Breaking through the illusion of the mortal world

Chapter 17 The Secrets of the Wind Whisper Pavilion

Waterfall training, Taoist practice, tending the bamboo forest, listening to sermons... the days quietly passed in a regular and fulfilling practice.

Three years have passed since Lu Ming and the others entered the Taoist academy.

Their cultivation was steadily improving, and they were becoming more and more familiar with the environment of the Taoist temple.

That day, after finishing a morning course on "Basic Formation Diagrams," Lu Ming felt his head was throbbing.

The art of array formations involves complex changes in Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, making it far more intricate and profound than talismans. Even with his temperament, he found it quite challenging.

"Those array points and patterns are making my eyes blurry!" Qin Feiyu complained bitterly. He would rather spend another hour under the waterfall than face those winding lines.

Hu Zhen listened attentively, but she was equally puzzled by the deductions and changes.

In the afternoon, Lu Ming did not immediately return to Chuming Garden to cultivate, but instead strolled to Fengyu Pavilion, a secluded corner located on the mountainside of Wanfa Peak.

This is a three-story wooden building, not a sacred place like a library, but a place that stores a large number of miscellaneous books, travelogues, local chronicles, and notes on cultivation experiences from senior cultivators. Few disciples come here on weekdays, and the environment is quiet and secluded.

Lu Ming has recently developed a habit of coming here to read scriptures whenever he encounters confusion in his cultivation or wants to broaden his horizons.

He always felt that spiritual practice should not be limited to techniques and spells; the experience of predecessors and the sights and sounds of the land were equally important.

The air inside Fengyu Pavilion is filled with the fragrance of books, and bookshelves stand in rows.

Lu Ming, familiar with the area, arrived at the section recording the geography and strange objects of the Nine Provinces. He pulled out an ancient book called "Records of Lost Things from the Four Seas" and was about to find a corner to read it carefully when he heard two hushed voices coming from behind the bookshelf next to him.

"Have you heard? It's said that the assessment five years from now might change its format, and it won't just be a simple ring competition anymore."

"It was said by a disciple whose voice was slightly shrill."

"Oh? Senior Brother Li, is the information reliable? Where did you get it from?" another voice asked.

"I have a cousin who works in the Hall of Affairs. A few days ago, he overheard some elders discussing something that seemed to be about introducing a secret realm trial. It's said to be a secret realm controlled by the academy, used to comprehensively assess the disciples' combat skills, adaptability, and even their character."

Senior Brother Li spoke with a hint of smugness.

"A trial in a secret realm? Isn't that fraught with danger?"

"Dangers are inevitable, but the opportunities are even greater! I've heard that the secret realm not only contains rare spiritual herbs and minerals that are hard to find outside, but if you perform exceptionally well, you might catch the eye of a peak master or elder and be directly taken in as a disciple! The chances are much greater than those simple arena battles!"

The two people's conversation gradually faded away, indicating that they had left the Wind Whisper Pavilion.

Lu Ming held the book, a slight thought stirring in his heart.

Trials in secret realms? That's a novel concept.

If that's the case, then the next stage of cultivation can no longer focus solely on improving cultivation level and practicing spells; practical experience will become crucial.

He pondered for a moment, put the "Records of Lost Things from All Over the World" back in its place, and then began to look for books related to secret realms and monsters.

Just as he was focused on the bookshelf, a gentle voice sounded beside him: "Junior Brother Lu, are you also interested in the secret realm?"

Lu Ming turned his head and saw a young man in a blue robe with a composed demeanor standing not far away, a faint smile on his lips.

Lu Ming recognized the man; it was Lin Feng.

"Senior Brother Lin," Lu Ming bowed respectfully, "I only heard about it by chance and was just a little curious."

Lin Feng walked to Lu Ming's side, casually pulled out a copy of "Illustrated Compendium of Low-Rank Monsters" from the bookshelf, and said indifferently:

"There's no smoke without fire. The academy has always emphasized practical combat in training its disciples. With the five-year term coming to an end, it's normal for some rumors to circulate."

He paused, looked at Lu Ming with a scrutinizing gaze, yet also seemed to admire him: "Junior Brother Lu has a solid foundation and a calm temperament. His progress over the past three years is evident to all."

However, if one truly wishes to achieve something in that potential trial in the secret realm, simply relying on secluded, arduous training is probably not enough.

"I would appreciate your guidance, Senior Brother Lin," Lu Ming said sincerely.

"I wouldn't call it giving pointers," Lin Feng said with a smile.

"These are just some observations based on experience. The outer courtyard of the Daoist academy covers a very wide area, including not only the area where we conduct our daily activities, but also some mountain forests and swamps where disciples are allowed to train."

Many low-level demonic beasts live there. Although most of them are not very strong, it is an excellent place to hone combat skills and become familiar with the habits of demonic beasts.

In addition, the barter market occasionally sells some useful low-level talismans and pills. It's good to accumulate contribution points, just in case.

Lu Ming understood; Lin Feng was reminding him to start preparing for the possible trials.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Lin."

"It's nothing," Lin Feng waved his hand. "Fellow disciples should look after each other."

I see that Junior Brother Lu has a very good relationship with Junior Brother Qin and Junior Sister Hu. If they want to go on a training trip, traveling together will be much safer.

After saying that, he took the illustrated book and leisurely left.

Lu Ming watched Lin Feng's departing figure, feeling grateful.

This senior brother Lin Feng seems easygoing, but he is actually meticulous, well-informed, and seems to have good intentions towards me.

He kept Lin Feng's words in mind and read them for a long time until the sun set before leaving Fengyu Pavilion.

Back at Chuming Garden, Lu Ming told Qin Feiyu and Hu Zhen what he had heard that day.

"A trial in a secret realm?" Upon hearing this, Qin Feiyu was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he rubbed his hands together excitedly. "This is great! Fighting monsters in real combat is much more interesting than sparring on the Dharma Hall!"

Hu Zhen asked with some concern, "Won't the monsters be very dangerous?"

"There are definitely dangers, but Senior Brother Lin is right, we can't stay in the greenhouse forever."

Lu Ming said in a deep voice, "Starting tomorrow, in addition to our daily cultivation, we will also begin to accumulate practical combat experience."

Let's first check the barter shop to see if there are any items suitable for our current stage. Then, perhaps we can explore the edge of the training area permitted by the academy and get some early training experience.

Qin Feiyu and Hu Zhen both nodded in agreement.

As night fell, the three sat together and began to seriously plan their next training program.