WBICDPH Chapter 4 Part 1

Chapter 4: When the Path Winds Through Mountains and Rivers

Morning mist drifted through the peaks of Yanyu Mountain. Standing outside the wooden cabin and looking into the distance, all Lin Jin could see were rolling mountain ridges, half-veiled by clouds, washed in a hazy blue-gray.

Every so often, birdsong floated down from the sky. He took a deep breath. The damp air carried the crisp, forest-fresh scent unique to the mountains, laced with faint strands of spiritual energy that flowed into his lungs, leaving him inexplicably refreshed.

Lin Jin hadn’t seen scenery like this in a long time. In high spirits, he went through an entire set of elementary-school PE warm-up exercises in front of the view, drawing plenty of curious looks from passing cultivators.

He never cared about other people’s stares. Perfectly at ease, he finished his morning exercise amid the strange looks, went back inside, shut the door, and began packing for the inner sect trial.

There wasn’t much to bring—just a small storage pouch containing a few spirit stones, several low-tier magical tools, and some dried food and sunflower seeds he’d bought at a mortal market before coming to Yanyu Mountain.

After checking the contents, he tucked away the recording spirit stone he’d received upon entering the sect yesterday. Before leaving, he rubbed the dog’s head.

“I’m heading out. Stay here and wait for me, okay? Don’t run around. If you get lost, you’ll turn into a stray.”

As he tied the pouch to his belt and took a few steps toward the door, he suddenly heard a 啪 behind him.

He turned around to see that Qiuqiu, who had been sitting on the table, had jumped down and was now toddling along behind him.

Lin Jin’s heart softened.

“I know you don’t want to part with me, but where I’m going is dangerous. Little dogs can get killed, you know.”

Qiuqiu ignored him. He lifted his chin slightly, puffed out his chest, and strutted past Lin Jin toward the door—tripping over the threshold because his legs were too short.

That fearless, march-to-his-death posture moved Lin Jin deeply.

He hurried forward, grabbed Qiuqiu by the scruff, and scooped the fluffy pup into his arms, rubbing his cheek against him enthusiastically.

“I’m so touched, my good boy! I get it—you want to brave blade mountains and seas of fire with me, right? You’re such a good dog. Don’t worry, Daddy will protect you. I won’t let you lose even a single hair!”

Lin Jin thoroughly messed up Qiuqiu’s fur.

Out of sight, the green-eyed puppy wore an expression of utter despair and rolled his eyes in disgust.

The disciples participating in the inner sect trial gathered at the outer sect training grounds of Yanyu Mountain. On the way, Lin Jin met Shen Bing, who had been waiting to go with him. By the time they arrived, the grounds were already packed with people.

Blending into the crowd, Lin Jin looked ahead and saw a massive stone standing in the center of the field, its surface faintly etched with runes. He was particularly sensitive to spiritual currents and could feel the dense spiritual power contained within. It was clearly more than a decorative rock—most likely a special kind of magical artifact.

Sure enough, after a while, a senior sister in Yanyu Mountain robes arrived on a flying sword. Light and graceful, her sleeves fluttered as she landed. With a light tap of her finger, a clear stream of spiritual energy flowed from her hand into the stone, filling it bit by bit until it began to glow brilliantly.

“The trial is about to begin,” she said calmly. “I will now explain the rules. Within the Yanyu Mountain trial realm, demonic beasts range from the fifth level of Qi Refining to early Foundation Establishment. Once inside, you will hunt these beasts. Points will be awarded based on their cultivation level. When the trial ends, rankings will be determined by total score. Only the top ten may enter the inner sect.

“In a moment, each of you will step forward in turn and channel your spiritual energy into this stone. Based on your cultivation level and the purity of your spiritual power, it will assign you to trial realms of varying difficulty.

“One more thing must be emphasized: once you enter, barring special circumstances, the sect will not assist. You may only leave when the trial concludes. You may withdraw now, but once the trial realm opens, life and death are your own responsibility. As always—know your limits.”

Her voice was even and emotionless, but Lin Jin’s heart began pounding wildly as he listened.

This body of Lin Jin’s had once been a furnace cauldron, nurtured from childhood with rare treasures. His spiritual energy was unnaturally pure—he had even formed a Golden Core early through forbidden techniques. Forming a core in one’s teens was absurdly rare. Presumably, the Piaomiao Pavilion knew their methods were disgraceful and had never publicized it.

Lin Jin knew full well that his cultivation couldn’t see the light of day. If discovered, it would invite investigation and endless trouble. That was why he had lied about his cultivation when entering Yanyu Mountain, claiming a level appropriate for his age, thinking he could bluff his way through.

But now the trial difficulty was being assigned based on cultivation?!

With his fake, unstable cultivation, wouldn’t he be sent straight into hell mode?

Names were already being called. Lin Jin grew frantic, glancing left and right. In his panic, his eyes caught a striking flash of red in the crowd.

At the same time, a disciple beside the stone called out loudly:

“Hua Nanzhi!”

The red-clad figure moved, pushing through the crowd and drawing countless gazes.

She was a petite young girl, no more than fourteen or fifteen, with neatly styled double buns that looked like little cat ears, thin braids falling beside her cheeks. Her round eyes and delicate features were charming, and she wore a narrow-sleeved crimson outfit made for combat. The fabric and accessories were clearly top-tier.

What didn’t match her appearance was the weapon on her back—a massive saber with nine rings on its spine, nearly as tall as she was.

Lin Jin stared, momentarily distracted, until Shen Bing muttered beside him:

“A little girl carrying a blade like that—how ugly. She looks like a butcher’s village wife.”

“???”

Kid, do you have a death wish? Who cares whether she looks good? She could split you in half with one swing!

As cannon-fodder NPCs, our number one rule is to watch our mouths! Never judge by appearances! Never comment on anyone nearby! Accumulate good karma through silence if you want to live!

Lin Jin shot Shen Bing a look full of disappointment and sighed.

First: Records of the Arrogant Immortal was a power-fantasy harem novel.