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

In the square, the disciples' breathing echoed, the air tense as the elder's voice rang out again, announcing the rules for the third test.

"Next, I will conduct a talent test for you to determine whether you can continue your cultivation and whether you are qualified to join us," the elder's words were concise and forceful, each syllable striking the disciples' hearts with weight.

"You will strike the 'Trial Stone,' and the color of the stone's light will reveal your aptitude. Those without cultivation talent will be asked to leave, but those with good aptitude can directly enter the inner sect as inner disciples. Those with average aptitude will become outer disciples," the elder explained.

Zhang Hao, Lin Yue, and Li Bao clenched their fists, knowing this was a crucial moment for their future. The Trial Stone stood silently in the center of the square, awaiting the challenge of the disciples.

The elder pulled out a list and began to call out the first tester's name. The surrounding disciples made no sound, quietly waiting for their names to be called.

"Zhao Gang!" the elder called out the first name.

Zhang Hao saw the man with short hair and a robust figure respond in a deep voice, "Yes!"

He took a firm stance, raised his fist, and struck the Trial Stone with all his might, causing the stone to emit a dazzling purple light.

"This is truly rare; you have the qualifications to become an inner disciple directly," the elder said with satisfaction, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Zhao Gang.

Suddenly, Lin Yue's gaze fell on Zhao Gang, her face slightly changing. She recognized this face, a name she was familiar with—Zhao Qian. Zhao Qian had business dealings with her family and had been pursuing Lin Yue, despite her repeated rejections. His persistent pursuit was tiresome to her.

Zhao Gang noticed Lin Yue's gaze and approached her with a confident smile, "Lin Yue, I didn't expect to meet you here."

Lin Yue frowned, not welcoming Zhao Gang's presence, "Zhao Qian, why are you here?"

Zhao Gang's eyes flickered with a gleam as he turned to Zhang Hao, his tone provocative, "And who might this be?"

Lin Yue quickly replied, "He is my companion, Zhang Hao."

Zhao Gang scrutinized Zhang Hao and sneered, "A puny fellow like you, do you even deserve to stand with Lin Yue?"

Zhang Hao's eyes flickered with determination as he met Zhao Gang's gaze, "The path of cultivation is long and arduous; your arrogance will be your downfall."

Zhao Gang's face darkened; he didn't expect such talk from an unknown guy. He said coldly, "We'll see what abilities you have."

The atmosphere grew tense as other disciples paused to watch the sudden conflict. The elder frowned but did not immediately intervene.

"Enough, Zhao Gang. Do not insult my friend. Please leave immediately," Lin Yue said with displeasure. Seeing this, Zhao Gang could not argue further and left, glaring at Zhang Hao as he went.

The elder, seeing that Zhao Gang had said his piece, continued with the list, "Next! Xia Qingbi."

Zhang Hao watched as a girl with lively, shining eyes skipped forward, her skin as white as jade, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, perhaps from the tension of the trial. Xia Qingbi puffed out her cheeks and struck the Trial Stone with her delicate arm. A murmur arose from the crowd as the stone emitted another purple light. The elder's eyes filled with delight, "Another purple talent today; it's a great day for Qingchuan Sect."

"Next, Zhang Hao!"

Zhang Hao took a deep breath, knowing he could not back down, not just for Lin Yue but for his own dignity. He approached the Trial Stone, concentrated all his strength, and struck it. The stone made a muffled sound, but the reaction was weak, emitting only a faint light.

"Zhang Hao, outer sect aptitude," the elder announced, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Seeing this, Zhao Gang immediately came over and mocked, "Is that all you've got? How pitiful."

Zhang Hao was indifferent to Zhao Gang's attitude, calmly stepping down from the testing platform and standing with the new group as if the ridicule didn't affect him.

The test continued, and Lin Yue and Li Bao completed their tests. Lin Yue was rated as having superior aptitude, while Li Bao, though average in talent, was taken in by an elder for his unique alchemy skills and became an inner disciple.

As the test ended, some disciples left Qingchuan Sect with reluctance. The remaining disciples were guided to the inner and outer sects. Although Zhang Hao didn't make it to the inner sect, his heart was filled with determination. He believed that as a transmigrator, he would one day change his destiny.

Zhao Gang approached Zhang Hao, a arrogant in his eyes, "Zhang Hao, even though you've only made it to the outer sect, don't lose heart. I'll be waiting for you in the inner sect, hoping you can catch up to me one day."

Zhang Hao smiled slightly, knowing Zhao Gang's provocation stemmed from arrogance, but he would not be defeated, "Zhao Gang, I will work hard, and one day, I will surpass you."

Zhao Gang laughed and turned away. Zhang Hao watched his back, vowing to become stronger.

"Zhang Hao, no matter where you are, we are your friends. We will work hard and progress together," Lin Yue and Li Bao approached Zhang Hao, their eyes full of support.

Zhang Hao looked at them with gratitude, "Thank you, let's all do our best together."

Before leaving, Lin Yue leaned slightly forward, her cheeks gradually flushing with a hint of determination. "You can find me when you're free… for practice or something."

Zhang Hao looked at the girl close to him, her curved eyebrows like crescent moons. The faint fragrance of a maiden emanated from Lin Yue, and Zhang Hao felt almost enveloped by her scent, momentarily losing himself in it.

Seeing Zhang Hao ignore her, Lin Yue let out a petulant humph and turned to leave.