Chapter 9

After a few more days of preparation, endless packing, and a few extra rounds of, "Did you remember to bring your sword?", Xue Xinyu and Liang Zhiguan were finally on their way to the site where the wayfarer trial would take place. Li Tao had promised he'd be there too, but he couldn't join them directly because of affairs.

The journey was a mixture of scenic beauty and Xue Xinyu's silent suffering. Every bump in the road felt like a personal affront to his delicate constitution, and by the time they arrived at their destination, Xue Xinyu practically tumbled out of the carriage, his face a shade paler than the rice paper doors back at the temple. Liang Zhiguan, ever the dutiful disciple, offered a supportive hand, his lips twitching as he struggled to suppress his amusement at his shizun's predicament.

As they stood before the grand, imposing steps leading up to Hongyan Peak, Xue Xinyu took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, though his efforts were futile against the churning waves of nausea that had been his constant companion throughout the journey. "Remind me never to ride in a carriage again," he muttered weakly, clutching his stomach as if it were the source of all his woes.

Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his typically composed master looking so utterly dishevelled. "Maybe next time we can try a boat ride instead," he suggested, earning a weak glare from Xue Xinyu, who looked like he might keel over at any moment.

Note to self: invest in motion sickness pills, Xue Xinyu grumbled, forcing himself to take the first step up the long, steep staircase that seemed to stretch into the heavens. Each step was a Herculean effort, his legs feeling like lead as he clung to the railing for dear life, as if the very ground beneath him might rise up and smite him for daring to travel.

Upon reaching the apex of the climb, Xue Xinyu was greeted with a breathtaking view that almost made the arduous journey worthwhile. A vast expanse spread out before him, dotted with clusters of disciples milling about like colourful specks against the backdrop of the verdant landscape. Below, a lower platform sprawled out, teeming with activity as disciples congregated in animated discussions, their voices carrying faintly on the breeze.

Above them, a few more steps ascended to a higher platform, reserved for the esteemed peak masters and other dignitaries. The elevated platform, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments, exuded an aura of authority, contrasting sharply with the bustling activity below. 

With Liang Zhiguan's assistance, Xue Xinyu ascended the steps, the weight of his anticipation palpable in the air. As they reached the elevated platform, Liang Zhiguan made to depart, but Xue Xinyu clasped his arm gently, a silent gesture of support and a subtle plea not to leave him alone in this sea of self-important cultivators. "Wishing you much success," he murmured, his words carrying a note of genuine encouragement.

"Shouldn't it be 'good luck'?" Liang Zhiguan quipped, a playful glint in his eye as he leaned in, his whisper just for Xue Xinyu's ears.

"Luck won't bring you success," Xue Xinyu responded sagely, his grip loosening as Liang Zhiguan stepped away, his back straight and his steps confident. 

Amidst the gathering of peak masters, Xue Xinyu stood tall, his gaze sweeping over the assembly with a sense of quiet contemplation. Soon, the figures of Zhou Xin, the esteemed peak leader of Qi Yun Peak, and Huo Zhiwei, the dignified peak master of Hongyan Peak, emerged from the throng, approaching with purposeful strides. 

"Good morning, Xue-shidi," Zhou Xin greeted warmly, his presence exuding a sense of tranquillity that belied his position of authority. His robes fluttered slightly in the breeze, giving him an almost ethereal quality.

"Good morning, Zhou-shixiong," Xue Xinyu replied respectfully, returning the smile before turning his attention to Huo Zhiwei, who stood beside Zhou Xin with an air of quiet observation that made Xue Xinyu feel like a particularly interesting insect specimen.

"I see you've brought your disciple along," Huo Zhiwei remarked, his tone carrying a subtle undertone of curiosity and perhaps a hint of envy. "How ambitious of you."

"Indeed, he's matured quite rapidly," Xue Xinyu affirmed with a nod, a flicker of pride evident in his eyes as he acknowledged Liang Zhiguan's progress. "He's come a long way.."

"Is that so? Perhaps it's because of his demonic roots," Huo Zhiwei suggested, his words laced with a hint of intrigue and more than a dash of provocation. His eyes twinkled with a mischief that Xue Xinyu found irritating.

"Ah, perhaps," Xue Xinyu replied with a composed smile, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "But I'd like to think it's more about the quality of guidance he receives. After all, even a weed can bloom under the right care."

Huo Zhiwei chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, it's fortunate for him to have a mentor as... dedicated as you, Xue-shidi," he remarked, his tone dripping with subtle sarcasm that was almost too thick to wade through.

Xue Xinyu raised an eyebrow, his composure slipping ever so slightly. "And I suppose your disciples benefit from your... unique approach to mentorship, Huo-shixiong," he retorted, his words loaded with veiled criticism and a hint of genuine curiosity. After all, Huo Zhiwei's methods were as unorthodox as they were effective.

Zhou Xin, sensing the tension brewing between Xue Xinyu and Huo Zhiwei like a pot of tea on the verge of boiling over, hastily interjected. "You two, let's remember the importance of mutual respect and collaboration," he said, his voice calm yet imbued with a firmness that left little room for argument.

Both Xue Xinyu and Huo Zhiwei exchanged polite nods, their faces a mask of tranquillity, though the fire in their eyes hinted at the ongoing battle of wits between them. "Of course, Zhou-shixiong," they chorused in unison, their voices layered with a sugary sweetness that could have sent anyone into a diabetic coma.

As the trio navigated through the crowd, Zhou Xin couldn't help but notice the slightly smug expression on Xue Xinyu's face and the barely concealed irritation on Huo Zhiwei's. Xue Xinyu's disciple, Liang Zhiguan, was a topic that frequently stoked the flames of their rivalry. 

Liang Zhiguan was like a character straight out of a cheat code manual, breezing through levels faster than a caffeinated squirrel on a mission. Whether he had somehow hacked into the protagonist's playbook or was just born with an extra dose of talent, one thing was for sure: Liang Zhiguan was levelling up quicker than a kid on a sugar rush at an arcade. 

His abilities were remarkable, almost suspiciously so, and he had a knack for mastering techniques that left other disciples scratching their heads in bewilderment.

Xue Xinyu's comment about Liang Zhiguan's rapid progress clearly rankled Huo Zhiwei, whose own disciples were known more for their steady, deliberate approach rather than any flashy displays of talent. 

"Well, let's not start a commotion now; it's an important day for the disciples," Zhou Xin interjected, smoothly stepping in to diffuse the situation before it escalated into a full-blown debate.

The assembly began shortly thereafter, with the sect master, Zhuang Tianming, taking centre stage. His presence was commanding, and as he spoke, a hush fell over the crowd. "Welcome, everyone, to the Wayfarer Trial. This trial was conceived just a few years ago," Zhuang Tianming began, his voice resonating with authority and a hint of nostalgia for the trials of old.

Xue Xinyu endeavoured to stay composed, knowing that the previous trial had been so thoroughly dominated by Huai Xiaozhun that it necessitated a complete overhaul. Huai Xiaozhun had a reputation for excelling in these trials, often ranking in the top three, much to the dismay of those who had to follow in his footsteps.

"The old trial focused on how many undead creatures you could defeat, culminating in a final boss that, as you all probably know, was vanquished a few years ago by an anonymous participant. This year's trial is not much different, though it has been modified slightly, as Master Xue will now explain," Zhuang Tianming continued, handing over the reins to Xue Xinyu, who found himself propelled to the forefront of the assembly, much like a contestant thrust into the spotlight of a game show.

With a soft smile that belied the tension roiling within, Xue Xinyu began his explanation. "Now, allow me to elucidate the contents of this year's Wayfarer Trial," he said, just as a billboard materialised behind him, courtesy of the master of Fuguang Peak, whose proficiency in illusionary arts had created a display that could have put any modern PowerPoint presentation to shame.

Each slide transitioned seamlessly to the next, a mesmerising dance of light and shadow that captured the attention of everyone present. The visuals were dynamic, vibrant, and infused with a sense of drama that made even the mundane details of point calculation seem like the most thrilling adventure.

"The point calculation is straightforward," Xue Xinyu continued, gesturing toward the animated display behind him. "Stronger undead creatures merit higher points, while weaker ones yield fewer. And let's not forget the importance of survival skills—they're a critical component of your overall score." His voice carried a note of seriousness that made it clear this was no simple exercise but a true test of their mettle.

As he spoke, the visuals on the 'powerpoint' mirrored his words, enhancing his explanation with dynamic illustrations and statistics that danced across the screen in a choreographed ballet of information. It was a captivating blend of traditional instruction and cutting-edge presentation, ensuring that every disciple absorbed the information with rapt attention. 

Each slide featured animations of undead creatures dissolving into a cascade of points, survival scenarios depicted with almost cinematic flair, and diagrams of strategy that seemed to leap off the screen.

"Of course, there are some rules you all must follow," Xue Xinyu began, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Though they're quite logical. Stealing 'kills' from others, fighting amongst yourselves, and deceiving people to get what you want are against the rules. Think of them as guidelines for how not to be a jerk," he added, only imagining the last part.

"Master Xue," piped up one of the more eager disciples, raising a hand as if in a school classroom. "What if we forget these rules?" His earnestness elicited a few chuckles from the crowd, and Xue Xinyu couldn't help but smile at the question.

"Technically, these rules are just moral guidelines, summarising the rules taught throughout the entire sect," Xue Xinyu explained, waving a hand dismissively as if brushing away an invisible fly. "Even if you can't recall the specific rules I mentioned a few seconds ago, you should be fine as long as you adhere to the sect's principles"

Grateful nods and murmurs of understanding rippled through the gathered disciples, their resolve visibly bolstered by Xue Xinyu's reassurance. They seemed almost relieved that the trial wouldn't require them to be legal experts, just decent human beings—or at least, decent cultivators.

Zhuang Tianming, the sect master, stepped forward with an air of authority that suggested he had a few more secrets up his sleeve. His expression was a peculiar mix of determination and anticipation, like a chef about to unveil a new dish made entirely out of mystery meat. The atmosphere crackled with excitement.

"Now, with that said, let the trials commence," Zhuang Tianming declared, his voice resonating with a note of finality. With a dramatic flourish of his hand, a majestic portal materialised before them, its swirling depths hinting at the mysteries that awaited beyond. It was like an interdimensional doorway, complete with a 'Welcome' mat and an eerie, beckoning glow.

The disciples stood in awe, eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The portal shimmered invitingly, like a neon sign for a cosmic adventure park. With a shared sense of purpose and a lot less shared sense of personal safety, the disciples stepped forward, their steps echoing with the crunch of leaves and the whisper of uncertainty.

The portal opened up in mid-air, an unassuming gap between worlds that looked deceptively harmless. Beyond it, a vast landscape stretched out, filled with verdant fields, towering mountains, and ominous, shadowy corners. 

With a collective gasp, the disciples realised they were suspended in mid-air. 

Realising the need for a quick descent, most disciples drew their swords, the shimmering blades catching the light as they took to the air like a flock of rather over-enthusiastic birds. They soared gracefully, well, mostly gracefully, toward the ground.

Xue Xinyu, watching them from the portal's edge, couldn't help but smile. Note to self, he thought, remind them that flashy moves don't earn extra points.