great-warnovel Chapter 768 Quietly Lying Hidden!
Chapter 768 Quietly Lying Hidden!
The young Qilin hurriedly asked, "Is that all? Is it that simple? But I was still stuck on the second level when I tried to pass the trial using my own cultivation, and I couldn't break through!"
Jiang Wang continued patiently, "Of course, it's not just that."
Each trial in the Secret Realm Tower reflects a cultivator's inner demons and shortcomings in cultivation.
You're stuck on the second level not because your cultivation is insufficient, but because your Dao heart is restless and your obsessions are too strong. The trial illusion will infinitely amplify your greed and anxiety, causing you to lose your composure.
"When you are trying to pass a level, calm your mind and focus your spirit. Abandon the desire to win or lose, face the myriad temptations of the illusion, and hold fast to your own Dao heart. Without destruction, there can be no construction. The inner demons will disappear on their own, and the level can be broken naturally."
The older cultivator looked solemn and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist. This cultivation method is far more precious than any external treasure. We have indeed made a fair deal."
Another cultivator spoke up: "We harbored resentment and offended you in the past. We hope you will forgive us."
The sect will be recruiting in three days. Best of luck!
Jiang Wang waved his hand, speaking casually: "It's alright. Cultivators each have their own stance. It's just a dispute, not a matter of grudges."
Three days later, I will go to the recruitment site myself.
The three Qilin cultivators said no more, nodded slightly to Jiang Wang, turned around and flew away, hurrying towards the Secret Realm Tower, wanting to immediately try the new method to break through and make up for their previous losses.
Once the three figures had completely disappeared, the gentle smile on Jiang Wang's face vanished instantly, his eyes becoming deep and sharp. He muttered to himself, "Three days is enough time for me to adjust my appearance, change my aura, and refine my new identity so that I can smoothly infiltrate the Xiangrui Sect."
"However, the sect's 'True Eye' and 'Mountain Protection Array' are indeed troublesome. Ordinary disguise techniques will certainly not escape detection. We must achieve the ultimate concealment and not reveal the slightest flaw."
Jiang Wang raised his hand and circulated the Primordial Spiritual Power within his body. The Nine Extremes Primordial Power quietly began to operate, and his aura instantly became unified and inward. The originally agile and otherworldly aura of a cultivator instantly became mediocre and dull, without any outstanding features.
"The Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique encompasses everything, can transform all kinds of energy, and conceal all sharpness, making it perfect for disguising one's identity."
He slowly stepped out of the teleportation array, found a secluded and deserted valley, sat down cross-legged, and muttered to himself: "If I'm going to be a handyman, I'll be the most ordinary and inconspicuous handyman. Mediocre, low-key, without talent or background, only then can I completely hide myself and go unnoticed by anyone."
"First, change your appearance, shed your original appearance, and transform into an ordinary human boy with mediocre talent and weak aura. He will look like an ordinary cultivator with no talent for cultivation. This kind of identity is the safest."
With a thought, Jiang Wang's primordial spiritual power circulated throughout his body, slowly altering his bone structure, facial features, and appearance. After a moment, his originally handsome and refined face was completely transformed into an extremely ordinary face that would be instantly forgotten in a crowd, with flat eyebrows and eyes, devoid of any spiritual energy.
He raised his hand to gently stroke his cheek and said softly, "With this appearance, no one can recognize me. I will further suppress my cultivation and conceal my Dao aura, completely shedding my unparalleled and invincible edge."
The surging spiritual energy continued to be contained, suppressing the originally unfathomable cultivation level layer by layer, from the top level of great power all the way down to the early stage of foundation building. The weak fluctuations of spiritual energy were unremarkable; in the Auspicious Realm, they would be considered the lowest level of cultivators.
"If my cultivation level is suppressed to the early stage of Foundation Establishment, I am just qualified to sign up for the menial service. It is neither too high nor too low, so it will not arouse suspicion, nor will I be directly eliminated because my cultivation level is too low."
"Next is the explanation of my identity. I need to fabricate an impeccable past to deal with the sect's investigation."
Jiang Wang closed his eyes and pondered, murmuring softly: "A wandering cultivator from elsewhere, without sect or school, his hometown was in turmoil, and he drifted to the Auspicious Realm. He only seeks to enter a sect and cultivate peacefully, willing to do menial tasks and cultivate diligently. He is upright in character and has no desires."
"This explanation is unremarkable and flawless, meeting all the requirements for recruiting menial servants, making it the safest option." Just as Jiang Wang was refining his identity and perfecting his disguise, two whooshing sounds came from the sky above the secluded valley. A male and a female outer disciple of the Auspicious Sect stepped into the air, dressed in the sect's uniform blue robes with auspicious cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs. Their expressions were calm as they patrolled along the way.
The female disciple's gaze swept across the secluded valley, and when she saw Jiang Wang sitting cross-legged in meditation, she casually remarked, "There's actually a rogue cultivator sitting here in meditation. Judging from his cultivation level, he's only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, quite weak indeed."
The male disciple beside him spoke calmly: "The Secret Realm Tower trial has recently ended, and rogue cultivators from all walks of life have gathered here, all hoping to take advantage of the sect's opportunities and try to join the sect. There are many of them, so it's not surprising."
The female disciple landed slowly and walked up to Jiang Wang, asking, "Young man, are you sitting here quietly, waiting for the sect to recruit you as a menial servant?"
Jiang Wang slowly opened his eyes, his expression respectful and his tone humble, completely befitting a low-level rogue cultivator: "Replying to Senior Sister, that's right."
"This junior has no sect or school, and has wandered this place with nowhere to cultivate. I heard that sects are recruiting menial laborers, so I have waited here, hoping to join the sect and cultivate diligently, seeking a glimmer of opportunity."
The female disciple nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over Jiang Wang. After examining him, she saw that his cultivation was low, his aura was mediocre, and there was nothing unusual about him. Her tone softened a bit: "He does have a down-to-earth nature."
Do you know that the cultivation of menial tasks is tedious and arduous, requiring constant labor with very few opportunities? Ordinary cultivators are unwilling to serve under others, so why are you willing to do so?
Jiang Wang bowed his head and spoke sincerely and honestly: "This junior is dull-witted and has shallow cultivation. I have no talent, no background, and no resources. It is already a great fortune that I have been taken in by the sect and have a safe place to cultivate. I dare not ask for too much."
"Hard work and labor are all part of the training and tempering of cultivation, and I am willing to do it." The male disciple also landed, nodded slightly upon hearing this, and said approvingly, "Most young cultivators in the world today are restless and impatient, with high aspirations but low abilities, seeking shortcuts and greedy for opportunities. Few have your down-to-earth and steady character."
Based on this mindset alone, you'll most likely pass the recruitment process.
The female disciple smiled and said, "Three days from now, at dawn, just be there in line outside the South Gate. Don't be late, or you won't be waited for."
During recruitment, applicants only need to truthfully report their identity and background, and have no criminal record or malicious intent to be accepted into the clan.
Jiang Wang bowed again, his tone respectful: "Thank you for your guidance, senior brothers and sisters. I will keep it in mind and will definitely go on time without delay."
The male disciple waved his hand and said calmly, "No need for formalities. On the path of cultivation, steadfastness is fundamental."
"You wait here while we continue our patrol."
The two disciples said no more, took to the air, and continued their patrol along the way, paying no attention to this ordinary Foundation Establishment youth and completely letting down their guard.
After the two had gone, Jiang Wang slowly raised his head, a faint smile flashing in his eyes, and murmured to himself, "A mediocre appearance is the best way to deceive people. The first step has been completed."
"For the next three days, just lie low, don't cause trouble, don't show your talents, and wait for recruitment."
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. During these three days, Jiang Wang remained seated quietly in the secluded valley, maintaining an ordinary and reserved aura. He did not use any extraordinary cultivation, nor did he reveal any abnormality, completely blending into the ordinary cultivators around him. Many cultivators from various races passed by during this time, but none of them gave him a second glance. No one knew that this seemingly weak and mediocre Foundation Establishment servant was none other than the recently renowned Supreme Invincible, Jiang Wang, who had swindled the Qilin Clan's treasure.
On the morning of the third day, as dawn broke, the morning light pierced the sky and shone upon the majestic and magnificent mountain gate of Xiangrui Sect. Clouds swirled and auspicious vapors rose. Ancient pines, some over a thousand years old, stood on either side of the mountain gate, exuding a vast and majestic aura.
Outside the south gate of the Auspicious Sect, a dense crowd of cultivators from various races had already gathered, including young demon beasts, rogue human cultivators, and spiritual cultivators from other races. They were all there to register for the menial labor service, and their numbers numbered in the thousands.
Jiang Wang mingled at the very back of the crowd, keeping a low profile and a faint aura. He stood with his head bowed, not trying to stand out at all, perfectly blending into the crowd and having no presence whatsoever.
Before long, several sect deacons dressed in blue Taoist robes slowly walked out of the mountain gate, their expressions solemn. They stood on the high platform, their eyes scanning the crowd below.
The head of the group, an elderly deacon with white hair, spoke in a loud voice that echoed throughout the hall: "Today, the Xiangrui Sect is recruiting outer sect servants. The rules remain the same! We will not ask about background, talent, or cultivation level; we will only examine one's character, investigate one's misdeeds, and discern one's true nature!"
"Anyone who harbors evil intentions, bears serious crimes, intends to do something wrong, or disrupts the order of the sect will be expelled and never be employed again! Those who are qualified will be immediately registered in the sect's register, given outer sect residences, basic cultivation techniques, and rations for cultivation, and will be assigned to serve in the sect!"
"Recruitment begins. Step forward one by one, state your background and origins, and your true intentions in cultivation, and undergo verification by the Jade Plate!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the cultivators below stepped forward one by one to register and undergo verification, and the process was orderly.
The Authentic Jade Plate floats in mid-air, emitting a warm white light. It can see through inner demons, illuminate one's true nature, and investigate past misdeeds. If there is even the slightest evil thought or misdeed, it will instantly light up red and be eliminated.
Many cultivators, whether due to their restless nature, past misdeeds, or opportunistic intentions, were exposed by the jade disc, which lit up with a red light, and they were immediately expelled by the deacons.
The line moved forward slowly, and soon it was the turn of many cultivators. Some were happy, some were sad. Those who were accepted were overjoyed, while those who were rejected were dejected.
A young cultivator in black standing in line whispered to his companion, "I heard that the Secret Realm Tower trial has caused a huge mess. An outsider cultivator, who claims to be invincible, set up a stall and swindled treasures from various races, enraging the Qilin Clan. The sect has already listed him as a key target for investigation, and we will definitely investigate his whereabouts thoroughly during today's recruitment."
His companion nodded slightly and replied in a low voice, "I've heard about it too. That Duzun Wubai is cunning and treacherous, and has tricked countless races out of their treasures. The entire Qilin clan is searching for him, and all major intersections and teleportation arrays are guarded with imaging stone powder to prevent him from infiltrating the sect."
"Unfortunately, this person was extremely fast and fled instantly after the incident, disappearing without a trace. To this day, no one has been able to find his whereabouts."
If caught by the sect, they will be severely punished.
Another middle-aged cultivator sighed in a low voice, "This person is truly formidable. He single-handedly stirred up the entire Auspicious Realm Trial and manipulated cultivators of various races. Such methods are far beyond what ordinary rogue cultivators can achieve."
If he dares to come and recruit us today, he will have nowhere to hide.
Jiang Wangli stood at the end of the crowd, listening to the discussions around him, his expression remained calm and unwavering, his heart undisturbed.
His appearance, aura, cultivation level, and identity have all been completely changed. He bears no resemblance whatsoever to the previous Tu Xiaonai and Duzun Wubai. Even if the Heavenly Dao were to personally intervene or the sect's grand formation were to investigate, it would be difficult to see through the slightest disguise.
A moment later, it was finally Jiang Wang's turn in the line.
Jiang Wang stepped forward slowly, his steps steady, his expression respectful. He stood with his head bowed beneath the jade plate of Jianzhen, his posture humble and without the slightest arrogance.
The white-haired old deacon looked up at him and said in a calm tone, "State your name, background, and original intention in cultivation."
Jiang Wang’s voice was gentle and simple, and his words were clear: “Junior Jiang Wang is a wandering cultivator in the secular world, without any sect or school. My hometown suffered a spiritual calamity, my sect was destroyed, my family was scattered, and I was left to wander in the Auspicious Realm, with no one to rely on.”
"This junior does not seek quick enlightenment, nor does he crave extraordinary opportunities. He only desires to join the sect, to cultivate diligently and peacefully, to settle his mind on the path, and to practice assiduously, so that in this life he may have no evil thoughts, no wicked deeds, and no delusions."
These words are simple and unadorned, without fancy words or lofty ambitions, perfectly reflecting the image of a down-to-earth, independent cultivator from the bottom of society.
The old deacon nodded slightly and gestured with his hand: "Step forward and be examined by the jade plate."
Jiang Wang stepped forward slowly, letting the warm white light envelop his body. His mind was free of distractions, and he completely suppressed the Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique, concealing all traces of his true cultivation and past.
The jade plate, gleaming with a warm white light, circulated and examined Jiang Wang's true nature, past, inner demons, and misdeeds. After a while, the white light became clear and bright, without any red flashes or abnormal fluctuations.
The sect disciple in charge of the inspection reported, "Sir, this boy has a pure heart, a down-to-earth nature, no past misdeeds, no evil thoughts or delusions, mediocre talent, but his character is acceptable."
The white-haired old deacon nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Qualified. Enter into the register, be assigned to the outer sect's miscellaneous service, and be assigned a residence. Begin serving in the sect from this day forward."
Jiang Wang bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your help, Steward." An outer disciple stepped forward and handed him a black servant token, instructing him, "This is your sect servant's waist token. You will need it to enter and exit the outer perimeter of the sect, collect supplies, and record your work. Keep it safe, or you will be held accountable for losing it."
Follow me to the outer gate residence; I will assign you tasks shortly.
Jiang Wang accepted the waist token, held it tightly in his hand, and thanked him again: "Thank you, Senior Brother."
He turned and followed the outer disciple, slowly walking up the stone steps of the mountain gate into the Auspicious Sect. Along the way, they passed through the Cloud Sea Immortal Bridge, the ancient blue stone road, and the spiritual herb fields. The palaces on both sides were majestic and surrounded by immortal energy, displaying the grandeur of a top-tier sect.
During the journey, the outer disciple casually remarked, "You're quite lucky. This recruitment process was extremely rigorous, and many people were eliminated because they harbored opportunistic thoughts or had bad records. Your steadfast character is what allowed you to successfully enter the sect."
Jiang Wang responded humbly, saying softly, "This junior is dull-witted and only knows the word 'steadfast,' daring not to harbor any wishful thinking or delusions."
The outer disciple nodded slightly, his tone soothing: "It's good that you think that way."
The miscellaneous duties in our clan are not too heavy. Every day, we manage the medicinal fields, clean the halls, organize the books, and guard the pavilions. We just take turns on duty.
As long as one behaves obediently and works diligently, one can remain in the sect to cultivate and accumulate merit, and will have the opportunity to be promoted to outer disciple in the future.
Jiang Wang feigned delight, his tone sincere: "I am already content with such an opportunity, and I will certainly work diligently and keep to my place." (End of Chapter)