Chapter 032: The Celestial Viewing Stone Terrace

Within this dense, misty haze, Xu Xuan realized that the power of the formation had been greatly diminished, with even deliberate flaws left behind, as if the Immortal Sect offered extra favor to so-called "destined ones." Yet even so, the force of the immortal illusionary array could not be disregarded. Despite Xu Xuan's extraordinary senses, he could not fully comprehend the entire formation.

Immortals were, after all, immortals. The arcane arts they wielded were not easily fathomed by ordinary folk. Given this, Xu Xuan could only rely on his keen senses and a calm, analytical mind to search out weaknesses, gradually eliminating impossible paths and choosing his direction with care.

At one point, traversing wild grassland on the mountainside, he noticed a barely discernible path. If not for careful observation, it might have gone undetected. Xu Xuan's eyes brightened as he mused, "Even within the Immortal Sect, not all practitioners can fly. Many outer disciples have yet to reach immortal rank." Since many disciples or even immortals could not fly, there had to be mountain paths. Yet, as immortals spent most of their years cultivating and seldom descended from the mountain, the trails left behind would be quite faint.

Now he needed to ascertain in which direction this path led—toward the Immortal Sect or away? Enveloped in mist, all sense of direction was lost. But this did not pose much difficulty for Xu Xuan. He carefully analyzed the surrounding terrain; even within the haze, his vision could reach twenty or thirty meters. Ultimately, by observing the wind's flow, the lay of the land, and a vague sense for spiritual energy, he determined the way forward.

"It must be this way," Xu Xuan thought with a flash of confidence in his eyes. "As long as one's mind is clear and perception keen, there are always methods to find the right path."

At this moment, a voice from his past life's lingering soul echoed in his mind. Today was an important step for Xu Xuan toward joining the Immortal Sect—even this remnant soul offered covert guidance, occasionally interjecting advice. Whether or not Xu Xuan could enter the sect would greatly impact his future path of cultivation. Even with fragments of memory from a previous life, if he were forced to train in regions with thin spiritual energy, he would be sorely constrained.

Within the vast realm of cultivation, all spiritual veins were claimed by the powerful, and Pinghua Town merely sat atop a minor one. The greater veins were monopolized by yet more formidable forces. One could be certain that the spiritual vein where the Immortal Sect resided would far surpass that of Pinghua Town, its energy far purer.

Following the path deeper, winding around a mountain peak, sometimes taking the wrong way and retracing his steps, Xu Xuan gradually sensed a much stronger fluctuation of spiritual energy. "Marvelous—seems the spiritual energy here is three or four times richer than the ordinary regions. Any method of cultivation depends on such energy; you might consider training here for a year or two," came the voice of the lingering soul, tinged with delight.

Xu Xuan nodded in agreement, sharing the same thought. A short while later, a stone-paved stairway appeared before him, winding upward toward a mountain cloaked in azure radiance. Elation filled his heart as he quickened his pace, treading the steps while silently invoking the "Drifting" technique.

At last, after ascending the steep stairway for several miles, he beheld a jade platform suffused with faint purple light, ten fathoms high, forged from some unknown stone of the cultivation world. It stood precariously on a mist-shrouded mountainside, with a bottomless abyss behind it. On the platform were several stone tables and stools, and nearby stood or sat a handful of figures clad in robes and vestments, their garments fluttering, their presence otherworldly.

Above the platform floated a gourd two or three meters long, rippling with green light like a treasure of the immortals. Atop it stood a young man of striking appearance, his brows as sharp as swords, his eyes bright as stars, exuding an air of effortless supremacy.

"Brother Yun, another one has arrived," a disciple at the stone table bowed toward the youth atop the green gourd hovering in mid-air.

Brother Yun and the others turned their gaze to the stairway below, where a boy of fifteen or sixteen, dressed in plain cloth, moved with light, unhurried steps, making his way toward them.

"Not bad, you are the second mortal to reach 'Immortal Gazing Terrace,'" remarked a slightly plump immortal on the platform, about thirty years old. His eyes narrowed, a faint azure gleam flickering in his pupils as he looked down at the youth. "What is your name?"

"I am Xu Xuan," the youth replied, neither servile nor arrogant, cupping his hands in salute. Under the immortal's gaze, Xu Xuan felt a subtle unease.

"Man Fushan! With your meager power at only the first stage of Qi Refinement, you dare to use 'Spirit-Seeking Art' so recklessly? Are you not afraid of backlash? Such folly!" Brother Yun, hovering atop the green gourd, rebuked coldly.

At his words, all disciples on Immortal Gazing Terrace fell silent. Brother Yun was a leading figure of the sect's third generation, held in high esteem and responsible for this recruitment.

Man Fushan shuddered, instantly withdrawing his power, managing a respectful smile. "I have pondered this art for some time without mastery, and only practiced on these mortals. Thank you, Senior Brother, for your guidance." Though older than Brother Yun by seven or eight years, he still addressed him as senior.

Brother Yun's expression softened slightly. He scrutinized Xu Xuan, then said coolly, "To be the second to arrive here, you must either have decent talent or remarkable perception."

As his gaze swept over Xu Xuan, the youth suddenly felt an invisible pressure that stilled his blood and filled his heart with awe. This Brother Yun's cultivation was terrifying!

"I am honored by your praise," Xu Xuan replied, following a gesture from one of the disciples to step onto Immortal Gazing Terrace.

He soon noticed that the person who had arrived before him was a plain-looking girl of thirteen or fourteen, dressed in a light floral dress, features delicate, her skin as tender as a baby's, her eyes limpid and bright. She looked timid, glancing away when she met Xu Xuan's gaze, unsure whether from shyness or wariness, perhaps both.

Xu Xuan could not help but chuckle in disbelief. This timid girl, younger than himself, had arrived first?

Still, as both were mortals seeking entry to the sect, a casual conversation seemed natural.

"I... my name is Yu Qin," she said, lips pursed in a slight smile, her gaze still shy and evasive, her voice betraying nervousness—a trait that seemed innate.

Xu Xuan and Yu Qin waited together on the terrace. About half a cup of tea later, another youth appeared below, dressed in a ceremonial robe and bearing a hint of arrogance.

"Another one arrives!"

The proud youth stepped onto the terrace, and upon seeing Xu Xuan and Yu Qin, paused in evident disappointment.

Judging by his attire and bearing, he was likely a young heir from a local family.

"I am Zhao Linlong of the Zhao family from Pinghua Town. Greetings to the immortals..." he announced, lips pursed with a touch of superiority.

"Silence! Who cares which petty family you hail from? If you wish to enter the sect, you had best behave yourself," Man Fushan snapped, his jowls quivering. An invisible pressure nearly made the arrogant youth collapse in fright.

Xu Xuan smiled inwardly. With memories from a previous life, he knew well how those in the Immortal Sect viewed mortals as little more than ants.

Soon, more youths arrived. The fourth was Yang Xiaoqian, whose refined and graceful bearing, elegant figure, and air of nobility caught the eyes of several disciples.

Brother Yun gave her only a brief glance, his expression calm; his cultivation afforded him immunity to mundane charms. Man Fushan, however, was clearly smitten, his eyes lighting up as he approached her with a smile.

Yang Xiaoqian responded with timid respect, her heart anxious; before immortals, all pride was stripped away.

Time passed, and more gathered on the terrace. By noon, thirty or forty youths had assembled upon the jade platform.

"The time has come," Brother Yun announced, having already stepped down from his gourd. His voice rang out powerfully.

Xu Xuan guessed that even with such power, he could not remain aloft indefinitely.

Suddenly, in the distant mountains, a figure could be seen waving a formation flag. At once, clouds and mist surged, fierce winds roared, and the commotion left the assembled crowd reeling, their robes and hair whipping wildly.

In an instant, the whole of "Starfeather Mountain" was shrouded once more in thick mist, cutting off mortals from the mountain gate.

"Could it be that we've already been accepted by the sect?" Xu Xiaohu asked, his face alight with joy. He owed his arrival on the terrace to Xu Yuan's help.

Xu Yuan's gaze occasionally flickered toward Xu Xuan, his expression shifting. "That boy arrived before me. I must enter the sect and keep him in check."

"Hmph! You have merely qualified for the next trial. If you think entry to the Immortal Sect is so easily won... dream on!" Man Fushan sneered, a cold gleam in his eyes chilling all present.

With memories of his previous life, Xu Xuan could guess what the next trial might entail... and in his heart, a faint certainty emerged.