Second Uncle Master watched the man lying limp on the side, sighed, and said, "His tendons and bones have been shattered, he's completely disabled…"
The four young ones exchanged looks, they had no idea that this first hurdle would be so sinister. The stone couldn't even be touched, it was truly terrifying.
However, as more and more people arrived at the Stone Gate, Ranran soon discovered that the man's experience was actually considered fortunate.
Most people who took up the challenge, just managed to slightly move the trial stone, but they also didn't dare to touch it or do anything against the rules, so they had to leave disappointed.
Finally, it was JiuHua Sect's turn. The first one to step forward wasn't the Chief Disciple Wei Fang, but a chubby-looking fellow who seemed quite pleased with himself. From their earlier discussions, this disciple named Guo was said to be the fastest rising star in recent years, second only to Wei Fang.
Among the junior disciples of Jiuhua Sect who had hopes of entering the marrow-cleansing pool, besides Wei Fang, there was only this Disciple Guo.
After he sat down cross-legged and adjusted his breath, steam started rising from his head quickly, and the trial stone, which had been motionless, suddenly shook violently and then rose bit by bit.
Amid the astonished exclamations of the crowd, the chubby fellow proudly stood up and was about to pass under the stone.
But just then, perhaps because he didn't control his breath well enough when he stood up, the massive Trial stone that had been raised suddenly collapsed with a thunderous crash, hitting the man who had walked under it on the head…
Qiu Xier and Ranran had queued up. They greeted those in front and behind them to reserve their queue position, then ran under a nearby tree to sit down and eat their own packed lunch.
From here, they were completely caught off guard and saw the bloody scene of carnage. Qiu Xier screamed in fright and jumped into Gao Cang's arms.
Second senior brother was trying to feed himself with chopsticks held between his toes, and the scare made him bite his big toe instead.
Ranran silently forced down the juicy fish balls in her mouth, then closed her eyes and held her breath, trying to forget the bloody scene as soon as possible.
This time, the new disciples of the three major sects were all silent, and no one made mocking remarks anymore.
Wei Fang seemed to have anticipated that something like this would happen and coldly said to the remaining junior disciples, "The marrow-cleansing pool is a blessing left by an ancient powerhouse. Those with weak blessings or unsteady wills cannot pass this threshold. Brother Guo did his best, but unfortunately, his cultivation was not enough, and his efforts ended in failure…"
As he said this, there was a hint of moisture in his eyes, and he wiped away the tears.
Originally, there were three more disciples from Jiuhua Sect who were going to challenge the trial, and their strength was not inferior to Brother Guo. However, with the remnants of their fellow disciple's flesh and blood still under the stone, how could they concentrate their minds to lift the stone and pass the test?
It was possible that the next person to be smashed to pieces might be one of them.
So, although the remaining few disciples managed to lift the trial stone halfway, they hesitated and didn't dare to pass, eventually exhausting their breath and returning in defeat.
At this moment, Qiu Xier was also very frightened and whispered to Ranran, "Oh my goodness, this trial here is actually more life-threatening than our Shifu's. Even the outstanding disciples from Jiuhua Sect couldn't pass. I guess we won't even get close to it. Maybe we should go back early and not stay here anymore."
But Ranran shook her head and frowned, looking at Wei Fang, who had tears in his eyes.
She thought for a moment and said, "I heard that Wei Fang has been here twice already, so he should have foreseen something like this. If he had been willing to advise the junior disciples that the critical moment should have been when the trial stone was lifted. Perhaps Brother Guo wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself. But look, Wei Fang arranged the order for Jiuhua Sect to pass, but he let Brother Guo, who is equally capable as him, to go first and didn't even give him any warning. From what I see, this trial stone is testing the wickedness of human hearts…"
Gao Cang and Qiu Xier hadn't thought in this direction before, but after hearing Ranran's analysis, they felt a sudden realization.
There can be only one who comes out on top in the Marrow-cleansing Pool Meet. Even if they are from the same sect, they will ultimately become competitors.
Wei Fang failed to pass last time, but this time he came with the determination to pass. In that case, how could he let the rising stars of the same sect pass the test?
As expected, the last person to challenge from Jiuhua Sect was Wei Fang. Although faced with the blood-soaked ground from his fellow sect member, Wei Fang remained unaffected, lifted the stone with his breath, and then passed through in a flash, as if he had been practicing diligently for a long time.
The only disciple from Jiuhua Sect who passed the trial was Wei Fang.
When it was Kongshan Sect's turn, the situation wasn't as tragic as Jiuhua Sect's.
Because Abess Wen hadn't been able to overcome the heavenly tribulation and had just passed away. The new leader of Kongshan Sect had not been officially decided yet, and the acting head was Abess Wen's adopted daughter, Wen Hongshan.
Wen Hongshan had been to Tianmai Mountain before, but unfortunately, she hadn't managed to beat Su Yishui for the chance to get into the marrow-cleansing pool back then.
The rule of Tianmai Mountain was that everyone could only come once in their lifetime. This meant that once they passed the trial stone, there was no chance for a second try.
entered the marrow-cleansing pool. Whether I'm qualified or not, the trial stone will be the judge. If anyone still feels aggrieved, there's no rush; There are more challenges next, we can take it slowly."
Turning her head, she looked at the XiShan disciples who were eating and drinking under the trees. After scanning them all, her gaze settled on Xue Ranran, who was biting into an apple.
The look in her eyes was complex. If it weren't for the report from the person she had dispatched, Mu Qingge could never have imagined that the young disciple of Su Yishui she had encountered before was actually the fallen spirit fruit…
Su Yishui had recognized her very early on? He had actually kept her by his side since then. But this young girl had none of the bearing from her past life; in talent and appearance, she was nothing remarkable, much like Mu Ranwu who had faded into obscurity in her previous life…
Thinking of this, Mu Ranwu smiled. When she and her sister had perished together, she had used a soul-shifting technique to alter their destinies.
In her previous life, her sister was born under auspicious signs, her cultivation path smooth sailing, unlike Mu Ranwu who was born prematurely and had average aptitude, with nothing outstanding.
Now, they had truly and completely swapped their fated lot.
She wanted to see what accomplishments an average person could achieve, even if they had Su Yishui's devoted affection?
Thinking of this, she stood on one side of the stone gate and smiled meaningfully at Xue Ranran, "Ranran, we meet again. Why hasn't your XiShan sect passed this stone trial yet?"
Because she had sent someone to disturb her parents, Ranran's liking for Elder Mu suddenly plummeted. So when Elder Mu spoke, she didn't want to respond to her.
However, it was not early in the day, and the few of them really couldn't delay any longer. If they couldn't even pass the first test, XiShan Lingxi Palace's dignity would really be lost.
Thinking of this, Xue Ranran said to her fellow disciples beside her, "Let's go, let's give it a try."
Bai Baishan looked melancholy and put on his shoes and socks, saying, "You guys go try. I have no true qi in my body right now, so I won't go embarrass our XiShan sect."
So the remaining three came up to the trial stone.
Gao Cang was the one with higher cultivation among the disciples. After adjusting his breath in a cross-legged position, he started to move the stone with his energy.
Unfortunately, the stone only moved slightly, but when it was Qiu Xier's turn, it didn't even budge.
Mu Qingge didn't care about the performances of these two at all; she was focused on watching Xue Ranran.
Even though she felt that Xue Ranran was not a threat, Mu Ranwu was still a little worried. After being adopted by the carpenter couple from the Juefeng Village, how did Xue Ranran manage to survive after leaving the Rebirth Tree?
The Rebirth Tree had long been destroyed, so how did Xue Ranran seem to be getting more graceful and delicate? There was no trace of any congenital deficiency in her appearance now.
Thinking of how Su Yishui had withheld the detoxifying pills to punish her for investigating Xue Ranran's parentage, causing her to suffer horribly for a whole month, her heart harbored an unresolved resentment.
Now, the one who looks like a heavenly immortal was her, the one who possesses innate spiritual power was also her! Why wouldn't Su Yishui look properly at her and instead kept this worthless person with no golden core by his side?
Thinking of this, she took a deep breath, smiling as she loudly addressed Ranran, "Miss Xue, it's your turn."
Ranran stood in front of the trial stone for a moment, lost in thought until Mu Qingge called out to her. Then she walked over and sat down to gather her breath.
As expected, just like Qiu Xier, the stone didn't budge at all.
Mu Ranwu's smile widened gradually, and her anxious heart slowly relaxed. Elder sister, as long as you don't cause any trouble, living idle for a few decades isn't too bad…
The others weren't too surprised, seeing that the XiShan Sect didn't amount to much. As they got ready to leave, Ranran turned to ask Second Master Uncle: "Is there a rule in passing the trial stone, that specifies only one person can go at a time?"
Yu Tong was also stumped by the question. Because the situation mentioned by Ranran had never occurred before.
After all, the temptation of the marrow-cleansing pool is no less than that of the Spirit Spring, which is a dream opportunity for many from the young generation of cultivators. How could there be anyone forming a group to pass the single-log bridge, since this was a matter that was to showcase individual strength?
Such a shameful and humiliating situation, other sects can neither come up with it nor do.
So Yu Tong honestly replied, "I don't know either. But it seems there's no such rule."
Ranran turned back to Gao Cang and Qiu Xier, saying, "Do you remember the core meaning of our Demon Subduing Formation?"
Hearing her question, the three looked at each other and said in unison, "In the formation, we unite as one, advancing and retreating together, living and dying together!"
Ranran clapped her hands. "That's right! Since the Demon Subduing Formation can combine our strengths, why don't we set up a formation and see if we can lift the trial stone together?"
Hearing this, Gao Cang and Qiu Xier clapped their hands too. "Yes! Ranran, you're so clever. Why didn't we think of that?"
Although Ranran was the youngest, her adventures in Wangxiang River and Cha Ming Mountain had earned her respect and unassailable authority from her senior siblings.
The two of them just had to blindly follow whatever proposal Ranran suggested!
So amidst laughter and mockery from the other cultivators, three people squeezed at the trial stone in an unprecedented manner.
Then the three concentrated, following Ranran's commands to lift the stone with their collective breath.
As the saying goes, three mediocre cobblers will surpass a Zhuge Liang, and the combined strength of three XiShan rookies shouldn't be underestimated. The formation itself has a boosting factor to their strength, so although a single person couldn't lift the stone, when the three of them coordinated, they managed to lift it.
Ranran pointed a finger to exert her power, then focused on her fellow disciples. "Hold steady and don't lose heart. Use the Lotus Step to enter the gate step by step!"
Following Ranran's words, the three stepped with the Lotus Step, moving like a rotating lotus flower, and flashed through the gate one by one.
Only after Ranran entered the gate last did the trial stone crash down, and the three XiShan disciples managed to pass the challenge together in this way.
Accompanied by the thunderous sound of the stone falling, the three young ones cheered and clapped, excitedly stomping their feet.
When Ranran made such a suggestion, the onlookers initially sneered in disdain, but gradually they became astonished and speechless.
Mu Ranwu stared fixedly at the girl's lively smile, feeling a sudden thump in her heart, which made her hold her breath for a long moment.
After the three passed the challenge, Wei Fang was the first to come to his senses, shouting loudly, "This doesn't count! You three clearly cheated!"
With his shout, others also shouted, expressing that these three were not qualified to continue to the next challenge.
Ranran turned to look at them, puzzled. "Strange, are you all examiners? Clearly, the inscription on the monument next to the trial stone says 'The stone bearer can pass,' it didn't say that each time only one person can lift the stone! We all passed, so we passed the challenge!"
Qiu Xier and Gao Cang also confidently said, "We, the brothers and sisters of XiShan are harmonious and willing to pass the challenge together. Unlike you all, who selfishly play tricks and watch inexperienced fellow disciples die without giving them any advice in advance!"
This statement clearly hinted at something, and everyone looked at Wei Fang. Wei Fang's face tightened, and he rushed forward to reprimand Gao Cang.
Too bad the XiShan disciples practiced Monkey Arts, with extraordinary lightness in their steps. They skillfully dodged, leaping onto trees to avoid Wei Fang and even made faces at him.
Finally, Mu Qingge spoke up and mediated, "Enough, since they passed the trial stone, naturally, they have passed the challenge. There are more trials to the Water Amusement Pool; this was just the first one. True gold fears no fire; you all don't need to be too impatient."
Her words were diplomatic, resolving Ranran and their group's situation, showing goodwill, and subtly indicating that they had only used some clever tricks and not real strength. Even if they passed this challenge, the remaining ones could probably eliminate them.
Everyone was eager to move on to the next challenge, so they couldn't be bothered to argue with the XiShan disciples anymore. After all, the ones they truly feared were Wei Fang, Mu Qingge, and that unknown dark-faced boy from the KongShan Sect.
is Baqian."
It seemed that Brother Gui Baqian had just joined the KongShan Sect. To have such strength as a newly admitted disciple was why the other KongShan disciples didn't seem to like him much, showing obvious signs of exclusion.
Ranran also felt some sympathy for Brother Gui Baqian, so she took the initiative to give him a handful of dried sweet potato.
Tianmai Mountain was quite majestic. Climbing mountains in the north could take two or three days, and Tianmai Mountain was known for its steep terrain. After passing the first checkpoint and climbing a short distance up the mountain, it gradually grew dark.
Most of the people who made it through the first trial had already started practicing a higher level of cultivation. So, fasting for a few days wasn't a problem.
According to their respective sects, they each settled down in an empty space halfway up the mountain and waited for the next day to continue their ascent.
But in the darkness and silence of the mountain, the three from XiShan started a barbecue.
Wherever Ranran went, she would make clear preparations for the matter of eating well beforehand.
Chunks of chicken legs marinated and wrapped in pig stomach pouches filled with soup didn't need to be unwrapped. Wrapped in wet mud and buried directly in charcoal, they soon emitted a fragrant aroma. Qiu Xier also had five-spice sesame cakes in her bag, a perfect complement to the chicken!
When it was time to eat, the little white tiger suddenly appeared. It seems like it had followed them along the way. Although Tianmai Mountain was picky about people who entered, there were no restrictions on birds and beasts.
Ranran picked a large leaf from a tree, washed it with water from her bag, and put some cooled meat on it for the little white tiger to eat.
The little white tiger had developed a cleanliness obsession recently and didn't like raw food much anymore. It also seemed to be in the fasting period and didn't eat much. However, when it saw Ranran eating, it would also want to take a bite.
But with the three humans and one tiger eating happily, the aroma of the food disrupted the meditation of the fellow cultivators.
Those who weren't very hungry before suddenly felt their stomachs churning rapidly when they smelled the fragrance of the chicken.
They don't know what those Xishan fools did, but the spices they used have a unique aroma that makes one salivate and desperately swallow saliva.
Now, the pair of twins from the KongShan Sect couldn't stand it anymore. Wen Bingqing and Wen Yujie walked over and kicked their fire pit, cursing, "What kind of nonsense are you making? Are you deliberately disrupting our meditation? If you want to eat, go home and eat!"
Ranran reacted quickly, holding her chicken leg and pancake and quickly dodged away.
The names of these twins sound pure and virtuous, but who would have thought they were so domineering, not even letting others have dinner. Gao Cang's pancake was kicked away, and he couldn't help but curse, "Why is the KongShan Sect full of shrews? If you don't want to eat, why not let others eat?"
Qiu Xier was also furious and rushed forward to hit the sisters' faces, but Ranran stopped them.
After all, the abilities of the three of them couldn't match the outstanding disciples of Kongshan Sect. If they really fought, they would be the ones at a disadvantage.
However, the temper of the little tiger couldn't be restrained by humans. It suddenly kicked its hind legs and silently pounced towards the Wen sisters.
The sisters were caught off guard, and their necks were scratched, drawing blood. They were so angry that they drew their swords, intending to kill the beast.