C4 Jade Testing Stone

In Ouchen Mingyue's view, Bai Yu was nothing more than a country bumpkin who had stumbled upon some Transformation Beast Meat. He was all talk and no substance. However, Ouchen Haoyang, upon hearing this, stroked his chin thoughtfully. The earlier warmth on his face had vanished, replaced by an air of authority and power. His expression held an enigmatic quality as he watched Bai Yu depart, and he took his time to explain.

"Mingyue, now that you've left the Royal City, there's something you must remember," he said. "Never judge a book by its cover." His tone was detached, almost indifferent. "And what if Bai Yu is lying? It's of little consequence. We've only spent 10,000 Spirit Stones, a sum far less than the value of a Cloud Trail Deer. But if he's telling the truth, then we've gained a powerful ally at a bargain. Why wouldn't we take that chance?"

Listening to Ouchen Haoyang, Ouchen Mingyue bowed her head, deep in thought.

Time flew, and seven days passed in the blink of an eye. Bai Yu, now dressed in a fine brocade robe, arrived punctually at the tavern, only to discover that Ouchen Haoyang and his daughter were already there waiting for him. Ouchen Haoyang extended a welcoming hand as Bai Yu approached and greeted him with a friendly smile.

"The hour is late, and the Star Cloud Sect is likely to be bustling today," Ouchen Haoyang observed. "It would be wise for you and Mingyue to head there early to secure a good place in line."

Bai Yu nodded in agreement, well aware of the early bird catching the worm. As Ouchen Mingyue approached, Bai Yu looked up at Ouchen Haoyang and inquired, "Will the Royal City Lord not accompany us?"

Ouchen Haoyang shook his head. "It would be improper for me, as the Royal City Lord, to attend the Star Cloud Sect's disciple induction."

"That makes sense," Bai Yu acknowledged, nodding. He had spent the last seven days gathering information, including details about the Royal City Lord. According to what he'd learned, the Royal City was indeed one of the top ten powers in the world.

Three great sects, five sacred lands, and ten powerful factions.

One can only imagine the stature of Ouchen Haoyang!

Though not quite on par with the Star Cloud Sect, his renown was widespread.

It would be unfortunate if his visit were misconstrued as a challenge by the Star Cloud Sect.

As Ouchen Mingyue approached him,

Bai Yu nodded in acknowledgment to Ouchen Haoyang,

preparing to depart.

However, Ouchen Mingyue stopped him.

"Are you really planning to walk there?"

Ouchen Mingyue asked Bai Yu, clearly astonished.

Bai Yu was puzzled.

"Should I take a train instead?"

"Train? What's that?"

Seeing Ouchen Mingyue's bewildered face, Bai Yu didn't bother to explain.

"So, how do you propose we travel?"

"By carriage, of course."

With a gesture from Ouchen Mingyue,

a carriage wide enough for a dozen people materialized before Bai Yu's eyes,

coming to a halt in front of them.

Observing the snorting steeds, a spark of excitement flickered in Bai Yu's eyes.

He had been in this world for four centuries

and had yet to experience the pleasure of a carriage ride.

Ouchen Mingyue, noticing his eagerness, felt a twinge of contempt.

"A country bumpkin who's never seen a carriage, Father's efforts are surely in vain..."

With that thought,

Ouchen Mingyue's façade fell away, revealing her indifference.

Ignoring Bai Yu, she climbed into the carriage.

Bai Yu, baffled, followed suit,

his eyes roving with curiosity over the interior of the carriage.

In his past life, such a vehicle would have been considered a luxury!

But this only deepened Ouchen Mingyue's scorn.

Soon enough, Bai Yu grew restless.

The carriage moved at a snail's pace!

After a grueling four to five hours,

they finally reached the base of the Star Cloud Sect.

Bai Yu grimaced as he disembarked,

massaging his aching back,

his face twisted in discomfort.

"If I had known, I would have flown here..."

Muttering to himself, Bai Yu paid no mind to Ouchen Mingyue, who was exiting the carriage with the poise of a young lady. He lifted his gaze to survey the area. The place was swarming with people, so much so that the phrase "packed like sardines" would be an understatement. The din of the crowd was incessant, and amidst the jostling, not a single person dared to cross the red line at the base of the mountain.

Looking up from the mountain's foot, Bai Yu's eyes were drawn to the words "Star Cloud Sect," etched into the sky and outlined with a shimmer of golden light—a testament to the power behind their creation. The sight commanded a sense of awe, and Bai Yu felt a chill of respect.

"The Star Cloud Sect truly lives up to its name!" he thought. "But there's something oddly familiar about that golden glow..."

His musings went unanswered. Shortly after he and Ouchen Mingyue had arrived, a sonorous bell tolled from the mountain, quelling the clamor below. Heads turned skyward in eager anticipation, watching as a figure in a Taoist robe descended.

"I am Dao Chen of the Star Cloud Sect," the man announced, his voice cool and detached. His words, though soft, reached every ear with clarity. "Today marks the initiation ceremony for new disciples of the Star Cloud Sect. Those among you with exceptional gifts may have the opportunity to join our ranks. Step forward, cross the red line, and touch the Jade Testing Stone. Those who elicit a white light or brighter will be greeted by our sect's representatives."

With that, Dao Chen vanished. Bai Yu nodded in approval. He was grateful for the Star Cloud Sect's brevity; he had little patience for the tedious speeches of his past life that could lull one to sleep.

Meanwhile, the hopefuls at the front of the queue, upon Dao Chen's disappearance, saw the invisible barrier before them dissipate. They surged forward, crossing the red line with a sense of urgency yet careful not to disrupt the order, their faces alight with reverence.

Each person reverently placed their hand on a stone about four feet high, situated behind the red line. They watched the Jade Testing Stone with trepidation. When it lit up with a white glow, they burst into excited dances. However, the majority received no response and left the mountain gate with heads hung low, looking back every few steps in disappointment.

Bai Yu observed this with curiosity and nudged Ouchen Mingyue, who frowned in distaste and asked, "What's this Jade Testing Stone about? And what does the white light mean?"

Ouchen Mingyue, still young and not as cunning as her father, Ouchen Haoyang, had been warmer to Bai Yu since they boarded the carriage. Now, Bai Yu's unpermitted touch only increased her disdain. Yet, recalling her father's instructions, she managed to keep her composure and coldly explained, "This Jade Testing Stone is the first challenge for entry into the Star Cloud Sect. It assesses a person's cultivation level and Root. Depending on the Root's quality, the stone emits various colors, including white, green, red, purple, and gold."

Bai Yu nodded in understanding. Just then, a wave of gasps erupted from the base of the mountain. They turned to look and saw the Jade Testing Stone emitting a brilliant red light!