Since this was a goal-oriented test, choosing the right route was crucial. Han Luo reached into his backpack and pulled out something resembling a magnifying glass.

  It was a custom-made tool that he had specially requested a cultivator to refine for him.

  Its function was identical to that of a regular magnifying glass, except it could automatically adjust the level of magnification.

  At its highest setting, it could amplify details up to 100 times, similar to a microscope.

  Holding the magnifying glass, Han Luo meticulously examined the ground, scanning frame by frame for something specific.

  Before long, he found it—fresh footprints. Many people had taken this path, their footsteps overlapping in a chaotic mess.

  Following a road that others had already traveled was the safest and most reliable choice. Let others act as his guide dogs while he simply followed in their footsteps—easy and stress-free.

  This had been Han Luo ’s plan all along. His objective was simple: complete the test in one piece and join Luo Xian Sect.

  Nothing else mattered. Following the trail of footprints, he trekked for an entire day.

  As expected, there were no dangers along the way. The journey was smooth, almost as if he were just touring a scenic forest.

  That said…

  Han Luo never let his guard down. He had two Wind-Chasing Talismans attached to his thighs, always ready to flee.

  His senses were heightened, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for threats. A single misstep, and he could be ambushed by a beast.

  After all, this was a sect entrance exam, and caution was always necessary. As the sunset dyed the sky red, it was time to stop for the night.

  Traveling after dark was inherently risky, especially in a dense, untamed forest. The danger level skyrocketed at night.

  While there was still daylight, he needed to set up a safe resting spot. With practiced ease, he constructed a secure shelter. Then, he removed his backpack—which was no ordinary bag.

  It was a rudimentary spatial storage device.

  Since he wasn’t a cultivator, he couldn’t use the mystical storage pouches that could hold mountains of supplies in a tiny bag. Instead, this crude alternative was his only option.

  From his bag, he retrieved 100 explosive talismans and buried them around his shelter with great care. These were first-rank explosive talismans, strong enough to wound a Qi Refining cultivator.

  For a mortal like him, these were the only attack-type talismans he could use. Even after placing the 100 explosive talismans, Han Luo still felt uneasy. So, he took out another 100 alarm talismans and set them up around a 100-meter perimeter.

  If anything entered the area, he would receive a "beep beep beep" warning. Only after ensuring that his alarm system was in place did he finally relax a little.

  —

  Meanwhile, two days' journey ahead in the forest…

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  "Everyone, take a break here. Traveling at night is too dangerous. We’ll move again at dawn." Wang Ze directed the group.

  "Just like that? We're just sleeping on the ground?"

  "Yeah! Where are we supposed to sleep?"

  "The ground is covered in damp grass! We’ll catch a cold sleeping like this!"

  "And it's not just grass—there are snakes, bugs, and mice all over the place. We might get sick just by staying here!"

  Everyone in group grumbled in frustration.

  None of them had brought tents or sleeping bags. Some had barely brought enough food. Now, they were tired, hungry, and still had to face a harsh exam. It was torture.

  "Just endure it! This is part of the test. A little hardship is normal."

  Damn it.

  If I weren’t trying to win them over and build my influence for the future, I wouldn’t even bother with them. A bunch of weaklings—complaining about sleeping outdoors? How do they expect to cultivate immortality?

  Wang Ze cursed inwardly.

  "Awoooo—!"

  A wolf’s howl echoed through the night. In an instant, everyone snapped awake, their exhaustion replaced by fear.

  "Forget sleeping! We might not even live to see tomorrow!"

  "This is hell!"

  "Just bear with it!"

  They huddled together, struggling to stay awake, unable to rest.

  —

  Meanwhile, back at Han Luo ’s safehouse…

  Inside, Han Luo sat comfortably.

  From his backpack, he took out preserved meat, fresh vegetables, green onions, sauce, white steamed buns, and clean water.

  It was all simple food, but good enough.

  It was still the exam period, so he couldn’t afford luxury meals.

  Once he passed, he would treat himself to something better.

  After eating his fill, he set up his bedding.

  He used a Heating Talisman to warm the blankets before slipping into bed.

  "Ahhh…"

  Walking all day really wore him out. However, caution first.

  On his left pillow, he placed a Smoke Bomb Talisman. On his right pillow, a sharp dagger.

  After making these final preparations, he drifted into a peaceful sleep.

  —

  The next morning…

  "Yawn…"

  Han Luo stretched as he got up early.

  Maybe he was just used to sleeping in a safehouse, because he felt well-rested and refreshed.

  After checking all the traps he had set the night before… Once he confirmed nothing had been disturbed, he packed everything up for future use.

  Then, as planned, he continued following the footprints ahead.

  —

  Meanwhile, Wang Ze’s group finally woke up after a sleepless night.

  One by one, they dragged themselves up, looking like wilted vegetables, their heads drooping with exhaustion.

  "Keep pushing forward! Once we reach Luo Ri Mountain, we’ll pass the exam and become disciples of Luo Xian Sect. We’ll finally step into the world of immortals!"

  Wang Ze kept motivating them with empty words. The group had no other choice but to continue. Better a weak hope than none at all.

  With dark circles under their eyes and heavy steps, they forced themselves to move forward.

  —

  Meanwhile, two days behind them…

  Han Luo happily walked through the forest, enjoying the scenery. He admired wildflowers, observed the mountains, and basked in the beauty and harmony of nature.

  It felt incredibly peaceful.

  Honestly…

  The air quality in the Eastern Region was far better than in his past life. Even the air he breathed in felt sweet.

  "Thank you, heavens. Thank you, Mom and Dad."

  And so…

  Han Luo traveled by day, set up traps at night, and rested peacefully. He encountered no dangers at all.

  Until…

  On the fifth day of the test.

  Han Luo ’s expression turned serious as he studied the messy footprints ahead. The path had split into six different directions.

  Now what?

  Six paths…

  Which one was the safest? After much thought, he realized the most cautious approach was simple:

  Test all six paths.

  It would take more time, but compared to dying, wasting time was worth it. He didn’t pick randomly. Instead, he spent an hour analyzing which path had the most footprints.

  Logically, the more people traveled a path, the safer it should be.

  "Alright!"

  With his path decided, Han Luo noted that sunset was in less than eight hours.

  For safety’s sake, he decided to set out tomorrow instead. Rushing was never a good idea.

  Cultivation was a long journey.

  One reckless step could lead to a sudden, pointless death.

  With this mindset, he enjoyed his dinner.Feeling good, he climbed a tree, sipped some tea, and watched the sunset.

  He wrote a passage in his diary, stored it safely, then slept soundly in his warm blankets.

  —

  The next morning, Wang Ze’s group looked haggard and exhausted. Even without encountering any enemies, they were being drained by the journey alone.

  Meanwhile…

  Han Luo woke up refreshed, stretched, washed his face, ate breakfast, and set off once more.

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