Level 6 Qi Refinement

At that moment, the elderly man with a white beard, also known as the Fifth Elder of the Blackheaven Sect, entered the room, carrying an object that resembled a bell but looked more like a miniature version of the Golden Bell Shield.

"Greetings, Fifth Elder."

"Greetings, Fifth Elder."

The discussion ceased as everyone knelt in unison, paying their respects. This was the fundamental etiquette that disciples followed when addressing a senior.

"Please rise; there's no need for such formalities," the Fifth Elder said as he waved his hand. He then walked over to the table, placed the bell-like object on it, and took a casual seat.

As the disciples stood up, they regarded the Fifth Elder with deep respect.

"I have reviewed your information and confirmed your eligibility. However, I must remind you that failing this test will result in a three-year wait. If any of you wish to withdraw now, I won't blame you."

The Fifth Elder stroked his white beard and scanned the crowd with his experienced gaze.

The rule was in place to ensure that outer sect disciples would focus on their cultivation and not take the test recklessly. This would not only save resources but also test their determination.

"This..."

The disciples exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to do.

"I choose to participate in the assessment," Qin Shu quickly declared, and his determination encouraged others to voice their intentions. The Fifth Elder couldn't help but take notice of Qin Shu.

"Very well. Your determination is commendable."

"In this inner sect assessment, you must utilize your strategies and abilities to hunt demon beasts within the illusion realm that possess beast cores. This trial will evaluate your capabilities, but you are allowed to form teams."

"Your final score will be determined by the number of beast cores you collect, with a minimum requirement of 200 cores. Those who fall below this threshold will need to come up with a plan."

"On the last day, you must assemble at the highest peak, Black Peak Mountain. Failure to do so will be considered as voluntarily quitting the test."

"Furthermore, I've placed a special demonic beast within the illusion realm. If you manage to defeat it, you will directly qualify as an inner sect disciple and receive special guidance from me."

"However…"

At this point, the Fifth Elder paused, as if he had anticipated the disciples' thoughts.

"You are allowed to steal other participants' Beast Cores if you wish. I will not interfere with or scrutinize the process. If you are not strong enough and are robbed or even killed by others, do not come crying to me when you wake up from the illusion realm."

"You need not fear getting injured, so there's no need to hide your abilities. Utilize them as you see fit. I will protect you, and you should not hesitate to employ any tactics that won't displease me. I'll emphasize once more that I will only assess the results. Such is the way of this world."

"Is there anything you'd like to clarify?"

Upon seeing everyone shaking their heads, the Fifth Elder instructed them to find a place to sit. He then picked up the bell and rang it gently. As the bell chimed, everyone closed their eyes and began meditating, entering the illusion realm.

Qin Shu also closed his eyes and, when the bell ceased, he reopened them. Everything around him had transformed; he was now in a wilderness with tall trees and thick shrubbery.

"One day in this illusion realm equates to about fifteen minutes. You have five-quarters of an hour, which is five days for hunting. On the final day, assemble at Black Peak Mountain, the highest peak, where I will announce the results."

"Should you be killed, you will exit the illusion realm and fail the test."

As the Fifth Elder's voice resounded in the air, the assessment officially began.

"What kind of magical treasure can create such an effect?"

He observed his surroundings, sensing that the environment was virtually indistinguishable from reality, albeit with denser spiritual energy. If he could cultivate here, he might make rapid strides toward the Foundation Establishment stage.

As Qin Shu surveyed the area, an ice spear formed from spiritual energy suddenly shot at him from the bushes, aimed at his vital points from an unexpected angle. 

In the shadows, someone smirked, evidently anticipating Qin Shu's impending demise as the ice spear pierced him and forced him out of the illusion realm.

However, Qin Shu merely shifted slightly, catching the ice spear with his hand. With a cold gaze, he hurled the spear back at his unseen assailant.

The figure perched in the tree paled with terror, realizing he couldn't evade the impending attack. Desperation spurred him to forcibly channel his blood essence, tearing an Origin Pattern Talisman paper in the process to create a defense.

With a resounding crash, he plummeted from the tree in a pitiful state.

"Li Wen?"

Qin Shu recognized the fallen figure. It was Li Wen, one of the two brothers from the Li Family who had followed Wang He earlier. Li Wen also happened to be the individual who harbored a deep grudge against Qin Shu.

"Take this!"

Li Wen abandoned his disguise now that Qin Shu had identified him. He flung several Origin Pattern Talisman papers, which promptly materialized into an array of invisible light pillars, trapping Qin Shu.

"This is the Level 8 Origin Pattern Art I've diligently cultivated, the Beast Trapping Array. You'd do well to withdraw from the illusion realm and return as an outer sect disciple."

Li Wen sneered as he saw Qin Shu was trapped. He believed that the Beast Trapping Array was intricate and that only those familiar with it could decipher its pattern. Others would be unable to break free.

"Roar!"

The distant mountains echoed with the roars of wild beasts, along with the clashing of weapons.

"Just stay put here. I'll be on my way."

Aware that he couldn't contend with Qin Shu beyond trapping him, Li Wen departed. He planned to find Li Wu and Shi Qianfeng before dealing with Qin Shu.

"What a Beast Trapping Array of Level 8 Origin Pattern Art."

As Li Wen distanced himself, Qin Shu activated the interface, revealing information about the Level 8 Origin Pattern Art and the Beast Trapping Array.

[Beep. Level 8 Origin Pattern Technique has been simplified. Beast Trapping Array learned.]

The system deducted another six years from Qin Shu's lifespan, with five years attributed to comprehending the basic knowledge of Level 8 Origin Pattern Art and one year for the Beast Trapping Array.

"If this continues, the Life-Preserving Technique won't be enough to offset the damage."

"I should inquire with the elders after becoming an inner sect disciple to see if there are any elixirs that can help me recover from the damage to my body."

Qin Shu couldn't help but shiver when he saw the interface indicating a remaining lifespan of 21 out of 24 years. Nonetheless, he put on a composed front and released himself from the Beast Trapping Array with ease.

[Name: Qin Shu]

[Lifespan: 21/24 years (122/365 days)]

[Realm: Level 5 Qi Refinement (271/500)]

[Cultivation Technique: Life-Preserving Technique (Master-1771/2000)]

[Level 9 Space-Breaking Fist (Proficiency-121/1000)]

[Level 9 Burning Blood Technique (Beginner-75/100)]

[Level 7 Great Strength Art, First Form (Beginner-14/100)]

[Origin Pattern Art: Level 8 Beast Trapping Array (Beginner-1/100)]

"I should pick up the pace."

Qin Shu gazed toward the depths of the forest, clenching his fists.

Half an hour passed, and the sky within the illusion realm darkened.

Beside a small mountain, by the stream. Qin Shu sat on the ground and casually drank two mouthfuls of water to wash the bloodstains and dust off his body. He looked at the chaotic demon beasts lying around and then at the storage bag filled with beast cores. Qin Shu felt quite content.

Qin Shu headed north, slaying numerous ambushing demon beasts along the way. He even encountered an early-stage Level 9 Desert Wolf on barren land and promptly fled. Given the size and strength of that wolf, Qin Shu didn't even think about it and ran away directly.

In this world, wild beasts were categorized from Level 1 to Level 9, unlike cultivators, after the Level 12 Qi Refinement, there are divisions into realms such as Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and so on.

The early-stage Level 9 wolf King was equivalent to a cultivator reaching Level 10 Qi Refinement. Its immense power exuded an aura of death that sent shivers down Qin Shu's spine.

"Thankfully, the wolf King didn't pursue. Otherwise, I'd be in real trouble."

Qin Shu commented while skinning the slain demon beasts. Subsequently, he built a makeshift grill and roasted their meat. 

Despite he had already joined the ranks of cultivators and didn't rely much on earthly food to replenish his strength, Qin Shu, as a Qi Refinement-level small fry and a member of the Blue Planet's transmigration army, still quite enjoyed the earthly atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of human life.

After devouring the unseasoned roasted meat, Qin Shu belched contentedly. Upon observing his realm at 357, he contemplated and took out the Qi Refining Pills from his storage bag.

These pills had originally been intended to help Wang He break through to Level 5 Qi Refinement, but fate had other plans as Qin Shu ended up benefiting from them.

After consuming the Qi Refinement Pill, Qin Shu sensed his entire body's blood essence surging intensely, causing sharp pain within his meridians. This was a sign of overflowing blood essence, which, if not released in time, could lead to self-injury.

"The path to immortality is long; I can't afford to slack off."