Chapter 122: The Trials Have Begun! Liu Yan and Yang Wei Walk Through the Red Snake Mountains and the Chief Elders’ Scrutiny.

The trial kicked off!

"The chief elders didn't make any rule against killing, so anyone who dares get in my way, prepare to die!"

"I failed the last trial, I don't plan on failing this one!!"

"I must earn the right to become an Inner Sect disciple!"

In a flash, every female disciple shot through the massive torii gate like streaks of light.

They soon found themselves faced with six paths to choose from. Even the Quasi-Spirit Gathering cultivators among them couldn't hide their fear—the energy surging out of each of these paths was deadly.

But there was a silver lining...

It was pretty obvious which paths were safer and which were downright treacherous. The more perilous ones oozed with demonized energy, with thorny bushes and blood-red foliage giving them away.

One more thing was crystal clear: nobody dared touch the fifth path. Its killing intent was so intense that it screamed danger, enough to make even the bravest think twice.

One bold young lady named Lu Lin stepped up.

"Make way for the Inner Sect's next Star Disciple! This disciple you see before you is already a Quasi-Spirit Gathering cultivator. When I acquire my specialized meridians, there'll be no one amongst my insignificant peers who'll be able to stop me!"

Lu Lin just couldn't stop boasting.

But of course, among the sea of female disciples, there was no one who was willing to call her out for it. After all, she could destroy a fair share of them with a single thought.

"Now, the trial..." Lu Lin said.

She stood in front of all six paths to see which she'd select.

Confidently, she chose the second path.

Her followers, mostly in the third to fourth level of the Mortal Realm, trailed after her. Some disciples, too scared to choose for themselves, simply followed Lu Lin's lead, while others carefully assessed their options. Some relied on air currents to gauge the safest path, while others trusted their senses.

Slowly but surely, the disciples dispersed onto different paths.

Chen Yuxi smirked, folding her arms confidently. "It's good that you see it too," she replied, feeling as though she'd won the argument.

However, Sun Yurong continued, "But that would only be true if those two ladies were weak. If they're stronger than they appear, taking the most dangerous route could be a smart move. They could easily defeat a couple of Core Formation monsters, use the blood pendant to return here, and win the trial with days to spare."

And given Yang Wei's strength, it should be fairly easy for him... Honestly, I expect him back in less than a day, and that's if he decides to take his time. Sun Yurong thought.

Chen Yuxi's face showed a hint of shock, realizing Sun Yurong wasn't joking. She quickly composed herself and fired back, "Whatever delusions you have about those two earning a spot in the Inner Sect should be forgotten. They'll only be returning here after they've failed, provided they don't die before then."

Sun Yurong shrugged. "Alright then, we'll see," she replied calmly.

...

Now inside the dark, bloody-red forest of the fifth path, Liu Yan surveyed their surroundings. "I can sense a lot of Core Formation monsters here. This place seems like the perfect challenge for me," she said.

Yang Wei's body emitted a gentle surge of blue, misty energy as he reverted to his normal form. He retrieved his folding fan and with a flick of his wrist, unfolded it. "Don't worry about the challenge. I'll be here to protect you, like your own personal savior," he assured Liu Yan, stepping forward with self-assurance.

Liu Yan's expression tightened slightly as she watched him confidently stride ahead. "I can take care of myself just fine. I've never depended on a man to get things done for me," she asserted.

Yang Wei suddenly stopped in his tracks, leaving Liu Yan to continue walking ahead. But then, Liu Yan paused and said, "Hm?" She turned to see Yang Wei standing there, fanning himself. Surprisingly, he was looking directly at her. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Indeed," Yang Wei replied.

Liu Yan glanced to the side, trying to figure out if he was looking at her or something else. It was unusual for Yang Wei to gaze at her like that. Despite not being nervous by nature, his stare made her feel different. She bit her lower lip slightly and asked, "What's the matter?"

Without a word, Yang Wei strode towards her, almost as if he intended to walk through her. Startled, Liu Yan took a few steps back while he advanced energetically. The chase continued until he cornered her against a tree. Folding his fan sharply, he slammed his hand against the trunk and locked eyes with her.

His blue eyes reflected in her beautiful, limpid green eyes.

Usually unfazed by such gestures, Liu Yan couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach this time. "W... What are you doing?" she asked, her voice slightly trembling. The mere scent of his aura was already making her knees feel a tad weak; but she could hold herself nonetheless.

Yang Wei leaned in, his face inches from hers, his warm breath tinged with the scent of oranges. "I can't believe you're not attracted to me," he whispered. "I miss the way you looked at me that day at the Dragon Vein Spirit Pool... It was the most beautiful I've ever seen you."

The seductiveness of his words made her bite her lip harder.