In stark contrast, some of the more pampered participants had already started vomiting uncontrollably, with a few even fainting from the unbearable stench, their eyes rolling back and limbs convulsing as if they were having a seizure.

Most of those undergoing this test were female miscellaneous disciples, and their usual graceful and noble demeanor was completely shattered. Only a few managed to cover their mouths, their faces pale and bodies trembling, clearly struggling to endure.

Before long, twenty breaths had passed.

With a serious expression, Steward Zhang clapped her hands.

"Disperse!"

Whoosh...

A strong gust of wind blew away all the foul stench released by the smelly fart worms, clearing the air instantly.

An Inner Disciple announced, "Fellow junior brothers and sisters, we will now announce the names of those who passed this round of the test. Those whose names are called, please step forward to prepare for the next round. Those who did not pass, remember to clean up your vomit; any leftovers will be your responsibility!"

The pale-faced teenage girls looked at Steward Zhang as if she were a demon.

This wasn't a test; it was torture. Even the cruelest methods of extracting confessions in the mortal world weren't this nauseating.

"Alaric Ye, Donna Li, Zhou Qing..."

The list was much shorter this time. Initially, over two hundred people had participated in this round, but now only sixty or seventy remained, and apart from Alaric Ye, everyone looked pale.

The unfortunate senior and junior sisters who had been eliminated were busy cleaning up their vomit. Some of the once-wealthy disciples vomited again...

The smell in the square was still unpleasant, but it was nothing compared to the stench of the smelly fart worms. Alaric even found the air quite refreshing.

Steward Zhang said sternly, "Very well, the next round is the final test. Those who pass will become senior miscellaneous disciples of Spirit Beast Peak. The final test is about spiritual connection. Low-level spirit beasts and spirit insects lack intelligence, and to train them, you must communicate with them through spiritual connection. Thus, the strength of your spiritual connection is fundamental to becoming a Beast Master or Insect Controller!"

Under Steward Zhang's command, a large group of smelly fart worms flew to each disciple.

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An Inner Disciple said, "Next, you must use your spiritual connection to communicate with the smelly fart worms and make them follow you around the square. Do you understand?"

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

Finally, a somewhat normal test. Many were almost moved to tears.

Most disciples began trying to communicate with the smelly fart worms.

"Wow, such a cute smelly fart worm. Will you play with me?"

The smelly fart worm released a foul stench at the cute female disciple.

Another disciple gently patted the head of a smelly fart worm. "Brother Worm, if you run a lap with me, this Spirit Stone is yours!"

Pfft...

Another foul stench was released at the male disciple's face.

...

Some begged, some tried to bribe, but most disciples only received a solitary foul stench in return.

Initially, some thought this test would be somewhat normal, but... ugh... many female disciples who hadn't vomited earlier couldn't hold back this time, their faces turning blue-green from the stench.

Only a few disciples managed to communicate with the smelly fart worms with just a glance or a wave of their hand, making the worms follow them.

These were the ones whose spiritual connection was strong enough to communicate with the low-intelligence smelly fart worms.

Unsurprisingly, the fastest runner was Alaric Ye, who communicated with the smelly fart worm in an instant. By the time other disciples had run half a lap, he had already completed a full lap.

In fact, if he wanted, with just a thought, all the smelly fart worms would swarm to him, but that would draw too much attention.

When you lack strength, you must keep a low profile.

The Ancient Ring of the Insect Emperor was his secret, as was his Insect Emperor's body. His mana being stronger than others at the same level could be explained by consuming Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, but having an overwhelmingly strong spiritual connection was hard to justify.

Buzzing...

The smelly fart worm that had followed Alaric Ye around the lap happily buzzed around him, then landed on his palm, rubbing against it affectionately.

The disciples who hadn't managed to communicate with the smelly fart worms were on the verge of tears.

Why was it that for them, the worms were disgusting pests, but for Alaric Ye, they were adorable pets?

Was there no justice in this world?

Soon, half an hour had passed.

An Inner Disciple, seeing that no one else could communicate with the smelly fart worms, announced the results of this round: "Those who did not pass, please stop trying. Passing two rounds is already excellent. You can try your luck at other peaks or join Spirit Beast Peak after reaching the third level of Qi Refining. Spiritual connection can be enhanced through training!"

Shortly after, the disciples who didn't pass left dejectedly.

The square, which had initially held five or six hundred people, now had only about twenty left, with a pass rate of just one in thirty. Steward Zhang was indeed extremely strict.

Steward Zhang's gaze softened as she looked at the remaining disciples. She announced loudly, "From this moment, you are senior miscellaneous disciples of Spirit Beast Peak. Once you reach the third level of Qi Refining, you can be promoted to senior outer disciples, a rank higher than ordinary outer disciples."

"The hardships you've endured are worth it!"

"In addition, I will personally give you some small gifts. The smelly fart worms beside you are spirit insects I have carefully raised. They have excellent bloodlines, are more intelligent than their peers, and have superior cultivation talents. They will be your first personal spirit insects."

Everyone's eyes lit up with joy.

Generally, senior miscellaneous disciples could only be promoted to ordinary outer disciples after reaching the third level of Qi Refining, and further promotion required additional tests. But now, Steward Zhang was giving them the right to be directly promoted to senior outer disciples.

This was a pleasant surprise, and she was also giving each of them a smelly fart worm. The larvae of these worms were worth at least one Spirit Stone each, and these, raised by Steward Zhang, were worth dozens of Spirit Stones.

Steward Zhang said, "The gas released by smelly fart worms can be concentrated and refined into alchemical ingredients or sold directly for making poison gas. Proper use will make you wealthier than other disciples."

"In addition, I will reward the top three performers in this test."

"Alaric Ye."

Alaric Ye was slightly surprised and quickly stepped forward, bowing. "Alaric Ye greets Steward Zhang."

Steward Zhang smiled faintly, showing appreciation. "You were the best performer in this test. These thirty Spirit Stones are your reward. Work hard in Spirit Beast Peak, contribute to the peak and the sect!"

She handed over a small pouch.

Hearing about the thirty Spirit Stones, Alaric Ye's eyes lit up. He quickly bowed again and said loudly, "Thank you, Steward Zhang!"