Chapter 2

The location of Xichen Manor is a place surrounded by mountains. However, the peak where it stands is somewhat higher than the other peaks. It is also more majestic than the others. White mist often shrouds the mountain top, like water vapor, and resembles floating clouds, making it seem like a fairyland.

Here, the summer is not particularly hot, but the winter is extremely cold. As soon as a heavy snowfall occurs, Xichen Manor undoubtedly becomes a snow mountain.

But the special and unique architecture makes it look, from a distance, like a snow lotus on top of the snow mountain.

To the east of Xichen Manor is Dongchen Manor, to the south is Nanchen Manor, and to the north is Beichen Manor. The four manors all have interactions, but in comparison, Xichen Manor has many more disciples. This is not only because the architecture of Xichen Manor is more distinctive than the others, but also because the master of Xichen Manor, Xichenzi, is more powerful than the masters of the other manors.

At this moment, it is the Winter Solstice.

However, Xichen Manor is not as quiet as the other manors during the Winter Solstice. Instead, it becomes the busiest time of the year when the Winter Solstice arrives. The reason is that on this day, Xichen Manor will hold an annual test.

Although it is called a test, it is actually a way to assess strength. Xichen Manor recruits disciples every year, and these disciples, after practicing in Xichen Manor for a year, will be tested on the Winter Solstice. Those who do not meet the standards will be expelled from Xichen Manor and will never be able to practice there again. Those who meet the standards must reach the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment stage within a year.

As the sky began to brighten, when a cold wind blew over Xichen Manor, the people there started preparing the instruments and some wooden chairs needed for the test. Everyone in Xichen Manor would participate in this test. Although it only tests the young people who have been in Xichen Manor for a year, the test must be conducted in public.

In the courtyard of Xichen Manor, there is a large, but not very tall, round stone pillar. At one corner of the pillar, there is a stone staircase leading up, covered with thick snow. A small figure was sweeping the snow.

This person is Bai Shi.

"Bai Shi." Just as Bai Shi was sweeping the snow on the stone staircase, a voice from behind made him tremble slightly. He turned around and saw an old man with white hair and a kind smile, who was none other than Xichenzi.

Stopping his broom, Bai Shi wiped the sweat from his forehead and respectfully said, "Master, is there anything?"

Xichenzi walked over, patted Bai Shi's head, and said, "Bai Shi... Have you ever, as I instructed, entered the library to read the medicinal books or sword manuals?"

Bai Shi nodded and said, "I can recite them by heart, but I am foolish and cannot understand their meanings. I can only satisfy my curiosity..." Bai Shi scratched his head awkwardly and continued, "Of course, more importantly, my strength is still at the first level of the Foundation Establishment stage."

In fact, Bai Shi was very clear that saying he was at the first level of the Foundation Establishment stage was not as accurate as saying he had no foundation. Because once someone chose the path of cultivation, their strength would start from the first level of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Although Bai Shi sometimes complained about why he had been reincarnated into such a weak body, when he saw his handsome face, he could only勉强接受勉强接受勉强接受勉强接受.

Xichenzi sighed deeply, looked up at the sky with his hands behind his back, as if he had something on his mind. In a moment, he slowly turned his head, his face showing a serious expression, and said, "Bai Shi, you are a diligent child... But you know, we have our rules in Xichen Manor. Last year, your strength remained at the first level of the Foundation Establishment stage, and I made an exception to keep you in Xichen Manor. If you still do not qualify this year, I can only..."

Xichenzi did not continue, but his eyes met Bai Shi's, and a wave of emotion stirred in his heart. He knew that when Bai Shi entered Xichen Manor, he was a homeless person. Now, if he expelled Bai Shi from Xichen Manor, it would be hard on his conscience.

After a moment's thought, Xichenzi continued, "Let's do this... After the strength test, I will take you to Dongchen Manor and have you join Uncle Dongchen. There is no such test in Dongchen Manor. You can stay there, sweeping the floor, which is a good place for you..."

Bai Shi had heard of Dongchen Manor. The master of Dongchen Manor, Dongchenzi, was a heavy drinker and did not manage the manor much. However, the only source of disciples for this manor was the people who failed the strength test from the three manors.

Bai Shi pursed his lips. Although he was somewhat unwilling, he finally nodded.

Patted Bai Shi's shoulder, Xichenzi sighed and said, "After you finish sweeping the snow, go back and change your clothes, and prepare for the test."

With that, Xichenzi walked away with his hands behind his back.

Watching Xichenzi's departing figure, Bai Shi pursed his lips again. He did not blame Xichenzi. Although he was just a sweeper, Xichenzi was not harsh and treated him well.

But the manor had its rules. Xichenzi had already made an exception for Bai Shi once, which had already caused some dissatisfaction among the disciples. If he continued to make exceptions, it would damage Xichenzi's authority.

...

...

As noon approached, almost all the disciples of Xichen Manor gathered in the courtyard. On the round stone pillar in the courtyard, there was now a transparent crystal ball. The crystal ball was about the size of a head, pale green and transparent, floating in the air, emitting an invisible force like ripples.

There were hundreds of people participating in the test. Of course, all of them had different expressions, as each knew their own strength.

But the most interesting expressions were not just from the participants, but also from the onlookers. For them, coming to watch the strength test was not just because of Xichenzi's order. More importantly, they were curious about who would be eliminated and who would stand out and become a key disciple of Xichen Manor.

Living in Xichen Manor for a long time can be monotonous. Therefore, the annual strength test, with its eliminations and promotions, often brings some excitement to their dull lives.

A middle-aged man, about forty years old, slowly walked up to the stone platform, holding a scroll. Those who had participated in the test before knew very well that the scroll recorded the names of those who needed to be tested.

Seemingly unaffected by the cold, the man was dressed very lightly, looking like he was wearing just a piece of cloth from a distance. The cold wind blew, lifting his white robe, but he showed no discomfort, his expression as calm as before. As he stepped onto the stone platform, he raised his hands, signaling for the people to be quiet.

Instantly, the entire courtyard became silent.

The middle-aged man slowly turned to look at Xichenzi sitting beside the stone pillar, as if waiting for instructions.

As the man's gaze focused on Xichenzi, Xichenzi nodded calmly without saying a word.

Receiving the instruction, the middle-aged man turned back and looked at the participants, then slowly said, "The reason why Xichen Manor has stood firm in the cultivation world for so many years is not just because of our size, but more because of the talent of our disciples... Therefore, we have this strength test."

The man's voice seemed to penetrate everything, echoing in the courtyard, lingering for a long time...

"I believe everyone understands the necessity of this strength test. So, I hope that every disciple who is eliminated does not become too discouraged. Although swords are considered the best among weapons, if you are not a sword cultivator, choosing to cultivate another weapon might be more suitable for you..." the man's voice sounded again.

There are countless weapons in the world, but swords are considered the best. For any cultivator, a sword is their first choice. However, to be a sword cultivator, one needs exceptional talent and superior soul perception. Therefore, many people fail on the path of sword cultivation, while cultivating other weapons is much easier.

The scene fell into silence. The middle-aged man on the stone pillar looked up at the sky, as if waiting for the right moment.

At a certain moment, when the clouds passed and a ray of white sunlight appeared in the sky, the sunlight reflected on the crystal ball, emitting a dazzling light. He then looked at the participants and opened the scroll, announcing loudly, "Now, the test begins. First, Lin Nan."

As the middle-aged man spoke, the participants below the stone platform clenched their fists. This clenching was not just from confidence, but also from worry.

A fifteen-year-old boy pushed through the crowd. He was dressed in a white robe, and his cold face looked somewhat stern at that moment. With a calm and stern expression, he focused his gaze on the crystal ball and slowly walked up to the stone platform. After reaching the platform, Lin Nan did not speak but closed his eyes in front of everyone.