From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 3 Breaking out of the cocoon and becoming a butterfly

I looked up at Pharmacist Sun. The depth in his eyes was somewhat unfathomable, but the firmness in his words clearly conveyed one message: this was a path full of thorns, but also a path leading to hope. I took a deep breath and, without the slightest hesitation, answered firmly, "I'm willing!"

Pharmacist Sun nodded in satisfaction and pointed to the writing on the stone wall, saying, "This line of text contains the content of the test. Take a close look."

I looked closely and saw that below the line of text were densely packed small characters that described in detail the specific content of the test: three tasks must be completed within seven days.

The first task is to go to the Forest of Ten Thousand Beasts and obtain the blood essence of a third-tier demon beast.

The second task is to climb Trial Peak and obtain a thousand-year-old snow lotus at the summit.

The third task is to defeat an inner disciple at the sect trial tournament.

Each of these three tasks is fraught with danger and challenge. The Forest of Ten Thousand Beasts is teeming with monsters, and the third-tier monsters are particularly powerful; a moment's carelessness could lead to certain death. The Trial Peak towers into the clouds, its summit perpetually covered in snow, with a harsh climate and powerful protective barriers. As for defeating the inner disciples, it is an impossible task, for they are all exceptionally talented individuals, while I am merely a useless person without any spiritual roots.

"Are you confident you can complete these three tasks?" Pharmacist Sun's voice pulled me back from my reverie.

I took a deep breath and looked into Pharmacist Sun's expectant eyes. A raging fire ignited in my heart. This was not only for myself, but also for Ling'er and for all those like me who longed to change their destiny!

"This disciple will do everything in my power to complete the test!" I said firmly, my eyes filled with determination.

Pharmacist Sun smiled slightly, turned around and picked up a jade slip and a short sword from the stone platform behind him, handing them to me and saying, "This jade slip contains the details of three tasks and some precautions. This short sword is the one I used when I was young. Although it is just an ordinary item, it is extremely sharp. Please keep it safe."

I solemnly accepted the jade slip and the short sword, and bowed deeply to Pharmacist Sun: "Thank you, Master!"

"Alright, you may go and prepare. I will send someone to pick you up in seven days."

I turned and walked out of the cave. As soon as I stepped out of the cave, I saw a short, stout middle-aged man wearing a blue Taoist robe, smiling at me.

"You must be Xiao Yao? I am Steward Ma, who is in charge of supervising you to complete the test. From today onwards, you will follow me." Steward Ma said, looking me up and down, a hint of contempt on his lips.

I frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased, but I suppressed my dissatisfaction and bowed to Steward Ma: "Greetings, Steward Ma."

Steward Ma chuckled and said, "No need for formalities. Now that you have become a disciple of Pharmacist Sun, you are a disciple of my Qingyun Sect. I will do my best to help you complete the test."

Over the next few days, Deacon Ma rigorously supervised and guided me. He taught me some basic cultivation knowledge, such as how to sense spiritual energy and how to circulate cultivation techniques. Although I couldn't cultivate, this knowledge was still invaluable to me. Deacon Ma also took me to the back mountain of the sect to familiarize me with the terrain and environment so that I could complete my first task—hunting down a third-tier demonic beast.

I had expected Deacon Ma to make things difficult for me at every turn, but his actions surprised me. Although he was very strict with me, I could sense that he genuinely wanted to help me. Perhaps, in his eyes, I was just a pitiful creature in need of assistance.

However, not everyone hoped that I would pass the test smoothly.

That day, I was practicing the sword techniques taught by Steward Ma on the back mountain when suddenly a sharp and sarcastic voice came from behind me: "Oh, isn't this our Qingyun Sect's good-for-nothing young lady? What, you want to learn how to cultivate immortality too? Don't you even know if you have the fate to do it!"

I turned around and saw a fat young man dressed in fine clothes looking at me with a mocking expression. He was accompanied by several lackeys, who were all pointing and whispering about me, their eyes full of disdain.

I recognize this person. His name is Wang Fugui. He is the grandson of an elder of the Qingyun Sect. He often bullies me because he has some connections.

I stared at him coldly, without saying a word.

Seeing that I ignored him, Wang Fugui felt humiliated. He stepped forward, pointed at my nose, and cursed, "What, are you mute? I'm talking to you!"

I ignored him and turned back to continue practicing my swordsmanship.

"You wretched servant, how dare you ignore me!" Wang Fugui was furious when he saw that I was so ungrateful. He suddenly drew his long sword from his waist and stabbed at me.

I was prepared, so I dodged his attack by sidestepping and kicked him to the ground at the same time.

Wang Fugui scrambled to his feet, pointed at me, and said through gritted teeth, "You...you just wait, I won't let you get away with this!"

After saying that, he slunk away with his lackeys.

I watched their retreating figures, a cold glint in my eyes. I knew Wang Fugui wouldn't let this go; he would definitely find a way to retaliate against me.

Sure enough, the next day, Deacon Ma found me with a serious expression and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yao, someone reported you for engaging in a private fight in the back mountain. Do you know your crime?"

I sneered inwardly. Wang Fugui really couldn't hold back; he made his move so quickly. I took a deep breath and replied calmly, "Deacon Ma, I am innocent. Yesterday, I was practicing swordsmanship on the back mountain when Wang Fugui suddenly appeared and verbally abused me. That's why I acted to protect myself."

Deacon Ma frowned, clearly not entirely believing my story. He pondered for a moment and said, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly. Until then, you shall remain in your residence and not go anywhere."

I knew that Steward Ma was essentially confining me to my quarters, but I didn't resist. After all, arguing with them now would be pointless. All I could do was wait, wait for an opportunity to prove myself.

In the days that followed, I was confined to my room, unable to go anywhere. While continuing to practice the techniques taught by Steward Ma, I secretly observed the movements around me. I sensed that an invisible net was quietly enveloping me.

Sure enough, not long after, Deacon Ma came to my room again. This time, his face was even more gloomy, and his tone had become icy: "Xiao Yao, you have been hiding contraband. Do you know your crime?!"

My heart skipped a beat. Contraband? When did I startle? I suppressed my panic and calmly asked, "Deacon Ma, may I ask what contraband I have hidden?"

Deacon Ma snorted coldly, pulled a black cloth bag from his sleeve, and opened it to find an old book inside. I recognized it immediately; it was the ancient book I had stumbled upon in the library a few days ago. I had only casually flipped through a few pages, found the content obscure and difficult to understand, and then put it back. How did it end up here now?

"This 'Demon Flame Technique' is a demonic cultivation method, a prohibited item explicitly forbidden by our Qingyun Sect. Do you still want to argue?" Steward Ma shouted sternly.

I immediately realized that someone was deliberately framing me! I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and said, "Deacon Ma, there must be some misunderstanding. I have never seen this book, let alone possess any contraband!"

"The evidence is conclusive, yet you still dare to argue!" Deacon Ma clearly did not believe my explanation. He looked at me coldly, his eyes filled with disappointment and disgust. "Considering this is your first offense, I will spare your life. From this day forward, you are expelled from Qingyun Sect and will never be allowed to set foot here again!"

I was expelled from Qingyun Sect and became a pariah, hated by everyone. With nowhere to go, I was forced to wander the wilderness, surviving by hunting. My heart was filled with anger and resentment, and I vowed to uncover the truth and clear my name!

I constantly cultivate and hone myself, turning all the hardships into motivation to move forward. I firmly believe that one day I will return to Qingyun Sect and make those who framed me pay the price!

As time passed, I finally faced the last and most dangerous test—to venture deep into the Monster Forest and obtain the magic core of a third-tier monster.

The Demon Beast Forest is fraught with danger, teeming with ferocious demonic beasts. Even experienced cultivators dare not venture there lightly. And I, a useless person without spiritual roots, am to enter this land of death alone—a journey with an odds of certain death!

I took a deep breath, gripped my sword tightly, and resolutely stepped into the Monster Forest...

After an unknown amount of time, I finally found my target—a massive third-tier magical beast. It exuded a powerful aura, and its blood-red eyes stared intently at me, as if it wanted to tear me to shreds.

I know full well that this is a life-or-death battle, and I cannot back down, nor can I afford to fail!

I fought with all my might, swinging my sword again and again. My body was covered in wounds, and my clothes were stained with blood, but I did not give up. I knew that what I carried behind me was hope, dignity, and the expectations of all those who believed in me!

Finally, at the last moment, I seized an opportunity and pierced the monster's heart with my sword. The monster let out a deafening roar and collapsed to the ground.

I staggered back a few steps, looking at the monster lying in a pool of blood, my heart filled with emotion. I did it, I really did it!

I dragged my exhausted body back to Qingyun Sect. When Deacon Ma saw me, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by indifference. He said coldly, "You're back."

I nodded and handed him the magic core. "I have completed the test."

Deacon Ma took the magic core, examined it carefully, and finally a hint of emotion appeared on his face. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Not bad, this is indeed the magic core of a third-tier magical beast. You have passed the test."

I was overjoyed, but I quickly calmed down. I knew that this was only the first step, and the real challenge was yet to come.

"Now that you have passed the test, you can prepare to awaken your spiritual root," Deacon Ma said calmly. "However, awakening a spiritual root takes time. During this time, you should stay in your residence and not go anywhere."

I nodded to show that I understood.

Back in my room, I was filled with anticipation, but also a little apprehensive. I knew that awakening one's spiritual root wasn't guaranteed to succeed, and the process was fraught with danger.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. No matter what, I had to give it my all, for myself and for everyone who believed in me.

Over the next few days, I continued practicing the techniques taught by Steward Ma while secretly observing my surroundings. I felt as if a pair of eyes were watching me from the shadows, making me feel uneasy.

I know it must be Wang Fugui. He won't give up so easily; he'll definitely try every means to prevent me from awakening my spiritual root.

I wasn't scared at all; on the contrary, it strengthened my resolve. I wanted to see what other tricks he could pull.

As time went by, the power within me continued to accumulate, and I felt that I was getting closer and closer to awakening my spiritual root.

That day, I was cultivating when I suddenly felt a powerful aura approaching. I opened my eyes abruptly and saw Wang Fugui leading several disciples, striding in menacingly.

"Xiao Yao, you're about to die!" Wang Fugui said through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.

I looked at him coldly and said calmly, "What do you want?"

"What are you doing?" Wang Fugui sneered. "Of course, I'm stopping you from awakening your spiritual root! What right do you, a piece of trash, have to awaken your spiritual root?"

I took a deep breath and gripped the sword tightly in my hand.

It seems a major battle is inevitable...