The trial site wasn't far from Xin Mountain.
After leaving the northern slope, the north part of Xin Mountain was a relatively flat plain. Under natural conditions, the grass and trees were sparse here. But after the cultivators from the Mountain River City and the Flowing Cloud Sect altered the climate and water systems, it was now a lush and beautiful land. In the middle of this vast grassland, there was a large forest. The forest was circular and divided into two zones. These two areas were separated by a Taiji Fish line, with the left side being a deep, unbroken green, and the right side being a mix of light green and earthy yellow. The whole forest resembled a Taiji diagram.
Su Junyu explained, "That's what the trial area looks like. The green area is the exploration-type experiment zone, while the yellow-green mixed area is the combat and survival trial zone."
Ma Zi Miao curiously asked, "Su Shixiong, why are the two areas divided like this?"
"This is an experimental zone. The entire forest is regulated by the method of Spirit Beast Mountain's senior experts, and the evolutionary speed of species here is nearly a hundred times faster than outside. The experiments in both areas are different. In the exploration zone, attacking the beasts is forbidden. Even if the beasts attack you, you are not allowed to cause irreversible harm unless absolutely necessary. In the combat zone, cultivators are free to hunt the beasts." Su Junyu pointed to the forest and smiled, "This forest was originally one. When the Immortal Alliance was first established, a few Grandmasters from Tianling Ridge planted this forest out of idle curiosity. After the Divine Lord of Heavenly Choice took over the main hall, they started this experiment to compare the differences in the beasts between the two zones, aiming to explore the path of life's evolution."
Wang Qi felt some admiration for this experiment. Some experiments would be utterly impossible to conduct on Earth. Not to mention how difficult it is to accelerate the evolution of species by a hundred times in a specific area, even the experimental period itself would wear out several generations of scientists.
Wu Fan turned pale after hearing this, "Su Shixiong, will we be affected by this method after entering? Will our bloodlines be rewritten or our bodies change in bad ways?"
Ma Zi Miao and Wu Shiqin also changed expressions. Especially Ma Zi Miao, as she was only half-demon, her bloodline was not as stable as humans'.
The two girls thought the same. If they were to become mutated because of the forest's law, it would be a big loss.
Su Junyu shook his head, "Unless someone is pregnant, there's no risk of harm. Even then, the effect is mostly benign. You're not... um... expecting, right?"
Ma Zi Miao's face turned red, and she stomped her foot, "Su Shixiong, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Su Junyu continued, "This method won't harm you. If any of you have mastered the 'Heavenly Evolution Diagram', this forest is actually a rare cultivation treasure ground, where you can directly absorb the Qi of the Immortal Recluse."
Wang Qi's gaze on the forest immediately changed. The "Heavenly Evolution Diagram" was the only cultivation technique he couldn't grasp at an advanced level, and now, he was forced to focus on it as his main cultivation method. This had been troubling him for a while. If this forest could truly help with that technique, then there was hope for him to master it before graduation.
Under Su Junyu's hand seals, the flying boat steadily landed on the ground. Su Junyu took out a talisman, "The whole forest is surrounded by a formation, and the only entrance is at the Taiji Yin-Yang Eye position. Activate this talisman within a hundred zhang of the formation, and the formation will guide us inside. Everyone, gather close."
The five of them stood together, and Su Junyu activated the talisman. A light burst from it, enveloping them. Wang Qi immediately felt a strong sense of weightlessness, and everything around them became eerily silent, with the exception of the space protected by the talisman, which remained visible. The next moment, the air was filled with the sounds of insects and light. They had entered the forest.
Where they appeared was a circular white stone slab, which had intricate restrictions. Surrounding the stone slab was a dense and flourishing forest.
Wu Shiqin was about to step forward, but Su Junyu called out to her, "Wait, I have a few things to tell you."
With everyone's attention now on him, Su Junyu cleared his throat and spoke, "In this trial, I will not intervene or offer guidance. If you get into trouble that requires me to step in and resolve, the trial will be considered a failure. If any of your actions result in mistakes that lower the trial rating or reduce your rewards, that's not my responsibility."
He paused and asked, "Do you all still remember the Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions of the Immortal Alliance? Recite them in your hearts."
The Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions were the behavioral guidelines that every Immortal Alliance cultivator must remember at all times. Lower-level disciples might not have a firm determination to pursue the Dao, so having laws to restrain themselves helped them avoid going astray and ruining their own cultivation.
The Three Principles are: Do not break the laws, do not recklessly harm the natural world, and do not harm the human race.
The Eight Prohibitions are: Do not be arrogant; Do not shame others; Do not be greedy; Do not be hasty; Do not harm the innocent; Do not interfere with the will of heaven; Do not indulge in perverse desires; Do not be cruel.
"The Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions are concise yet profound, embodying the rich thoughts and ideas of the Immortal Alliance. They reflect the nature of the Immortal Alliance, its purpose of guarding the heavens, its commitment to separating immortals from mortals, and showing that the Immortal Alliance is a new kind of Daoist alliance…"
This was the introduction given by the Immortal Academy's instructor when teaching the Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions. It almost made Wang Qi's mind start humming a melody: "Immortal Alliance disciples must remember, the three major disciplines and eight items to pay attention to…"
After recalling the Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions, Su Junyu continued, "This time, you should come up with your own plan. Always remember the Three Principles and Eight Prohibitions when you act. These guidelines are also very beneficial to your path of cultivation. Do you understand?"
After saying this, Su Junyu took out a map and a mission list and then no longer paid attention to the others. He took out a meditation mat and sat down in a corner.
Looking at Su Junyu's serious expression, Wang Qi couldn't help but have a strange thought, "Could it be that this guy actually has a reliable side?"
No, no! "A shut-in becoming an outgoing person" is just like "a fat guy turning into a handsome guy" — it's only a psychological comfort for certain groups!
However, now wasn't the time to think about that. Wang Qi shook off the distractions and, according to Su Junyu's words, began planning the course of action for the trial with his companions.
Su Junyu had accepted 85 missions for Wang Qi and the others. Among them, 16 were to record the movements of beast groups, 27 were to collect plant samples, 5 were to gather ordinary insect samples, and 39 were related to other missions. These 85 tasks were worth a total of 96 merit points, to be split equally among the four of them—each of them would receive 24, assuming all the tasks were completed successfully.
Wang Qi looked at the mission list and quickly made a plan.