Li Xunxian did not say another word to Xiao Nanchu for the rest of the journey.
The Qi Refining Layer 6 Demonic Beast at the 19,000th step was eventually defeated, though Li Xunxian paid the price of sustaining light injuries.
Finally, the two reached a point just one step away from the gate at the Mountain Peak. The only remaining obstacle before them was two Demonic Beasts at Qi Refining Layer 6.
As they saw Li Xunxian and Xiao Nanchu approach, the two Fire-red Great Wolves that had been lying on the ground opened their eyes drowzily.
“Heh! The candidates for this year’s Immortal Sect selection aren’t bad. You two little brats have quite impressive talent to actually make it in front of us.”
The Fire-red Great Wolves spoke in human tongue, their beastly pupils shimmering with the light of Spirit Intelligence.
Xiao Nanchu was stunned at the sight. This was the first time he had encountered a talking monster in the game.
Li Xunxian was also briefly taken aback, but she did come from the Longyuan Empire after all. Although it could not compare to the Immortal Sect, she was still someone who had seen the world.
She quickly realized that the two Fire-red Great Wolves before them were likely the Projections of demonic pets that had attained Spirit Intelligence under the command of the Immortals. They were specifically placed at the final stage to test the new disciples who were about to enter the sect.
“Greetings, two Seniors,” Li Xunxian said, cupping her fists and bowing respectfully to the two great wolves.
Her noble status only mattered in the mortal realm and within the Longyuan Empire. Before the Immortal Sect, she naturally had to lower her posture.
When Xiao Nanchu saw the NPC bowing to the two Demonic Beasts, he followed the NPC’s lead and bowed to the two creatures as well. Although his posture was not exactly standard, it was passable.
Seeing how sensible the two were, a flicker of satisfaction flashed in the great wolves’ eyes. However, when they spoke, their tone remained strictly professional.
“No need, no need. We two brothers are merely gatekeepers. Since you two have made it this far, as long as you can pass our trial and enter the sect, you’ll have to look after us in the future…”
“You are too kind, Senior Brothers. It is we who will need you to look after us.”
Li Xunxian shifted closer toward Xiao Nanchu, speaking on behalf of the man who was standing there like a fool.
The words of these two were very clear. The brothers were indeed left here by the Immortals to guard the pass. However, one would have to be incredibly stupid to truly believe they were just “gatekeepers.” These two great wolves were bound to be the beloved pets of someone at the Elder level within the Immortal Sect; that was the only way they could secure such a critical position.
As the beloved pets of an Immortal Sect Elder, their levels would naturally not be low.
The Immortal Sect never lacked geniuses who could reach this point. If your attitude toward them was mediocre, they naturally wouldn’t say anything. However, one had to understand that there was a difference between one Qi Refining Layer 6 and another.
A Qi Refining Layer 6 with no combat experience who only knew how to use its claws and Bite was one thing. A Qi Refining Layer 6 that could spit Tianlei Dihuo and even coordinate to plot against you was something else entirely.
According to game level conversions, Qi Refining Layer 6 was indeed Level 12. However, Level 13 was also Qi Refining Layer 6.
A Level 13 who only used basic attacks was one thing, but a Level 13 with full skills and peak mechanics was quite another. In short, there was a lot of room for “adjustment” here.
As for why the difficulty of someone else’s final boss was different from yours…
Heh, luck is also a part of one’s strength. If your Immortal Fate is insufficient, there is nothing we can do about it. If it’s your turn and we two brothers happen to be in a bad mood, that’s just how it is!
But if your luck is good and your Immortal Fate is sufficient, meaning you are destined to have it, how could we two brothers possibly be in a bad mood, right?
Regardless, Li Xunxian’s attitude left the two wolf brothers quite satisfied. Although the lad behind her looked a bit dim-witted, they decided not to hold it against him for the sake of this beautiful young girl.
Soon, Li Xunxian charged forward, wielding the Qingluan Law Sword. Under the intentional guidance of the two great wolves, she even felt that her Sword Technique had improved significantly.
The Luan Fire from the Qingluan Law Sword in her hand clashed with the beast fire of the great wolves. Both sides fought fiercely, exchanging sword strikes and claw swipes.
Even though the two great wolves were taking it easy on her, Li Xunxian still could not avoid getting injured while facing two Qi Refining Layer 6 Demonic Beasts. Her clothing was shredded during the battle, revealing the precious armor shimmering with a crystalline luster beneath her white dress.
Soon, bolstered by the slight recovery ability provided by the Luan Fire of the Qingluan Law Sword and the protection of her Zijin Soft Armor, Li Xunxian finally emerged victorious.
The figures of the two great wolves turned into points of light and slowly dissipated before reforming again.
“Junior Sister is quite impressive! Although you took advantage of your Magical Artifacts, being able to defeat us two brothers truly qualifies you as a genius! We really will have to rely on you to look after us in the future!”
The two great wolves praised Li Xunxian repeatedly. Their form of address had shifted to “Junior Sister,” clearly acknowledging that she would definitely join the Immortal Sect and that her status upon entry would not be low.
Defeating those Qi Refining Layer 6 Demonic Beast phantoms on the 19,000 steps below was technically enough to pass. Their purpose here was more about selecting the best of the best for the Immortal Sect—identifying the true geniuses.
Therefore, even if they went easy, they wouldn’t make it excessively easy. This Junior Sister named Li Xunxian was truly excellent to be able to defeat them.
Then, they turned their gazes with interest toward Xiao Nanchu as he stepped forward.
“Qi Refining Layer 3?”
They had seen many people reach this level. Most were at Qi Refining Layer 5, and only a very few combat geniuses could cross two layers to defeat Qi Refining Layer 6 Demonic Beasts and stand before the brothers.
But for the one following Junior Sister Li to be only at Qi Refining Layer 3… wasn’t that a bit too low?
Glancing back at the Junior Sister who hadn’t walked far yet, the two great wolves hesitated before speaking.
“Junior Sister, why haven’t you quickly crossed into the Immortal Sect yet?”
“No, I am waiting for him.”
“Junior Sister, if someone interferes in our trial, the difficulty won’t just be at Qi Refining Layer 6 anymore.”
The two great wolves assumed Li Xunxian intended to help this fellow enter the Immortal Sect together.
While the Immortal Sect didn’t strictly forbid such things—being able to bring someone along using one’s own ability was considered a small privilege for geniuses—their trial was different. Passing their stage meant, at the very least, a direct path to becoming a registered disciple of an Elder.
Therefore, if one wanted to bring someone through them, they would have to defeat them while they were at Qi Refining Layer 7. Furthermore, they would not be allowed to go easy.
“Huh?” Li Xunxian was startled, but she quickly caught their meaning and waved her hand. “Don’t worry, Senior Brothers, I definitely won’t interfere. I’m just waiting for him here.”
“Is that so?”
The two great wolves were also stunned. They turned their heads to re-evaluate Xiao Nanchu, who stood at Qi Refining Layer 3.
Indeed, he was at Qi Refining Layer 3. He didn’t look like anything special, and the weapon in his hand wasn’t a Magical Artifact either.
There was absolutely no possibility of him defeating the two brothers. With a small frame like his, the mere wind from their paws would probably be enough to injure the guy, wouldn’t it?