◎ Back to the Puppet Trial Again—Is This a Reading Comprehension Question? ◎
“Junior Sister, outsourcing your assignments is not advisable… Hey, we’re still in the middle of a duel.”
A duel over what?
Clearwater Sect’s three arena platforms had disciples fortifying their fire talismans—and she snatched them all away!
Lin Shuang looked quite pleased with herself.
“I didn’t steal them; they were thrown away.”
“I just happened to be using a sword technique.”
“They just happened to drift over and fall right into my hands.”
“I merely executed a casual sword move.”
How is that stealing?
[…!]
[…]
“Besides, after this round, those Senior Brothers from Cloudsun Sect would’ve used up their fire talismans anyway.”
“When that happens, the leftover ashes would fall all over the platform, and the Outer Sect disciples or pageboys from the Mountain and Sea Sect would have to clean it up.”
Lin Shuang pondered seriously.
“My intervention, in fact, helped everyone clean up in advance. The Mountain and Sea Sect owes me no thanks.”
[Ahem—]
[She was simply tidying up out of goodwill. How could she possibly be at fault?]
[Truly the number one servant disciple of the Outer Sect…]
[Mountain and Sea Sect disciples: …
Cloudsun Sect disciples: …
Listen to me, just leave already.]
Lin Shuang held the one hundred and twenty fire talismans that had landed on her sword tip—a thick bundle—and flipped through them from start to finish like she was reading a book.
Her face beamed with satisfaction.
Huangfu Yuan sheathed his sword, helpless, and pulled out a hand warmer to keep warm.
Meng Zi hoisted his blade and pressed his fingers to his forehead.
[…Is the duel over now?]
“You… You’re way too arrogant, Lin Shuang of the Clearwater Sect!”
The chief disciple of Cloudsun Sect was furious.
Lin Shuang blushed modestly. “Oh, not at all.”
Cloudsun Sect Chief Disciple: “…”
All those fire talismans had been used once already, their sigils slightly faded.
Now, they could barely be rated as Grade B+.
Which, conveniently, matched her current Outer Sect talisman-crafting level.
After passing through Zhenchuan, her talisman skills had improved a bit, though not by much.
“Although they’re all fire talismans—rather monotonous in variety—they’re still one of the top-tier Tier Two Five Elements Talismans.”
A flawless plan for recycling waste into treasure—perfect for turning in as homework.
Li Dao Wei, the instructor at the Outer Sect Transmission Hall, was still arguing with elders from other sects over how to assign the twelve rankings for servant disciples in this inter-sect trial.
He surely hadn’t seen the projection of the duel in the Inner Sect arena.
Now that she had reached Tier Three in her studies, making lower-tier talismans for homework had lost its point.
Her long-standing goal of finding someone to ghostwrite her talisman assignments had finally seen progress today.
Lin Shuang held the fire talismans in her right hand and looked toward the chief disciple of Cloudsun Sect, who was charging at her in fury.
Without the boost from his fire talismans, the flames on his sword barely reached the power of Foundation Establishment stage five.
Lin Shuang’s eyes sparkled. “…Senior Brother, you can always toss out more fire talismans. No need to be so stingy.”
“Out with the old, in with the new.”
“…!”
[…]
Just as she finished speaking, the blazing sword of the Cloudsun Sect disciple had already reached her.
Sigh.
Lin Shuang gave a faint sigh.
The massive vortex that had been circling above the arena since she absorbed the talismans finally descended in full!
A flood swept away the Dragon King Temple—no, swept away the chief disciple of Cloudsun Sect.
He was washed all the way to the neighboring arena… and soaked the second- and third-ranking Cloudsun Sect disciples as well.
The Cloudsun Sect was fully fire-based in cultivation techniques.
In an instant, their power plummeted.
[!]
[…]
That sword strike—she had actually launched it earlier.
After gathering up all the fire talismans, the sword qi of her “Dragon Draws Water” had only just reached its peak and now descended with thunderous force!
Lin Shuang slowly sheathed her broad sword and looked with sympathy at the chief disciple who had fallen off the stage.
“Took my sword head-on—Senior Brother, I warned you earlier, didn’t I? Why didn’t you defend yourself?”
[That sword strike had… a delay?]
[…]
Fastest Learning: Tactical Chapter—Feint and Strike from the East While Attacking from the West.
You thought my sword movement was to snatch your talismans? No, that was merely a ‘feint’.
The true finishing blow came the moment you lost your rational judgment and lowered your guard.
Standing on the arena stage, Lin Shuang took notes.
—Timed descent of “Dragon Draws Water”: Trial #119 successful.
—To improve: Delayed vortex drop alerts opponents due to massive sword qi.
—Current solution: Distract with conversation to make the opponent forget the sword move (result: passable; only after stealing the talismans did the opponent’s mindset destabilize and judgment falter).
—Next improvement: Try combining with other offensive techniques.
Lin Shuang nodded in satisfaction.
Copying assignments was only a secondary goal—what truly mattered was adjusting and integrating “Dragon Draws Water” into her existing combat system.
She was quite pleased with today’s performance, having also tested the technique’s potential for crowd control.
Lin Shuang slowly stepped off the platform, extinguishing the unneeded dantian.
“This year, among the six arena duels, the one with the most viewers is still us at Wandering Blossom Sect. Least viewed? Ten Thousand Monks Gate.”
“Who wouldn’t want to watch a stage full of dazzling colors and breathtaking elegance?”
The Senior Sister from Wandering Blossom Sect, responsible for commentary, had been smiling—until her expression abruptly froze.
[Quick, go watch Clearwater Sect’s duel… it’s ending soon!]
[The commentary next door is way more exciting than ours.]
[Huh? Really? Isn’t the commentator next door that Junior Sister from Wandering Blossom Sect—Xiao Ke?]
[Yes, it’s her again. After finishing commentary on the servant disciple match, she immediately went to narrate Clearwater Sect’s duel against Cloudsun Sect.]
[Xiao Ke clearly won’t rest until she figures out Lin Shuang’s secret move.]
[?]
The Wandering Blossom Sect’s Senior Sister looked skeptical, glancing toward the Clearwater Sect’s projection.
And just then, she heard her own Junior Sister Xiao Ke’s clenched-teeth commentary.
Accompanied by the dramatic replay—a giant water vortex engulfing Cloudsun Sect’s chief disciple.
“Water and fire cannot coexist. This was a contest of cultivation power at its core.”
“We can see Lin Shuang, at Foundation Establishment Stage Five, seizing the opponent’s fire talismans, exploiting his blind rage, and surrounding him with water sword techniques.”
On the arena, only sky-high waves and a raging vortex could be seen—Lin Shuang herself was nowhere in sight.
But Cloudsun Sect’s chief disciple had already been washed off the stage.
“Well then. She wins.”
Three sentences. A perfect summary.
The Wandering Blossom Sect’s Senior Sister: “…”
“She leveraged the elemental opposition of the Five Elements to its fullest. One strike, multiple wins—she won the match and secured one hundred and twenty fire talismans.”
The commentary played over a slow-motion replay of Lin Shuang smiling and counting talismans.
“Then, during the downtime between the still-ongoing matches of Meng Zi and Huangfu Yuan, she pulled out a paper crane from her mustard seed pouch and, reportedly, submitted her Clearwater Sect Outer Sect talisman homework—twelve fire talismans.”
The Wandering Blossom Sect’s Senior Sister: “…”
[……]
In the projected image, Meng Zi soon jumped down from the platform.
“Meng Zi of Clearwater Sect also defeated his opponent shortly after. Without their fire talismans, Cloudsun Sect was like a beast with its fangs pulled.”
“Two out of three matches won—Clearwater Sect takes the victory.”
“On the third platform, Huangfu Yuan kindly advised his opponent to yield, hoping that the already-defeated Cloudsun Sect could preserve some spiritual energy for the upcoming best-of-seven challenge.”
“Thus, the two agreed to a draw.”
“Clearwater Sect officially ranks among the top six and moves on to the next round!”
“In the next round, will Lin Shuang and Huangfu Yuan of Clearwater Sect finally show their true strength? Let’s find out together.”
Xiao Ke’s voice, clenched and gritty, came through the projection.
The projection of the Clearwater Sect duel flickered and faded.
The match was over.
[Tremble, everyone—behold the true power of our Outer Sect Junior Sister from Clearwater Sect.]
[Heh. I’ve held back long enough. Cloudsun Sect, don’t cry—what you just experienced is nothing more than what our Inner Sect Foundation disciples have endured.]
[……]
Just who was Lin Shuang?
In the past ten years, no one had ever heard of her.
The disciples from all sects were shocked, and even the elders of the twelve major sects now turned their gaze to her.
“Well done, Shui Qiantan. You’ve been hiding such a disciple?”
Shui Qiantan’s expression was unreadable. He said nothing.
“In the second round, the topic for the Nine Thousand Trials will be determined by draw.”
“In the Puppet Trial, no matter how strange her sword techniques are, they’ll be of no use.”
Shui Qiantan subtly lowered his head and melted back into the stone seat like a puddle of water.
Within the shimmering surface, he snuck a glance at a message.
[Xiao Hong (Little Red): Master, Lin Shuang just achieved the highest Reverence Rating in the Puppet Trial’s Li Family Village—classified as “The Li Family Is My Family.”]
Ripples shimmered across the watery stain on the stone chair.
“Shui Qiantan, what’s the meaning of this? Are you ignoring us?”
What could it mean?
It meant—he couldn’t help but laugh again.
Apologies, but the Puppet Trial is now Lin Shuang’s home turf.
As the elders continued their discussion, a burst of seasonal blossoms suddenly bloomed across the sky.
Petals of every hue gathered and crystallized into a dazzling list of one hundred names.
[Foundation Establishment Ranking – Stage Four]
[91 – Meng Zi: Defeated a Cloudsun Sect disciple at Foundation Establishment Stage Five. Though the opponent was weakened, he still warrants attention.]
[100 – Huangfu Yuan: Entered the 3000th layer of Zhenchuan in Clearwater Sect’s stead. Temporarily ranked at 100.]
Three defeated disciples from Cloudsun Sect had originally occupied spots on the list—but now, all three had been knocked off.
In their place were Meng Zi and Huangfu Yuan.
The gathered elders and disciples looked on, expressions increasingly strange.
No Lin Shuang on the list?
That simply wouldn’t do.
She had just taken down Cloudsun Sect’s mid-tier chief disciple.
But soon, the Wandering Blossom Ranking froze in place, lingering in the air—until a new line of fine print emerged.
[There was originally no ranking for the Qi Condensation Stage. But today, an exception has been made for Lin Shuang of Clearwater Sect.]
[Qi Condensation – Rank One: Lin Shuang]
[According to the ranking compilers, her actual combat strength places her approximately within the top fifty of the Foundation Establishment rankings.]
[All Foundation Establishment cultivators are advised to proceed with caution.]
As expected from the Wandering Blossom Sect—
Updated daily and always reliable.
Now, everyone nodded in agreement.
“Hiss—”
Yet Lin Shuang, having exited the dueling platform, looked up at the sky with a sigh.
Wasn’t this a bit too much attention?
Especially right before the next round—
A series of one-on-one duels would now determine the top six for entry into the second round.
At this moment, by the teleportation vessel on the 9000th layer of Abyss River, disciples from the six major sects—each distinct in style—had turned their attention to her.
“Junior Sister Lin Shuang, I am Bian Bocai of Wandering Blossom Sect.”
Amid the grand waters of the Abyss River Trials, flowing through a thousand streams and lakes—
Bian Bocai, ranked second among Wandering Blossom Sect disciples, stepped forward in a pale-pink robe embroidered with jeweled butterflies.
With his jade crown and dark hair, even such ornate attire did not seem feminine on him.
Sword-browed and dashing, his gaze carried effortless charm.
As he spoke, a crimson flower petal floated from his hand, slowly drifting toward Lin Shuang.
“Shall we link our divine messaging senses?”
When he smiled, a dimple appeared on one cheek.
Surprisingly, he wasn’t completely off-putting.
Lin Shuang reached out to accept, only to be met with disapproving looks from her two male companions.
Meng Zi’s face screamed: That guy’s greasy.
Huangfu Yuan was already wiping his hands.
Xiao Qi, dressed in gold, simply looked up at the sky.
“Junior Brother Bian, show some manners.”
The lead Senior Sister from Wandering Blossom Sect—Zhu Jiao—was, true to her name, graceful and regal like spring banana blossoms.
She held a six-sided jade embroidery frame, threading silken strands as fine as gossamer that shimmered like pearls.
Her makeup was exquisite, a golden floral adornment between her brows.
“You are all welcome to visit Wandering Blossom Sect anytime.”
As she spoke, a dozen soft-pink petals scattered from her fingertips as she stitched.
Tap, tap—
Ten Thousand Monks Gate replied in unison with the rhythmic sound of wooden fish.
The young couple from Artifact and Pill Sect were holding hands—one wiping sweat, the other fanning, completely absorbed in each other and oblivious to the outside world.
Disciples of the Solemn Inscriptions Sect were either flipping through books or painting.
Xiao Qi of Mountain and Sea Sect had already begun wrapping his sword. Behind him, two Senior Brothers wore strained smiles as they stepped forward to intercept the floating petals.
Everyone had such distinct personalities.
Lin Shuang silently observed.
She soon noticed a gaze following her—apart from Xiao Qi—one that never left.
“Lin Shuang, I’m Kong Miaoke. I was the one narrating the servant disciples’ duel earlier.”
A mid-tier disciple of Wandering Blossom Sect, ranked third among combatants, she wore a butterfly-emblazoned robe and carried a wide embroidered frame on her back like a folding screen.
The frame made her look especially petite, but her features were lively and bright—and at the moment, full of you hurt me and ran away accusation as she stared at Lin Shuang.
Kong Miaoke, Foundation Establishment Stage Six.
Because Wandering Blossom Sect drew a weaker opponent in the one-on-one round, she had sent in a substitute while she ran off to narrate Lin Shuang’s match.
Who would’ve guessed Lin Shuang would win with just one move?
The memory pained her.
“Now that today’s duels are over, Junior Sister Lin—if you’re free—could we talk a bit about your cultivation experiences? Any fateful encounters? What are your preferences in a future Dao companion?”
“Even just a few words would be fine.”
How humble.
Lin Shuang had never expected this. Apparently, all the colorful rankings and gossip scrolls originated from Wandering Blossom Sect’s very… unique style.
Their thirst for gossip had become an entire industry.
“Silence—next round begins.”
The presiding elder from Mountain and Sea Sect, Yue Zhi, descended.
Lin Shuang subtly noticed Huangfu Yuan’s qi tighten behind her.
“For this round, the matchups will again be decided by drawing lots.”
Suddenly, six stone blocks shot toward the six sects’ disciples gathered at the docking platform by Abyss River.
Meng Zi, never one to fall behind when it came to snatching treasure, grabbed his first.
Lin Shuang glanced at hers—it looked like a plain gray pebble.
Nothing special at first glance.
But within moments, the number three slowly emerged.
Next, the usually-silent Ten Thousand Monks Gate extended a hand—nine.
Wandering Blossom Sect opened theirs—a blank stone.
Artifact and Pill Sect’s couple held up their shared lot—three.
Solemn Inscriptions Sect and Mountain and Sea Sect both revealed hollow, empty stones.
[Huh?]
“It seems they’ve drawn the 3903rd level of the Abyss River Nine Thousand for the second round.”
“This is Lihua, bringing you live commentary on behalf of the Wandering Blossom Sect.”
“And beside me is Senior Brother Xu Xiang from the Clearwater Sect’s Inner Sect Administration. Thank you for tuning in.”
In the projection, along with the six stone lots drawn by the sects, a small corner displayed the gentle figure of Lihua and the solemn, tight-lipped face of Xu Xiang.
They invited Clearwater Sect for commentary?
The Wandering Blossom Sect knows what they’re doing—this is the first time Lin Shuang and her two companions have appeared on the Foundation Establishment ranking. No one had heard of them before this.
Sneaky. Wandering Blossom Sect is clearly trying to gather intel. Xu Xiang, don’t fall for it!
“Senior Brother Xu Xiang, is Clearwater Sect feeling confident for this second round?”
Sister Lihua smiled lightly.
In the projection, the detailed records of the participating disciples appeared one after another:
Wandering Blossom Sect, Zhu Jiao: Highest Zhenchuan level reached—3501; previous record—2729
Wandering Blossom Sect, Bian Bocai: previous record—2729
They hit 2700 ten years ago?
No way they only climbed another 800 floors in a decade. They’ve definitely been holding back to match the new ranking divisions.
Ten Thousand Monks Gate: highest 3879; previous 2918
Artifact and Pill Sect: highest 3415; previous 2518
Mountain and Sea Sect: highest 3512; previous 2218
Mountain and Sea Sect, Xiao Qi: highest 3512; previous 0
Wait, what’s with this?
Oh, Xiao Qi’s a genius. Never mind.
Clearwater Sect, Meng Zi: highest 3379; previous 1178
Clearwater Sect, Huangfu Yuan: previous 500 (due to illness)
Clearwater Sect, Lin Shuang: previous 0
Lin Shuang also jumped straight into the 3000s? Same as Xiao Qi?
Are you kidding? Look at the other two from Clearwater…
Mountain and Sea Sect was carrying one; Clearwater’s three were all nobodies ten years ago.
Clearwater Sect’s trio is embarrassingly behind.
Just based on these numbers, I declare Clearwater Sect lost already.
“And what about you, Senior Brother Xu Xiang? How would you rank the sects’ chances in this round?”
Senior Sister Lihua asked, smiling as always.
Xu Xiang glanced toward the projected images of Lin Shuang and the others.
A barely noticeable smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
“They’ve drawn level 3900. None of the participating disciples have been there before.”
“According to sect rules, high-ranking disciples are strictly forbidden from disclosing any information about the trial levels to juniors. If discovered, both parties are permanently banned from entering the Nine Thousand Trials and must spend 999 days in seclusion reflecting on their misconduct.”
His stern gaze lingered on the three Clearwater disciples, who were preparing for transmission—reading notes, chewing pills, and counting spirit stones.
Then, with a faint smile:
“Therefore, this challenge is perfectly fair. Until the end, anything is possible.”
…
It’s not fair at all.
They’ve barely explored the trial grounds. Their understanding of the Puppet Trials is completely lacking.
Wait, has it been confirmed that 3903 is a Puppet Trial level?
As soon as someone asked this in the feed, the projection updated:
— Trial participants will soon enter Level 3903
— All spectators who haven’t cleared at least Level 4903 will be removed. A refund of 100 spirit stones will be issued.
— Cultivate diligently, or forfeit your right to watch.
…!
…
Well, goodbye, everyone.
So I can speak freely now? Above level 3900, two out of three levels are Puppet Trials. Always have been.
I like Lin Shuang, but she’s barely scratched the surface of this section. Just got in this year.
Notice how no one from Clearwater Sect is speaking up on the projection feed?
They already know they’re done for.
Back at the Observation Peak—
“Senior Brother Dao Fa, they’re being too arrogant!”
Dao Fa stared unblinking at Lin Shuang’s figure in the projection, eyes gleaming like lightning.
“What’s the rush?”
“Let’s see how she does in the Puppet Trial…”
He didn’t finish the sentence, but every disciple from Clearwater watching seemed to understand.
Who among them dared claim to know the Puppet Trials better than she did?
Her first entry into the Li Family Village had earned her the reverence of three hundred able-bodied villagers.
Now, the high-level Foundation disciples of Clearwater turned expectant eyes toward Lin Shuang’s figure in the projection.
But Lin Shuang remained unaware of all this.
Standing at the prow of the teleportation vessel, she watched the number 3903 flash briefly on the panel.
“The last duel followed an arithmetic sequence.”
She counted on her fingers.
“Pattern suggests the layout of Abyss River Nine Thousand and Zhenchuan Nine Thousand is similar this year.”
“3903 divided by nine leaves a remainder of six.”
Meng Zi hissed, “Mental sea trial.”
Huangfu Yuan, holding a hand warmer decorated with chickens and rabbits, added:
“Mental sea trials usually test music cultivation, talismans, formations… illusion traps, sleep spells, heart interrogations.”
Lin Shuang nodded. Upon seeing the level number, her instinct was to determine the likely subject matter.
That way, she could focus her mental preparations and recall relevant techniques calmly and efficiently.
“Well said, Senior Brother.”
“I’ll write that down.”
Meixin, Dao Dong, and Chen Xingchuan all looked dumbfounded.
“How do you know it’s a mental sea trial?”
How do you know what the f**?*
Huh?? Wandering Blossom Sect, are you trolling us?
That 3903… beep beep beep.
And what did Huangfu say? Beep-beep assessments involving… booms and giggles?
Wandering Blossom Sect, give us our money back!
Have none of the Five Great Sects figured out this is the Deafening Restriction enchantment of the Nine Thousand Trials?
So dramatic, and yet you dare mock Clearwater Sect? Some five great sects you are.
What a joke. I thought they were impressive.
Please. They reached level 2000 ten years ago and act like that’s something.
“Were Lin Shuang and the others leaking classified info?”
Lihua looked shocked.
“Senior Brother Xu Xiang, do you know what they meant?”
Xu Xiang remained silent and refused to answer.
Soon, the six transport vessels drifted into the same lake.
Substitute disciples waited aboard.
The three leaders vanished into the water, entering the trial.
When Lin Shuang and the others opened their eyes—
They found themselves on a bustling commercial street.
Streams of people passed them in every direction.
[Level 3903: “Darling, just look at me one more time.”]
The name alone made them roll their eyes.
No doubt about it.
The creators behind Zhenchuan and Abyss River were clearly the same people.
Their twisted sense of humor in naming levels was identical.
Yet after standing there for a while, no NPC came up to request aid.
Meng Zi, frowning, rested his sword on his shoulder.
“What’s the objective for this level? Why isn’t it being stated?”
They stood in a thriving district, surrounded by passersby in both plain cloth and expensive silk.
Shops lined both sides: inns, calligraphy studios, smithies, tea houses—so many it made their heads spin.
Meng Zi took to the air on his sword and observed: behind the shops were quieter residences with courtyards and stone bridges.
Definitely a wealthy neighborhood.
This level was significantly larger and more developed than Li Family Village.
In just a few seconds, at least ten people had walked past Lin Shuang.
Each store—be it a calligraphy shop, inn, or tea house—had its own clerk, manager, or customer NPC.
“Level 3900 and beyond… the maps and puppet characters are much more detailed.”
Lin Shuang considered.
“Seems the mission won’t be given outright. We’ll need to discover it ourselves.”
No one had approached them asking for help.
Heh. I thought they were something. But Clearwater Sect is nothing special.
Told you—no real Puppet Trial experience.
Level 3900 is close to the big milestone. These trials are clearly different from anything below 3000.
So they found some secret in Zhenchuan? It’s worthless here.
The screen split into six panels.
Wandering Blossom Sect, Ten Thousand Monks Gate, and Artifact and Pill Sect took the top three.
Mountain and Sea Sect and Clearwater Sect were tucked away in the corners of the bottom row.
All six teams were in the same setting, facing the same crowded streets and shops.
Each team, now in Foundation Establishment, scanned the surroundings with caution.
Here comes the unfair part.
?
Just as the text appeared—
A voice rang out from the bottom right corner of the screen:
“Hmm? Immortal Xiao? You’ve graced us with your presence!”
Identical streets, shops, and trial setups. But only in Mountain and Sea Sect’s version were the NPCs reacting.
“The Wang family’s prayers have been answered! Thank the heavens you’ve come!”
A teary-eyed house servant rushed forward.
“Immortal Xiao, you’ve arrived at the perfect moment. Our young master’s bride disappeared the night before the wedding!”
[Darling, just look at me one more time.]
[Abyss Task: Find the missing bride and bring her home.]
[First sect to complete this task will receive the highest score.]
[Mountain and Sea Sect has triggered the mission. +2 points.]
“We’ll come at once!” said the three disciples.
The servant immediately led them to the Wang household.
That was fast—
The other five sects were still trying to talk to NPCs or observe the environment.
But Mountain and Sea had already triggered the main quest and were en route to the key location.
The unfairness lies in Reverence Points.
Mountain and Sea Sect earned the Wang family’s reverence at level 3000. That’s why they were immediately recognized.
So the NPC family in this level is the Wangs? Huh. Wandering Blossom Sect doesn’t have puppet characters with that surname.
In the projection, the disciples from Wandering Blossom were questioning passersby.
But every NPC just shook their heads.
Even the same house servants Xiao Qi had encountered ignored the others as if they were invisible.
Clearly, without sufficient reverence, the NPCs would not initiate interaction.
Ten years ago, when the tournament was held in Flower Valley Nine Thousand, Wandering Blossom Sect swept the rankings with the Hua family’s reverence. No one called it unfair then.
Now it’s Mountain and Sea Sect’s turn to benefit. That’s just how fortune turns.
At least, aside from Mountain and Sea, the other five are starting from the same baseline.
Agreed.
On the projection:
Mountain and Sea Sect was already inside the Wang estate, honored guests.
The other five were still milling about outside.
“This won’t do. Let’s split up and question the busy shops.”
Zhu Jiao waved her hand.
Her team scattered quickly.
The other sects did the same.
This level was larger than any they had seen. The number of puppet characters was staggering.
Without guidance, just locating the key NPC could take ages.
“So—what’s your read on the one-arrow-two-hawks approach?”
Standing in front of the grain shop, Meng Zi rested his sword on his shoulder, too lazy to think, and asked Lin Shuang directly,
“Can’t you just use that paper crane transmission to send out that… what was it again, a survey?”
Huangfu Yuan, hugging his hand warmer, replied,
“Junior Brother, without a divine sense anchor, where exactly would the crane even go?”
Lin Shuang gave a soft “mm” and spread her hands.
Meng Zi clicked his tongue and looked at the shops lining both sides—there were all kinds.
“But didn’t you say last time that every question exists for a reason? That there’s a reason it was five thatched huts and not just one?”
“So what now? With this many storefronts, are you saying the answer’s hidden somewhere on this street?”
What does that mean?
Lin Shuang shook her head and consoled Meng Zi.
“Don’t rush. Every question should be analyzed in context.”
Trying to apply formulas before even reading the question? That kind of mindset won’t get you far.
Li Family Village had been a defensive mission—clear and straightforward.
This situation was completely different.
“Last time, during the coordination test, you all rushed to the inn first, right? Should we head there again now?” Meng Zi tried to activate his strategic brain.
Lin Shuang shook her head. Huangfu Yuan did the same.
Veins bulged on Meng Zi’s forehead.
Huangfu Yuan glanced toward the direction the pedestrians were walking, then turned his body sideways.
At the same moment, Lin Shuang stepped forward.
The two of them, without speaking, moved in sync—turning away from the inn and heading toward the calligraphy and painting shop next door.
Meng Zi: “…?”
“Oh? Is there something special about the painting shop?”
Inside the calligraphy shop, the shopkeeper—dressed like a cultured scholar—was holding a scroll and introducing it to a customer and his children.
But as Meng Zi was about to step in, Lin Shuang tugged his scabbard.
“Senior Brother, this isn’t the place.”
“We need to go to the city gate.”
“Ah.”
Meng Zi paused, then looked again at the passersby and suddenly understood.
Though the shops on both sides of the street were lively, most people didn’t enter them.
One stream of people came from the opposite direction, wearing silk robes and riding carriages.
The others, walking in the same direction as them, were mostly villagers leading ox carts with empty bamboo baskets or cloth-covered loads.
The sun was setting.
The villagers who had come to sell their produce were finishing up and heading out of the city.
At the same time, traveling merchants were entering the city looking for inns.
So, finding the city gate was simple—just follow the ox carts.
Even the direction of the pedestrians, as Lin Shuang had said, carried valuable information.
Meng Zi was enlightened.
The flow of traffic, clothing, and what people carried made it clear where the city gate was.
“We’re heading there to get a sense of the map’s scale first?”
Last time, in Li Family Village, they’d almost suffered for ignoring that.
But Lin Shuang raised a finger and gave it a little shake.
In most novels and RPGs, quests often begin at the quest board near the adventurer’s guild.
In the cultivation world, there are no guilds—so you head for the city gate’s bulletin board.
“Compared to inns and tea houses,” Huangfu Yuan said, pressing his hand warmer, “the city gate has the highest foot traffic.”
Lin Shuang agreed. “Most wanted posters and healer requests are posted there.”
Fastest Test Strategy 101:
Start by identifying the question.
Once you reverse-engineer the objective, solving the problem becomes far easier.
And the actual question is usually written at the end—the most prominent part.
They soon arrived at the city gate.
Travelers were coming and going. Two armored guards were roughly checking travel documents.
As expected, Lin Shuang spotted a yellow poster pasted on the blue bricks of the gate.
My bride-to-be disappeared the night before our wedding.
I beg for the aid of any immortals, heroes, or cultivators to help bring her home.
I will offer a generous reward to any who succeed!
—Wang Jian, of the Wang family, East City
They found it!
The mission for this level was finally revealed:
“Darling, just look at me one more time.”
Objective: Find the missing bride and bring her home.
Clearwater Sect — Second team to trigger the objective. Score: +1
Second…?
As viewers hesitated, a new line of glowing text appeared in the sky:
Clearwater Sect — First to locate the Wang family’s Immortal-Seeking Bulletin. Score: +2
The Wang family promises a minimum reward of 5,000 spirit stones if Clearwater Sect retrieves the bride.
Looks like they’re serious about paying up.
Wait… did Mountain and Sea Sect get that offer?
…Nope.
Damn.
“I got directions. The Wang residence is just behind the rouge shop.”
Meng Zi had already asked one of the gate guards and was picking up the pace.
Lin Shuang smiled—until her smile froze.
She reached out to tear down the yellow poster.
But as she tried to peel off a corner, she realized it was stuck—completely immovable.
“What are you doing?” Meng Zi asked, sword still on his shoulder, confused.
Even Huangfu Yuan, who had been distracted by a nearby chicken coop, turned to watch her, puzzled.
Lin Shuang pursed her lips, then reached out and pressed the 69th acupoint on her core.
Her expression turned strange.
In an instant, her scattered meridians aligned into one giant orb.
Peak of Foundation Establishment, Fifth Layer.
Only then did she reach out again.
This time, the yellow poster came off cleanly.
Lin Shuang wore a complex expression as she glanced at the now-thoughtful Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zi.
“The Wang family is likely a cultivation clan.”
“This Wang Jian is at least at the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment.”
??
Clearwater Sect, Lin Shuang — first to deduce Wang family’s cultivation background. Wang Jian’s realm: Foundation Establishment, fifth layer or above. Score: +2 (Total: 5)
Correct. Only cultivators at Foundation Establishment stage five or above can tear down the Immortal-Seeking Poster.
Participants below that threshold should withdraw from this trial. The Abyss River Nine Thousand bears no responsibility for any harm that may follow.
In the projection, Lin Shuang and her companions departed.
Not long after, Ten Thousand Monks Gate and Solemn Inscriptions Sect teams arrived.
They tore down the poster with ease.
A few disciples looked quite pleased with themselves. “Let’s go to the Wang residence. The mission’s crystal clear.”
…
Clear? Compared to Clearwater Sect, you’re still in the dark.
Wait—that’s right! Since they’re all at Foundation Establishment stage five, they tore it off easily. They didn’t even realize the poster had a hidden requirement.
Exactly. Lin Shuang was the only one who failed the first try—and so she noticed the restriction.
What’s with her cultivation? Is it fluctuating?
Who said Clearwater Sect was clueless in Puppet Trials?
…
What’s the rush? Once inside the Wang household, every sect will find out about their background anyway.
True. Let’s keep watching.
But moments later, Lin Shuang came to a halt.
Meng Zi also stopped in his tracks, sword still slung over his shoulder.
“What now? Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly realized the shops back there actually serve a purpose?”
The puppet NPCs in the streets had revealed the gate’s location.
Meng Zi was feeling inspired.
Surely the storefronts had a purpose too!
Lin Shuang pressed her fingers to her brow. “Not necessarily.”
It depends whether this is a math problem or a reading comprehension question.
If it’s the latter—then some details exist only to contrast, embellish, or add atmosphere.
You can skip over them and still extract the core meaning.
“For example, the presence of all those shops might simply be there to highlight the prosperity of the city.”
“A way to indirectly emphasize the Wang family’s prominence as a cultivator clan within this setting.”
Meng Zi: “…Could you say that in plain language?”
Huangfu Yuan gave a soft chuckle.
Lin Shuang shot them both a look.
“What I mean is—the Wang family clearly has status and prestige here. It’s very likely they’re highly respected.”
As she spoke, she suddenly had an idea.
She pulled the Immortal-Seeking Poster from her mustard seed pouch and handed it to Meng Zi.
“Hang it somewhere ridiculously conspicuous,” she said.
Sure enough, once he did—dangling it boldly from his chaotic belt—the surrounding shopkeepers, who had previously ignored them, began to take notice.
Customers and passersby all cast reverent glances their way.
“He’s the one who took down the Wang family’s poster?”
“He must be an immortal!”
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
By the time Lin Shuang had taken only three steps, a servant boy suddenly rushed over in tears, blocking Meng Zi’s path.
“Immortals! You removed the Immortal-Seeking Poster? Wonderful, just wonderful! Please, come with me quickly!”
“My young master has been waiting for powerful immortals for a long time!”
The Wang family servant bowed deeply, then tore open three teleportation talismans from inside his sleeve.
In an instant, Lin Shuang and her companions vanished on the spot.
Due to Meng Zi wearing the Immortal-Seeking Poster so brazenly, he appeared supremely confident.
After overhearing street gossip, the Wang family servant assumed your cultivation was far superior to previous visitors.
Thus, he used three rare teleportation talismans to escort all three of you into the estate immediately.
Sometimes, confidence inspires higher expectations in others.
And the treatment you receive will rise accordingly.
But remember—this is a double-edged sword.
If your actual ability doesn’t match the confidence you exude, the Wang family’s disappointment—and wrath—may be more than you can bear.
Clearwater Sect’s team enters Wang Jian’s inner quarters with the fastest recorded speed in the last hundred years. Score: +2 (Total: 7)
???
Wasn’t Mountain and Sea Sect faster?
Right? They were taken in the moment they showed up!
The spectators were confused—
Until the projection showed Lin Shuang’s group appearing directly before a scholar in blue robes, who sat in silence on an empty wedding bed, wiping away tears.
!!
…!
Mountain and Sea Sect went through the main gate—Clearwater Sect…
Clearwater had been teleported directly into the bridal chamber where the bride had vanished!
Author’s Notes:
“Zhao the Sect Master’s Journal, Entry 50”:
“This time, I really hope to observe the other five sects’ techniques and learn a thing or two—what?! Senior Sister accelerated again?! Help—”
—Zhou Xuanwu: “Junior Sister, silence is golden. Lest you forget, you weren’t even authorized to watch.”
—Elder Li Min (Pink-robed Elder): “I feel like I forgot something…”
—Zhao Keran: “Mm, yes. I still hold the Zhenchuan property admin rights. I can view all the Nine Thousand Trials.”
—Future disciples: “…”
—Future Elder Li Min: “…”
—Elder Duan Wufang (Green-robed Elder): “Trash. Dock their pay!”