
The old horse was already an uncommon mutant demon beast. But compared to those exotic beasts resting at the foot of the mountain, it still fell a little short.
“Ah, this is way grander than our Meng Family’s estate,” Meng Jingzhou rubbed his hands together, feeling a bit anxious. Thinking about how he would soon become a member of the Seek Dao Sect, he felt more excited than nervous.
Lu Yang remained silent. He had seen this mountain from home. It hadn’t seemed significant from afar, but standing at its foot, he realized the sheer enormity of it.
He too, felt nervous. They could figure out the second and third parts, but he didn’t know what his Spirit Root was yet. He might not even be able to get past the first hurdle.
About a dozen cultivators were levitating in front, all emanating a strong aura. Lu Yang suspected that if they fully released their aura, probably few could even stand in their presence.
The cultivators didn’t say a word, exuding a psychological pressure just by their presence.
Lu Yang heard one of the clan leaders introduce to the younger generations, “Judging by their robes, these are the core disciples of the Seek Dao Sect, disciples of the various Elders, your future seniors.”
“Don’t be nervous. They’re not intentionally pressuring you. It seems they’re waiting for the person who will conduct the examination. Once the conductor is here, the examination will begin.”
Lu Yang turned his head, wanting to see Yun Zhi’s reaction—whether she was excited or anxious.
She couldn’t possibly remain indifferent, could she?
“Mistress Yun Zhi, you…”
Just as Lu Yang was about to say something, Yun Zhi began to stride forward. Before each step hit the ground, a white lotus would rise to support her slender frame.
This caused a commotion, and the family leaders broke out in a cold sweat, quickly instructing their juniors to stay quiet.
A path of white lotuses unfolded, cutting across the crowd. Yun Zhi positioned herself amidst the Seek Dao Sect disciples who bowed to her in a sign of respect. Yun Zhi raised her hand then turned around to face the crowd, giving a faint smile.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I am the Eldest Senior Sister of the Seek Dao Sect and the conductor of this examination.”
“I hereby announce that the examination begins now.”
With that said, Yun Zhi looked at a stunned Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou with an amused smile.
Indeed, she had come to participate in the Seek Dao Sect examination, but not as an examiner, rather as the examiner.
