Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 533 Senior Brother's Vastness is to Be As It Should Be, Trial Down the Mountain!
You notice two of the women among the five people; they are both acquaintances.

You frowned slightly. "Why are you here?"

Two of the women were twins, one named Xue Ruyi and the other Xue Ruxin.

[These are newly initiated disciples. Your previous trip down the mountain to the "Netherworld Cave" for trials was the most dangerous one, as you encountered a demon at the Heavenly Gate realm.]

[All eighteen peaks were damaged. If the cavern hadn't been so vast, you wouldn't have been able to rescue them in time. The demons are cunning too.]

[They saw you disappear without even making a move, but they still managed to lead the Fangcun Mountain disciples out of danger.]

[When you led the disciples of Xiaoqing Peak to "break through the encirclement," these two sisters were among the five disciples who accompanied you.]

The two women looked exactly alike, both wearing pale yellow dresses with maple leaf patterns on the cuffs. They both had oval faces, delicate eyebrows, bright, expressive eyes, and white teeth, their expressions revealing a mischievous and playful spirit.

[Xue Ruyi, the older sister, blinked her eyes and said, "Senior Brother Zhou, we're just about to go down the mountain for our trials."]

"We saw several senior students' signs, so we chose them first. We didn't break any contracts."

Following her fingertip, you'll see a group of wooden plaques hanging at the entrance of Jing Shou Hall, each bearing a name; the name "Zhou Jing" is prominently engraved on one of the swaying plaques.

[Your younger sister, Xue Ruxin, would always unconsciously steal glances at your reaction, saying, "Yes, sister is right."]

Xue Ruyi reminded him, "Ruxin, what Senior Brother said is right."

The younger sister immediately corrected herself, saying, "Senior brother, you're right."

You sighed inwardly. Ever since the last trial, the sisters had frequently found excuses to visit your courtyard.

The two Xue sisters were quite famous among the disciples who had been with the family for two years, and had many suitors.

After all, who could resist such charming and lively twin sisters? The sheer fun of distinguishing between the older and younger sisters is enough to make many young disciples yearn for them.

One plus one is far greater than two!

Seeing that things were going badly, you decided to lay down three rules with them: no contact in private, and no excessive familiarity in public, or you'd lose even their friendship.

Upon hearing this, the two sisters' faces turned pale instantly, their eyes welling up with tears, as if they had suffered a great injustice. Afterwards, they indeed became much more restrained, afraid of truly angering you, even glancing at you cautiously from afar.

You hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "This time it's serious business."

The two sisters immediately beamed and exclaimed joyfully, "Senior brother is the best!"

The voices of two identical girls overlapped, like wind chimes colliding.

Your gaze shifts to the other three people, all of whom are unfamiliar faces.

Xue Ruyi introduced them with a smile: "This is Sister Lin Shuang, and that is Sister Wei Zhi."

The woman on the left has fair skin and black hair, a slender figure, and wears a jade-green blouse and a misty pleated skirt. Her eyes are delicate and her features are captivating; she is exceptionally beautiful and possesses an air of scholarly refinement.

The woman also looked you up and down, then smiled and said, "Lin Shuang greets Senior Brother. I'll be troubling you this time."

The woman on the right was tall and slender, dressed in a well-tailored black outfit. She had short, shoulder-length hair, a round face, and almond-shaped eyes, exuding a unique, heroic air, quite different from Lin Shuang's demeanor.

The woman nodded slightly, looking somewhat disappointed, then frowned slightly and reluctantly said, "Wei Zhi greets Senior Brother."

Your gaze shifted slightly. Aside from their striking beauty, you were also struck by their considerable reputation within the sect—Lin Shuang and Wei Zhi were among the most outstanding disciples of their generation, their cultivation having already reached the late stage of the Solidifying Spirit realm.

[You have to admit, Xiao Qingfeng is somewhat "feminine with less masculinity."]

[Among the five, there was a last man, robust in build, two heads taller than the average person, with shoulders twice as broad as the others, thick eyebrows and large eyes, a rather hearty smile, and his cultivation was also at the late stage of the Solidifying Spirit realm.]

Before Xue Ruyi could even begin her introduction, the man spoke up warmly, "Zhang Tong greets Senior Brother."

As for the three greeting you, you merely nodded indifferently. This expression caused Wei Zhi to slightly frown, and she gave a soft snort.

The group consisted of five people, four of whom were women, each possessing a unique and captivating charm.

This impressive lineup drew frequent glances from the surrounding disciples.

Out of the corner of your eye, you glance around and notice several groups of Xiaoqingfeng disciples, though pretending to be in a hurry, their eyes keep "inadvertently" drifting this way.

This situation is not difficult to understand—in the cultivation world, outstanding appearance is a scarce resource for cultivation.

Several male disciples standing by the roadside couldn't help but sigh with regret: "If we had known this would happen, we should have chosen Senior Brother Zhou Jing's team." Their voices were full of remorse.

[It's no wonder they act this way—after spending so much time on Little Green Peak, going down the mountain for trials becomes a rare opportunity to get some fresh air.]

Not only were all expenses covered by Fangcun Mountain, but they were also treated with utmost courtesy wherever they went. After all, within the territory under Fangcun Mountain's jurisdiction, whether it was a secular dynasty or a powerful family from outside the mountain, who wouldn't give them some respect?

How wonderful it would be to have a few sensible and beautiful junior sisters for this kind of "coming down the mountain to gather inspiration" opportunity!

[If we could form a bond through this and become Daoist partners, wouldn't that be wonderful?]

You led the five people to a side hall of Shoujing Hall, your expression suddenly turning serious.

"The trials are for you to hone your skills and vanquish demons under the protection of the sect, not for sightseeing."

"I hope all five of you will take this seriously and keep the word 'caution' firmly in mind. No amount of magical power can compare to being cautious, careful, and thoughtful. You only have one life; once you die, you have nothing left."

"When demons are present, you must obey my orders; otherwise, you may do as you please."

Xue Ruyi's twins immediately patted their chests and responded, "Senior brother, if you tell us to go east, we will never go west!"

"That won't be necessary. You just need to show some attitude. I will rate you all as top-tier in this trial. If you don't take it seriously, I will report it to the higher-ups."

[Each trial within the peak is evaluated by the team leader into four categories: A, B, C, and D.]

In Fangcun Mountain, a leader's evaluation determines their future. A "D" grade, coupled with comments like "deserted in the face of battle" or "fear of demons," means that future promotion is out of the question; even fellow disciples will likely look down on them.

Sects that cultivate immortality place the utmost importance on one's character and temperament.

[The same Tu Xing who used earth-遁术 (earth-遁术 is a type of magic technique) to "escape" in Chen Kingdom during the last trial led by Qi Yunfeng is an example of this. He was originally a core disciple of your generation, but now he's been relegated to the margins.]

[You've just finished speaking!]

Wei Zhi frowned and said, "Senior brother, you've only just started leading the team, and you're already putting on airs. You should know that there's also an inspector position in the sect. If the evaluation is unfair, the sect will hold them accountable."

Lin Shuang, standing to the side, also looked up at you.

The position of Inspector was established at Fangcun Mountain because in the past, some disciples, especially female disciples, used evaluations to blackmail others for personal gain, often forcing them to submit to their power. Only after numerous complaints from the mountain did a system of checks and balances emerge, leading to the creation of the Inspector position.

[This approach empowers the disciples leading the group while preventing them from abusing that power.]

You glanced at Wei Zhi, who possessed a somewhat heroic air, and smiled, "I will certainly be fair and just, and have a clear conscience."

Xue Ruyi and the other woman quickly interjected, "Senior Sister Wei, Senior Brother Zhou wouldn't do that. He's always been fair."

"Senior Brother Zhou, you can lead the team with confidence."

"Senior brother, you're the kindest person, and also the most handsome among the young Qingfeng members..."

The two girls were talking at once, and the more you listened, the more something seemed off; their conversation had gone astray.

Wei Zhi spoke up again, "Junior sisters, don't be fooled by his appearance. He's only at the mid-stage of the Solidifying Spirit realm, and he's already in his fourth year of cultivation. It's uncertain whether he can stay in the mountain; next year he'll become a lay disciple of Fangcun Mountain."

"Besides, to be frank, we're only here to give him face. We could have easily gone to find other highly skilled senior brothers like Qi Yunfeng."

[Xue Ruyi hurriedly raised her hand to stop her, but it was too late; Wei Zhi's words had already escaped her lips.] ["We all know this trial is no small matter, how can we treat it lightly? Normally, it's one thing, we'd certainly do as our junior sisters do..."]

You glanced at Xue Ruyi and the other person.

[Xue Ruyi and the other person quickly lowered their heads, not daring to look into your eyes.]

Now you understand why Wei Zhi acted this way from the very first meeting.

There are more disciples participating in this trial; several peaks are participating together.

Therefore, they all chose their own team leaders. The people in front of us are all quite skilled, having reached the late stage of the Solidifying Spirit realm after only two years of training. They are all among the most outstanding individuals of their generation.

[Logically, they wouldn't choose someone with the lowest cultivation level and an unknown reputation like you.]

[It's likely that the other three are all Xue Ruyi's friends, which is why they all chose you.]

[This Wei Zhi seems unwilling and has some reservations about you being the team leader.]

Zhang Tong, the only male disciple among the five, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Senior Brother Zhou is very magnanimous, and Junior Sister Wei has always been outspoken. I apologize on her behalf."

Lin Shuang, with her scholarly air, carefully observed your expression, noticing no trace of anger in your brows, only composure.

She secretly marveled: Although this Senior Brother Zhou's cultivation level was mediocre, his ability to cultivate inner strength was extremely profound.

What's even more remarkable is that, as rumored, he is indeed handsome and possesses a gentle, refined air.

Xue Ruyi said, "Senior brother, I'm sorry, we did something wrong."

She turned to look at the three of them, and said resolutely, "My sister and I will stay."

Xue Ruxin quickly added, "My sister and I will stay."

"Senior brother... is really amazing."

Wei Zhi was somewhat impatient, her tone carrying a hint of disappointment and frustration.

Lin Shuang sighed softly and said, "Senior Brother Zhou, please forgive us. We and our two junior sisters entered the sect at the same time, and we are also from the same hometown."

She paused, then carefully said, "This trial is of great importance. It's not that we're deliberately looking down on each other, it's just that Senior Brother's cultivation level..."

The meaning is self-evident even without being explicitly stated.

The Xue sisters had already turned their faces away, their slender backs revealing a stubbornness.

Lin Shuang and the other two fell into a silent dilemma, unsure of what to do.

As you watched the groups of Xiao Qingfeng gradually depart, and Lü Qingyu and the others also left, it was getting late. You smiled and said, "How about this, when we reach Qiyun Peak, I will choose another reliable senior brother to lead your group?"

"Or, you can make a decision then."

You looked at Xue Ruyi and the other woman, and seeing your expression, they could only nod.

Looking at the three of them with unwavering determination, Xue Ruxin said, "Senior Brother Zhou, you are truly amazing."

Lin Shuang and Wei Zhi didn't seem to mind. The three exchanged glances and finally nodded slowly.

[You seem completely unconcerned about this; after several trials, you've already become quite familiar with Qi Yunfeng.]

[He thought to himself: At worst, I can trouble Senior Brother Yang Chen again. He's always reliable, so it'll save me the trouble.]

[There are quite a few familiar faces among the three peaks, Qiyun Peak.]

Six streaks of light pierced through the clouds and sped towards Qiyun Peak.

The Xue sisters, Ruyi and Ruyi, stepped onto the jade hairpin, their robes fluttering, yet their melancholy was undeniable.

[While tidying her hair, Lin Shuang would occasionally glance curiously at you—Xue Ruyi and the other woman had praised you to the skies, as if no one on Xiaoqing Peak could compare.]

She had been curious for a while, but seeing it today seemed rather ordinary.

She couldn't help but shake her head inwardly: what extraordinary qualities could a senior brother who had been practicing for four years and was still stuck at the Solid Spirit Realm possibly possess?

[Zhang Tong noticed that smoke was rising from your feet, and without relying on any magical artifacts, the azure clouds transformed into sword shuttles, carrying you along as if they were alive. He couldn't help but show a look of surprise.]

Within this small mountain range, few would so needlessly expend their magical power to traverse the air.

This Senior Brother Zhou is really a strange person.

Qiyun Peak, the foremost of the eighteen mountain ranges, pierces the clouds, its summit shrouded in lingering mist.

[This wasn't Xue Ruyi's first visit, but each time they came, they were struck by a sense of inadequacy. Compared to Xiao Qingfeng, he was utterly pathetic, and they couldn't help but feel ashamed.]

The Jade Square was already bustling with people, disciples from various peaks their robes fluttering in the breeze.

[The six beams of light faded, and you landed gracefully.]

Wei Zhi's eyes darted around as she secretly surveyed her surroundings. There were over 120 disciples gathered here.

The disciples of Qiyun Peak all wore moon-white robes, and their leaders were all at the Dao Embryo Realm, with some even being late-stage Dao Embryo Realm experts with a composed and dignified demeanor.

The people from Feilai Peak were equally impressive; their robes embroidered with azure phoenix patterns gleamed with a hidden light, indicating that many possessed profound cultivation.

[Only Lü Qingyu and Xiao Wan'er at the Dao Embryo Realm are at Xiao Qingfeng.]

The disciples of Xiaoqing Peak were much quieter than usual, unlike their lively selves on other peaks. Compared to others, they inevitably felt a little disappointed.

After you landed, you were about to look for Yang Chen when you found him already waiting for you.

[In two years, Yang Chen has already perfected his Dao Embryo, and is only one step away from entering the Heavenly Gate Realm—he is the person in charge of Qi Yun Peak in this trial.]

Wei Zhi was just about to remind you not to forget to find Qi Yunfeng's team leader for them.

But then his gaze shifted, and he suddenly saw the surrounding crowd flowing like a tide.

Several figures approached. She recognized the young man in black robes and a jade belt at the head of the group; he was none other than Qin Shi, the renowned senior disciple of Flying Peak.

"Junior Brother Zhou!" Qin Shilang greeted him with a smile. "Junior Brother Yang and I were worried that this trial was no ordinary one, but we are relieved to see you here."

Yang Chen followed behind, beaming with joy.

Even more surprising is...!

The girl in green, Lü Qingyu, and the barefoot Xiao Wan'er also approached, but they didn't overshadow you; they stood behind you.

Lin Shuang's eyes narrowed slightly. Why were Xiao Qingfeng's two senior sisters behaving this way?

[It shouldn't be Lü Qingyu or Xiao Wan'er in charge of Xiao Qingfeng.]

What alarmed her even more was that the Dao Embryo Realm disciples from Qiyun and Feilai Peaks were all gazing at her intently from afar.

She looked again at Senior Brother Zhou Jing; the young man seemed completely unfazed by the favor.

[It seems like this is how it should be!]

(End of this chapter)