My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 366 The Initial Test, The Path of Self-Examination

Nangong Xue brought Chu Lengyu back to the Hundred Swords Pavilion.

Chu Lengyu returned Yu Shimei's storage bag. Out of a sense of affection, she was willing to give her a chance to join the Hundred Swords Pavilion, but she also did not want the sect to get into trouble because of her.

Therefore, Nangong Xue devised a plan to test his character through the "Questioning the Heart Path".

This "Path of Inquiry" is a long-standing trial of the Hundred Swords Pavilion, used to test the disciples' character.

This path is full of illusions and hides spiritual tests, reflecting the desires and fears deep within people's hearts. Only those with a firm mind can pass through it.

Facing Chu Lengyu, Nangong Xue spoke solemnly, "If you truly wish to join the Hundred Swords Pavilion, you must pass the test of the 'Path of Inquiry.' This path is no small matter; are you willing to accept it?"

After speaking, she stared intently at Chu Lengyu, observing his reaction.

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu's expression hardened without the slightest hesitation: "Senior, this junior is willing to accept the test."

Her tone was resolute, and she never backed down.

Upon seeing this, Nangong Xue's heart stirred slightly, feeling somewhat surprised.

She had thought that Chu Lengyu would hesitate or try to beg her again to join the Hundred Swords Pavilion through other means.

However, Chu Lengyu's directness and determination exceeded her expectations, making her admire him.

Nangong Xue nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.

She added a word of advice: "Then go ahead. Remember, no matter what illusions and trials you encounter on the 'Path of Inquiry,' you must stay true to yourself and not be misled by illusions, only then can you pass through this path."

After saying that, she gently waved her hand, signaling Chu Lengyu to enter the "Path of Inquiry".

Chu Lengyu took a deep breath, her steps firm, and stepped into the entrance of the Path of Inquiry.

Nangong Xue watched Chu Lengyu's receding figure, lost in thought.

Although she didn't believe this mortal woman could successfully pass the test of the Path of the Heart, a strange emotion quietly began to grow in her heart.

If Chu Lengyu truly passes this trial with her unwavering willpower, how should she arrange the girl's path to immortality?

After all, she has never taken on a disciple in all her years of cultivation.

The Path of Inquiry, this trial ground, has always been reserved for inner disciples of the Hundred Swords Pavilion.

Now that an ordinary girl has obtained such an opportunity, it has naturally attracted attention within the sect.

At the entrance to the Path of Inquiry, a group of disciples gathered to watch. Their gazes, filled with curiosity, disdain, or doubt, all fell on Chu Lengyu's somewhat thin figure.

Some people were curious about her origins and whispered among themselves about her identity; others scoffed, believing that a mortal was not worthy of entering this place; still others bluntly expressed their pessimism about Chu Lengyu, believing that she would soon be defeated in the illusion and even lose her life.

Some disciples, unable to contain their dissatisfaction, directly challenged Nangong Xue, questioning her decision.

"Senior Sister Nangong, what's going on? How could you bring a mortal into the Path of Inquiry?" an inner disciple asked with dissatisfaction.

Despite the discussions and doubts of the crowd, Nangong Xue remained calm and composed.

She knew this decision would be controversial, but she also had her own considerations.

“Although this person comes from an ordinary background, she has a pure heart and the potential to cultivate immortality. Giving her this opportunity does not violate the sect’s rules,” she said clearly.

"Senior Sister Nangong, the sect rules do not explicitly prohibit mortals from attempting this, but you don't really think this mortal can pass the test, do you?" Another inner disciple sneered, his tone full of disdain. "If she dies on this Path of Questioning the Heart, wouldn't that be a waste of this path?"

Nangong Xue frowned slightly, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

She originally intended to use the Inquiry into the Heart's Path to find out the girl's true identity, but she overlooked the dangers of this trial ground, which even inner disciples dared not challenge lightly.

"Would a fragile mortal with no magical power really perish here?" Nangong Xue thought to herself, and immediately felt a pang of pity.

Just as she turned around to call out to Chu Lengyu, she was surprised to find that the girl had already walked some distance away.

For Chu Lengyu, the slight illusions on the path of self-examination were like a gentle breeze, unable to shake her in the slightest.

Those illusionary trials, in terms of their ingenious design, paled in comparison to the cold stone steps she had climbed in the misty mountains.

Just now, Chu Lengyu glanced at the path from the foot of the mountain and knew that it had about five or six hundred steps, and it was quite tiring to walk.

She knew what was going on, and continued upwards, her figure gradually fading into the distance on the path of self-reflection.

The disciples watching were stunned and speechless at the sight.

"She...she just went up there like that?"

"How could it be so easy?!"

"No, she must be hiding her cultivation level!"

Everyone speculated, but no one wanted to believe that a mortal could embark on the Path of Inquiry and walk it so calmly.

They thought she would explode and die the moment she embarked on the Path of Self-Examination.

Even Nangong Xue's eyes couldn't help but gleam with admiration. She had also attempted the Path of Inquiry before and almost completed it, so she knew all too well the difficulties and dangers involved.

But even she didn't seem to walk as easily and freely as this mortal in front of her, nor as calmly and unhurriedly.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Chu Lengyu steadily walked to the halfway point of the Path of Inquiry, and suddenly stopped.

Seeing this, everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If this mortal really passes the Path of Inquiry, what face will those cultivators who cannot pass or even dare not challenge him have left?

Nangong Xue carefully observed Chu Lengyu's every move and said softly, "She's tired from walking."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was extremely humiliating.

Upon hearing this, the inner disciples who were watching nearby immediately felt resentful.

"What do you mean she's tired? This is all she can go!"

"Hmph, she's just a mortal. It's already quite remarkable that she's performed like this. I advise her to quit while she's ahead."

"Senior Sister Nangong, even though you brought her here, there's no need to be so biased in protecting her, is there?"

Just as Nangong Xue was about to retort, she suddenly heard a startled exclamation beside her: "Why did she move again!"

Now that Chu Lengyu is in a mortal body, her five senses are not very sharp. She cannot hear the noise and disturbances of the outside world, and even if she does hear them, she does not care at all.

The path to enlightenment was long and arduous, and her physical strength was ultimately limited. Therefore, she rested for a while and continued the challenge once her strength had recovered.

The forces in the Minghai Realm are complex and intertwined. After some investigation, Chu Lengyu felt that the Hundred Swords Pavilion was a good place to go.

This avatar was merely her eyes and ears; its cultivation progress was not her primary concern. After all, no matter how extraordinary one's talent or how diligently one cultivated, it was impossible to catch up with the original body's phenomenal speed.

She only needs to follow her heart and be happy.

Seeing this, the disciples who were watching became even more animated in their discussion.

Some people even started placing bets on how far Chu Lengyu could go on the Path of Inquiry.

As for completing the journey? They still didn't believe it.

Nangong Xue ignored these discussions, her gaze fixed on Wenxinlu.

Could it be that this mortal she casually brought back can really pass the test?

She began to waver.