Chapter Sixty: The Three Trials of Heaven, Earth, and Man — The Trial of Man

The next morning, the three awakened early from their slumber.

“Du Gu Ling, you’re up so soon?” Ouyang Chi asked as he washed up.

Du Gu Ling stretched lazily, flexed his limbs, and replied, “You two are up early as well, aren’t you? Besides, today is the grand enrollment ceremony of the Divine Hidden Pavilion. It’s best we prepare ahead of time, don’t you think?”

Ouyang Chi nodded in approval. Yet, despite knowing that today’s test should pose no issue for the three of them, unease gnawed at his heart. Why did he feel so unsettled? Ouyang Chi wondered silently. Ever since childhood, he had possessed an unusually keen sixth sense, never plagued by groundless worries. It seemed some unforeseen change might occur during the test today. Gazing out at the plaza, Ouyang Chi pondered quietly.

Once the group was ready, they made their way to the central plaza of the Divine Hidden Pavilion, as told by their senior the day before.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by a sea of people, the crowd so dense that heads jostled everywhere, stretching to the horizon. The plaza was a tumult of bodies pressed shoulder to shoulder, sweat pouring like rain.

“How could it be like this?” Du Gu Ling pointed at the throng in disbelief, addressing Ouyang Chi.

Ouyang Chi chuckled. “What did you expect? Didn’t I warn you? When the day of the ceremony arrives, you’ll understand why the Divine Hidden Pavilion is called the premier sect of the northwest region of the Hundred Beast Mountains. Quite the sight, isn’t it?”

“Alright, the ceremony should begin soon,” Bo Jun Cheng said. “Let’s see what today’s test will bring.”

“By the way, Du Gu Ling, are you familiar with how the Divine Hidden Pavilion selects its disciples?” Bo Jun Cheng turned to ask.

Du Gu Ling shook his head in confusion. “I don’t know.”

“Let me explain,” Bo Jun Cheng offered. Though his demeanor was imposing, those who spent time with him found him warm and amiable among his own.

“Every year, over ten thousand applicants attend the Divine Hidden Pavilion’s grand ceremony. Yet only ten are chosen. These selected few enter the inner court for formal cultivation,” Bo Jun Cheng continued.

Du Gu Ling interrupted, “Inner court? What’s that?”

Ouyang Chi smiled. “Allow me. The inner court is where the elite disciples train. Not only do they enjoy the pavilion’s finest resources and environment, but they also receive the most privileged treatment.”

“So good?” Du Gu Ling could hardly believe it. The opportunity to access the pavilion’s best cultivation resources was no trivial matter. Just look at the scale of the Divine Hidden Pavilion—becoming an elite disciple would greatly strengthen his resolve for vengeance.

“In contrast, there’s the outer court. Most disciples belong to the outer court—each ceremony leaves over a thousand to join its ranks. Though the outer court’s privileges pale next to the inner court, they’re still enviable. Many would fight tooth and nail for such a position,” Bo Jun Cheng added.

“That’s right. We can hardly dream of joining the inner court—those are prodigies beyond compare. Our goal this time is to become outer court disciples,” Ouyang Chi said, clenching his fist and gazing to the sky. Then he turned to Du Gu Ling. “But you just might become an elite disciple yourself, with that extraordinary strength of yours. I doubt anyone here can match you.”

“Silence—Silence—” Suddenly a booming voice rang out from in front of Du Gu Ling.

Instantly, the chatter across the plaza ceased. All heads turned toward the dais.

Upon the platform sat a dozen figures, the one at the center stood out: his brow was broad, his features finely chiseled and weathered, eyes bright as meteors, phoenix-like, with a commanding presence. His body was powerful, with the physique of a tiger, arms of an ape, belly like a bear, and waist of a wolf—clearly an extraordinary character.

“The man you see is the Pavilion Master—Hu Ba Tian. Not only are his methods remarkable, but his martial prowess is renowned through the ages. Those beside him are likely the vice master and elders. I can’t say for sure—Divine Hidden Pavilion keeps a low profile. Still, this Pavilion Master is the idol of everyone in the northwest region of the Hundred Beast Mountains,” Ouyang Chi said, gazing at Hu Ba Tian on the stage, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

Hu Ba Tian’s renown stems not merely from being the region’s foremost figure. He began cultivating at age ten, reaching the Immortal stage within half a year. More astonishingly, he advanced from early Immortal to peak Immortal and entered the Higher Immortal realm in less than three years. In just over a century, he attained the Mystic Immortal realm—a feat unparalleled in history. As for his current realm, no one knows, though some speculate he’s reached the Celestial Immortal stage, though truth remains uncertain,” Bo Jun Cheng explained, catching his breath.

“Beyond his unmatched cultivation talent, the Pavilion Master is kind and approachable, respectful to talent and virtue. Thanks to his intervention, the four great empires of the northwest have seen no wars, their people living in peace and prosperity. Our stable lives are all owed to him,” Bo Jun Cheng smiled.

Du Gu Ling observed the barely perceptible reverence on Ouyang Chi and Bo Jun Cheng’s faces, and thought, if even these two, whose ambitions reach the heavens, willingly bow their heads, then Hu Ba Tian must indeed be extraordinary.

“There are many more legends about the Pavilion Master. I’ll tell you when there’s time. Listen well; the test is about to begin,” Ouyang Chi said.

“Oh, oh,” Du Gu Ling replied eagerly.

At that moment, an elderly man stood on the stage, wearing a hat and bearing a stern expression. “I am the chief examiner for this test. I hereby declare the Divine Hidden Pavilion’s grand enrollment ceremony officially begun.” His long beard made him easy to recognize.

No sooner had he finished speaking than thunderous applause erupted across the plaza, deafening to the ears.

The bearded elder raised his hand and the plaza fell silent. “Next, I will announce the instructions for this test. Everything will be fair and just—no favoritism or cheating. Anyone caught will never again set foot in the Divine Hidden Pavilion. During the examination, no candidate may engage in any conflict. If there are any issues, seek out pavilion staff—we have designated personnel to handle emergencies.”

“The final interpretation of the test belongs to the Divine Hidden Pavilion. If there is any objection, it can be raised afterward. No one is permitted to question the examiners; violators will be dealt with. Now, I declare the first trial—the Trial of Man—of the Divine Hidden Pavilion’s grand enrollment ceremony officially begins,” the elder proclaimed, his voice stern and deliberate.

Ps: The heat at Hai University is unbearable. Jiemuo hasn’t been eating or sleeping well these days, and feels close to exhaustion. If you’d like to support Jiemuo, search for Principal Li on Weibo and help install air conditioning. Jiemuo just reposted a few links. Only one chapter today—Jiemuo’s mind is muddled by the heat. Time to sleep. Wishing everyone sweet dreams.