Volume Two – The Map of the Nine Provinces Appears, Entering the Spirit Ruins Chapter 75 – Tempering the Heart with the Dragon Carp

Although Dragon Carp Peak towered several hundred feet high, Chen Yu’s vision was keen enough to vaguely discern the winding mountain path. He watched as the young woman named Wu Yi staggered upward. Though her expression was hidden from view, he could sense a heavy burden, a weariness rooted deep within her soul.

She did not seem to be scaling Dragon Carp Peak, but rather the mountain within her own heart.

Chen Yu frowned slightly and murmured, “Is this a trial of the heart?”

Unlike Wu Yue, Xiao Gu was surprised by Chen Yu’s perceptiveness, for he had not disclosed the nature of the trial.

With utmost seriousness, Xiao Gu replied, “Yes, it is indeed a test of the heart—an inquiry into one’s own Dao. It is far more arduous than the ascent you undertook in the past, tenfold, a hundredfold more difficult.”

Chen Yu nodded silently. Though he asked no further, he suspected it was not as straightforward as Xiao Gu claimed.

He guessed that this path tested not only his dedication to the Dao, but also his loyalty to the Lingxu. Chen Yu’s brow knit tighter; under such scrutiny, he could not be certain he would ring the bell atop Dragon Carp Peak. He had lived in Lingxu for barely a year, and his sense of belonging was shallow.

Yet, since he was here, he would accept the challenge. No matter what, he would forge ahead.

Wu Yi, on Dragon Carp Peak, pressed forward with frequent pauses. After two hours, she finally struck the bell five times, officially becoming an outer disciple of Lingxu’s Sky Dome Peak.

“Sister, I did it!” Wu Yi, sweat gleaming on her brow, skipped with delight to Wu Yue’s side.

Chen Yu observed the two women; though alike in appearance, their temperaments were distinct. Wu Yue possessed an icy elegance, while Wu Yi exuded a mischievous charm.

“Congratulations, little sister Wu Yi,” Xiao Gu said with a smile.

“Greetings, Brother Xiao Gu,” Wu Yi replied playfully. “Oh? Is this senior brother here for the trial as well?”

Chen Yu smiled gently. “Yes, senior sister.”

“But you’re much older than me; why call me senior sister?” Wu Yi asked curiously.

“I am but newly admitted to Lingxu, so it is only proper to address you as senior sister.”

Page (1/3)

“Oh… You’re a newly inducted servant disciple? With so little time here, are you truly confident you can pass? It’s not as simple as it seems,” Wu Yi said.

“It’s worth a try,” Chen Yu answered.

Wu Yi seemed about to offer advice, but Wu Yue stopped her.

“Enough. Now that it’s done, we should leave. Brother Xiao Gu, we won’t trouble you further.”

With that, Wu Yue pulled the reluctant, curious Wu Yi away, and the two disappeared from sight.

Chen Yu composed himself, bowed slightly to Xiao Gu, and said, “Brother, please wait for me.”

“Be cautious!” Xiao Gu, though impressed by Chen Yu’s strength, could not predict his success in the trial of the heart.

Chen Yu stepped onto the winding path of Dragon Carp Peak, carefully sensing the changes around him.

To his surprise, the ascent seemed easier than before. The mountain was tranquil, the wind rustled, birds sang, insects chirped, water flowed—nature’s symphony played all around, coaxing him to relax and embrace a sense of soaring freedom.

“How comfortable… It’s been so long since I felt this way,” Chen Yu spread his arms, taking in the world. “Even immortals would envy such peace.”

Suddenly, Chen Yu’s expression froze. He whispered, “Immortal? Is it truly so?”

He shook his head and sighed bitterly. “So it’s an illusion, silent and seamless.”

He took another step forward. The scenery shifted, trying to halt his progress, but his resolve was unwavering.

“I came to the Nine Provinces to seek the Dao and become immortal. How can a mere illusion block my path?”

Crack… Snap…

The serenity shattered. In its place appeared the destruction of the Chen Kingdom, his parents slain, blood soaking his robes. He seemed to hear his father and mother’s reproach—asking why he left them, why he abandoned them. Though he knew it was false, pain pierced his heart.

His expression twisted, his thoughts grew wild and agitated, as if a demon within was devouring him.

Page (2/3)

“No… no, it’s all fake, fake…” Chen Yu could not help but cry out. “Break… I must break free!”

Yet the more he struggled, the deeper he sank, suffocating under the weight.

“I have not yet become immortal! How can I die now? I am only beginning my cultivation! How can my journey end here? No… I refuse, I refuse…” Chen Yu’s heart roared with fury, “If Heaven and Earth block me, I shall destroy Heaven and Earth! My Dao is mine to decide!”

Chen Yu repeated these words, urging himself to remain calm. He recalled his path of cultivation, searching for a solution.

“Cultivation? What is cultivation?” Inspiration struck him. “Only after enduring tribulations and disasters can one seek the Dao and become immortal.”

“My trial is also my inner demon, it stands in my way.” Chen Yu mused, “But if I sever my desire to seek the Dao, how then can I become immortal?”

“No… True cultivation is to endure countless tribulations, to be reborn from the ashes. The cycle of yin and yang, extremes giving birth to their opposites, unending and unpredictable. There is neither immortal nor demon—one is the other. Immortality and demonic nature reside in the heart. I shall bathe in demonic tribulation and emerge as an immortal.”

Chen Yu gained enlightenment. He ceased resisting what he saw, became a detached observer, and let himself absorb the lesson. His mind grew clear as jade; all illusions collapsed before him.

His resolve to pursue the Dao strengthened further. He thought, This is cultivation: the trials and tribulations ever accompany me, never allowing complacency.

Step by step, he advanced, each stride tested by Lingxu’s inquiry into his heart. Yet Chen Yu’s desire for the Dao was unswayed by external temptations; all obstacles fell before the sword of his will.

At this moment, his heart was free of distractions; the pressure of Dragon Carp Mountain was as gentle as a breeze, unable to hinder him.

Finally, as Chen Yu reached the summit, a single bell rang out, echoing across Dragon Carp Peak.

Xiao Gu, as if expecting this outcome, sighed deeply. “As I thought! Yet at least Brother Chen has passed the trial.”

“Though his solitary bell will likely win little favor with the elders. If only he had waited a few more years, perhaps things would be different.”

Xiao Gu shook his head, dismissing his worries. When he met Chen Yu descending the mountain, he congratulated him, “Congratulations, Brother Chen, on officially becoming an outer disciple of Lingxu’s Tai Zhuo Peak today.”

Chen Yu gratefully thanked Xiao Gu for his guidance.

Page (3/3)