Chapter 34: The Trial (1/2)
The Green Illusion dimension trials took place once every ten years, and involved the four sects and twenty-five clans of the seven cities.
There were a total of twenty-five clans in the seven cities that were similar with Black Cloud City. Those clans that had recently demonstrated their worthiness would be rewarded with slots by the four sects, and would choose their most talented juniors to enter the Green Illusion dimension together with the young and talented juniors from the four sects.
This Green Illusion dimension trial was imminent, hence the twenty-five clans of the seven cities had been getting ready and doing their best to pour their resources in the direction of those juniors who would participate in the trial.
Some of the juniors were gifted the highest level spiritual tools within the clan, while others were gifted with precious medicinal pills. Every one of them was prepared to display their talents in the Green Illusion dimension.
However, all Nie Donghai could give Nie Tian was concern and advice, due to the poor condition he had been in over the years.
The next day…
Early in the morning, Nie Donghai led Nie Tian to the front gate of the Nie clan, where they waited.
“Although An Shiyi is cruel and merciless, the woman has her principles,” Nie Donghai said calmly, “She has her bottom lines, so she definitely won’t lower herself to the level of harming you. I feel safe putting you in her hands. All you have to do is to be careful in the Green Illusion dimension and don’t expose your secrets.”
Nie Tian gently nodded. “Consider it done, grandpa. I’ll take good care of myself.”
“Okay.” Nie Donghai squinted his eyes and gazed into the direction where the An clan was located. “Yun Zhiguo’s son Yun Song is also going to attend this trial in the Green Illusion dimension. That shrew Yuan Qiuying hates your guts, so I’m afraid she’ll instruct Yun Song to lay murderous hands on you in the Green Illusion dimension.”
“Yun Song?” Nie Tian’s mouth twitched with disdain. “I managed to beat him until he puked blood when I was in the fourth level of Qi Refining. It’s only been several months. He should still be in the sixth level of Qi Refining. I, on the other hand, am now also in the sixth level of Qi Refining. Humph, he better pray not to bump into me in the Green Illusion dimension!”
Nie Donghai’s face turned grim. “It’s not him that I worry about. It’s Yuan Feng from the Yuan clan of Frost Stone City. He and Yuan Qiuying have always been close, and that kid is truly a fierce character. Yuan Feng broke through into the ninth level of Qi Refining a year ago and has already been officially accepted by the Grayvale sect. Moreover, he is regarded highly in the Grayvale sect, and was appointed as leader of the Grayvale sect in this trial!
“Yuan Feng is older than you, and his cultivation base is higher than yours. As leader of the Grayvale sect in this trial into the Green Illusion dimension, every Grayvale participant will take orders from him.
“Remember, you must always stay with the other participants from the Spiritual Treasure sect, and try not to get separated from their group.
“In case you accidentally stray, go find Nie Xian and team up with the participants from the Cloudsoaring sect, if possible. You will enter with the Spiritual Treasure sect, but after all, the Nie clan is subordinate to the Cloudsoaring sect, so their leader ought to admit you into their group.
“Teaming up with others is very important. Your individual power is extremely limited. Keep that in mind!”
Nie Tian listened attentively and kept nodding along, growing increasingly expectant regarding the Green Illusion dimension’s trial.
By his very nature, he enjoyed this kind of competition!
Looking at Nie Tian, who was full of fighting spirit, Nie Donghai secretly nodded his head, and had the sudden feeling that the Green Illusion dimension’s trial could possibly let Nie Tian shed away his old self and take on a new identity, truly understanding the cruelty and dangers of the Qi cultivation world.
He vaguely felt that Nie Tian would be able to adapt to the Green Illusion dimension.
An He, the An clan’s overweight old servant, came in a horse carriage from the silent morning roads and arrived in front of them. “Master Nie, our mistress has sent me here to take Nie Tian to the Green Illusion dimension.”
“Thank for going through all the trouble.” Nie Donghai said, then glanced at Nie Tian and said, “Come, greet uncle An.”
Nie Tian quickly bowed down. “Uncle An!”
An He nodded expressionlessly towards Nie Tian, then signalled for him to get in the carriage.
Nie Tian didn’t waste any time, and entered the carriage under Nie Donghai’s concerned gaze.
After Nie Tian was in, An He told Nie Donghai, “Master Nie, don’t you worry. With me escorting Nie Tian to participate in the Green Illusion dimension’s trial, we surely won’t be secretly attacked. That kind of dirty move is not something I will allow.”
An He thew a meaningful glance in the Yun clan’s direction.
“Many thanks!” Nie Donghai clasped his hands.
Clearly, he knew An He’s status and power in the An clan, therefore he seemed quite relieved.
“I’ll bring Nie Tian back safe and sound in half a year.” With these words, An He said no more. Snapping his whip, he sent the majestic black horse galloping forward with great force.
The sound of horse hooves clashing against ground rang out in the silent morning street. Before long, the carriage disappeared from Nie Donghai’s vision.
…