Chapter 129

Chapter 129

"Good, good, good! Neither servile nor overbearing, unshaken by praise or blame—excellent indeed."

"Child, to be frank with you, this old man is none other than the Supreme Elder of the Tai Xu Sect, one of the Myriad Realms' great sects. My purpose here is to assess the temperament of newcomers like yourself."

"Thus far, you are the most satisfying young one I’ve encountered."

"Under different circumstances, I would have taken you as my final disciple without hesitation. Alas, today’s situation is unique, and your status as a Descender complicates matters. I can only suppress the impulse for now."

"Child, if you’re in no hurry to leave, would you indulge this old man in conversation? It’s been far too long since I’ve met a junior as delightful as you."

Elder Bai gazed at Qin Han, his fondness growing with every passing moment.

Qin Han nodded. "When an elder offers wisdom, it would be disrespectful to decline. Please, Elder, speak freely."

"Excellent! The fact that you resisted the earlier temptations to stay and converse with an old man like me brings me great joy."

Elder Bai chuckled warmly. "Rest assured, child, our discussion will make this journey worthwhile for you."

"You Descenders likely lack a clear understanding of the Myriad Realms, whereas I happen to know a thing or two."

"Ask whatever you wish, and I shall satisfy your curiosity."

"..."

While Qin Han and Elder Bai engaged in their heartfelt exchange, Chen Chaoxi had long since arrived at the sect’s entrance.

When he encountered the Logistics Elder at the mountain’s base, he decisively refused the offer—yet no welcoming smile from Elder Bai awaited him.

By the time the two finally met, Elder Bai’s expression was icy, devoid of any inclination for conversation.

"You’ve passed. Now leave, lest you further offend my sight."

With a wave of his hand, a Teleportation Gate materialized not far ahead.

Chen Chaoxi was utterly baffled.

What could I have possibly done to displease Elder Bai?

Throughout his journey, he had meticulously followed the guidance provided by the young man, making what he believed were optimal choices.

Yet here, before Elder Bai, everything had taken a bizarre turn—as if copying answers had somehow landed him in last place!

The next moment, as the Competition Leaderboard updated, his eyes widened in shock at the score displayed:

5,300 points!!!

It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck him squarely on the head.

He could scarcely believe the number.

Considering he had received full marks in the first five trials, this meant— This trial awarded me a pitiful 300 points!

The injustice was unbearable.

He wanted to turn back and demand an explanation from Elder Bai—Where did I go wrong?

But before he could even glance backward, Elder Bai’s harsh voice lashed out:

"What an eyesore! Why linger? Must I drive you out myself?"

Swallowing his frustration, Chen Chaoxi stepped through the Teleportation Gate— Only to find the scene before him eerily familiar.

The same island.

The same stone path.

It was nearly identical to the sixth trial!

Driven by curiosity, he pressed forward...

---

Time flowed unnoticed.

The sun rose and set, the stars wheeled across the sky, and the mountain’s shadows shifted with the passing hours.

Yet the elder and the young man, engrossed in their conversation, remained oblivious to the passage of time.

Their exchange was nothing short of joyous.

Before they knew it, morning had arrived once more.

By now, the admiration in Elder Bai’s eyes as he regarded Qin Han had transformed into something far deeper— Awe.

Throughout the day and night, though Elder Bai did most of the talking, Qin Han occasionally pointed out key insights that never failed to impress him. This kid not only had impeccable character but also seemed to possess top-tier talent.

On the side, Qin Han also gained immensely. The Myriad Heavens were boundless, with far too many unknowns. Even though he had entered the Final Battlefield in his past life and browsed countless strategies, what he knew was merely a fraction compared to the vastness of the Myriad Heavens. Elder Bai's wisdom truly broadened his horizons!

"Alright, Xiao Han, it's about time. You should proceed with your trial now," Elder Bai said. "But before you leave, I have one more thing for you."

With that, Elder Bai took out a white jade pendant, its shape resembling one half of the Taiji yin-yang fish.

"This yang fish is quite the treasure. When you're able to traverse the Myriad Heavens in the future, remember to bring it with you and seek me out at the Tai Xu Sect. A great opportunity will await you then."