Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 325: He Is Quite Decent

"I dare not deceive Your Highness," Wu Yuan stated calmly. "I truly have no master to speak of, and the only cultivation method I know of is the Dark Earth Sword Path."

Even though he had inherited the knowledge of the Hou Feng Tribe, it was predominantly focused on the eldritch class.

In terms of qi refining, Wu Yuan indeed received little to no guidance. If he had stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter for qi refining, he wouldn’t have risked his life by venturing to the immortal continent at such a low cultivation phase.

Furthermore, Wu Yuan did not fear investigations into his past. The Soul Split Secret Art, was a true self secret art. What was a true self? Apart from being connected in consciousnesses and memories, two true selves were entirely independent in every aspect.

Not even the legendary Archimmortals could detect his other true self, let alone Zhuo Haiyue. Hence, as long as Wu Yuan remained silent, no one could perceive that he was merely a qi refiner self; at best, they could only speculate.

"Haha, since you’re honest with me, as a friend, I will not pry further," Zhuo Haiyue chuckled. "You mentioned that you wish to join a sect?"

"Indeed," Wu Yuan affirmed with a slight nod.

There was no need to conceal this fact. His qi refiner self had come to the Redmoon Immortal Continent with the precise purpose of joining a major faction, in order to gain better guidance.

If he followed a typical methodical path, his qi refiner self would never measure up to his body refiner self.

"Would you be willing to enlist in the Redmoon Immortal Army? With your talent, you could easily become a core member of the immortal army," Zhuo Haiyue proposed.

If Wu Yuan were to join the immortal army, she believed she could gradually win him over.

"Your Highness, I have considered this before, but the immortal army participates in battles too frequently for my liking," Wu Yuan gently shook his head. "At heart, I prefer quiet cultivation."

This was similar to his younger days. Unless he depleted the blood-red mist and had no other choice, Wu Yuan seldom initiated combat.

Since embarking on the path of cultivation, Wu Yuan's personality remained unchanged. If he could become stronger by choosing the path of lower risk, Wu Yuan did not mind doing so till the end.

"Quiet cultivation? Li Xia, you are wrong. The challenge of staring death in the face, the exhilaration of surviving a deadly crisis, the satisfaction of vanquishing formidable foes one by one – these are what stimulate one's potential the most and facilitate the swiftest progress," Zhuo Haiyue countered, shaking her head, seeming to reminisce on past experiences. "Only through enduring countless life-and-death ordeals can one achieve greatness."

It was clear that this was Zhuo Haiyue's path of growth. She had weathered numerous trials, defying death each time.

"Your Highness, your talent is unparalleled, and providence favors you. Naturally, you can forge ahead through all obstacles. However, the vast majority who do the same succumb to death rather than emerge stronger," Wu Yuan spoke solemnly. "I acknowledge that providence does not favor me as much. When faced with adversaries, I have to give my all, but if I continually tread the line between life and death, I fear my demise is inevitable."

Those who walk by the river inevitably get their shoes wet. The concept of tempering oneself through life-and-death trials, in Wu Yuan's perspective, was akin to the adage that 'adversity can strengthen one's resolve.'

This adage wasn’t wrong. However, there were obviously other ways of increasing one’s strength, so why opt for the path of most suffering? That was simply masochistic!

Adversity might fortify one's resolve, but suffering would never lead to joy. In fact, too much was likely to warp one’s heart.

"You disagree with me?" Zhuo Haiyue fixed her gaze on Wu Yuan. Her eyes were filled with an inscrutable blend of emotion, a flicker of anger dancing within them.

Wu Yuan felt a pang of surprise at her reaction and spoke softly, "Your Highness, please forgive me."

Zhuo Haiyue's laughter rang out unexpectedly, breaking the tension in the air. "Ah, I had promised to treat you as a friend. In friendship, there is no need for such formality. Don’t worry, I will not coerce you with my status."

"Your Highness is kind," Wu Yuan replied respectfully, though he sighed inwardly.

A friend? Did normal people have friends like this? If given a choice, he would flee at the first opportunity. Who could predict when she would change her mind and decide to kill him?

"Whether trials of life and death or breakthroughs via quiet cultivation, they are simply the preferences of different individuals. This is a conflict of philosophies," Zhuo Haiyue remarked with a faint smile. "My mentor once told me, the myriad roads we tread all converge at the same summit. Follow your heart, and you shall ascend to the pinnacle."

"If you do not wish to enlist in the immortal army, I will not force you to," she continued. “Do you already have a sect in mind?"

"Not yet. I seek a sect that specializes in the sword," Wu Yuan replied, shaking his head. "The library in the immortal realm offered only cursory descriptions of the various sects. I cannot tell whether they are a good fit for me yet."

Based on Wu Yuan's plan, he would bide his time until he reached Starsword City, where he could then gather more detailed information.

"A sect specializing in the sword?" Zhuo Haiyue nodded thoughtfully. "Among the numerous first-rate sects in the immortal continent, several specialize in the path of the sword. With your aptitude and prowess, you should have no difficulty enrolling in one."

"But the best cultivation environment is undoubtedly the Moonsilver World!"

"Moonsilver World?" Wu Yuan's brow furrowed in confusion. He had never heard of it.

"You will come to know of it in due course, once you join a first-rate sect," Zhuo Haiyue explained with a knowing smile. "The Moonsilver World is where the finest prodigies throughout the immortal continent and countless worlds gather, a crucible for the elite to prove their mettle. It is here that the Redmoon Immortal Hall nurtures its disciples."

Understanding dawned on Wu Yuan. He had previously uncovered during his research that there existed a method for one to gain direct entry into the Redmoon Immortal Hall, a place where only peerless geniuses were allowed entry. So, it was called the Moonsilver World.

"However, one can only gain entry with an invitation from the Moonsilver World itself," Zhuo Haiyue stated, her head shaking slightly. "And to receive such an invitation, one must first establish a reputation for themselves."

"Establish a reputation?" Wu Yuan pondered.

"Joining other sects follows a similar principle," Zhuo Haiyue continued. "There are three methods of joining a sect. The first involves traveling to high-tier cities where numerous large sects are situated. There, one can undergo the entrance assessment and, if successful, be welcomed into the sect."

Wu Yuan nodded. This was his original plan.

"The second method is the Entrance Selection which occurs once every decade across the immortal continent. Large sects attend this event, recruiting disciples on a large scale. Often, Divided Soul Earth Immortals and Tribulation High Immortals will also attend to observe the examinees. If one displays outstanding talent during the selection, they may be directly recruited as a disciple."

"The exposure and opportunities of this method far outweigh the first. Hence, many exceptional talents prefer to wait for the Entrance Selection," Zhuo Haiyue remarked with a smile.

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding.

In the vast expanse of the immortal continent, Archimmortals were legendary figures that ruled over multiple spacetime planes, possessing nearly eternal lifespans. Were there any other living Archimmortals aside from Immortal Redmoon on the immortal continent? That remained unknown, at least to Wu Yuan.

In reality, the abilities of Divided Soul and Tribulation cultivators were already close to unimaginable in many aspects, particularly their extraordinary longevity. As such, they were addressed as 'Immortal’ by the numerous immortal cultivators.

Divided Soul cultivators were referred to as Earth Immortals, while Tribulation cultivators were known as High Immortals. Cultivators of these two phases were known as pseudo-immortals. Despite their lifespans, they encountered various challenges that hindered the attainment of true eternal life.

To be accepted as a disciple of a Divided Soul cultivator or Tribulation cultivator was the aspiration of countless cultivators.

The Entrance Selection was therefore a significant event that garnered the attention of higher echelons from various sects. Participating in this event allowed individuals to showcase their talents on a grand stage that could otherwise go unnoticed in conventional sect recruitment processes.

"The last but most challenging method is to establish a reputation for oneself," Zhuo Haiyue explained with a smile. "Should your talent be recognized by the disciple recruiters across various sects, they will naturally extend invitations to you."

"The large sects are entities affiliated with the immortal hall, and are in fierce competition with each other. Genuine talents are actively headhunted with promises of favorable conditions to entice them," Zhuo Haiyue elaborated.

Wu Yuan now understood. Basically, it was to make a name for oneself! If one was famous enough, sects would vie for the opportunity to recruit such a talent. And if one's abilities were exceptional enough, they might even capture the attention of the Moonsilver World.

But the essential prerequisite to all of this was establishing a notable reputation.

"Li Xia requests Your Highness's guidance," Wu Yuan spoke earnestly, recognizing that Her Highness Haiyue already had an idea for him in mind. Otherwise, why would she divulge so much information to him?

"As your friend, I am more than willing to assist you with joining a sect," Zhuo Haiyue stated with a smile. “If you trust me, wait two days for me to wrap up my tasks here, then follow me back to Starsword City. I will take care of all the arrangements for you there."

Wu Yuan stiffened slightly. Why was she suddenly being so nice?

"Why, do you not trust me?" Zhuo Haiyue frowned slightly at Wu Yuan's hesitation.

"I have complete trust in Your Highness," Wu Yuan responded respectfully. "Li Xia will gladly follow your lead, if you permit it."

Zhuo Haiyue could easily pinch him to death if she felt like it, thus Wu Yuan had little choice but to comply with her wishes. As long as her demands didn’t cross his bottom line, he didn’t find any issue with lowering his head for the moment.

"That’s more like it," Zhuo Haiyue gave a faint smile of approval. "Remain in Fengchuan City for the next two days. You will stay in the other courtyard house during this period."

...

Zhuo Haiyue watched as Wu Yuan departed. Her attendants would naturally make arrangements for his stay.

Within the grand hall, a crimson-robed figure beside Zhuo Haiyue revealed her face.

"Why show such generosity to a mere Golden Core youngster?" she questioned, her tone tinged with disapproval. "Her Highness only accepts three immortal guards, yet he dared to reject your offer. I would have eliminated him without a second thought."

Zhuo Haiyue chuckled.

"Third Sister, do not underestimate this youngster," another crimson-robed figure interjected in a deep voice. "Do you really think he has no backing?"

The red-robed woman paused.

"I care not for his background," Zhuo Haiyue said lightly. "No matter how powerful it is, can it rival me?"

The red-robed figures all chuckled. Clearly, Zhuo Haiyue was quite easy-going when there were no outsiders.

"Li Xia? To face death without fear is a display of great courage. To hold firm to one's beliefs without bending to the will of the powerful is a mark of true wisdom. But to know when to adapt and yield when necessary, that is a trait few possess." Zhuo Haiyue remarked, shaking her head slightly. "In all our travels, how many individuals like him have we encountered?"

There was a moment of silence as everyone pondered her words.

"Indeed, amidst the countless beings, there are bound to be those with similar qualities," Zhuo Haiyue conceded with a smile. "However, a combination of such virtues with exceptional talent is beyond rare. Judging by the potential he has displayed, while yet to reach my level, he is undoubtedly a top-tier cultivator who could easily climb to the ranks of a core disciple in a large sect."

"His talent is remarkable, and his character is commendable. I have great expectations for him," she stated candidly, her gaze sweeping over the assembled figures in crimson robes, who nodded in agreement.

"A Divided Soul Earth Immortal may live for 90,000 years, while a Tribulation High Immortal can thrive for a million," Zhuo Haiyue mused softly. "Who knows, he might reach the Tribulation phase in the future. In that case, lending him aid today would be a small price to pay for his future assistance. "

"The seeds sown today will yield bountiful harvests tomorrow. He cannot refuse," she declared firmly.

Tribulation phase? The red-robed figures exchanged glances of surprise. They had not anticipated Zhuo Haiyue to hold Wu Yuan in such high regard. Tribulation cultivators were peak powerhouses of the immortal continent.

Turning to the shadowy figure clad in black robes, Zhuo Haiyue posed a question. "Old Yu, what is your assessment of him?"

"He is quite decent!”