This martial saint is too cautious.

Chapter 375 The Assessment (Please vote with your monthly tickets!)

Inside the portal, Lin Yan gazed at the scene before him, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

There is a door within a door.

At this moment, eight more doors appeared before him.

Each door is three zhang high, square in shape, and arranged in order from left to right.

If it were anyone else, upon seeing these eight doors, they would only think that this is the Eight Phases Secret Realm, and those who enter must choose a door to enter. The only thing they need to consider is which door to enter.

However, after cultivating the Heavenly Evolution Technique, Lin Yan now saw something different when he looked at the Eight Phases Sect.

The next moment, Lin Yan's hand seals changed, and as Lin Yan's hand seals changed, the color of the eight light gates that were also shining with luster began to change.

Cyan, blue, red, purple —

The eight doors transformed into eight different colors.

The changes in the light gates did not stop. On the door frames, some array patterns began to appear, and even at the bottom of the eight light gates, array patterns began to connect with each other.

However, after three breaths, everything vanished, and the portal returned to its original state.

"So that's what the Eight Phases mean."

Lin Yan's face showed a look of understanding. The so-called eight directions correspond to the eight trigrams: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, ...

Exchange.

Fortunately, he learned the Heavenly Evolution Technique and obtained the array formation theories of his ancestors.

That hand seal was called the Array Manifestation Seal, which can reveal array patterns and restrictions.

"Qian corresponds to Heaven, Kun corresponds to Earth —"

Knowing that the eight doors correspond to different things, Lin Yan began to ponder.

The secret realm of the strong involves selecting inheritors, so naturally, the best of the best must be chosen. It cannot be based on luck that someone gets lucky and obtains the inheritance.

Lin Yan was well aware of this. The previous times he entered the secret realm, especially the Central Plains Domination Secret Realm, it seemed to outsiders that he was just lucky. But from the moment that strange wind started, the secret realm was already selecting suitable people.

For a master of array formations, setting up obstacles is an easy task.

The first hurdle is choosing the right door to enter; choosing the wrong door could very well lead to elimination.

Of the eight phases, Qian (☰) represents Heaven and is the first!

Regardless of what this predecessor left behind, even if there is no inheritance within the Qian Sect, choosing the Qian Sect should not result in being eliminated.

Eliminate.

With that thought in mind, Lin Yan no longer hesitated and stepped into the fifth door.

The order of the eight gates is scrambled.

This further confirmed Lin Yan's judgment: the senior had a purpose in disrupting the order of the eight phases.

Either you can see the location of the Qian Gate like I do, or you enter the Qian Gate through intuition and luck.

But I dare not do anything about it. Entering Qianmen should only be the first hurdle. There will definitely be more hurdles to overcome later.

As soon as Lin Yan stepped into the Qian Gate, he felt a suction force pulling him inside.

"Is this to prevent people from stepping inside and then regretting it and leaving?"

Feeling the immense power of the suction, which he couldn't resist even with his full strength, Lin Yan simply gave up.

A moment later, his entire body stepped through the Qian Gate, and a completely new scene appeared before Lin Yan.

Ahead lay a vast expanse of clouds and mist.

Lin Yan looked down at his feet, where he saw a suspended stone platform, a hundred feet in diameter, with swirling clouds and mist outside.

Right in front of the stone platform, three sets of steps extended out from the clouds and mist, each set of steps being several tens of feet apart.

Lin Yan looked at the steps on the left. The stone steps had array patterns that flashed from time to time, emitting the rhythm of the array.

After observing for a while, Lin Yan turned his gaze to the middle step.

The middle steps were completely black, with no energy fluctuations whatsoever.

As for the steps on the right, even just the three extended steps exuded a powerful aura.

The three sets of steps are all different.

"Is it another choice?"

Just as Lin Yan was pondering the differences between the three sets of steps, a voice rang out from the platform.

"There are three levels of inheritance. The left is the level of formations, which is for those who cultivate formations. The right is the level of martial arts, which is for those who are not good at formations. The middle is the level of martial arts and formations, which is for those who cultivate both martial arts and formations."

After the voice finished speaking, Lin Yan looked back and forth across the three steps.

For him, the safest option was to choose the steps on the right and walk the martial arts path.

However—this secret realm was set up by a master of array formations. If one only pursues the path of martial arts, one is very likely to miss out on even greater opportunities.

To play it safe or to take a risk?

"According to the voice, these three steps are more of a test and should not be dangerous. As for me, I am not lacking in martial arts inheritance. In terms of cultivation techniques, I have the Taiqing Heart Method, and in terms of physical cultivation, I have the Eight Desolate Dragon Elephant Technique."

With a resolute look in his eyes, Lin Yan stepped directly onto the middle steps.

Boom!

As Lin Yan stepped onto the black stairs, a sound came from the stairs, and then Lin Yan realized that the scene around him had changed.

Without turning around, Lin Yan could sense that the stone platform behind him was gone, and only the steps remained.

Once you step onto the steps, there's no going back.

At the same time, a pressure descended from above, enveloping Lin Yan.

Lin Yan stood still, not even activating his Dharma power.

The pressure, comparable to that of the Void Realm, was nothing to him.

Lin Yan's gaze fell on the second step. He lifted his foot to step on it, but his right foot was still an inch away from the step. The step seemed to sense something, and array patterns on the surface shone, preventing Lin Yan's foot from falling.

Looking at the array patterns beneath his feet, Lin Yan lifted his right foot, and when he put it down, there was a slight vibration.

Snapped!

With his right foot landing, the array patterns disappeared, and Lin Yan stepped onto the second step.

"It's a very basic array pattern, it can't even be called an array pattern. If we compare a low-level array pattern to the Dharma Aspect Realm, then this can barely be considered the True Qi Realm."

Lin Yan made his judgment, but he didn't underestimate the situation. Looking up, he saw the steps stretched endlessly; this was only the beginning.

Step three, step four, step five —

Lin Yan walked the first hundred steps with ease.

After a hundred steps, on the one hundred and first step, when Lin Yan stepped onto it, the pressure fell as always, but this time the pressure suddenly increased several times.

The power of the Dharma Image within Lin Yan Cave Heaven immediately surged forth to resist this oppressive force.

"It's the pressure of a first-level grotto-heaven realm cultivator."

Sensing the oppressive force, Lin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. With each hundred steps, the pressure suddenly increased, and the array patterns...

He stepped onto the next step, and this time, his foot was still five inches away from the step when array patterns flashed on the platform. Unlike the previous hundred steps, this time the array patterns bounced his foot back.

The array patterns shimmered, forming a maze-like pattern before his eyes.

Lin Yan stared intently at the maze-like array patterns before him. The patterns were currently flickering, and upon closer inspection, one could detect the movement of energy within them. These areas of varying light and shadow marked the different entrances to the maze, and what he needed to do was—

"Prognose the next step and make this array pattern fully formed."

Deducing array patterns is an essential path for martial artists who cultivate the art of deduction.

The Dao of Array Patterns is too complex. Apart from some main array patterns, most array patterns are derived from these main array patterns.

Among the knowledge passed down by our ancestors was knowledge about deriving array patterns.

"If I'm not mistaken, this should be a refinement of wind patterns."

Five breaths later, Lin Yan pressed the tip of his right finger onto the array pattern.

As Lin Yan pressed the button, the previously flickering array pattern instantly became constantly lit.

Three breaths later, the array pattern disappeared, and Lin Yan easily stepped onto the stairs.

After that, array patterns would appear at every step, requiring Lin Yan to deduce them.

Fortunately, these array patterns were not too difficult. Lin Yan took the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to easily traverse the two hundred steps.

How many steps are left?

Looking up, Lin Yan shook his head slightly. It still seemed endless; he conservatively estimated there were still hundreds of steps to go.

"The path you choose, you must walk to the end, even with tears in your eyes."

One hour, two hours.

Two hundred steps, three hundred steps, four hundred steps —

Later on, Lin Yan stopped calculating the steps and instead focused his mind entirely on deducing the array patterns.

What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice.

Deducing the array patterns was tedious, but the joy of getting it right gave Lin Yan the same sense of accomplishment he had felt in solving math problems in his previous life.

The two are extremely similar.

Two days later, the nine hundredth step.

Lin Yan looked up and finally saw the top.

"Nine hundred and ninety-nine steps to the top, it seems there are a total of nine hundred and ninety-nine steps."

On the 901st step, this time Lin Yan stepped onto the step without any array patterns blocking his way. However, as soon as his body completely stepped onto the step, the step emitted light, and the surrounding space changed.

Formation!

Lin Yan squinted and looked around. At this moment, what surrounded him was no longer steps, but gusts of wind.

A fierce wind howled, instantly forming a tornado that blocked all his escape routes.

Faced with these fierce winds, Lin Yan's eyes narrowed, and the power of the Three Heavens within his body surged. This kind of formation could only be broken by force.

call out!

Lin Yan rushed straight towards the nearest gust of wind. Sensing Lin Yan's approach, the wind suddenly accelerated, tearing apart the surrounding space and constantly cutting through it with a terrifying hissing sound.

However, Lin Yan's expression did not change at all. He raised his hand and threw a punch.

boom!

The gale dissipated without a trace.

Bang bang bang!

Within the formation, dozens of gusts of wind completely dissipated in just a few breaths, and Lin Yan landed back on the steps.

The next step.

This time, what appeared around Lin Yan was a sea of ​​fire, with flames raging and fire dragons appearing in the void, instantly opening their blood-red maws as if to swallow Lin Yan whole.

"Sword Slash!"

The Sword Melody appeared above Lin Yan's head, and dozens of sword energies surged out instantly. Wherever the sword energies passed, all the fire dragons let out a wail and turned into sparks before completely dissipating.

The formation breaks and people come out.

From beginning to end, it took less than three breaths.

Next, the water formation, then the lightning formation—

Lin Yan broke through dozens of formations one by one.

However, the formation became more powerful as he progressed, and once he reached the fiftieth step, even he had to exert all his strength to get through.

boom!

Breaking out of the formation once again, Lin Yan landed on the steps, his figure swaying slightly as he circulated the power of his Dharma form to dispel the frost on his body.

He had to give it his all to get through that ice formation.

Looking at the ten steps remaining, Lin Yan's expression turned serious. If the array on these ten steps was as powerful as the previous ones, or if the array on each step was more powerful, he feared he would have difficulty getting through.

"Even if we can't overcome it, we have to try!"

After resting for ten breaths on the steps, Lin Yan stepped onto the ninth step from the bottom.

The moment Lin Yan stepped onto the steps, he was stunned. No array patterns appeared, and no array formation emerged. The entire staircase only flashed with light, and then he found himself in front of the square.

The square was empty except for him.

Before Lin Yan could observe carefully, a voice rang out: "The assessment begins."

The next moment, three jade slips appeared in front of him.

"First challenge: Identify the function of the three array patterns within 300 breaths."

Upon hearing this voice, Lin Yan had a guess in his mind: the first 990 steps set up by this senior were to test his strength, deduction and martial arts prowess, while the last nine steps were the real test of inheritance.

With that in mind, Lin Yan picked up the first jade slip and focused his divine sense into it.

Inside was a complete array pattern, radiating a certain power of rules.

"First-order array patterns, not difficult!"

Fifty breaths later, Lin Yan recognized it and then looked at the second jade slip.

One hundred and fifty breaths later, Lin Yan had identified all the array patterns in the three jade slips.

[First stage passed, Grade C.]

[The second challenge involves identifying six items within a time limit of 300 breaths.]

Three jade slips disappeared, followed by six jade slips appearing. Unbeknownst to Lin Yan, outside the plaza, his figure had already stepped up a step on its own.

This time, it took Lin Yan 230 breaths to completely identify the six array patterns.

"Second level cleared, Grade C."

Upon hearing this voice, Lin Yan's lips twitched. He didn't understand why this powerful senior had created a rating system.

Does that mean that after reaching the top, one cannot receive the inheritance, but must wait for someone with a higher score in the subsequent assessments, and then be selected based on merit?

[The third challenge involves identifying nine items within a time limit of 300 breaths.]

Lin Yan:

Three hundred breaths later, Lin Yan looked regretful. He hadn't been able to identify them all; he had only identified eight.

"Third level cleared, Grade D."

Grade D?

I wasn't eliminated?

Lin Yan is now somewhat confused, but he doesn't care anymore, as long as he's not eliminated.

"The fourth challenge: Identify three jade slips within three thousand breaths."

Looking at the three jade slips that appeared in front of him, Lin Yan focused his divine sense on them and understood why there was so much time in this level with just a glance.

Second-order array patterns!

"The array patterns I can condense right now are only first-order; I've never even seen a second-order array pattern."

Lin Yan smiled wryly, but no matter what, he couldn't give up now that he had come this far. According to the third test, he wouldn't be eliminated if he didn't complete it, but his rating would be lower.

In a distant place, at a mountain gate square.

A middle-aged man looked on in surprise as a jade tablet in the square began to glow.

"Which senior brother discovered a disciple with potential and allowed them to attempt the ninth level of the Heavenly Evolution Realm?"

The middle-aged man walked towards the jade tablet, but when he saw the words on it, the anticipation on his face instantly diminished, and he even showed disappointment.

"Grade C, Grade C, Grade D—this talent is just too poor."

When a sect accepts disciples, the minimum requirement is that one must achieve a "D" grade in the first round. If a disciple achieves a "D" grade in two consecutive rounds, they will be eliminated.

However, those who merely join the sect by barely meeting the elimination threshold will not achieve much in the field of divination in the future.

In the middle-aged man's view, the ability to use teleportation to participate in the ninth level of the Heavenly Evolution Trial from afar must be the work of a senior brother. Generally, only a senior brother who is away from home would use this method if he discovered a disciple with potential.

It's important to know that designing a teleportation array and activating the ninth level of the Heavenly Evolution Realm comes at a considerable cost.

As is customary, whenever this situation occurs in the past, after passing nine levels, most of the participants will receive a grade C, but there will be one or two levels where they can get a grade B.

Two Class B and seven Class C, or even more Class B, is the normal situation.

Just as the man was about to look away, new characters appeared on the jade tablet.

"Level 4, Grade D"

"Two of them are already out of the running."

Upon seeing the words "Class D," the middle-aged man was utterly disappointed and turned to leave.

"D-class!"

"D-class!"

"D-class!"

After being ranked as a "D" for three consecutive years, Lin Yan's face darkened.

This is equivalent to getting three zeros in a row on an exam.

The fourth and sixth levels are actually repetitions of the first and third levels, except that the array patterns have changed from the first level to the second level.

The array patterns in these jade slips do not leak energy, so judging their function relies mostly on experience.

The key problem is that the ancestors mainly provided theories about the formation of array patterns, and he had never even seen these second-order array patterns.

Just like a math problem, if you give someone an equation, they might be able to deduce the result. But now you're given the result directly and asked which unique equation led to it.

He can't do that yet, not in reverse.

[Seventh level: Deduce three array patterns, time limit 3000 breaths]

Upon hearing the details of the seventh challenge, Lin Yan's eyes lit up; he was finally relieved that he wouldn't have to wait any longer.

Within the jade slip, the array patterns flickered, and Lin Yan began to attempt to complete them.

The first one took three hundred breaths.

The second one took three hundred breaths.

The third one took four hundred breaths.

The three pills took a total of one thousand breaths to complete.

[Seventh level passed, Grade B.]

Seeing this Grade B, Lin Yan breathed a sigh of relief; at least it wasn't all Grade C and Grade D.

[Eighth level: Decipher one array pattern, time limit 3000 breaths.]

The number has decreased, but Lin Yan remains tense. If the number has decreased, there is only one possibility: the grade of the array patterns has been improved.

When Lin Yan focused his divine sense into the jade slip, his expression remained unchanged. As he had expected, it was a second-order array pattern.

Three thousand breaths later, as the jade slip disappeared, Lin Yan's face showed regret.

Within the allotted time, he only managed to complete 80% of the array pattern, leaving the final 20% unfinished.

[Level 8 passed, Grade C.]

Lin Yan was very satisfied that it wasn't "Grade D".

[Ninth Level: Comprehend the array diagram in the jade slip within 30,000 breaths]

Upon hearing the time limit for this challenge, Lin Yan's eyes narrowed. Thirty thousand breaths—that's almost ten hours.

Lin Yan focused his divine sense into the jade slip, and this time he no longer sensed array patterns, but a surge of powerful information instantly flooded into his mind.

Ten breaths later, Lin Yan's eyes showed a look of understanding. The array diagram recorded on this jade slip was called: Gale Thunder Array!

This is a second-tier formation, which he cannot condense with his current strength.

But in this space, no Dharma power is required; all that is needed is for him to understand the array diagram.

"Martial Arts Fruit?"

Lin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, and with a thought, a martial arts fruit on the martial arts tree in his mind disappeared, followed immediately—in his mind

In my mind, a corner of the Gangfeng Mine Array diagram appeared.

"It really works!"

Lin Yan's eyes lit up. If that's the case, then there's no need to be polite.

Cheating on exams —

If you get caught, it's called cheating; if you don't, it's called having a stroke of good luck.

One, two, three —

After consuming a hundred martial arts fruits, the complete Gangfeng Landmine Array appeared in his mind.

Lin Yan began to form hand seals, and array patterns appeared around him.

As the array patterns multiplied, the wind howled and thunder roared incessantly.

A quarter of an hour later, the formation was complete!

Around Lin Yan, bolts of lightning struck down one after another, each possessing the power of a celestial realm. In addition to the lightning, there was also a raging wind, as if the world was about to be destroyed by wind and thunder.

[Level 9 cleared, Grade A!]