The sudden sensation of being transported jolted Rinne.

Her body felt weightless for an instant, and when her vision cleared, she found herself standing on the platform alongside the other participants. The abrupt shift in environment marked the trial’s completion.

Rinne subtly shifted her weight, testing how much movement her body could handle. Despite her efforts to adjust to the pain in the cave, the throbbing ache from her unstable spiritual root still lingered, sharp and unrelenting. For days, she had been forced to remain still, each slight movement an agonizing task. The pain was far worse than she’d anticipated.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she recalled her desperate solution in the cave.

The pain had grown unbearable, forcing her to use the Phantasmal Mirage Art, one of her most trusted techniques from her previous life. This art was intricate, involving multiple disciplines such as formations, music, and alchemy, allowing the user to exploit lights, sounds, and even fragrances to deceive the mind.

In the past, it had been one of her favorite techniques alongside Earthshadow and Featherstep technique, assisting her to sneak past sects and clan strongholds undetected. However, in her current condition, she lacked the strength to execute it at full capacity.

Still, she didn’t need the technique in all its grandeur.

A simple application of self-hypnosis, using the art to block her brain’s reception of pain signals, was more than sufficient for her purposes. With her current state, that was all she could manage.

'Reducing the pain by 90% should be enough, I can't dull myself completely.'

She knew that it would be unwise to eliminate her pain completely, as it served as an important signal from her body to warn itself that something was wrong, and also as a means of knowing how far along the process of stabilizing her spiritual roots was. Therefore, she reduced her pain by about 90%, leaving a manageable stinging sensation centered in her lower abdomen.

Standing on the platform now, Rinne maintained a composed appearance.

The pain had become bearable, like a dull throb in the background. It was annoying, but no longer hindered her movements. She observed her surroundings, her gaze swept over the other participants as they materialized onto the platform one by one.

Immediately, tensions were visible. Some of the participants glared at one another with barely concealed hostility, grudges from the trial simmering beneath the surface.

A boy with a deep gash on his arm sneered at another who was nursing a bruise on his face. Across from them, a group of three stood together, their eyes filled with disdain as they looked down on the scattered wounded. It was clear that conflict had broken out during the trial, and more than a few had resorted to robbing others of their spiritual cores to meet the requirements.

One participant—a tall, lanky youth with a smirk plastered on his face—casually playing with the spatial bag in his hand as if boasting his survival. Another, a boy with disheveled hair and a dirt-streaked face, stood hunched, clutching his side as if in pain but trying to keep a straight face.

Rinne could feel the resentment brewing in the air.

Some participants would likely carry grudges beyond this trial. But for now, they all had to suppress their grievances. After all, they had made it this far, and there was still the matter of being accepted into a sect.

Rinne glanced around more carefully. Many of the participants bore injuries, some more severe than others—but none looked to be on the verge of collapse. The wooden tokens had done their job, transporting them out of the trial before any permanent damage was inflicted. As for whether anyone had perished in the trial due to losing their token... well, Rinne didn’t particularly care.

Such details weren’t her concern.

The next step was the counting of spiritual cores, an event she already knew was merely a formality.

Thanks to the memories of Elder Soryn, Rinne was aware that the participants had been under constant observation via the Mirror Viewing Platform throughout the trial. The elders had witnessed every movement. The counting of cores wasn’t what determined their fate. What truly mattered was whether they had caught the attention of an elder.

Those who had impressed an elder would be invited to join their sect as inner disciples or, in rare cases, as personal disciples if their talent was exceptional. For those who hadn’t stood out, they would still be allowed to choose a sect, but they would begin as outer disciples with no special privileges.

As for herself, Rinne wasn’t particularly concerned with becoming an inner disciple.

The title was prestigious, yes, but it wasn’t her current priority. She had too many secrets, things she couldn’t afford to reveal. The matter of her spiritual root had been solved for now, but there were other risks. Her knowledge of alchemy and formations, for one, was far too advanced for a child her age. If she stood out too much, people might start asking questions—dangerous questions.

'I can’t draw too much attention. Not yet. They might think I’m some ancient soul possessing a child’s body.'

If anyone suspected something unnatural, she could be accused of being an old soul who had seized a child’s body through forbidden techniques. That would be just creating her endless trouble.

Fortunately, she knew that the Mirror Viewing Platform had not extended its surveillance into the cave where she had drawn formations and refined pills. Her most important actions had remained unseen.

As she mulled over these thoughts, a familiar voice interrupted her.

"Rin! It’s good you’re also fine."

Turning, Rinne saw Kael hurrying toward her, his expression bright with relief.

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She replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"You too. Thanks for the talisman. It was very useful."

The fireball talisman he gave her was indeed useful, but she didn't tell him clearly what she used it for. He would never imagined that the talisman he gave was not used for combat, but instead to ignite a fire to refine pills.

Kael grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

"I’m glad it helped! I was worried for a bit, especially when I didn’t see you in the later stages of the trial."

It seems like he took the time to look for Rinne.

Unfortunately, there was no way he would be able to find her, as she had locked herself in her hiding cave from the third day until the end.

"I stayed out of sight, it was safer that way."

Rinne said simply, her tone neutral. She wouldn’t reveal the extent of her injuries or her struggles.

Kael nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, a lot of people were fighting over cores in the end. It got ugly."

"I can see that."

Rinne glanced at the participants still glaring at one another.

The crowd around them continued to shift, some participants banding together while others eyed potential enemies. Grudges, alliances, and unspoken rivalries simmered just below the surface.

A few minutes later, the result assessment process began.

The examiner elder teleported onto the platform, followed by representatives from various sects. It was the same elder who had announced the start of the third trial, but now he looked different. Dressed in the official robes of the Immortal Alliance, he projected an aura of authority and importance that was absent during his earlier casual appearance.

'Now he decides to act the part.'

Rinne glanced at the elder's formal attire, silently noting this.

She couldn't help but feel that it was a bit theatrical—putting on robes just for the show of it.

"The trial has concluded. It is now time to assess your results."

The elder announced, his voice was loud and clear, carrying across the platform as he motioned for the participants to line up. One by one, they stepped forward, presenting their spatial bags for examination.

As the participants formed a line, the examiner elder began the assessment. One by one, they stepped forward to present their spatial bags for evaluation. The platform buzzed with tension as everyone waited for their turn, each eager to know the results and hoping to catch the attention of the sect elders.

The examiner scanned the next spatial bag with his spiritual sense.

"Neryn Solas, 197 spiritual cores,"

A murmur ran through the crowd. Neryn, a lean boy with a confident look, stepped forward, holding his chin high. His performance had clearly caught the interest of several sect elders.

An elder from the Horizon Peak Sect said first, his robes marked with golden embroidery symbolizing the sect's status.

"An impressive number. Horizon Peak Sect extends an invitation for you to join as an inner disciple."

"The Shimmering Moon Sect would also welcome you among our inner disciples. You have potential."

A second elder, cloaked in the dark blue robes of the Shimmering Moon Sect, also followed in.

Neryn glanced between the two elders, his eyes betraying a mix of excitement and pride. After a brief pause, he respectfully bowed to the elders. He straightened, his voice firm as he committed to his decision.

"I am honored by both offers, but I choose to join the Shimmering Moon Sect."

The elder from the Shimmering Moon Sect gave a satisfied nod, while the elder from the Horizon Peak Sect shrugged indifferently. The other participants watched with a mix of envy and admiration as Neryn stepped aside.

The examiner continued the process, calling forth the next participant.

"Elara Myris, 215 spiritual cores."

Elara, a tall and composed girl with sharp eyes, stepped forward. A hint of satisfaction crossed her face at the mention of her count.

An elder from the Silent Gale Sect announced, his voice full of admiration.

"Such a remarkable result, the Silent Gale Sect invites you to join our ranks as an inner disciple."

"The Scarlet Sun Sect also extends an invitation. With us, you will find your path to greatness."

A second elder, this one with the unmistakable crimson sash of the Scarlet Sun Sect, added.

Elara stood silent for a moment, her eyes scanning the faces of the two elders. There was a flicker of calculation in her gaze. She then bowed gracefully.

"Thank you both for the invitations. I accept the offer from the Silent Gale Sect,"

"You have made a wise decision. We look forward to seeing you grow."

The elder from the Silent Gale Sect nodded in acknowledgment.

Finally, the examiner turned to the next participant in line, his eyes assessing.

"Deren Keral, 352 spiritual cores,"

He announced, prompting a stir of interest among the gathered elders. Deren stepped forward with a look of pride, puffing his chest slightly at the impressive total.

An elder from the Obsidian Gate Sect praised, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

“Excellent, the Obsidian Gate Sect would be honored to have you as an inner disciple."

"The Horizon Peak Sect also extends an invitation. Your abilities are not to be overlooked."

Not to be outdone, a second elder from the Horizon Peak Sect chimed in.

Deren took a moment, glancing between the two elders, his excitement palpable. He bowed deeply before responding,

"Thank you for your generous offers. I choose to join the Obsidian Gate Sect."

"A fine choice. You will have the guidance you need to reach your full potential."

The elder from the Obsidian Gate Sect nodded approvingly.

Watching the scene unfold, Rinne could only sigh internally,

'Hypocrites. They call themselves righteous, yet they praise robbery as skill.'

She knew very well that obtaining such a large number of spiritual cores was nearly impossible through regular hunting. The so-called "righteous" sects often operated under a veneer of justice, yet they condoned underhanded tactics if it benefited their disciples.

'What's the difference between them and an evil cultivator? Perhaps just the cultivation method.'

Rinne couldn't help but ponder, the thought felt bitter in her mind.

Her eyes flicked toward the elders as she continued her silent observations. The hypocrisy extended to the Immortal Alliance's strict stance on cultivation methods. The Alliance banned any method they deemed "unorthodox" without truly considering its nature.

A method like Gu cultivation, which raised a Gu insect inside the user's body by feeding it the user’s vitality, wasn't inherently evil. It was harmful, certainly, but the practice itself caused no direct harm to others. And yet, the Alliance labeled such methods as "forbidden techniques" and hunted down anyone who practiced them.

Yet, despite their hypocrisy, she was here to join their ranks. For now, the sects represented safety and an opportunity to gather resources. They were her best chance for protection in a world where strength ruled.

She thought with a touch of bitterness.

'Maybe I’m no different... Perhaps I’m even worse, considering all I did in my second life.'

This was the trend of the world. The strong oppressed the weak, and everyone scrambled to survive. She was just one person and could not go against the current, no matter how much she despised it.