Chapter 9: The Prelude to the Trial of Inner Demons

News of the Trial of Inner Demons thundered through the Immortal Sect like a sudden storm, tightening Yun Yao’s heart with tension.

She set down the ancient tome in her hands and rose, moving to the window. Her gaze stretched toward the distant mountain peak shrouded in thick mist—that was the very entrance to the Trial of Inner Demons.

At the foot of the mountain, Yun Yao carefully examined the protective formation guarding the trial’s entrance.

The array shimmered with a pale blue light, intricate and mysterious runes flowing within it, expanding and contracting like the rhythm of breathing.

The very air around seemed to thicken under the weight of the formation, exuding a subtle but unsettling pressure.

“I’ve heard this trial is tougher than ever before. I wonder how many will actually pass,” murmured a disciple nearby.

“Indeed. My senior brother took part last year. He came back completely changed and hasn’t recovered since,” another replied.

“Ah, the inner demons are the hardest to deal with. One misstep, and you’re lost forever,” someone else sighed.

Fragments of their hushed conversations drifted into Yun Yao’s ears like sharp needles, pricking her restless spirit.

She took a deep breath, striving to calm herself.

“Hey, isn’t that junior sister Yun Yao? What, here to witness the dread of the Trial of Inner Demons?” a sarcastic voice cut through her thoughts.

Yun Yao turned to see Chen Xuan standing there, arms crossed, a mocking smile curling his lips.

“I hear you’ve been thriving in the Spirit Herb Garden lately, lucky enough to solve the herb mutation issue with ease. But this trial isn’t something luck can get you through. I’d advise you to turn back now, lest you lose your life inside and waste your precious fortune,” Chen Xuan said quietly but clearly enough for the surrounding disciples to hear.

Yun Yao’s fists clenched involuntarily, her nails digging deep into her palms, sending sharp pain through her.

She knew Chen Xuan was deliberately provoking her, but she had no desire to engage him now.

Taking another steadying breath, she suppressed her anger, cast him a cold glance, and turned away.

Back in her room, Yun Yao sat cross-legged on her bed and closed her eyes, scenes from before she entered this world flashing through her mind...

“Inner demons...” she whispered softly.

Opening the door, she was greeted by the faint scent of herbs—an aroma left from her usual preparations in the Spirit Herb Garden.

Yet now, that familiar fragrance failed to soothe her.

She closed the door, plunging the room into dimness, save for the faint moonlight filtering through the window and casting mottled shadows on the floor.

Approaching the desk, she reached for the teapot but found it empty.

“Sigh...” Yun Yao sighed deeply, sinking into the chair with fatigue.

Closing her eyes, memories from her previous life surged like a tide.

The sickbed, the sharp scent of disinfectant, cold instruments, and her parents’ anxious eyes...

Those agonizing memories clung to her like a persistent wound, suffocating her breath.

Her body trembled slightly, sweat beading on her brow, her complexion turning as pale as paper.

The air in the room seemed to freeze, thick with oppression.

Biting her lip fiercely, she fought to control her emotions, but the painful memories poured forth like a raging flood, overwhelming her.

“I... I will pass this trial!” she suddenly opened her eyes, determination blazing within them.

She knew that only by conquering the Trial of Inner Demons could she truly free herself from these tormenting memories and survive in this world.

Suddenly, a knock broke the silence.

“Yun Yao, are you there?” It was Jun Mohan’s voice.

Startled, Yun Yao quickly rose to open the door.

Jun Mohan stood outside, holding an ancient book, his expression tinged with concern.

“I heard you’ve been troubled by the upcoming trial, so I came to check on you.”

“How did you know...” Yun Yao asked, surprised.

Jun Mohan smiled gently and handed her the book.

“These are some insights I gathered from my own battles with inner demons. They might help you.”

As Yun Yao’s fingers brushed his hand, a warm current surged through her heart.

She had expected Jun Mohan to doubt her participation like the others, but he had instead chosen to support her.

“Thank you, senior brother Jun,” her voice choked with emotion.

“No need for thanks. I want what’s best for you,” Jun Mohan said, his gaze settling on the book in her hands. “This book contains methods to resist inner demons. Study it carefully—you might find some enlightenment.” He paused, his eyes deepening. “But most importantly, keep a steadfast heart.”

Yun Yao nodded, clutching the book tightly as if grasping hope itself.

“I understand.”

Jun Mohan looked at her. “Tomorrow, I’ll be waiting at the trial entrance.” With that, he turned and left, leaving behind a lingering voice: “Remember, no matter what happens, believe in yourself.”

Watching Jun Mohan’s retreating figure, a strange feeling swelled in Yun Yao’s chest.

Her eyes dropped to the book’s cover, boldly inscribed with four characters: "Heart-Breaking Manual."

She took a deep breath and opened to the first page...

Returning to her desk, Yun Yao flipped through the Heart-Breaking Manual, her eyes scanning the lines swiftly as clarity dawned within her.

The book not only recorded various techniques to combat inner demons but also detailed how to maintain a resolute heart and how to redeem oneself at critical moments.

As she read further, a particular passage brightened her gaze.

It mentioned that some people, unknowingly, had already overcome parts of their inner demons—they simply hadn’t realized it yet.

Yun Yao recalled the days before entering this world—the pain, the confusion about the future, and the countless efforts and challenges in the Spirit Herb Garden. Vivid images began to form in her mind.

At that moment, she suddenly understood: she had already grown stronger without even noticing.

“Turns out, I’m stronger than I thought,” Yun Yao said excitedly, clenching her fist, a surge of confidence rising within.

She stood and walked to the window, pushing it open. Fresh air swept in, carrying a faint scent of herbs.

She inhaled deeply, feeling a power welling up from within.

Disciples gathered one after another at the trial entrance. Seeing Yun Yao’s confident demeanor, many cast her admiring glances.

Xiao Die approached with several disciples, carrying sacks filled with spiritual medicines and talismans.

“Junior sister Yun Yao, we’ve prepared some things for you. Hopefully, they’ll be useful in the trial,” Xiao Die said sincerely.

Yun Yao accepted the gifts, her hands trembling slightly, tears of gratitude welling in her eyes.

“Thank you all. Thank you,” her voice faltered, yet her heart overflowed with warmth.

She exchanged smiles with Xiao Die and the others, their friendship deepened in that moment.

At last, the moment of the Trial of Inner Demons arrived. Yun Yao stood at the threshold, took a deep breath, ready to step into the unknown.

All eyes watched her; Jun Mohan gave a slight nod, silently encouraging her.

With full confidence, Yun Yao took a step forward. Just as she was about to enter the trial grounds, she paused and glanced back at those beside her.

Jun Mohan’s voice echoed gently in her ear: “Remember, no matter what happens, believe in yourself.”

Yun Yao nodded, her eyes shining with resolve. She drew in another steady breath and firmly stepped forward.

The entrance to the trial instantly darkened, turning ominous and foreboding, like a bottomless abyss awaiting her challenge.