Rebirth of Bi Gan: A Male Student Traverses the “Investiture of God”

With the conclusion of the Heavenly Ladder trial, Zhang Hao, Lin Yue, and Li Bao were informed that the next set of trials would commence the following day. They were granted the opportunity to rest and prepare in the guest quarters of Qingchuan Sect.

"You three should rest well today; the trials tomorrow will be even more challenging," an attendant in a green robe instructed before leading them along a path paved with bluestone to a row of simple yet tidy rooms.

The trio was assigned rooms adjacent to each other, each furnished with basic cleanliness. In the afternoon, they decided to gather in Zhang Hao's room to share their backgrounds and cultivation experiences.

Zhang Hao sat at the table, initiating the conversation: "You know, I haven't been cultivating for long, but I've always been interested in it."

Lin Yue, sitting on the edge of the bed, smiled and said, "I've been cultivating under my family's guidance since I was young, but I know I still have much to improve."

Li Bao, leaning lazily in a chair and fiddling with an exquisite jade pendant, added, "My family collects all sorts of rare treasures, so I'm particularly interested in the pills used for cultivation." His words lightened the mood, and both Zhang Hao and Lin Yue laughed.

Curious, Zhang Hao asked, "Li Bao, why do you want to join Qingchuan Sect?"

Li Bao shrugged innocently, "Actually, I just wanted a place to cultivate and maybe find better materials for pills."

Lin Yue teased, "Then you can provide us with pills in the future."

Li Bao grinned and said, "No problem, as long as you help me gather the materials."

Zhang Hao looked at Li Bao seriously, "Li Bao, although you seem relaxed, I know you work hard on your cultivation. Otherwise, you wouldn't have passed the Heavenly Ladder trial."

Li Bao scratched his head, a bit embarrassed: "Hehe, you saw through me. I'm actually quite simple-minded, and cultivation feels like play to me, but I also want to become stronger."

Lin Yue asked curiously, "Li Bao, what level of cultivation have you reached?"

Li Bao boasted, "I've reached the fourth layer of the Body Refinement stage, thanks to my family's resources. But I'm the strongest among us three; you'll have to keep up."

The three shared a laugh, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious. They began discussing their cultivation insights, learning from each other as time slipped away unnoticed.

Soon, they visited the cultivation field to observe the other disciples' practices. On the field, disciples sweated profusely, each swing of the sword and punch accompanied by the sound of breaking air.

"Look, that senior's swordsmanship is amazing!" Lin Yue pointed out a disciple practicing swordsmanship.

Zhang Hao observed for a while and said, "His swordsmanship is indeed impressive; we can learn from him."

Li Bao was more focused on their pills: "Have you noticed? They refine their own pills; I want to learn that too."

On the other side of the cultivation field, Zhang Hao and his friends noticed many female disciples also training, their movements graceful yet powerful, occasionally drawing curious glances from other disciples.

"Look at the number of female disciples in Qingchuan Sect," Li Bao whispered, his eyes brightening.

Zhang Hao and Lin Yue also noticed, seeing some female disciples giggling, seemingly discussing the three newcomers.

"It seems we've attracted some attention," Zhang Hao said with a quiet laugh.

Lin Yue smiled and said, "Perhaps they're looking at Li Bao, after all, you're the wealthiest among us."

Li Bao chuckled and put on a mysterious air: "Of course, my charm is irresistible."

The three shared another laugh, the relaxed atmosphere filling them with more confidence for the upcoming trials.

In a corner of the cultivation field, they encountered an elder instructing disciples. The elder's gaze was sharp as he looked at the three and said, "You are new, right? The trials of Qingchuan Sect are not easy, but as long as you have determination, you will succeed."

Zhang Hao respectfully bowed, "Elder, we will work hard."

The elder nodded and continued his instruction, then began to explain the cultivation system and structure of Qingchuan Sect.

"Qingchuan Sect is divided into inner and outer disciples," the elder said slowly. "Outer disciples mainly cultivate the Body Refinement stage, while inner disciples begin the Orifice Opening stage. The Orifice Opening stage is divided into early, middle, and later periods, with significant differences at each minor level." The elder paused and continued, "Our sect leader has just entered the Golden Core stage, while other elders are in the later to middle stages of the Orifice Opening stage."

Zhang Hao listened intently, having never heard such detailed information about the cultivation system before. "Elder, is the gap between the Golden Core stage and the Orifice Opening stage significant?"

The elder nodded, "The Golden Core stage is a huge leap. After cultivators refine their bodies to the extreme, they begin to condense the Golden Core, start to perceive and absorb the spiritual energy of the earth for their use, and can perform some basic spells. Thus, the strength will change in quality. The gap at each minor level will also increase, so you must work hard in your cultivation to break through as soon as possible."

Lin Yue and Li Bao also listened with great interest, beginning to realize the arduous and lengthy path of cultivation.

As the sun set, the three returned to their guest quarters. Sitting in the courtyard, they discussed the day's observations and experiences.

"Qingchuan Sect is truly powerful; I feel like I have so much to learn," Lin Yue sighed.

Li Bao pondered, "We need to quickly enhance our strength to stand out in the trials."

Zhang Hao looked at the gradually brightening stars in the sky, his heart filled with determination: "Tomorrow is a new beginning. We must become official disciples of Qingchuan Sect."

As night fell, the three each returned to their rooms to make final preparations for the trials. They knew this would be their first step in Qingchuan Sect and an important step on their path of cultivation.