From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 80 Trial Begins with High Spirits

As soon as Wen Chen finished speaking, a loud bell tolled, resounding throughout the heavens and earth, distant and solemn, as if carrying some ancient power, shaking my soul. The Immortal Palace Trial had officially begun.

I looked around and saw hundreds of trial participants gathered in the plaza. They came from all corners of the Immortal Realm, from various sects and families, all converging here for the same goal—a higher realm, greater power. The air was thick with a palpable tension and anticipation, almost tangible, making it hard for me to breathe. Some trial participants closed their eyes, focusing their minds and silently regulating their breathing, seemingly gathering strength; others whispered amongst themselves, discussing the trial's content with a hint of worry on their faces; still others stood tall and proud, their eyes blazing with confidence, as if filled with assurance for the trial to come.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my slightly nervous heart. Wen Chen's guidance had made me more proficient in using the spiritual energy of the Immortal Realm, but this was, after all, my first time participating in the Immortal Palace Trial, and I couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.

At this moment, an elderly man dressed in a star-patterned robe slowly walked to the high platform in the center of the square. He had white hair but a youthful face, and possessed an air of otherworldly grace. He exuded a powerful aura that made people dare not look directly at him. This was Elder Xing, the organizer of the Immortal Palace Trials, and a highly respected senior in the Immortal Realm.

"Everyone," Elder Xing's voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the entire plaza, "Welcome to the Immortal Palace Trial! This trial is not only a test of your strength, but also a tempering of your character. Only by passing the trial can you embark on a higher path of cultivation."

Elder Xing paused for a moment, then continued, "This trial is divided into three stages: the first stage, the illusionary trial, will test your mental strength and perseverance; the second stage, the actual combat, will test your combat skills and adaptability; and the third stage, the ascent of the heavenly ladder, will challenge your limits and potential."

As Elder Xing explained, the rules of the trial gradually became clear. The rules were complex and demanding, requiring not only formidable strength from the participants, but also a sharp mind and unwavering will. For example, in the illusionary trial, a slight misstep could lead to getting lost, resulting in damage to one's cultivation or even complete annihilation of one's soul; in the actual combat, participants not only had to face challenges from other participants but also deal with various unforeseen circumstances; and in the ascent of the Heavenly Ladder, every step was fraught with hardship and challenge, and the slightest lapse in concentration would result in the loss of all previous efforts.

I listened intently to Elder Xing's every word, secretly worried about the upcoming trial. These rules were undoubtedly a huge challenge for me. Although I had made rapid progress with Wen Chen's help, my strength still seemed somewhat weak compared to these elites from all over the Immortal Realm.

After Elder Xing finished explaining, he waved his sleeve, and a huge teleportation array appeared in the center of the plaza. It shimmered with dazzling light, like a gateway to another world.

"The trial is about to begin. Prepare yourselves!" Elder Xing's voice rang out again, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

I clenched my fists, feeling the slight sweat on my palms. Just then, a figure slowly approached me… “Heh, isn’t this the little fairy who just ascended to heaven?”

I turned my head and saw Mu Feng walking slowly towards me with a slightly contemptuous smile. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and held a sword that gleamed with a cold light, looking arrogant and superior.

"Heh, isn't this the little fairy who just ascended?" Mu Feng's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, his tone filled with disdain. "What, you've come to participate in the Celestial Palace Trial too? With your meager cultivation, you think you can pass the trial? Don't dream!"

I gave him a cold look, ignoring his provocation. I knew that Mu Feng had always looked down on me, believing that I, an ascended immortal, was no match for him, a native of the immortal realm.

"What, not saying anything? Are you scared?" Seeing that I didn't react, Mu Feng became even more smug. "I advise you to give up as soon as possible, so as not to embarrass yourself in the trial."

I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions. I knew that arguing with Mu Feng would only waste my time and energy. I didn't want him to affect my state of mind; I needed to focus all my energy on the upcoming trials.

"Mu Feng, shut up." A clear voice rang out, and Fairy Yun walked over from a distance, a hint of displeasure on her face. "Fairy Xiao Yao participated in the trial based on her own abilities. What right do you have to mock her?"

Mu Feng snorted coldly, said nothing more, and turned to walk away. Fairy Yun walked to my side and gave me an encouraging look: "Fairy Xiao Yao, don't pay attention to him. I believe you will definitely pass the trial."

I nodded gratefully to Fairy Yun, my heart filled with warmth. I knew that Fairy Yun had always taken good care of me; she was like a gentle older sister, always giving me encouragement and support.

Just then, Elder Xing's voice rang out again: "The trial begins!"

The light from the teleportation array suddenly intensified, and a powerful force enveloped me. My vision blurred, and the surrounding scenery instantly changed.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a dense forest. Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the ground. The air was filled with a damp scent, mixed with the fragrance of various exotic flowers and herbs.

I looked around and found that the other trial participants had also been teleported to this forest. Some of them looked around blankly, while others cautiously observed their surroundings.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I knew this forest was full of unknown dangers, and I had to be careful to survive.

I walked forward cautiously, my feet rustling through the thick layer of fallen leaves. Suddenly, I sensed a powerful presence coming from ahead. Startled, I immediately stopped.

A gigantic monster came into my view. Its body was covered in black scales, its blood-red eyes flashed with ferocity, and it let out a low roar.

I gripped my sword tightly, my heart filled with tension and fear. I knew this was a battle to the death.

Other trial participants also discovered the monster. Some chose to detour, while others hid in the distance to watch how I would deal with it.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I knew I couldn't back down; I had to fight!

I raised my sword and charged towards the monster... "Looks like this is going to be interesting." A cold voice came from not far away.

I gritted my teeth and channeled my spiritual energy into the sword, which immediately emitted a dazzling light. I swung the longsword, slashing fiercely at the demonic beast. The beast let out a deafening roar and retaliated with its massive claws. I nimbly dodged the beast's attacks while searching for its weakness.

The beast had thick hide and tough flesh; my sword only left a shallow wound when it struck. It seemed enraged, its attacks becoming even more ferocious. I fought and retreated, my heart filled with anxiety. At this rate, I would eventually be drained of my spiritual energy.

The surrounding trial participants chuckled, and Mu Feng's voice was particularly grating: "I told you she couldn't do it. A little fairy who ascended to heaven dares to participate in the Celestial Palace Trials. She's really overestimating herself."

A surge of anger welled up inside me, but I had to suppress it. Now was not the time to be reckless; I had to conserve my strength.

I caught a glimpse of a huge ancient tree in the distance, its trunk thick and its branches lush. A thought flashed through my mind: perhaps I could use this tree to get rid of the monster.

As I dodged the monster's attacks, I approached the ancient tree. The monster seemed to sense my intention and roared as it pounced. I seized the opportunity and swiftly hid behind the tree. The monster's massive body slammed into the trunk with a dull thud.

Before it could react, I leaped onto a branch and quickly climbed upwards. The beast roared angrily, but couldn't climb the smooth trunk. It lingered at the base for a while, then finally left, unwilling to give up.

I breathed a sigh of relief and jumped down from the tree. My clothes were soaked with sweat, and I had used up a lot of my spiritual energy. I looked up and saw Fairy Yun standing on a distant mountain peak, silently watching me. There was a hint of worry in her eyes, but she didn't offer any help. I knew this was the rule of the trial; no one was allowed to interfere.

I looked around and realized that the other trial participants had already gone far ahead. I had fallen far behind and had to hurry to catch up.

I took a deep breath and continued walking forward. Not long after, my footing suddenly gave way, and I fell into a deep pit.

"Damn it!" I cursed, quickly circulating my spiritual energy to steady myself. The trap was cleverly hidden, covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, making it completely invisible.

I tried to climb up, but found the pit walls to be completely smooth, with nowhere to put my footing. My heart sank; was I going to be trapped here?

I refused to give up and tried climbing again. I used the tip of my sword to pierce the pit wall and slowly climbed upwards. The process was extremely difficult; my hands and feet were blistered, and blood flowed down the pit wall.

Finally, I climbed out of the pit. I collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. My wounds throbbed, and my spiritual energy was almost completely depleted.

I must recover my spiritual energy as soon as possible, otherwise the upcoming trials will be even more dangerous. I sat cross-legged and began to circulate my cultivation technique to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy.

Just then, I noticed a strange light ahead, flickering on and off, as if it were hiding something. A thought struck me: could there be some treasure there?

I stood up and walked towards the light. The surrounding trees grew denser, and an eerie atmosphere filled the air. I felt a vague unease, yet I couldn't suppress my curiosity.

"Who's there?" I asked in a low voice, gripping my sword tightly. A dark shadow flashed out from behind the tree with astonishing speed; I barely saw its shape, only feeling a gust of wind rush towards me. Instinctively, I raised my sword to parry, but it felt like I had struck a hard rock; my hand went numb, and the sword nearly slipped from my grasp.

A dark shadow flashed by, disappearing again into the dense bushes. I cautiously looked around, but found no trace of it. What was that thing? A magical beast? Or another trial participant? My heart pounded, and my palms were sweaty. This forest seemed more dangerous than I had imagined.

The strange light was still flickering, as if beckoning me closer. I hesitated for a moment, but decided to take a look anyway. If it really was some kind of treasure, perhaps it could help me improve my strength and give me a better chance in the upcoming trials.

I cautiously walked towards the light, each step taken with extreme care, lest I fall into a trap again or encounter some dangerous creature. The surrounding trees grew taller and taller, their intertwined branches blocking out almost all the sunlight, making the forest even more eerie and terrifying. A damp, putrid stench filled the air, mixed with the scent of unknown flowers, making it nauseating.

I walked for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, and the light grew closer and brighter. I finally saw the source of the light—it was a huge ancient tree, with glowing vines wrapped around its trunk. Those vines shimmered with multicolored light, like stars twinkling in the night sky, breathtakingly beautiful.

I was captivated by this strange sight and walked closer without thinking. Just as I reached out to touch the glowing vines, a voice suddenly rang in my ear: "Watch out!"

I was startled and quickly withdrew my hand, turning around to look. I saw that Fairy Yun had appeared behind me at some point, her face solemn and her eyes filled with worry.

"Fairy Yun, what are you doing here?" I asked in surprise.

“I have been watching you in secret,” said Fairy Cloud. “The vines on this tree contain powerful spiritual energy, but they are also full of danger. You’d better not touch them lightly.”

"Danger?" I asked doubtfully. "Are these vines poisonous?"

“No,” Fairy Yun shook her head, “These vines themselves are not poisonous, but they absorb the surrounding spiritual energy, forming a powerful energy field. If you rashly enter the energy field, you may be torn apart by the powerful spiritual force.”

I was startled, realizing how reckless I had been. If Fairy Yun hadn't appeared in time, I probably would be dead.

"Thank you for reminding me, Fairy Yun," I said gratefully. "I almost made a big mistake."

“You don’t need to thank me,” Fairy Yun said. “It’s my duty.” She paused, then added, “The trial has been going on for a long time, and you’ve fallen far behind. You should hurry on your way.”

I nodded and was about to leave when I suddenly heard footsteps in the distance. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly gripped my sword tighter.

The footsteps grew closer. I held my breath and hid behind a large tree, peering through the gaps in the leaves. I saw Mu Feng leading several of his men towards us. As he walked, he muttered instructions under his breath, a sinister smile on his face. My heart sank. What was Mu Feng up to? He seemed oblivious to my presence, heading straight for the glowing ancient tree.

I followed them quietly, trying to figure out Mu Feng's intentions. He walked to the ancient tree, stopped, and said to his men, "You all stay here and guard this place. No one is allowed to come near, especially..." He paused, then said, word by word, "Xiao Yao."

My heart sank. Mu Feng was indeed targeting me!

He took out a packet of black powder from his pocket and carefully sprinkled it on the ground around the ancient tree...