Volume One: First Steps into the Path Chapter Sixteen: Peaceful Spirits

He did not know how much time had passed, but as Ye Junze slowly regained consciousness, it was as if he sensed something, prompting him to open his eyes. The moment his eyes fluttered open and he tried to discern his surroundings, the same familiar electronic voice sounded, “Ye Junze, welcome to the Anze Entrance Test.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Junze began to survey his surroundings. He found himself atop a mountain, with mist swirling about and clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The expanse above was a deep and tranquil blue, filling him with an immediate sense of serenity. In Ye Junze’s heart, if there truly existed a realm of immortals, it would surely resemble this place—an earthly paradise that beckoned one to linger forever.

Entranced by everything before him, Ye Junze seemed to have forgotten something important. Suddenly, a faint blue figure materialized and spoke, “Ye Junze, the test is about to begin.” Startled by the sudden apparition, Ye Junze finally snapped back to reality, nervously asking, “Who are you? Where is this place?” As he spoke, he examined the figure before him. In his perception, it seemed intangible, almost unreal—like a 3D projection, so ethereal that a gentle touch might make it vanish.

Ye Junze looked up at the floating figure, which gradually became clearer, eventually revealing itself as a young girl. She had delicate features and long hair cascading to her waist. This transformation lent her a touch of reality, dispelling some of the illusion.

All of this happened in an instant. Apparently satisfied with her new form, the girl nodded approvingly and said, “I am Anling, the spirit that maintains the normal functions of Anze Academy. In human terms, I am the central brain that manages all affairs at Anze—think of me as the CPU of a computer, only thousands of times more powerful.” Anling declared this with pride.

Ye Junze thought helplessly, “Are spirits nowadays always so down-to-earth? How do they know everything?” Yet outwardly, he remained composed and asked, “Then what is this place?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. We’re still in the trial arena, but this place is a simulation of the environment you desire most, drawn from the depths of your heart. Impressive, isn’t it?” Anling blinked expectantly, eager for praise.

Recalling his own fascination moments ago, Ye Junze couldn’t help but compliment, “It’s incredible—I even found myself wishing I could live here forever.”

Hearing this, Anling grew even prouder. “Of course! You should know who made it.” She raised her fist in triumph, then paused and continued, “Strange—I sense a kindred aura from you. Are you a spirit, like me?” Just as Ye Junze was about to respond, she interrupted herself, “No, no, you have the aura of a human. How odd.”

Ye Junze realized she must have sensed Mengyuan, which explained why Mengyuan had remained silent since the beginning, unwilling to reveal itself. With this in mind, Ye Junze said, “When I arrived, Teacher Xiaoyue from Qingxuan gave me a small sword. She told me there was a sword spirit inside. Perhaps that’s what you’re sensing?”

Anling pondered for a moment. “Her, huh? If it’s her, then it’s no surprise.” Suddenly remembering something, she slapped her forehead. “Ah, I nearly forgot the main thing. We can talk later—there will be plenty of times you’ll need me. Now, let’s get down to business. I hereby announce the official start of Ye Junze’s test.”

Ye Junze wondered, “We were just having a normal conversation—why the sudden test?” He couldn’t help but ask, “How does this test work?”

“You don’t have to do anything. Just think of what you most desire to do in your mind.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Junze closed his eyes and began to search for his deepest wish. What was it that he truly longed for? In the past, he only wanted to study hard, attend a good university, find a job, fall in love, marry, raise children, and care for his parents—helping them enjoy a happy life. But two years ago, he realized that such a life was no longer his. Now, his only wish was to uncover the truth and protect his family. To accomplish this, he needed to become stronger.

Thus, his desire condensed into a single word: “Strength.” If he had enough power, he would one day discover the truth.

Meanwhile, Anling was busy with something mysterious, muttering under her breath. As she worked, Ye Junze entered a peculiar state. His thoughts intensified, and the idea of becoming strong solidified into his core conviction. In the end, only “strength” remained in his mind; all other thoughts faded away.

“To become stronger—yes, only by growing stronger can I safeguard what I cherish and seek the truth. This is my path; my path is to be powerful!”

As Ye Junze’s mind brimmed with these thoughts, the world around him seemed to respond. A fierce wind rose from nowhere, swirling the mist and clouds. The floating clouds changed shape, mirroring the surge of his determination. The transformation of this place grew more intense, as if a cosmic anomaly had appeared between heaven and earth.

Anling watched in awe. “What kind of person is he, to possess such potent and unwavering willpower? I hope you achieve what you desire.”

As she spoke, she gently touched Ye Junze’s head, whispering, “Awaken.”

After all this, Ye Junze, who had been lost in his thoughts, suddenly snapped back to consciousness. Remembering what had just transpired, he asked, “What happened to me?”

“Nothing—only that you have found your path,” Anling replied after a pause. “Your test is over. You may rest here for a while; soon you will awaken.”

“All right, thank you.”

Thinking back on the test, Ye Junze let out a long sigh. “It’s finally over. I wonder which division I’ll end up in?”