Stealing Luck from the Heavenly Dao's Favorite

The little disciples who entered the three gates each faced different hardships along the way. Some were trapped in snowstorms, others swept up by fierce winds and tossed about like leaves. Some were nearly dried out by the blazing sun, while others were chased by wild beasts, leaving them exhausted just trying to survive.

After enduring heavy rain, blizzards, scorching heat, and howling winds, Wei Yunxi finally encountered a pursuing spirit beast. Although she suspected it was an illusion, she didn't dare stop, because the pain from injuries felt all too real.

As she ran, she muttered to herself, "Come on, Yunxi, you've got this! You're the best! You're going to be number one! Keep going, don't stop!"

The elders of Haoran Sect watching her through the water mirror couldn't help but chuckle.

"This little girl's got some spirit."

"Doesn't look like the type to give up easily."

"You all shouldn't underestimate her. She really was the first to pass the last two trials. It's only because she has three spiritual roots that none of you took notice."

"Let's see how she does in this final trial. If she's first again, I'll take her on as a registered disciple. Spiritual roots are important, but heart and determination matter too. Once you get to the Spirit Realm, they value comprehension more than raw talent."

The one who spoke was Elder Lu Danyang of the Pill Peak.

"You make a good point, Elder Danyang," said another elder with an fairy-like appearance, "but only if she can reach the Divine Transformation stage. There are countless disciples with determination and heart, yet limited by their talent. It's best to consider the full picture when taking disciples."

Elder Lu took no offense. Smiling, he replied, "Elder Yu Yang speaks the truth. Then let's keep watching."

Wei Yunxi had no idea her little pep talk had caught anyone's attention. She was still running, not daring to relax for even a moment. But after a long sprint, her legs began to give out.

A loud growl behind her made her cry out, "Ah!"

She pushed herself forward even faster, feeling the beast's sharp teeth nearly graze her robes. She channeled all her spiritual energy into her legs, desperate to keep going. There was no way she was going to use her body to test just how sharp those teeth were.

Outwardly, her cultivation was only at first-layer Qi Refining. To hide her actual capacity, she ran while clutching a spirit stone in her hand, making it look like she was relying on the stone to sustain herself. In reality, her spiritual energy reserves far exceeded what her level should allow.

She ran like this for another full day. Just when she thought she couldn't hold out anymore, she finally saw a faint light at the end of the green stone road.

"There it is, the end! Wei Yunxi, come on, you can do it!"

Cheering herself on, she picked up the pace. She was so close now, she couldn't stop.

But the more she ran, the more she realized something was off. The light remained the same distance ahead. No matter how fast she moved, it didn't get any closer.

Her heart began to sink. It was like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, leading it to run itself to death chasing an illusion.

With that bitter thought, she inwardly cursed the founding ancestor of Haoran Sect, then shut her eyes and ran blindly forward. Out of sight, out of mind. If she collapsed, then so be it. The sect wouldn't let her get eaten alive anyway—they were trying to recruit disciples, not murder children.

Once she let go of the frustration, something shifted. The distance between her and the light began to close rapidly. But since her eyes were shut and she didn't dare release her divine sense, she had no idea that she was almost out.

Until she crashed into something.

A soft thump echoed as she smacked into what felt like a wall of flesh. Eyes flying open, she rubbed her forehead and looked up, only to see a familiar face.

Song Ke looked down at the dazed girl with a gentle smile. "Wei Yunxi, congratulations. You've passed the trial and are now officially an outer sect disciple of Haoran Sect."

Wei Yunxi lowered her hand from her forehead, still stunned. "Senior, I really passed? For real?"

Song Ke nodded, smile never fading. "Of course. You can call me Song Shishu now. We are fellow disciples of the same sect."

"Disciple Wei Yunxi greets Song Shishu. Thank you for your guidance."

"Very good. Go rest over there. Once the trial ends, someone will take you to complete the entry procedures."

"Yes, Shishu!"

Wei Yunxi felt pure joy blossom in her chest. She had made it through. Then, the exhaustion hit her like a wave. She stumbled to a corner, sat down, and began to meditate to recover.

This trial was a test of endurance. As long as a child could persist until the end of their path, most would pass.

Because of her unwavering obsession, Wei Yunqing also managed to pass. But seeing Wei Yunxi make it out before her again left a sour taste in her mouth.

The eight children from the Wei clan all performed well. Since they had already begun drawing in spiritual energy, their trials were noticeably harder. If the ordinary children faced gentle drizzle, then theirs was a raging storm.

After all the qualified children were gathered, Song Ke addressed them with a warm smile."I am Song Ke, an inner sect disciple of Haoran Sect. I was entrusted with overseeing this entry trial. I'll now call names. Those who hear your name, come stand over here."

He began calling out a list.

"Mu Chen, Liu Yuxing, Feng Heyong..."

Once he finished the list, Song Ke said, "You have been assigned to the Servant Peak. Once you reach the later stages of Qi Refining, you'll be promoted to outer sect disciples. Of course, if you do not wish to be a servant disciple, you may withdraw now."

More than thirty children looked at one another, but none stepped back. They might not have great spiritual roots, but they could still cultivate. As long as they reached the outer sect, there was hope.

"Good. Since no one's leaving, Elder Su from Servant Peak will arrive shortly to take you away."

Then, turning to the remaining children, Song Ke continued, "You are being accepted directly into the outer sect. I will now take you to register at the Outer Sect Hall."

He summoned his flying sword. Under the astonished gasps of the little disciples, the sword expanded and widened. Once all twenty-two of them climbed on, he flew them to the Outer Sect Hall.

The hall's steward was a middle-aged cultivator with a little goatee. When he saw Song Ke, he walked up with a friendly grin. "Junior Brother Song, you're here?"

"I've brought the new disciples who passed the trial. Please help them with their identity tokens and arrange their accommodations."

"You've worked hard, Junior Brother Song. Leave the rest to me."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Song Ke waved goodbye to the group of children and soared away on his sword.

The steward's smile faded into seriousness. "Everyone, form a line here to register and receive your sect identity jade token."

All the members of the Wei clan had made it into the outer sect. Wei Yunting stepped forward first. She gave her name, age, and cultivation level, then quietly waited.

When the steward learned they were from the Wei clan, he put his smile back on. "Your clan performed quite well in this trial. Once you finish the registration, wait outside the hall. I will personally show you to your residence."

"Thank you, Steward Zheng. Sorry for the trouble."

"You are too polite. This is my duty."