68: Chapter 68 The Fifth Life, The Blazing Sun Illuminates the Martial Path (Sixteen)

"However," Elder Zhang shifted his tone, "there is no need to be overly worried.

This is, after all, an entrance trial, not a place of mortal danger.

The Heavenly Ladder will restore a moment of clarity to disciples who are about to succumb.

Do not force yourself, and you will remain unharmed."

Upon hearing this, Chu Shi instantly felt a sense of relief, accompanied by a faint sense of anticipation.

A gravity test? A test of Root Bone aptitude?

He possessed a Top-grade Root Bone and a Blazing Sun Body; within the same cultivation realm, his foundation was so solid that no one could compare.

This gravity test was nothing to him.

And the test of will and Dao Heart? Illusions?

Having experienced several cycles of reincarnation, life and death, regrets and unwillingness across lifetimes, his will had long been polished like ten-thousand-year black iron, unbreakable.

What kind of illusion could shake a Dao Heart forged through several cycles of reincarnation?

This wasn't a test; it was practically a strength tailored specifically for him!

Chu Shi raised his head and looked at Elder Zhang, his eyes incomparably firm.

His tone was resonant and powerful, filled with absolute confidence as he said, "Rest assured, Elder, this disciple understands.

In this trial, this disciple will certainly not fail to live up to your expectations; I will strive for first place!"

Elder Zhang looked at the determination in his eyes, paused for a moment, and then burst into hearty laughter.

His face full of gratification and appreciation, he said, "Good! Good! It is good to have such spirit; I truly did not misjudge you."

He smiled, patted Chu Shi on the shoulder, and continued:

"Rest assured, in these next few days, I will help you contact a Peak Master.

This Peak Master is a leading figure of my lineage and possesses profound cultivation.

He is also one of the rare powerhouses in our Great Sun Holy Land who has cultivated the Blazing Sun technique to the realm of perfection.

With your Blazing Sun Body, following him to cultivate will truly be like a fish in water.

However, this Peak Master is extremely strict when accepting disciples; he looks not only at natural talent but also at temperament and will.

If you can produce eye-catching results in the trial three days from now and ascend to the eighth layer,

I will have absolute confidence in making him accept you as his personal disciple."

Upon hearing this, Chu Shi was overjoyed. He hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply to Elder Zhang:

"This disciple thanks the Elder for the cultivation!

Great kindness need not be spoken of; this disciple will definitely do his utmost and will never fail to live up to the Elder's painstaking efforts!"

He knew very well that within the sect, having a reliable master or not made a world of difference.

A powerful Peak Master as a master could save him countless troubles on his cultivation path and bring him endless resources and conveniences.

Elder Zhang was sincerely paving the way for him.

"Rise," Elder Zhang said with a smile as he helped him up.

"I also cherish talent.

You are a good sapling and should not be buried.

In these three days, settle your mind, adjust your state, polish your Dao Heart, and prepare to face the trial.

Leave other matters to me."

"Yes, this disciple understands," Chu Shi responded again.

After chatting with Elder Zhang about a few more cultivation questions, Chu Shi bowed to take his leave and turned to walk out of the cabin door.

By the time he walked out of the cabin door, the large plaza was already empty.

Hundreds of reserve disciples from Canglan State had already been taken away by Utility Disciples to settle in at the Canglan Courtyard.

Only two Utility Disciples dressed in gray robes were standing with their hands by their sides next to the cabin door, waiting patiently.

Seeing Chu Shi come out, the two Utility Disciples immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully to him:

"Young Master Chu, we are here on the orders of Elder Zhang to wait for you and take you to the Canglan Courtyard to get settled."

Chu Shi nodded slightly: "Sorry for the trouble."

"It is our duty, Young Master Chu, please follow us."

The two Utility Disciples became even more respectful and hurriedly led the way.

They had clearly received specific instructions from Elder Zhang, and along the way, they were whispering to introduce the layout of the Trial Peak to Chu Shi.

Where the cultivation area was, where the Martial Arts Arena was, where the cafeteria was...

They were thorough in every detail.

Chu Shi walked while observing the scenery around him.

The Trial Peak was the core area of the Great Sun Holy Land's Outer Sect Disciple section and covered a vast area.

The mountain peak was majestic and towering, piercing straight into the clouds.

The mountain was dotted with pavilions and towers, with continuous palaces; countless formation runes flowed across the buildings, emitting a faint spiritual light.

The air was also filled with a sweet fragrance; taking a breath of it made one feel refreshed all over.

On the small paths in the mountains, one could see warriors dressed in Outer Sect Disciple attire passing by from time to time, each with a steady aura and vigorous steps.

From time to time, one could see official warriors of the Iron Skin Realm.

One must know that even in a state prince's mansion, an Iron Skin Realm warrior could hold the position of a steward.

Yet here, they could be seen everywhere, sufficient to show the foundation of the head of the three great Holy Lands.

Chu Shi sighed inwardly, while at the same time, his resolve to stay in the Holy Land and cultivate diligently grew even stronger.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two brought Chu Shi to a very large courtyard.

Above the gate hung a black plaque with gold characters, reading "Canglan Courtyard," the brushwork was vigorous and carried a faint pressure.

Inside the courtyard were individual small yards, arranged in a staggered and orderly fashion.

The courtyard was complete with pavilions, waterside structures, gardens, and rockeries, and the environment was very elegant.

At this moment, the courtyard was filled with reserve disciples from Canglan State.

They were gathered in small groups, excitedly observing the courtyard and discussing the upcoming trial.

The two Utility Disciples did not stop with Chu Shi at those ordinary disciple yards.

Instead, they walked straight through the front courtyard, heading toward the deepest part of the area, where the heaven and earth spiritual energy was most dense.

Finally, they stopped in front of an individual small yard.

This small yard was located at the easternmost side of the Canglan Courtyard.

It was adjacent to the mountain's spiritual vein, facing the sun, and the spiritual energy was so dense it was almost turning into mist.

The gate was made of high-quality nanmu wood, and several spiritual bamboos were planted in the yard; the environment was quiet and elegant, more than a grade better than the other disciple yards.

"Young Master Chu, we have arrived."

The Utility Disciple bowed and said, "Elder Zhang specifically ordered that this yard is the best one in the entire Canglan Courtyard, reserved for you to reside in.

Please take a look; if there is anything you are not satisfied with, feel free to order us at any time, and we will immediately change it for you."

Chu Shi pushed open the door and walked into the yard, looking around.

The yard was not large, but it was fully equipped.

The main room, side rooms, cultivation room, and bathroom were all available.

The furnishings inside the house were also made of high-quality solid wood, clean and tidy.

On the bookshelf, there was also the Great Sun Holy Land's manual of rules, basic cultivation techniques for Outer Sect Disciples, and some reference books introducing the Holy Land.

"Very good, thank you both."

Chu Shi turned around, nodded to the two Utility Disciples, casually took twenty taels of silver from his bag, and handed it to them.

"A small token of appreciation, buy yourselves a cup of tea."

The two Utility Disciples hurriedly waved their hands, not daring to accept: "Young Master Chu, we absolutely cannot accept this.

Being able to serve you is our honor."

"Take it," Chu Shi stuffed the silver ingots into their hands, "In the future, I will inevitably have to trouble you both."

The two Utility Disciples exchanged glances, hurriedly accepted the silver, thanked Chu Shi repeatedly, and their attitude became even more respectful.

"Many thanks, Young Master Chu! If Young Master Chu has any orders, just come to the chore office at the courtyard entrance to find us at any time; we will be at your beck and call!"

After giving a few more reminders, the two Utility Disciples bowed and took their leave, departing from the yard.