Trial Mountain.
The crowd silently mulled over this new name.
An Tong believed he had understood, and confidently explained, "What the Sect Master means is that as cultivators, besides improving our spiritual power, we also need to strengthen our physiques. From now on, every disciple must climb this mountain regularly to temper the body forever."
Oh?
That sounds very reasonable.
The disciples all nodded one after another.
Yun Jin's face instantly darkened.
She could not resist knocking once on An Tong's head.
With cultivation progress, spiritual power nourishes the body in turn, naturally strengthening it. This mountain could be climbed even by sturdier mortals—how could it serve as training for cultivators?
An Tong rubbed his head in grievance.
"Did… did I say something wrong? If not to train the body, then what?"
Yun Jin's lips curved into a mischievous smile as she lifted off the ground once more. The wind stirred her skirts again.
This scene… looked rather familiar.
While most were still puzzled, Yue Zhao and a few others exchanged glances, already guessing what was about to happen.
They hadn't been wrong before.
Little Junior Sister's "divine revelations" never ended so quickly.
"To hasten your strength, this Sect Master has decided… to summon another miracle."
After putting on the act, Yun Jin secretly pulled out a second building token.
"The Trial Tower! Activate!"
She recited silently in her heart.
The next moment—
The entire mountain trembled violently.
Gao Jingxuan instinctively gathered Su Lingling into his arms, glancing down at her in worry. The quake reminded him of that night when many lives were lost to collapsing earth.
But instead of fear, her bright eyes shimmered with admiration as she looked only at Yun Jin.
As the slopes shook, a foundation burst forth at the mountain's summit. It shot upward at breathtaking speed. In just a few breaths, the disciples found themselves staring at a towering structure that pierced the clouds.
Qin Ping's beard trembled.
Once again—a miracle!
When the disciple quarters appeared earlier, without Yun Jin's explanation, he hadn't realized just how extraordinary they were.
But this tower was different. Even standing silently, it exuded a vast, ancient aura. Probing it faintly stirred dread, as though it contained world-shattering power.
"This mountain is called Trial Mountain, because atop it stands the Trial Tower," Yun Jin said evenly. "Within this tower lie countless mysteries. Each cultivator who enters will face challenges suited to their own strength. Every floor you pass will inscribe your name upon the ranking stele outside.
That stele determines disciple status. Passing the second floor marks you as an elite disciple. Passing the fifth floor marks you as a core disciple. If you want greater treatment, you must earn it by conquering this tower." Her tone was calm, without flourish, yet the disciples' eyes all gleamed with anticipation.
The Trial Tower.
As the name suggested, it was a place to temper themselves.
To grow stronger and vie for higher rewards—why not?
Yun Jin smiled lightly. "Anyone may attempt the tower. I, too, will challenge it from time to time. I hope everyone gains something within."
The disciples gazed up at the majestic tower, eagerness already blazing in their hearts.
Even Qin Ping, usually so steady, could not hide the faint spark of expectation in his expression.
But none dared enter until Yun Jin gave leave.
She said gently, "Insert your sect token into the groove outside the tower to begin a trial. Each disciple may attempt three times per day. This is an excellent chance to increase your strength. Do not squander it."
As her words fell, the first disciple cautiously stepped forward. He placed his token in the groove, and in the blink of an eye, vanished.
Yun Jin observed calmly.
Soon, more disciples followed, one by one.
Until at last, a middle-aged man stepped forward. He held out his token, but no matter what he tried, he could not enter.
"What's going on?" someone nearby asked curiously.
The man himself looked bewildered. Turning anxiously, he sought Yun Jin's help. "Sect Master, my token seems faulty, I…"
Yun Jin looked at him, her voice cool and steady. "Li Bin, from Canglan Kingdom, Divine Transformation stage. You passed the recruitment three days ago and joined Wushuang Sect."
The man nodded quickly, relieved. "Sect Master still remembers me, I…"
Before he could finish, a spark of flame leapt from Yun Jin's fingertip.
Li Bin's eyes widened in shock, but in the next instant, his body was reduced to ash. His Yuányīng tried to flee, but Yun Jin caught it in a net of power. With a gentle slap, the struggling remnant dispersed, sent into rebirth.
Her sudden action stunned the waiting disciples, unease flashing in their eyes.
Qin Ping, however, remained composed. He asked quietly, "Sect Master, did you discover something amiss about him?"
Yun Jin replied evenly, "The miraculous structures bound themselves to Wushuang Sect. Those who harbor malice against it cannot enter."
The truth was clear.
The man she executed harbored ill intent toward the sect.
She looked over the shaken crowd and continued, "This man did not practice demonic arts, nor was he colluding with the demon race. His temperament was not irredeemably evil, which is why he passed the Heart-Questioning Stairway. But his heart bore ill will toward Wushuang Sect.
The miracles revealed today must never be leaked. He had to die. Yet because his sins were not grave, I granted his Yuányīng a chance at reincarnation." Her voice was calm, but her judgment absolute.
Most likely, this Li Bin had been bought or coerced by Qingxiao Pavilion. Perhaps he had agreed to smuggle out Wushuang Sect's secrets. Perhaps he had agreed to serve as an inside agent.
No matter the arrangement, Yun Jin would not tolerate such a person. He was unworthy of the sect's trust and benefits.
"Remember," Yun Jin added. "The disciple quarters hold similar protections. Any who harbor ill will toward Wushuang Sect will gain nothing from them. Worse, they will be afflicted by unseen forces, driven into madness. Now, continue. You may enter the tower."
Her words steadied the group.
Those with open, upright hearts entered without hesitation.
Only a few at the end lingered, pale with fear.
"You. Next," Yun Jin said, pointing to one of them.
The man trembled, face drained of color.
Qin Ping turned to him, his own expression stricken.
"Lao Chen? You—how could you stoop to this!"
This was one of the names he himself had vouched for to Yun Jin, a Unity stage cultivator he had trusted completely. He had even saved this man for last, wanting to see if any among the Imperial cultivators would falter.
And yet—there was one.
Lao Chen's expression twisted with regret. Qingxiao Pavilion had secretly offered him great benefits. Though Yun Jin had saved his life, how could he risk his own future for loyalty alone?
When Qin Ping had said they were free to choose whether to follow him into Wushuang Sect, he had feared appearing ungrateful, so he had pretended to agree along with the others.
Later, Lin Xiao personally approached him, bestowing rich gifts and promises of more to come.
How could he resist such temptation?
If only Yun Jin had revealed these godlike means earlier—how could he have ever betrayed?