Chapter 210 – Dangerous True Immortal Trial: Refining Gu, Refining Humans, Refining Heaven

Upon hearing Lu Chen’s words, the mysterious old man immediately laughed and said, “You don’t even know what I want you to do, yet you agreed so quickly?”

“What if I were to send you to your deaths? What would you do then?”

“Oh, right!”

Before Lu Chen could respond, Shangguan Yunmeng beside him finally caught on.

Although the other cultivators felt the old man’s tone seemed to be joking, they had to admit that his words weren’t entirely unreasonable.

If the old man truly intended to send them to their deaths, they certainly wouldn’t just comply.

At this thought, the expressions of some cultivators grew serious as they contemplated what to do if the task the old man proposed later turned out to be impossible or beyond their capabilities.

Unlike the tension of those around him, Lu Chen remained remarkably calm.

“If you truly meant to send us to our deaths, you could have done so back in the bamboo forest. There would have been no need for all this conversation.”

“Oh? Interesting.”

The old man looked at Lu Chen as if he had discovered something amusing.

After scrutinizing him for a moment, he smiled and said, “You noticed me back then?”

To this, Lu Chen replied calmly, “I merely sensed an unusual aura in the surroundings.”

Hearing this, the old man’s gaze toward Lu Chen grew even more intrigued.

The others stared at Lu Chen in astonishment.

After all, when they were in the bamboo forest earlier, they had detected nothing.

As for how Lu Chen had discovered the “old man,” the principle was quite simple: it was due to Diting’s destiny, the Innate Nine Qi.

Although cultivators could conceal their spiritual power to avoid detection, spiritual power was merely one of the Nine Qi.

Since obtaining Diting’s destiny, the world before Lu Chen’s eyes had become a kaleidoscope of colors.

Killing intent, hatred, life Qi, death Qi, despondency, joy…

All emotional fluctuations manifested before Lu Chen as distinct hues of aura.

For instance, if someone harbored murderous thoughts toward Lu Chen, even if they concealed their killing intent perfectly, Lu Chen could still perceive it through their “Innate Nine Qi.”

With this ability, Lu Chen could discern many auras that ordinary people could not.

For example, what Lu Chen now saw emanating from the old man was the “benevolent aura,” symbolizing friendliness.

Although the world was not lacking in madmen who could display “benevolence” while simultaneously killing others, Lu Chen held to his earlier reasoning: if the old man had intended to harm them, he could have acted back in the bamboo forest.

There was no need to wait until now.

After observing Lu Chen for a while, the old man seemed to have noticed something about him.

He then smiled and said, “Logically speaking, someone like you, who already bears a legacy, shouldn’t be allowed in. But who told me you suit my tastes so well?”

“Alright, I won’t waste any more of your time. I suppose you’ve already guessed my identity?”

Lu Chen bowed respectfully and said, “Disciple Lu Chen of the Azure Cloud Sect pays respects to Gu Yue Immortal.”

Seeing this, the others nearby also hurriedly bowed in greeting.The old man waved his hand and said, “No need for formalities, no need. In essence, I am merely a wisp of remnant soul left behind by my true self here. You may treat me as an ordinary old man.”

“You may address me as Fangyuan—’without rules, there is no square or circle’ Fangyuan.”

With that, the old man finally revealed what he wanted Lu Chen and the others to do.

“What I ask of you is simple: within three months, find my lost ‘Wine Worm’ and bring it back to me.”

“Whoever retrieves my Wine Worm may directly ascend to the second level of this Gathering Immortal Bell, and I shall also bestow upon them a copy of the Immortality Art as a reward.”

“Of course, if you do not desire these, you may exchange them for an equivalent reward.”

“Over the years, I have collected quite a few treasures in my possession—rest assured, they will satisfy you.”

As Gu Yue Fangyuan spoke these words, his gaze remained fixed on Lu Chen.

His intention was unmistakable.

For he knew that even if Lu Chen eventually found the Moonlight Gu Insect, he likely would not desire his Legacy.

The others, however, were different.

Upon hearing the reward for completing the task, most grew excited.

But after the excitement faded, their expressions gradually turned serious.

Because there was only one Moonlight Gu Insect, yet more than twenty people remained present.

If those who had left early were included, it meant over fifty people competing for a single Moonlight Gu Insect.

Indeed, though some had departed prematurely in the Bamboo Forest earlier, that did not mean they would not participate in this contest.

If their guess was correct, Gu Yue Fangyuan had likely not made the request solely to them.

He had probably issued the same demand to the other Cultivators who had participated in this True Immortal Trial.

If it were only these fifty-plus people competing for the Moonlight Gu Insect, it might still be manageable.

But what if the other Cultivators not in this Bamboo Forest had also received this task?

It would mean hundreds of people vying for a single Wine Worm.

The intensity of this competition needed no further explanation.

After all, aside from Lu Chen, whose strength currently stood in a league of its own, the Cultivators in the next tier were no ordinary individuals either.

Juechen, the Buddha Child of Little Thunderclap Temple; Xing Li, the Quasi-Celestial of Martial God Mountain; Shangguan Yunmeng, the Saintess of Jade Void Mountain; Yi Hanqing of Azure Cloud Sect; the Meow King, and others—none of these figures were simple.

At this thought, one Cultivator could not help but ask Gu Yue Fangyuan, “Esteemed Immortal Fangyuan, is there only one Wine Worm?”

Hearing this, Gu Yue Fangyuan showed an amused expression. “Did I say there is only one Wine Worm?”

“Moreover, I must remind you: not just any insect… can be called a Wine Worm.”

Just as the crowd sought more information, a thick mist enveloped the thatched cottage.

The white, hazy fog surrounded them, reducing visibility to less than half a meter.

When the mist dissipated, not only had Gu Yue Fangyuan vanished from before them, but the thatched cottage had also disappeared without a trace.

Gazing at the empty Bamboo Forest, if not for their vivid memory of what had just occurred, they might have wondered if it had all been a dream.

And at the very moment Gu Yue Fangyuan disappeared, a special task panel materialized before Lu Chen.【Special Mission: Unusual ‘Wine Worm’ in Ancient Moon Grotto (Gathering Immortal Bell)】

【Mission Issuer: Gu Yue True Immortal】

【Mission Reward: Immortality Art*1, Direct Access to Second Floor of Ancient Moon Grotto (Gathering Immortal Bell), 500,000 Experience Points】

【Note: Mission rewards depend on Wine Worm quality】

Lu Chen stared at the mission panel that had suddenly appeared before him.

He immediately understood the specific content of this mission.

The so-called Wine Worm likely didn’t refer to a single type of Gu insect, but rather a category of Gu insects.

Otherwise, the mission prompt wouldn’t have mentioned Wine Worm quality.

Additionally, Lu Chen gleaned another piece of information from this mission panel.

The figure everyone had been calling ‘Gu Yue True Immortal’ might actually be ‘Gu Yue True Immortal’.

And his name wasn’t Gu Yue Fangyuan, but Gu Yue Fangyuan.

Truth be told, the Immortal Cultivation World didn’t have many records about Gu Yue True Immortal.

It was only known that he had suddenly emerged during a certain period.

Despite having extensive friendships in the cultivation world, with many famous Immortals among his friends, information about Gu Yue True Immortal remained surprisingly scarce.

This could either be because Gu Yue True Immortal preferred to maintain a low profile, or because he had deliberately arranged it this way.

Lu Chen personally leaned toward the latter explanation.

After all, someone capable of leaving a True Immortal inheritance in the mortal realm should theoretically be someone with compassion for the world.

By rights, he should have left traces in many legends and stories.

However, these were just Lu Chen’s speculations – he couldn’t draw definitive conclusions yet.

Everything would have to wait until he passed this True Immortal trial.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, what should we do now?”

Shangguan Yunmeng looked at Lu Chen and asked curiously.

Knowing that there was more than one Wine Worm, everyone had stopped feeling anxious.

After all, only the first person to bring a Wine Worm to Gu Yue True Immortal would receive the reward.

And being first wasn’t something just anyone could achieve.

Especially when they were together with Lu Chen, who was widely recognized as the strongest Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

Facing everyone’s inquiries, Lu Chen thought for a moment before saying: “No rush, let’s first investigate our surroundings.”

“I have a feeling this place… isn’t simple.”

Seeing Lu Chen’s caution, though everyone had different thoughts, none ultimately objected.

There was no particular reason – it was simply because Lu Chen was the strongest among them.

Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the bamboo forest where Lu Chen and the others had first appeared.

The three cultivators who hadn’t chosen to follow Lu Chen initially had nearly reached the bamboo forest’s edge.

Just moments ago, Gu Yue True Immortal’s words had appeared in their minds.

The message was simple: they needed to find the ‘Wine Worm’ and bring it before Gu Yue True Immortal.

Hearing this mission content, Sui Shaobao – a disciple of East Sea Gate, one of the Ten Great Sects of Central Province – said with relief: “Good thing we didn’t choose to follow that Azure Cloud Sect’s Lu Chen.”

“Otherwise, even if we found a Wine Worm, it probably wouldn’t end up in our hands.”

The two other East Sea Gate disciples nodded in agreement: “Senior Brother speaks wisely. This True Immortal trial represents a heaven-defying opportunity that could change our destinies.”

“If we remain hesitant at this stage, we’d just be handing this opportunity to others for nothing.””Moreover, this True Immortal Trial shouldn’t be too dangerous. After all, beings like Gu Yue True Immortal probably wouldn’t design overly perilous legacy trials.”

“With the three of us joining forces, even if we can’t match Lu Chen, we can still put up a fight against other sect prodigies.”

“Therefore, it’s best for us three fellow disciples to break away from the main group and act together.”

Hearing his Junior Brother’s words, Sui Shaobao immediately revealed a smile.

“You’re right. With the three of us working together, as long as we don’t provoke monsters like Lu Chen or Xing Li, there should be few threats to us in this True Immortal Trial.”

“After all, this is just a trial.”

After speaking, Sui Shaobao looked up into the distance.

Just beyond the bamboo forest stood a human town.

Seeing this town, the three immediately prepared to enter it, intending to gather some information about the ‘Wine Worm’.

These three weren’t fools.

Although they didn’t know the exact situation of this town within the True Immortal Trial, adhering to the principle that caution is never wasted,

They all chose to disguise themselves before entering the town.

Their first destination was the town’s inn.

After all, places like inns with high foot traffic were always the most well-informed.

Soon enough, the three arrived at the town’s outskirts.

The town was called… Jade Bamboo Town.

What struck Sui Shaobao and his companions as strange was that despite deliberately changing into clothing similar to the locals and maintaining inconspicuous behavior,

The moment they entered the town, they felt something secretly watching them.

Though they tried several times to identify the hidden observer,

They never managed to find anyone.

Eventually, they had to give up and proceeded to an inn in Jade Bamboo Town.

“Honored guests, will you three be staying or dining?”

Sui Shaobao replied in a deep voice, “Dining.”

“Right away!”

The waiter enthusiastically called out before leading the three to an empty table on the third floor.

Strangely, the previously noisy inn briefly fell silent upon seeing the three.

They even noticed some people appearing excited at their arrival.

This gave Sui Shaobao an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

But currently, their minds were clouded by the ‘True Immortal Inheritance’,

Completely preoccupied with becoming the first to find the Wine Worm.

So even though they noticed something amiss, they didn’t choose to leave.

After all, in their perception, there wasn’t even a single Foundation Establishment cultivator in the inn – they couldn’t detect anyone with cultivation at all.

Just a bunch of mortals staring – let them stare.

They couldn’t possibly pose any threat.

After seating themselves on the third floor, the three casually ordered some common dishes and placed a gold ingot before the waiter.

“Have you ever heard of the Wine Worm?”

The waiter’s eyes lit up at the sight of the gold.

He pocketed the ingot and whispered, “Are you honored guests asking about that ‘Gu Insect’ that can brew wine?”

Sui Shaobao and his companions exchanged glances – their intuition told them the Gu Insect the waiter mentioned was exactly what they were searching for.Without any hesitation, Sui Shaobao took out another gold ingot and said, “Tell me where to find that Gu insect, and this gold ingot is yours.”

Without any hesitation, the waiter replied, “In our Jade Bamboo Town, only two families have the ability to brew ‘Spirit Wine’—the Luo Family in the east of the town and the Chen Family in the west.”

“If you three are looking for Wine Worms, going to them is definitely the right move.”

“Do you esteemed guests have any other questions?”

Sui Shaobao thought for a moment and asked, “Do the Luo Family and Chen Family you mentioned possess any special abilities?”

The waiter seemed to have anticipated Sui Shaobao’s question and replied with a smile, “Both families are officially recognized by the Imperial Court, so naturally, they have some skills.”

“However, you three esteemed guests clearly aren’t Mortals. If you visit them to inquire, you should have a chance to exchange for some Wine Worms.”

Hearing this, Sui Shaobao and the other two suppressed their inner excitement and said calmly, “Alright, you may leave now.”

“Very well, esteemed guests, please rest well. We’ll bring your orders up shortly.”

After the waiter left, Sui Shaobao immediately pasted a Talisman directly under the table in front of them.

Under the effect of the Soundproofing Talisman, Sui Shaobao ensured that other nearby guests couldn’t hear their conversation.

After doing this, though Sui Shaobao tried his best to restrain himself, he still lowered his voice and spoke with a slightly excited tone, “Junior Brother Huang, Junior Brother Dong, you both heard what he said, right? What do you two think—should we visit them directly or sneak in quietly at night?”

Huang Haiming replied, “Let’s investigate further. I have a bad feeling about this Jade Bamboo Town—something doesn’t seem right.”

Dong Jieshou, standing nearby, gave him a disdainful look and sneered, “Are you really scared by a bunch of Mortals? Shame on you for being a Disciple of our East Sea Gate.”

“In my opinion, we should seize the moment and find the Wine Worms as soon as possible to deliver them to the Ancient Moon Immortal.”

“After all, we’re not the only ones searching for these Wine Worms. Others are likely already accessing this information, just like us.”

“If we don’t act before them, this immense Opportunity will be handed to someone else.”

“Let’s visit them directly, Senior Brother Sui.”

“With your Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivation and the support of your Dao-infused Spear Intent, even if we encounter a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, we can escape if we can’t win.”

“I don’t believe the Luo Family and Chen Family are powerful enough to keep the three of us here.”

“Didn’t you hear what the waiter just said? The Luo Family and Chen Family are just ordinary families recognized by the Imperial Court.”

“How many true Cultivator Families would willingly submit to a Mortal Dynasty?”

“If I’m not mistaken, they’re probably just some martial arts families similar to those in the Central Province’s Mortal world.”

“Those martial arts families might bully Mortals, but against us, they’re no different from ants.”

“If they’re willing to hand over the Wine Worms, fine. If not, we can find an excuse to eliminate them.”

“They’re just some Mortals in the True Immortal Trial—what can they possibly do to us?””Besides, Senior Brother, don’t forget we’re not far from the Bamboo Forest. If we truly encounter an existence we cannot contend with, we can simply flee to the Bamboo Forest and seek help from other Cultivators.”

“Let’s act now, Senior Brother. If we delay even a step, others will gain an advantage. This is a True Immortal Inheritance we’re talking about.”

“Do you really want to watch it fall into someone else’s hands?”

Hearing these words, Sui Shaobao seemed to reach a decision.

He immediately stood up and declared resolutely: “Very well, let’s first go inquire at the Luo Family.”

“If they truly possess the Wine Worm, we won’t take it without compensation. At worst, we can exchange some treasures from our Storage Bags with them.”

Upon hearing this, Dong Jieshou nearby also grew excited.

“That’s the way! There’s no time to lose, Senior Brother. Let’s skip gathering information and take direct action.”

“Along our journey here, I haven’t encountered a single Cultivator. This place is likely just an ordinary mortal town with little danger.”

“Agreed.”

Though Huang Haiming among the three felt their decision was still too rash, his opinion carried little weight, and he ultimately chose to follow their lead.

After learning the Luo Family’s location, the three immediately headed toward their residence.

Unnoticed by them, the waiter who had served them stood by their recently vacated table, wearing a mysterious smile.

“Since ancient times, those with meager destinies often harbor ambitions higher than the heavens…”

As he spoke, the waiter’s figure gradually grew illusory.

Soon, he transformed into the elderly form of Gu Yue True Immortal.

The other patrons around seemed completely unaware of this transformation.

While walking out of the inn, Gu Yue True Immortal recited an ancient poem: “In early years I knew life’s hardships, yet still vowed to soar between heaven and earth. One day my sword shall pierce layered clouds, refining men, refining Gu… refining even the heavens.”

The direction Gu Yue True Immortal took was precisely toward the Luo Family in Yuzu Town.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Yuzu Forest…

“Fellow Daoist Lu, why have you been staring at the sky since earlier? Is there something strange up there?”

Shangguan Yunmeng looked curiously at Lu Chen, who had been meditating and gazing skyward ever since Gu Yue True Immortal departed.

Equally puzzled by Lu Chen’s behavior was Wu Miao King not far away.

After instructing everyone to scout the surroundings, Lu Chen had sat alone in a clearing within the Bamboo Forest, staring blankly at the sky above, maintaining this posture until now.

Responding to Shangguan Yunmeng’s question, Lu Chen said with an inexplicable tone: “Fellow Daoist Shangguan, do you think this Gathering Immortal Bell… is truly a bell?”

“Or rather, do you believe this ‘bell’ is the same as what we understand a ‘bell’ to be?”

“Ah?!”

Shangguan Yunmeng’s face showed complete confusion, her forehead practically written with question marks.

Though reluctant to admit it, Shangguan Yunmeng always felt Lu Chen harbored some deep misunderstanding about her!

Did she really appear to be that intelligent?

Otherwise, why would Lu Chen repeatedly speak to her in such cryptic terms?

She understood every individual word he said, but when combined, she couldn’t comprehend any of it!

What did he mean by whether the Gathering Immortal Bell was truly a bell?

It’s called the Gathering Immortal Bell – if it’s not a bell, what else could it be?

Though failing to understand Lu Chen’s meaning, Shangguan Yunmeng didn’t let her confusion show.Because she didn’t want Lu Chen to think she was a fool who couldn’t even understand words.

So Shangguan Yunmeng said with a stern face, “Fellow Daoist Lu is right.”

The best way to appear clever is to simply believe, not question.

This trick had never failed Shangguan Yunmeng—it worked wonderfully!

Because questioning requires explanation, but believing doesn’t!

And Lu Chen didn’t seem to expect an answer from Shangguan Yunmeng either.

Or perhaps he just wanted someone to confide in.

Lu Chen gazed at the sky above and suddenly sighed, “The Gathering Immortal Bell, the Gathering Immortal Bell… If we think about it from another perspective, why can’t this Gathering Immortal Bell… be a Gu Bell?”

“The purpose of luring us here is to select the strongest among us, just like refining Gu.”

“Since ancient times, no Gu insect within the Gu Bell has ever been able to remain unscathed.”

“Perhaps this True Immortal Trial is a hundred times more dangerous than we ever imagined…”

After saying this, Lu Chen stood up directly.

“Let’s go. Several Fellow Daoists have already returned. They likely bring the information I seek.”

“I hope my assumptions are wrong. Otherwise, from the moment we truly step into this True Immortal Trial, escaping will no longer be so easy.”

Though she didn’t fully understand Lu Chen’s words, Shangguan Yunmeng still nodded earnestly.

“Fellow Daoist Lu speaks wisely.”

Meanwhile, Meow King watched the pair—one genuinely clever, the other pretending to be—and shook his head in speechless exasperation.

Perhaps only two people like these could coexist so harmoniously.

At the very least, he, Meow King, detested riddlers the most. Riddlers, get out!

(End of Chapter)