“The second trial within the illusion tests honesty. That old man is blind and frail, utterly defenseless against the test-taker. Under such temptation, maintaining honesty counts as passing the trial.”

“Of course, the passing requirements for this trial were modified once, making it much easier than a thousand years ago…”

As Yin Qingyuan’s explanation continued, Bai Xirou’s face remained as calm as still water, her gaze fixed intently on Qi Yuan’s performance within the illusion.

When she saw Qi Yuan see through the old man’s deception and return the bundle to its true owner, a strange light flickered in her beautiful eyes.

Another perfect pass!

Not only her, but the Falling Cloud Valley cultivators nearby also showed looks of surprise, their murmurs rising and falling.

“Who would have thought the second trial of the illusion had such twists and turns? Truly worthy of the formation personally invited and arranged by our Patriarch back in the day.”

“This wandering cultivator is indeed extraordinary. Not only did he not covet wealth upon seeing it, but he also wasn’t deceived by sweet talk. His will is firm, his wisdom exceptional; he’s definitely no ordinary person.”

“I’m not so sure. Although this Big Qi performed well, his Four Spiritual Roots cultivation aptitude can be considered poor. With such aptitude, I’m afraid he won’t achieve much in the future.”

“That’s true. This lad is destined for a difficult path; he doesn’t have much cultivation value…”

Just as everyone was whispering and commenting, a female cultivator curiously asked Bai Xirou:

“Senior Sister, what was your result when you passed the second illusion nine years ago?”

Instantly, several other Falling Cloud Valley disciples nearby also focused their gazes on Bai Xirou, clearly curious about this question as well.

Bai Xirou’s pretty face flushed slightly, her expression somewhat embarrassed.

“I was young and naive back then; I was truly fooled by that old fox of a Formation Spirit. I only asked about the number of spirit stones in the bundle. After confirming the count matched, I handed it over. I got an 【Upper】 rating, not 【Perfect】.”

Hearing this, the junior disciples around immediately understood and comforted her.

“It’s fine. Senior Sister, you were only ten years old then; your mind was still immature. If you took the test now, you’d definitely be better than this Big Qi.”

“Right, Senior Sister is still more impressive.”

“We believe in Senior Sister’s ability…”

“Not necessarily. This trial is actually much more difficult than the previous one.” Bai Xirou shook her head. “Besides overcoming greed for spirit stones, when encountering someone weak, people instinctively feel contempt, thus naturally assuming a frail old man on his last legs wouldn’t dare lie to their face.”

“The moment any slackness appears, you lose the chance for a perfect pass.”

Hearing her explanation, all the disciples suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly, secretly feeling relieved.

Thankfully the passing requirements were lowered significantly; otherwise, with such a difficult illusion trial set up, Falling Cloud Valley basically wouldn’t be able to recruit any new disciples in the future.

At this moment, Lin Zhen and Wang Luchuan, who were under much attention, also passed through the second illusion.

Notably, Lin Zhen returned the bundle to the old man immediately upon meeting him and even proactively helped him home…

Meanwhile, Wang Luchuan—suspected of cheating—continued his previous perfect performance, becoming another test-taker after Big Qi to achieve a perfect pass.

Actually, whether one chose to return the bundle directly or asked to take a portion of spirit stones as a reward counted as passing this trial’s character assessment.

After the first illusion trial, about sixty percent of test-takers were eliminated. Only over fifty people remained for the second illusion trial.

And among these fifty-plus test-takers, about half failed due to lying or simply killing the old man with a knife… leaving fewer than thirty who passed…

Illusion.

Qi Yuan continued his journey and soon arrived before a small hill.

Calling it a hill was generous; it was more like a small earthen slope—only about ten zhang high—completely bare without a single tree.

Atop the slope stood a tall stone archway inscribed with three characters: 【Gate of Knocking on Dao】.

At the foot of the slope was a staircase that could be seen from end to end at a glance—exactly one hundred steps.

Seeing this setup before him, Qi Yuan immediately understood what Falling Cloud Valley’s final trial within the illusion was:

Mountain climbing!

Once clear in his mind, he didn’t hesitate and stepped toward the staircase.

Upon stepping onto the first step, he felt no abnormality whatsoever.

On the second step, he felt his footsteps become slightly heavier but still without any pressure.

Then came the third step, fourth step, fifth step… He stopped only at the tenth step.

Because he had already discovered and confirmed that with each ascending step, the pressure on his body doubled.

Continuing like this meant facing terrifying pressure at the hundredth step—pressure that could probably crush even Gengjin metal, considered one of heaven and earth’s hardest refining materials.

Using this as reference, Qi Yuan quickly calculated his current limit—around seventy steps.

Of course, if he drained all his potential and exerted immense effort… he might manage another three or four steps.

But here lay the problem: his current goal was merely to enter Falling Cloud Valley as a lowly menial laborer. There was absolutely no need to push himself so hard…

Gazing at that ancient and towering 【Gate of Knocking on Dao】, Qi Yuan decided to study it carefully and see if there was a way to both hide his strength for an easy ride while guaranteeing one hundred percent passage through this trial.

Thinking this, he narrowed his eyes slightly and calmly walked back down along the steps.

…….

Outside the Illusion.

“What’s going on? Why did Big Qi only walk ten steps up Knock-on-Dao Mountain then retreat? Could that already be his limit?”

A Falling Cloud Valley cultivator noticed Qi Yuan’s actions, looking full of suspicion.

“This guy performed quite miraculously in the first two trials. He wouldn’t possibly fail at a mere ten steps, would he?”

“Didn’t expect someone who looks so young to be quite frail physically…”

“Wait! Look, he tried throwing a pebble onto higher steps! He must be looking for loopholes in the trial!”

These words immediately caused an uproar.

“This Knock-on-Dao Mountain has been passed down for millennia, continuously refined. This guy just arrived; how could he possibly have the ability to find its loopholes?”

Seeing everyone discussing animatedly, Yin Qingyuan, responsible for this assessment, snorted coldly and spoke gravely.

“Everyone rest assured. Knock-on-Dao Mountain was personally established by our Patriarch specifically to test Dao-heart perseverance. Any living being outside the formation will be affected.”

“Within the illusion, magical tools or treasures cannot be used, nor can one fly through the air. Even attempting to prop ladders or dig the earth won’t have any effect.”

“In short, even if he suddenly grew wings, he couldn’t fly up.”

“The third trial of the illusion leaves no room for cutting corners. Everyone must ascend step by step. Exceeding thirty steps counts as qualified. Those climbing fifty steps receive a 【Perfect】 rating…”

Everyone nodded upon hearing this.

“So it was set by the Patriarch; no wonder it’s so formidable.”

“Our late Patriarch was truly wise and mighty…”

Suddenly, the Falling Cloud Valley group stared at the scene within the magic mirror as if seeing a ghost, unable to utter a single word…

Simultaneously.

Within the Illusion.

“You weren’t willing to give the bundle to the old man earlier? Why come back?”

Discovering Qi Yuan sought him out again, the old man fumed angrily, his beard bristling and eyes glaring, clearly unwelcoming.

Qi Yuan didn’t mind. Instead, he said smilingly:

“Old sir, I have many spirit stones. Wonder if you are interested in earning some?”

“What do you mean?”

The old man, startled, asked subconsciously.

Seeing the other’s expression, Qi Yuan’s smile grew even brighter.

“Very simple. Ahead is a small slope. As long as you carry me up, I’ll give you a hundred spirit stones…”