"Immortal Master? Hehe, such bold words." Su Zhiqing’s lips curled slightly, with a smile that was not quite a smile. She ignored Bai Ze and Dida La, and only asked Wentian Wuji: "Then I shall test you and see how much of this ’little knowledge’ you possess."
After a moment’s contemplation, she spoke: "First question: On what is Qimen Dunjia based, and what leads to its changes? Where lies its pivotal mechanism?"
Wentian Wuji replied without hesitation, calmly answering: "To the Immortal, Qimen Dunjia is based on the Three Talents of Heaven, Earth, and Human, and changes through the energy of Yin Yang Five Elements. Its pivotal mechanism lies in the ’living disk’, which moves continuously, changing according to time, bringing fortune and misfortune in its directions. The essence is the word ’change’, following the timing of heaven, understanding the benefits of the earth, and aligning with human harmony."
Su Zhiqing nodded slightly, which was considered an acknowledgment.
"Second question: If faced with the Eight Gates Counter-chant, where ominous forces gather, how should one array to resolve it? What should be used as the lead, and what method as the foundation?"
Wentian Wuji pondered for a moment, then replied: "The Eight Gates Counter-chant is unstable and turbulent, requiring stillness to overcome movement. One should array the ’Four Symbols Harmony Array’, using the energies of the four divine beasts—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise—to stabilize the earth, air, and fire. A hundred-year-old Peach Wood Core should be used as the array hub, and Stabilizing Spirit Talismans drawn with vermillion as the base, progressing step by step, without forceful suppression, guiding the ominous energy to disperse slowly."
A glint of approval flashed in Su Zhiqing’s eyes; this already showed an understanding beyond mere theory and had a practical grasp of arraying.
"Third question: When the ’Tian Rui’ star aligns with the ’Death Gate’, and coincides with the ’Taiyin’ eclipsing the moon, what fortune or misfortune does this signify? If one wishes to go against the trend, what choices must be made, and what is the cost?"
This time, Wentian Wuji did not immediately answer. His brows furrowed, clearly touched by the profound level of arcane deduction involved in this question. He pondered for over ten seconds in complete silence, with everyone around holding their breath, watching him. Finally, he slowly spoke, with some uncertainty in his tone: "This omen... is greatly ominous. It signifies the outbreak of hidden ailments and covert scheming, making all ventures ill-advised, as any movement would entail loss. If... if one wishes to go against the trend, it cannot be accomplished by ordinary means. The Secret Technique of ’Time Swapping’ must be employed. But this technique violates cosmic harmony, forcibly altering fate, and the practitioner will inevitably face backlash. At worst, lifespan and blessings will be diminished, and at worst... life could be at hazard."
Miao Fa Yuanjun appeared slightly surprised: his answer was not perfect, even somewhat coarse and vague, but the gist was largely correct.
The first two questions tested the basics and application, which could be forgiven. Yet, this third question had already touched upon the arcane deduction and the secret of Heavenly Dao backlash, a clarity not possessed even by everyone within the Immortal Realm.
This young man could deduce so much; though not entirely thorough or precise, he pointed out the key aspects, which was indeed quite rare.
A trace of satisfaction surfaced on her face: "Enough, it seems you possess some talent in the art of numerology. In that case, I shall accept you as a recorded disciple." She then looked at the eager Bai Ze and Dida La, "As for you two—just follow along and study for now."
"Thank you, Master!" Wentian Wuji was overjoyed, once again performing the disciple’s salute respectfully.
Bai Ze and Dida La hurriedly expressed their gratitude as well, but Miao Fa Yuanjun waved dismissively, indicating that the two need not address her as Master, just "Immortal Master" would suffice. Clearly, she favored Wentian Wuji most, with the other two merely as ’extras’ for now.
Seeing this, the Martial Arts Immortal became interested as well, laughing heartily: "The two of you are fortunate to have accepted disciples to your liking, so I must also make a choice! Among you, is there anyone skilled in close combat, martial arts, or fist and foot skills? Step forward and let me take a look!"
As soon as he finished, Hao Mie stepped forward from the crowd, clasping his fists, with his joints emitting slight crackling noises. He assumed a poised and ready martial arts combat stance, his gaze sharp. Jiu Jianxian and I Want to Seal the Sky also stepped forward, each displaying impressive stances. Even Han Luo couldn’t resist, mimicking a Bruce Lee-style alert posture.
At this moment, one must compete! It became apparent to everyone that being selected by an Immortal as a disciple would undoubtedly lead to devoted guidance, and perhaps even some ’special treatment’. Otherwise, one might end up like Bai Ze and Dida La, merely a ’follow-up student’ observing from the sidelines.
Wu Qingtian, the Martial Arts Immortal, swept his sharp gaze across the few individuals, but finally settled on Hao Mie, who exuded the most presence and spirit of combat.
"Hmm... quite decent, with some spirit," he nodded, "Then I shall have a bit of fun with you. Rest assured, I won’t use Immortal Techniques or Inner Power True Qi, nor rely on the powerful might of the Immortal body, but will engage with you using the most basic moves. If any of you can best me in a single move or half, I will accept you as a direct disciple and impart all my knowledge! If not, then I’ll just teach you casually."
"What? Best you in a single move or half?" Jiu Jianxian nearly bit his tongue, "Are you kidding! How is that possible?"
For a moment, everyone wore troubled expressions, anxious at heart. How on earth could we win? Even without using spells or Inner Strength, your Immortal’s vision, experience, and reaction speed render us unlikely to win! The condition is too stringent!
Only Hao Mie’s reaction was entirely different among the crowd. Not only did his eyes lack any fear, but they also blazed with intense fighting spirit.
"Good! Refreshing! I really want to see what makes an Immortal’s martial arts different! Take this!" Saying that, he shouted loudly, sinking his energy into his Dantian, exerting strength with his foot, and bursting forth like an arrow loosed from the bow, delivering a powerful, straightforward punch directly at the Martial Arts Immortal’s heart! ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ N0veI.Fiɾe.net