[Vol. 6] Chapter 208: Provocation or Test
With that lingering doubt in her mind, Violet glanced around the competition area once more.
The geomantic compasses, each serving as the foundation for a contestant’s test, were spaced far apart, with protective railings blocking direct lines of sight. The map-like array that represented the continent was recessed into the setup, making it impossible for contestants to see each other’s questions or answers unless they had some special tools or abilities.
The role of the scribes was to act as intermediaries, taking the contestant’s answers and delivering them directly to the examiners for evaluation. Once judged, the result would be brought back. The entire process was closed off and offered minimal opportunity for interference or observation.
This meticulous design meant that even though the competition took place in a shared venue, the lack of visibility or interaction left little for spectators to see. The only people present were typically the contestants’ friends and family or individuals who had nothing better to do and came to watch out of curiosity.
Given such a setup, if the organizers wanted to discreetly favor or disadvantage certain contestants, it would be entirely feasible.
Violet considered this briefly but didn’t dwell on it further. Instead, she casually used her pointer to tap on a marker in a remote part of the map.
"Here."
The well-mannered middle-aged scribe immediately nodded in response.
"Is this your answer? You only have three chances per question. Would you like to confirm before I proceed?"
"No need. Go ahead and report it."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The scribe paused the hourglass timer, picked up the marker Violet had indicated, and noted its corresponding identifier. He then walked toward the area where the examiners were stationed, exchanged a few words, and quickly returned with a smile.
"Congratulations, your answer is correct. We will now proceed to set up the second question. Please wait briefly. The time spent waiting will not count toward your time limit."
After offering a polite explanation, the scribe signaled to the two young assistants, who stepped forward once again. With practiced efficiency, they began resetting the geomantic compass for the next question.
Violet kept her expression calm, her mind carefully observing and noting the process as she prepared for what might come next.
In just a few minutes, the two assistants’ nimble hands completely overturned the previous setup of the map, transforming it into a brand-new scenario. Once they were done, the scribe restarted the hourglass and gestured politely for Violet to begin.
"Hmm…"
Violet studied the new setup, her brow furrowed in thought.
This question was noticeably more difficult than the first. At first glance, there seemed to be no irregularities at all. Violet spent nearly ten full minutes analyzing the setup before a fleeting flash of insight led her to identify the problematic node. She informed the scribe, who promptly went to verify her answer.
While the scribe was away, Violet glanced around the venue, confirming a troubling fact, she was clearly being targeted.
The other assistants were clearly following guidelines as they set up their compasses, carefully referring to instruction sheets. In contrast, the two young women assisting Violet worked entirely by hand, without even pretending to consult any guide. It was blatantly obvious that her situation was different from everyone else’s.
If the first question had been a subtle test, this second one was clearly out of line.
While Violet wasn’t formally trained in geomantic vein studies, the books she had read were compilations of knowledge from great masters, condensed into a lifetime of expertise. With her near-photographic memory, she could confidently claim that if someone narrowed down the problem’s scope for her, 99% of the other contestants wouldn’t stand a chance.
But there was no way a second-round competition would be designed to eliminate that many participants.
Was that Eastern Saint just trying to pick a fight?
Although Violet wasn’t entirely sure of the answer, luck seemed to be on her side. Her answer to the second question was correct, and when the scribe returned, the two assistants began setting up the third and final question.
Violet remained silent, quietly watching their movements.
She assumed this question would be even harder, perhaps absurdly so. But to her surprise, the assistants set up the compass in a way that was bizarrely straightforward.
It wasn’t difficult. It was too easy.
The chaotic weather patterns displayed on the map practically highlighted all the key spiritual vein nodes, making them glaringly obvious. Not just one or two nodes, but six or seven, scattered irregularly across the Eastern Kingdom.
It didn’t feel like a test anymore. Instead, it seemed as though someone was trying to hint at something or send her a message.
"…What does this mean?"
The two young assistants remained silent. After completing the array setup, they stepped back and stood quietly, heads slightly bowed. Only the scribe, who possessed [Seeker of Immortality]-level strength, gave Violet a gentle smile, his expression calm and polite.
"Miss Violet, we are merely servants carrying out our duties. We cannot answer your questions. However, we are tasked with delivering a few words from our master."
His tone shifted slightly, adopting a faint but noticeable air of authority, as though mimicking someone else’s speech.
"Miss Violet, you are intriguing. Since you’ve chosen to participate in the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony], why do you suppress your true strength? I’ve prepared a gift that befits you, and I will personally present it to you when you claim victory in the Eastern Kingdom Region finals. I hope… you will not disappoint me."
With that, the three of them bowed simultaneously. The scribe then gestured politely.
"Congratulations on passing this round of the competition. Please proceed backstage to collect your updated identification badge."
"Should I take this as a provocation? Or a test?"
Violet’s question hung in the air, but the three remained silent, clearly unwilling to elaborate further.
Understanding their position, Violet turned her gaze toward the high platform, locking eyes with the Eastern Saint, who was indeed watching her. A faint, momentary tension passed between them, like a spark that quickly dissipated.
Glancing at the marked locations subtly highlighted on the compass, Violet committed them to memory. She nodded, then turned and walked away.
"If you want to watch so badly… then have it your way."
……………………………
Deep in the Xianxia Mountains, Eastern Kingdom
The Xianxia Mountains, one of the largest and most ancient mountain ranges in the [Ancient Spirit Realm], had origins shrouded in mystery. Legends claimed the name came from a battle fought here by a Immortal Saint who vanquished demons over several days. During the battle, dazzling phenomena illuminated the skies, with rays of multicolored light spreading across the entire mountain range.
Since then, the area had become shrouded in mystique, inaccessible to ordinary people, earning it its name: “Xianxia”, or "Immortal Glow."
As the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] was in full swing across the [Ancient Spirit Realm], the tranquil Xianxia Mountains welcomed an unexpected visitor.
He was a man dressed in ragged, dust-covered clothing, his disheveled appearance suggesting he had endured a long and grueling journey. On his back was a folding knife for self-defense, though his timid demeanor and frequent flinches at the distant roars of wild beasts revealed his deep fear. He seemed utterly terrified, yet some unseen force or perhaps a desperate necessity. Compelled him to keep moving deeper into the Xianxia Mountains.
If Violet had been present, she would have instantly recognized him as the so-called “Cheng Zhenwu”, the temporary commander of the [Black Scaled Army] in the [Wangxi Basin]. This was the same man who had fled in secret after their defeat, slipping away while the main general, Wen Zhengyang, wasn’t paying attention.
More accurately, though, this was a man using the fake identity of "Cheng Zhenwu," his true name unknown.
As night began to fall, the man finally stopped to catch his breath. Panting heavily, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a damaged stone tablet, muttering to himself.
"Sir, I… I’ve followed your instructions and reached the designated location. What do I do next?"
The tablet emitted a faint glow, and a weak voice slowly emerged from it.
"Look around. There should be a waterfall nearby. Go through it, and you’ll find an artificial cave carved into the rock. Once you’re inside, let me know, and I will guide you further."
"What? But it’s already getting dark. If I keep wandering like this… Sir? Sir, are you still there?"
The man’s voice trailed off as the glow from the stone tablet dimmed and faded entirely. Whatever presence resided within the artifact seemed to be on the brink of exhaustion, unable to sustain even a brief conversation.
This only deepened the unease and apprehension etched across the man’s face.
Yet, his situation left him no choice. Wanted posters bearing the name "Cheng Zhenwu" were plastered everywhere. His original identity was useless, and without the guidance of the tablet, he had nowhere to turn. If he didn’t press forward, he would likely face capture, imprisonment, or even execution.
"Ugh… what kind of mess have I gotten myself into?"
With a resigned sigh, he walked forward, oblivious to the fact that in the shadows of the night, unseen eyes were quietly watching his every move.