Once upon a time there was a greedy snake.

Chapter 462 Essays (Preview 4)
(When it rains, it pours. Today I'm stabbing myself in the butt with a knife to open my eyes. I'm completely out of sorts and can only force myself to do this.)
(I try not to let myself get too stressed and move around whenever I can.)

Chapter 1 Such a wonderful start
The Kingdom of Ghosts, the Azure Cloud Sect.

Upon entering the sect, one is greeted by a prominent protective array, shrouded in mist and radiating a precious light. Beneath the ethereal immortal aura lies an endless chilling aura, demonstrating the profound foundation of the Qingyun Sect as a prestigious and righteous sect.

Within this grand formation stands a colossal monument inscribed with the words "Heaven rewards diligence, the Great Way serves the public," fully displaying the majesty of the righteous path.

Such an imposing formation naturally inspired awe and admiration from the newly initiated disciples.

Gao Yi, who was involved in the situation, was no exception.

"It's actually possible to cultivate immortality."

Gao Yi, who had just transmigrated, was filled with excitement.

The memories remaining in his body told him that the Qingyun Sect was a prestigious and powerful sect in the North, and those who could join the sect had to go through many screenings before they could pass the test.

The good news is that the identity screening has been completed; otherwise, his identity as a transmigrator would likely have been judged as an extraterrestrial demon by this righteous sect and dealt with on the spot.

But there's bad news: there's one last hurdle before you can even get started.

In other words, qualification testing.

"I wonder what his physical aptitude is like..."

Gao Yi raised his hand and touched his arms; the flesh was soft.

At least in terms of body refinement, this body probably doesn't show any qualities that can be considered talent.

Could it be that my talent actually lies in my spiritual root?
With a prestigious and upright family, a bright future, and the opportunity to achieve immortality right before his eyes, Gao Yi had no intention of being eliminated due to a lack of qualifications.

Fortunately, just as Gao Yi was yearning for power, a screen of light appeared before his eyes.

【The Book of Ten Thousand Generations】

"Stable!"

Gao Yi's mind and spirit were greatly calmed.

A member of a prestigious and righteous family, with a chance to cultivate immortality, orphaned, and possessing a system.

There has never been such a wonderful start.

The function of this Book of Ten Thousand Lifetimes is not complicated: after death, one can start a new life at a key juncture.

Even after restarting, one can choose one of the treasures, cultivation level, supernatural powers, or lifespan from their previous life.

Or, awaken a talent that belongs only to you.

The only requirement is that you must not commit suicide.

"I've seen this before!"

Gao Yi became increasingly relaxed.

Although this Book of Ten Thousand Ages cannot grant him immediate power, he will surely learn something once he enters the sect.

The fact that suicide is not an option is indeed different from what Gao Yi thought, but it's not a big problem.

The path of cultivation is fraught with difficulties. If I just find an opportunity to die, I can return to the beginning of my cultivation with my newfound power.

"We've already reached the final stage. There's no longer any issue of being kicked off the mountain because of poor talent. All that's left is to confirm the aptitudes and determine who's better."

After briefly reviewing the remaining memories, Gao Yi felt much more relaxed. A broad road lay ahead of him.

Once you get started and receive some basic training, you can find an opportunity to start over and showcase your talent, gain the attention of the sect, and receive focused cultivation!
"Just do it!"

Gao Yi clenched his fist inwardly.

It was at this moment that the white-robed Taoist leading the group of newly initiated disciples took out a jade slip from his sleeve.

"Those whose names are called, come over and strike the stone tablet with your full strength."

After glancing at everyone present, the white-robed Taoist began calling out names.

"Lu Liang."

"arrive."

The white-robed Taoist called out a name, and a young man dressed in black stepped forward.

Looking at the young man's face, there was no joy, but rather a sense of dejection.

"How...why wouldn't I be happy?"

Gao Yi felt that something was not quite right.

He was just one step away from becoming a disciple of the sect and obtaining the opportunity to cultivate immortality, so why did Lü Liang have such a face?
Just as Gao Yi was beginning to have doubts, Lü Liang raised his hand and slammed it heavily onto the stone tablet!
The stone tablet did not react at all, not even leaving a trace.

"Mediocre talent, next."

The white-robed Taoist shook his head.

Meanwhile, Lü Liang returned to the crowd, muttering something like, "I was sick today and didn't perform well."

So that's why you're so dejected; that's certainly understandable.

Although Gao Yi still felt that something was not quite right, at least there was a reason to explain Lü Liang's behavior.

After that, two more disciples stepped forward to take the test. However, these two disciples were just as unlucky as Lü Liang. One of them had an upset stomach, and the other was exhausted from the long journey.

In short, after one strike, only one person's aptitude was found to be mediocre.

"From this perspective, I still have some advantages, at least I am healthy now."

Gao Yi thought to himself, but he still vaguely felt that something was wrong.

But it was at this moment that the white-robed Taoist called out his name.

"Gao Yi? You come here."

"Yes."

Gao Yi raised his hand and clasped his hands in a fist salute to the white-robed Taoist, then walked to the stone tablet and stood there.

To be fair, his body isn't exactly strong right now. He had just looked at the other disciples, and there were quite a few who were physically robust.

It's almost impossible to achieve anything at this point. If you really want to come out on top, you'll have to wait until you're reborn.

Even so, Gao Yi was prepared to do his utmost.

After all, the better the grades, the more cultivation he will receive, and the more he will be able to bring back when he lives his second life.

so……

Yes, he is indeed weak and has little strength right now.

But his body still weighs at least a hundred pounds!

"drink!"

With a loud shout, Gao Yi suddenly struck out with his palm.

It was less of a slap and more of a body bump into the stone tablet; however, the point of contact with the tablet was not the shoulder, but the outstretched arm.

Upon impact, Gao Yi's right arm immediately experienced excruciating pain.

But a few fragments had also peeled off the stone tablet in front of us.

"The Fate of Immortals, Stage Three!"

The white-robed Taoist glanced at Gao Yi, his gaze even carrying a hint of surprise.

"Okay, go ahead."

"Yes."

Gao Yi clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and then returned to the crowd.

The third stage of Immortal Fate doesn't sound very high, otherwise this sect steward wouldn't have only used "not bad" to describe it.

However, to achieve this level is already an extraordinary performance by Gao Yi. It is obvious that he will receive special training from the sect and will rise to the pinnacle of his life.

However, just as Gao Yi was secretly pleased, the other disciples were also called forward one by one.

One chapter of the Immortal Bond, two chapters of the Immortal Bond... One disciple after another raised their palms and slammed them onto the stone tablet.

But none of the results achieved by those palm strikes surpassed Gao Yi's!
This unusual situation made Gao Yi increasingly uneasy. He knew that many of the remaining disciples were clearly stronger and more agile than him. Could it be that these disciples, who appeared stronger than him at first glance, were actually inferior to him?

"That makes absolutely no sense!"

Just as Gao Yi was filled with doubt, the last disciple also completed the test.

A predestined connection with immortals, a story.

Surprisingly, none of the disciples' test scores surpassed Gao Yi's.

"That's fine."

The white-robed Taoist sighed after completing the test, then looked at Gao Yi.

"You are the most outstanding among this batch of new recruits."

"From now on, you will be their senior brother."

Gao Yi was certain that the white-robed Taoist's gaze was not one of appreciation.

Instead, it was tinged with pity.

Chapter 2

Becoming the senior disciple of a new batch of apprentices sounds like a good thing.

But soon, Gao Yi understood the true meaning of the pity in the white-robed Taoist's eyes.

As the eldest disciple, he would indeed receive special training from the sect, but since he had received such training, he should do more for the sect.

For example, managing the daily lives of these newly initiated disciples and teaching them to follow the rules.

Or they might lead these newly initiated disciples in training, and when the sect's masters are not present, they are also responsible for guiding them.

Alternatively, if any of these junior brothers or sisters cause trouble, he, as the senior brother, will have to take responsibility.

Or, when patrolling the mountains to exterminate demons, as the senior disciple, he must be the first to go and the last to leave.

Even when his junior brothers and sisters fight each other, and fellow disciples turn against each other, he, as the senior brother, is always the first to appear and break up the fight.

In short, there are more than a dozen items listed.

Simply put, you get to consume more cultivation resources, but you have to do the work of at least twenty more people.

"Should we look for the senior disciple, or the nuclear-powered donkey?"

Gao Yi then realized why almost all the newly initiated disciples had been slacking off during such an important aptitude assessment.

So there was actually a huge pit inside, waiting for people to jump in.

"Can I refuse to do it?"

The thought that after becoming the senior disciple, he couldn't even squeeze out a single moment of his own cultivation time made Gao Yi suddenly feel that the extra supply of spiritual energy wasn't so appealing anymore.

However, the white-robed Taoist shook his head.

"You are the most outstanding among this batch of new recruits."

"If you don't do it, who will?"

As he spoke, the white-robed Taoist priest tilted his head slightly and looked at the huge inscription on the stone tablet.

Heaven rewards diligence, and the great way is for the common good.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

"Now that you have joined my Qingyun Sect, you must adhere to the righteous path and never learn from those rogue cultivators of the martial world who shirk responsibility and seek only personal gain."

The white-robed Taoist didn't say anything more.

But that glance down at Gao Yi clearly told him that if he didn't do it, he would be expelled from the sect.

"I...fuck!"

Gao Yi gritted his teeth and nodded.

He was ready to do it; it was no big deal for him. After all, he had the Book of Ten Thousand Lifetimes in his hands, and he could always find a chance to start a new life.

However, if he were to be given a second chance at life, he would never again give it his all during the qualification assessment.

"If I could do it all over again, I would also hide my strength and live a life of quiet contempt, just like my fellow disciples!"

Gao Yi then made a vow.

However, making a vow is one thing, but the things that need to be done still need to be done.

Thus, Gao Yi, as the eldest disciple, began to follow the white-robed Taoist priest, serving him tirelessly as he traveled east and west.

The senior brother had to carry the luggage of his junior brothers and sisters, point the way to their dormitories, and distribute the pills and cultivation techniques. In short, Gao Yi had no free time at all throughout the day.

"Fortunately, this work isn't for nothing. At least I get an extra bottle of Qi-Nourishing Pill per month compared to other disciples, and I also live in a private courtyard."

Looking at the two bottles of Qi-Nourishing Pills in his hand, Gao Yi knew that this meant his cultivation speed would be twice as fast as his junior brothers and sisters.

"It just so happens that this introductory exercise, the 'Turtle Breathing and Nourishing Qi Technique,' is a method of regulating breathing. Why not simply use this exercise to replace sleep?"

Thinking this, Gao Yi took out two Qi-Nourishing Pills and put them in his mouth. Then he sat cross-legged on the couch and began to regulate his breathing.

Using exercises to replace sleep naturally carries great risks. Although the Qi-nourishing technique can replenish physical strength, it cannot restore energy. Over time, energy depletion will eventually lead to sudden death.

But for Gao Yi, this was not a bad thing.

If he had died suddenly, he would have lived a second life with all his cultivation and talent.

"But this consumption is still too slow. It would be best to find a faster way."

"I remember that newly initiated disciples are responsible for patrolling the mountain?"

"Since it's a mountain patrol, there will definitely be dangers. That's enough for me to live a second life."

As the medicinal power of the Qi-Nourishing Pill spread in his mouth, Gao Yi entered a deep meditative state.

……

……

……

The dormitories assigned to newly recruited disciples by the Qingyun Sect are arranged so that, apart from the eldest disciple who needs to live next to the sect's steward, Master Yuzhen, who is also the white-robed Taoist, and is ready to be at their disposal at any time, most other disciples live in rooms of four.

According to the sect's stewards, this was to allow the disciples to eat and live together and cultivate camaraderie among them.

But Lü Liang, who pretended to be sick during the day, always felt that this was unnecessary.

What about the bond between fellow disciples? Who cares about such things these days?

If it were a long time ago, perhaps the concept of camaraderie among fellow disciples would have existed. But nowadays, can camaraderie among fellow disciples put food on the table?

Of course, there are times when you still need your fellow disciples, such as when you encounter danger. In those situations, you would definitely need to protect your fellow disciples. But on ordinary days, fellow disciples are a different story.

The so-called cultivation of immortality is all about cultivating resources. If others consume more spiritual energy, you will receive less.

Therefore, every fellow student is a potential competitor.

Of course, the eldest brother is an exception.

The position of senior disciple seems to offer an extra portion of Qi-Nourishing Pills, but in reality, it requires doing the work of at least twenty more people. It's a thankless and arduous position, so even though Lü Liang knew he could get an extra portion of spiritual energy, he was too lazy to do it.

And it's quite obvious that the other disciples think the same way.

"but……"

Thinking of the young man named Gao Yi from earlier that day, Lü Liang frowned slightly.

No matter how you look at it, Gao Yi was incredibly foolish. Faced with the sect's test, especially in front of everyone, he not only failed to conceal his abilities but also went all out. Indeed, when Gao Yi went all out, the position of the senior disciple was basically secured, since no one would be willing to compete with him.

But isn't this behavior a bit too stupid?
"Did he really give it his all? Or was it just another way of hiding his true abilities?"

Lü Liang couldn't help but think this way.

But it's not that important.

Anyway, as the senior disciple, he won't live much longer.

(End of this chapter)