Chapter 2245 - 2242: The First Trial

Chapter 2245: Chapter 2242: The First Trial

The nine contestants aren’t afraid of dying; they’re afraid of the unknown, the unknown way of dying. Therefore, Yan Bei’s words startled them, and the scene suddenly became somewhat silent.

"Heh..." Shen Lin suddenly sneered and said blandly, "If you’re afraid of dying, you can choose not to go. It’s better to give up early to avoid wasting everyone’s time."

Yan Bei actually agreed with Shen Lin’s words, warning them, "I’m telling you very clearly, this journey is dangerous. You can still opt out if you want."

Another bout of silence followed. The contestants didn’t speak, not out of fear, but to consider carefully. While courage in the face of unknown danger is commendable, a clear mind is what’s most crucial.

"Okay, I’ll give you an hour. Return here in an hour. If anyone doesn’t show up, it will be considered as giving up." Yan Bei didn’t explain further, nor did he reveal any information.

After speaking, he walked to a big tree, sat down, and closed his eyes, waiting for the contestants to return. Shen Lin also walked to the tree and closed his eyes to rest.

Lin Tian waved to Miss and the others, "Let’s go, let’s return to get some things."

The group stopped communicating, dispersed, returned to prepare, to say goodbyes, or to obtain more information from family elders. Of course, some might secretly leave and not return.

Miss and Xiao Manxuan returned to their place, Lin Tian and Ling Shuiyao returned to the backyard. Upon entering the yard, they saw the two old men Ling Xuesong and Ling Zishan already there, seemingly waiting for Lin Tian to return.

"Girl, judging by your heavy expression, were you scared by Yan Bei?" Ling Xuesong smiled subtly.

"He said we might die. What’s the situation?" With only an hour, Ling Shuiyao didn’t waste words and got straight to the point.

Ling Xuesong responded with a shake of the head, "I don’t know. I don’t even know where Medicine King Mansion is. If not for Yan Bei coming to Langya Pavilion, I wouldn’t be able to find him."

"I can’t bear to leave Grandpa." Ling Shuiyao’s eyes filled with tears, as if it were really a life-or-death farewell.

Lin Tian shook his head, entered his room, and packed up what needed to be taken, especially the refined herbs, which are crucial for cultivating Xuanwu Meditation.

Upon leaving the room again, Ling Shuiyao seemed to have made up her mind and was saying goodbye to Ling Zishan.

"Auntie, take care of yourself since I’m not by your side." Ling Shuiyao said.

Lin Tian felt it was inexplicable, the words seemed reversed. Sure enough, Ling Zishan instructed in return, "I’ll be at ease as long as you don’t cause trouble for me."

Ling Zishan turned to Lin Tian and said, "Though Shuiyao appears carefree, she has always been training by my side and has never traveled far alone. This trip to Medicine King Mansion, I’d appreciate your care."

"I don’t need his care." Ling Shuiyao heard and said angrily.

Lin Tian didn’t take it to heart, nodded, and said, "Don’t worry, with Manxue and me around, she’ll be fine."

"You should be careful, too. Though Yan Bei and Shen Lin are strong, they’re not the top in the Ancient Hidden Stream. Even though your abilities are good, think twice before acting." Ling Zishan advised sincerely, as a family would before a journey.

Lin Tian felt unexpectedly warm inside, nodded, feeling a familial warmth from Ling Zishan and Wang Wanxi.

"Lin Tian, during this trip to Medicine King Mansion, all major families will undoubtedly give their disciples tasks. Besides obtaining the so-called opportunities, another important task will surely be finding the secret to breaking through Innate Perfection, and this might even be the most important one."

"Entering the Ancient Hidden Stream is a rare opportunity in a century that no family will let pass. I’ve been contemplating the Innate Realm for years. I feel that breaking through Innate Perfection doesn’t depend on cultivation techniques, but we’re missing something."

"As for what we are missing, I don’t know either. I hope you pay attention at Medicine King Mansion. Whether it’s Shuiyao, Xiao Manxue, or Zishan, ultimately, they will face the limit of Innate Perfection, affecting their future paths."

Ling Xuesong, usually "not very serious," became solemn.

Lin Tian nodded vigorously, seriously saying, "If I discover anything, I’ll definitely share it with Senior Ling."

Ling Xuesong sighed lightly, "Sigh, at my age, my cultivation path won’t last much longer. If I can glimpse the realm above the Innate before life’s end, I’d have no regrets."

Lin Tian didn’t know how to respond. No matter how formidable Ancient Martial Artists were, they had a lifespan, and when it ended, all cultivation would turn to dust.

Bidding farewell to Ling Zishan and the others, Lin Tian and Ling Shuiyao left the yard. As they left the backyard, Lin Tian glanced back, realizing this departure might mean never returning.

Just like back at Qingshuang Pavilion, once left, there was little chance of returning.

At the foot of the arena hill, Lin Tian saw the Xiao sisters, along with Liu Xiaoxiao, Fatty Huang. The two Loose Cultivators also chose to go to Medicine King Mansion. The group exchanged smiles, understanding each other’s intentions.

"Mr. Lin, Langya Pavilion agreed to take care of my dad until he fully recovers, so I have no worries now," Fatty Huang said with ease.

As they conversed, Yuwen Xingjian, Ji Zimo, Situ Yufeng, Wang Lin, and Ghost also arrived one after another. Just as Ling Xuesong said, no major family would give up this chance.

On the hill, Yan Bei seemed to feel something, opened his eyes, stood up, and wore a satisfied smile.

Seeing Lin Tian’s group appear, Yan Bei laughed loudly, "Congratulations, you passed the first trial. No one fell behind."

"Trial? This was just a trial?" The contestants were dumbfounded. The old man’s expression could win an Oscar!

"Earlier was just a minor psychological test. Those who can’t endure or are afraid don’t qualify to enter Medicine King Mansion. However, though I say it’s a test, the danger still exists, so be cautious." Yan Bei’s words caused the group’s previously relaxed mood to tighten again.

Inside, Lin Tian was speechless. The old man playing these tricks might scare these family disciples to death. They’re the elite heirs of families, with great talents, but still lack experience.

Not everyone is like him, having ventured into the Netherworld twice, daring to cross the Blood Sea.

The old man didn’t care what the young people thought, suddenly whistled, the sound echoed far in the night.

After a while, a roaring sound came from the sky, and a large transport helicopter appeared above the arena. After descending, it hovered above the group, the strong wind pressure messing up everyone’s hair.

Lin Tian had seen such helicopters before, previously at the Shrine, Xu Feibai even made an entrance with several, showcasing the abilities of these top families.

But Lin Tian felt it a bit odd, for a prestigious Ancient Hidden Lineage family, he thought they would use Sword Flight, yet here they were employing modern tools.

"I thought it would be Sword Flight," Ling Shuiyao couldn’t help muttering.

Yan Bei the old man ignored the crowd, lightly leaped up, soared high, didn’t need ropes, jumped straight into the cabin, displaying astonishing agility.