Chapter 11

“Prearranged long ago? Who can prove that?” Pill Peak’s Zhan Baizhen might look like he belonged to the Hall of Discipline with his stern demeanor, but beneath it all, he was quite easygoing. The young uncle knew how to adapt tactfully to different people. “Without proof, there’s no claim; he’s mine for Artificing Peak.”

Zhao Qi had finally reached his limit. “Zheng, I haven’t even confronted you about your unauthorized tampering with the mountain trial artifacts yet, and here you are, trying to snatch candidates! His spiritual roots haven’t been assessed!”

The young uncle dared not directly challenge Zhao Qi; this guy could spin any minor mistake into a laundry list of accusations. Instead, he appealed to Sect Leader Gu Wufang: “Sect Leader, just look at him! I’m only doing what’s best for our Yonglu Mountain, aren’t I? This little blind boy grasping the intricacies of magical artifacts so swiftly shows great potential for artificing. Having him join Artificing Peak would be mutually beneficial—don’t you agree?”

Upon hearing this, Gu Wufang couldn’t help feeling a headache coming on. People often spoke of the awe-inspiring authority wielded by sect leaders of major factions, oblivious to the difficulty of managing squabbles between senior and junior disciples. Generally, Gu Wufang preferred not to get involved.

As sect leader, his most frequent task became smoothing over conflicts: “Both of you, I understand your appreciation for talent, but we’re still in the midst of the mountain trial. Whether this child will succeed ultimately remains to be seen. Let’s avoid arguing until the results are clear.”

The young uncle fell silent… Ah, forget it—it’s too tedious anyway. Better to watch the little blind boy.

His gaze shifted towards the nearby shadow screen, which displayed live footage of all ninety-nine candidates. Shadow stones were not particularly expensive, but constructing such a vast array required substantial spirit stone expenditure—only large sects could afford it.

On one section of the screen, Wen Xu’s use of spiritual energy to sense the wind was clearly visible.

Chen Zui could generate whirlwinds with sheer physical strength alone, but Wen Xu couldn’t replicate that feat. Until recently, he had been merely a frail scholar; his only reliance lay in his intellect and the meager spiritual energy within his dantian.

As fierce gales whipped around him, punctuated by slashing wind blades, Wen Xu knew there must be a reason for this tempest. Though the winds came from every direction, their ultimate source could only be singular.

Thanks to Bian Chunzhou, Wen Xu possessed two Wind Control Talismans, each with a straightforward method of activation: simply channeling spiritual energy into them allowed him to harness the wind. Despite reaching a life-or-death moment earlier, he resisted using them then. Now, however, he retrieved both talismans.

With a focused thought, the Wind Control Talismans ignited spontaneously, generating a gust beneath his feet. It felt as if an invisible force propelled him swiftly forward.

No one dislikes flying. Even though Wen Xu had never experienced it before, the moment his feet left the ground, he fell in love with the sensation of soaring through the air. It felt as if flight was innate to him.

However, there was no time for self-reflection now. He needed to locate the magical artifact swiftly—or alternatively,

go all out and unleash more wind blades, disrupting both friend and foe alike.

Li Zishen’s attack indicated that he wouldn’t rest until achieving his goal. Against such adversaries, only a stronger counterattack would suffice; otherwise, there might not be a next chance.

Wen Xu understood well that while the cultivation world differed from the Mortal Realm, some aspects remained constant. Li Zishen hailed from a prominent family, ensuring numerous fallback options even without joining Yonglu Mountain. But Wen Xu didn’t have those luxuries. If he failed here, Li Zishen could easily target him later.

Therefore, victory was imperative—and not just any victory, but a resounding triumph to ace this mountain trial!

As Bian Chunzhou watched Wen Xu take off effortlessly, he couldn’t help feeling anxious for his friend. He realized then that beneath Wen Xu’s calm demeanor and impeccable manners lay a fierce determination. Once Wen Xu set his mind on something, no matter how challenging, he would find a way to achieve it.

To be honest, as a modern individual and a university student yet to enter society, Bian Chunzhou found it difficult to comprehend where Wen Xu’s relentless determination stemmed from. Nevertheless, he deeply admired his friend for it.

Wen Xu, despite being blind, possessed such vitality, thought Bian Chunzhou. Surely no one could resist wanting to be friends with him—except perhaps someone like Li Zishen, who couldn’t handle competition gracefully.

Reflecting on this, Bian Chunzhou realized that aside from being a supportive cheerleader, there wasn’t much else he could do to help his friend. So without hesitation, he shouted, “Go, Wen Xu! Take ‘em down!”

As Wen Xu focused mid-air, sensing the wind’s strength, a robust voice suddenly echoed overhead. The gust beneath his feet momentarily paused before—

Is this it? Can voices truly affect the wind?

Wen Xu had never studied physics or chemistry, but he seemed inherently attuned to subtle phenomena others might overlook. In that instant, thanks to Bian Chunzhou’s yell, he heard the whispers of the wind within the air.

But it was still not quite enough, just a little more!

Wen Xu couldn’t help but “look” down at Bian Chunzhou, who had no clue what Wen Xu was attempting. Nonetheless, he shouted at full volume, “Hang in there, Wen Xu! If you fail, just try again! I can still hold on—”

To describe it simply, Bian Chunzhou’s voice now reverberated throughout the canyon, gradually synchronizing with the wind. As Wen Xu controlled his movement through the gusts, he too began to harmonize with their rhythm.

Just as Bian Chunzhou, relentlessly pursued and battered, neared the point of exhaustion, Wen Xu found it.

Within a patch of grass, he discovered an open folding fan.

The fan featured jade-like ribs, its pristine white surface devoid of any patterns or designs. Despite being new to the cultivation world, Wen Xu could discern that this fan was extraordinary.

This must be the magical artifact capable of generating wind.

As Wen Xu reached for it, a barrage of wind blades surged toward him as if they were free-for-all. However, by this point, there was no turning back; not even a fraction of hesitation. It would merely result in some injuries, much like when he’d escaped pursuit before, enduring severe wounds to flee. Once again, he swiftly made his choice.

As Wen Xu grasped the blood-soaked folding fan, the frenzied wind blades ceased their attack.

He thought to himself, Once again, I’ve succeeded.

Wen Xu swiftly consumed two Blood and Qi-Replenishing Pills before waving the fan with his spiritual energy. As expected, wind blades immediately flew forth, identical to those that had attacked him and Bian Chunzhou earlier.

“Zheng, you actually hid the magical artifact within the canyon’s wind vortex.”

The young uncle rubbed his nose. “Well, since someone found it, clearly it wasn’t hidden very well. Besides, they might not locate all fifteen artifacts; there should be at least one or two harder to discover, right?”

“One or two?”

Realizing he may have misspoken, the young uncle quietly moved aside to continue observing the little blind boy navigate the trials without further comment.

It must be said, the little blind boy truly seemed suited for wielding a folding fan. Even amidst such dire circumstances, his handling of the fan was remarkably skillful, showing no signs of clumsiness.

Unable to resist, the young uncle edged back towards Zhao Qi once more. “This little blind boy, did he really fall from the Mortal Realm? Impressive! He was born for cultivation, wouldn’t you say?”

Zhao Qi responded with silent indifference, as if saying, “I’m too lazy to engage.”

The young uncle grew even more animated as he continued, “If he had been born within the cultivation world, given his age now, he’d undoubtedly have reached Foundation Establishment.”

“You seem quite optimistic about him,” Zhao Qi observed. The man named Zheng was aloof and proud; Zhao Qi had never seen any junior disciple impress him before.

Yonglu Mountain’s Inner Sect hierarchy was straightforward, with few strict rules regarding apprenticeship. Any cultivator who attained the Gold Core stage could claim a small peak for themselves, whether they chose to reside alone or share it with close friends—the sect would not interfere.

Little was known of Zheng’s origins, but his talent was extraordinary, boasting single-gold-root aptitude. When Heavenbreaker Sword Sect learned that Yonglu Mountain had sent such a promising sword prodigy into artificing instead, their fury led them to chase down our sect leader for blocks, grumbling every time they crossed paths thereafter.

It must be said, however, that gold elemental spiritual roots indeed lend divine assistance in artificing. Despite Zheng’s disagreeable personality, his craftsmanship skills were indisputable. Achieving Primordial Infant stage before reaching a hundred years old is so rare one could count such individuals on one hand across the entire cultivation realm.

Young Uncle stroked his chin, smiling warmly like a gentle spring breeze. “It’s not just optimism, rather…”

“Rather what?”

“I won’t tell you!” This little blind boy possessed the same determination he once had himself. Alas, now that Zhao Qi was older, his drive wasn’t as fierce as before.

While they conversed, Wen Xu inside the shadow screen swiftly turned the tide using his folding fan.

“Wen Xu, you only manage to hold your own by relying on that magical artifact. If you’ve got any real skill, put it away and prove yourself!”

”…I don’t have any real skill,” Wen Xu replied evenly, “nor am I particularly noteworthy.”

Bian Chunzhou burst out laughing. “Ha ha ha ha, Wen Xu knows how to throw shade now—what delightful sass!”

“You—shameless! Does Yonglu Mountain know you’re using their forbidden artifacts without permission? Are you aware that this shadow screen…”

Wen Xu’s gaze remained calm, his hand still fanning steadily. “Aren’t magical artifacts meant to be used? If my actions violate Yonglu Mountain’s rules, their disciples would naturally intervene. Since no one has stopped me, it stands as part of our squad’s combat strength.”

“Chen Zui, target his lower defenses—he doesn’t have as much spiritual energy left as you!”

“No problem!”

Chen Zui might not excel intellectually, but when it came to fighting, he followed commands precisely with formidable combat instincts. His blade often reached its mark just as Li Zishen’s wind blades struck. Had Li Zishen’s team consisted of only three members, they likely would have already been defeated.

However, given the current situation, their defeat seemed inevitable.

Li Zishen’s eyes brimmed with defiance. The magical artifact they had found was tucked away in the pouch at his waist. With determination, he swiftly retrieved it and declared, “Since you’re being unjust, don’t blame me for returning the favor!”

The artifact resembled a Yuanbao-shaped gourd. He removed its cap, and instantly, a powerful gust of wind burst forth from within.

“Aaahhh, what the fuck—you think you’re King Golden Horn or something?!” Terrified, Bian Chunzhou stumbled backward, but the wind relentlessly targeted him. After all, he was clearly the weakest link among the trio.

As he frantically fled, another blast of wind approached from his right rear. Bian Chunzhou could feel the force slamming against his back, wreaking havoc.

Woe is me, Wen Xu, save my sorry ass! Narrowly escaping death, Bian Chunzhou hastily took refuge behind his friend.

“Zheng Jin!! Look at the mess you’ve made!!”

The young uncle promptly covered his ears. “Can’t hear you, can’t hear you! I told you not to use my full name—it sounds too formal!”

Zhao Qi stared incredulously… Is that really the main issue?!