Yun Ze never expected that the patron he was about to seek would have such a connection with Chen Xiao.
Did Chen Xiao know about his past actions? Or was he also involved?
Yun Ze suppressed the turmoil in his heart and managed a strained smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior. However, there is still one final test. Perhaps I should wait until I've passed it?"
"That would be for the best!"
Elder Ji's expression remained unchanged, revealing neither joy nor anger. He said calmly, "But don't be too nervous. This last test is merely a formality. With your talent, you'll pass it with ease. It's nothing to worry about."
"Yes."
Yun Ze replied and arrived at the location of the final assessment with Elder Ji.
A middle-aged man stood by a bronze mirror, hands by his sides, respectfully awaiting their arrival.
Seeing Elder Ji approach, he cupped his fists in greeting, "Master."
"Mm."
Elder Ji responded with a smile, patting the man's shoulder twice, "Xiao Li, how many times have I told you? We don't need such formalities between master and disciple. A greeting is enough, no need for bows."
"Propriety must be observed."
The disciple frowned, insisting, "Master may not care, but I cannot neglect my duties."
"Alright, alright, as you wish."
Elder Ji chuckled and introduced Yun Ze, "Xiao Yun, this is my eldest disciple, Li Shi. He's as stubborn as a rock and won't budge. Pay him no mind."
Upon hearing this, Yun Ze cupped his fists towards Li Shi, "Greetings, Senior Brother Li."
"Fellow Daoist, you have not yet passed the assessment, so it is inappropriate to call me Senior Brother. Please address me as Fellow Daoist."
Li Shi's face remained impassive, his stony expression unyielding. He pointed to the bronze mirror beside him, "This is the Heart-Illuminating Mirror, capable of revealing one's inner thoughts. It is the final test. Stand before it, and answer my questions. If you are not harboring malicious intent in joining our sect, you will pass."
The Heart-Illuminating Mirror!
Yun Ze's brow furrowed, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled at Li Shi, "Senior Brother, let us begin."
Though he said so, his mind was a whirlwind of chaos!
For others, this test was simple, requiring only a few answers. But for Yun Ze...
This test was akin to a death sentence!
Yet, the arrow was already nocked. To retreat now would only reveal his true nature, making things worse.
He could only take it one step at a time!
"Good."
Li Shi replied, removed the bronze mirror from its stand, and aimed it at Yun Ze's chest. "Fellow Daoist, what is your name?"
"Yun Ze."
"What is your cultivation realm?"
"Qi Condensation, third level."
"What is the state of your Qi Sea?"
"Third level Qi Sea, currently advancing towards the fourth."
The first three questions were simple. After Yun Ze answered, the bronze mirror remained unchanged.
It was the fourth question...
"For what purpose do you wish to join the Guiwu Sword Sect?"
"Immortality!"
As the two words fell, a shadow appeared in the bronze mirror, as if signifying something.
Li Shi's expression remained unchanged. He asked again, "Besides immortality, what else?"
"To learn swordsmanship, to become stronger!"
The shadow in the bronze mirror dissipated slightly, but a layer still remained, flickering.
Li Shi frowned slightly. "Fellow Daoist, I ask you one last time. Are there any other reasons besides these two? If you do not state them all at once, I will have to deem this trial a failure."
Failure...
This would not do!
Although he could only speak the truth now, it didn't mean he had to reveal everything!
He couldn't hide it, so he had to try his best.
He looked up at Li Shi and calmly uttered two words: "Revenge!"
"Besides seeking immortality and becoming stronger, I also wish to exact revenge!"
The shadow in the mirror finally vanished completely!
But both Li Shi and Elder Ji frowned simultaneously!
Seeking revenge by joining the Guiwu Sword Sect? Did that mean he had enemies within the sect?
Wasn't that harboring malicious intent? Such a security risk could not be tolerated!
However... it would be a great pity to let such a sword prodigy go.
First, they needed to ascertain who his enemy was. If it was an insignificant individual, then resolving it with a sword would be acceptable.
Elder Ji glanced at Li Shi, who immediately understood and asked again, "Explain in detail."
"This... Elder Ji, some matters are difficult to speak of."
Yun Ze's face immediately showed distress.
"It's alright."
Elder Ji spoke up, a smile on his lips, "Xiao Yun, rest assured, our Guiwu Sword Sect upholds justice, not favoritism. As long as your words are reasonable, I will help you settle it! Speak!"
"Elder Ji..."
Yun Ze deliberately frowned and hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer to Elder Ji and whispered, "This person murdered my entire family. If I were to reveal it, I fear..."
The bronze mirror remained silent. It was the truth!
Elder Ji's brow furrowed.
Killing mortals!
This was a grave offense!
The Guiwu Sword Sect was thousands of miles away. Ordinary disciples would not travel so far to commit murder. This enemy Yun Ze spoke of was likely one of his own subordinates.
If this matter were exposed here, the person on the ninth high platform would surely intervene. It wouldn't matter if those disciples died, but he himself would be punished for poor management. It would be a loss!
He wondered who had been so careless as to be caught in such a bind!
On the other hand, this young man...
He possessed exceptional talent in swordsmanship, was sensible and understanding, and knew what to say and what not to say.
If he were to take him under his wing, besides Li Shi, he would be far more useful than any of the others!
This was a profitable deal!
Elder Ji's eyes flickered. He whispered to Yun Ze, "Xiao Yun, tell me honestly, is this person related to me? Or... is he on this high platform?"
Yun Ze remained silent.
But his silence now conveyed a great deal.
"I understand."
Elder Ji pressed down the bronze mirror in Li Shi's hand and gave him a look. Li Shi immediately understood and retreated several meters.
He then took out a short sword from his sleeve and thrust it into the ground. Sword energy instantly spread outwards!
Yun Ze felt the sharp aura, and the vortex within his body began to spin faster, greatly increasing the speed of spiritual energy absorption!
"This is a sword domain, capable of isolating sound from within and without. You need not worry about others overhearing our conversation."
Elder Ji spoke slowly, placing his hand on Yun Ze's shoulder again. "Xiao Yun, you have good aptitude and are a talented individual. I appreciate you, so I will speak plainly."
"Please, Senior, guide me."
Yun Ze knew that his entry into the Guiwu Sword Sect depended entirely on Elder Ji's decision.
If Elder Ji was unwilling to stir up trouble, then he would not be able to join the Guiwu Sword Sect and would have to find another path to somehow kill Chen Xiao!
After all, joining the Guiwu Sword Sect was not the only way to kill someone.
If Elder Ji was willing to concede, it would mean his relationship with these so-called disciples was not very good.
As long as his value exceeded that of these individuals, he could consider Elder Ji his patron.
"As I said before."
Elder Ji spoke calmly, his smile gone, replaced by a serious expression. "As long as you become my disciple and swear to serve me for life, I will help you resolve any conflict you have, no matter who it is!
But if you refuse, then... the Guiwu Sword Sect will naturally have no connection with you."