Supreme Taming Authority

Chapter 65: Closure

Xian Tiandi had stronger soul than most due to his reincarnation and Chaos Martial Spirit, giving him great resistance to illusions of this level.

So he was able to see through it the instant it began.

Some would believe this to be real and their actual lives until the illusion is broken. That’s why it reveals ones true nature.

Some would know it’s an illusion but the illusion also forces them to act on their true desires and at their cultivation level they can’t resist.

After he returned what belongs to the woman, her eyes became filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you! Thank you so much! You’re so kind!"

The scene dissolved like morning mist. A new scenario appeared immediately.

This time, Xian Tiandi stood in a forest clearing. A wounded cultivator lay on the ground, bleeding heavily from multiple gashes. Beside the injured man was a spatial ring, clearly visible and unprotected. The cultivator was unconscious, completely defenseless.

The ring likely contained valuable resources. Pills. Spiritual stones. Perhaps even technique scrolls. Taking it would be easy. No one would know.

Again, the test was clear. Would he rob an injured person? Take their belongings while they couldn’t resist?

Xian Tiandi ignored the spatial ring completely. He knelt beside the cultivator and examined the wounds with experienced eyes. He pulled a healing pill from his own spatial ring and carefully fed it to the injured man. Then he used basic medical techniques to stabilize the bleeding, tearing strips from his own robe to create bandages.

The cultivator’s breathing steadied. Color began returning to his pale face.

The scene dissolved again.

Multiple scenarios followed in rapid succession. Each one presented a clear moral choice. Help or harm. Honesty or deception. Sacrifice or selfishness.

A child had fallen down a well. Would he stop to help or continue on his important journey?

He helped immediately, using spiritual energy to lift the child to safety.

A merchant had given him too much change. Would he keep it or return it?

He returned it without hesitation.

A rare spiritual herb grew in a protected grove. Would he steal it or respect the prohibition?

He left it untouched, recognizing that some things were more important than personal gain.

In every case, Xian Tiandi acted with integrity. Not because he was trying to pass the test, but because that was simply who he was. His rebirth hadn’t changed his core values. His lifetime of experience had taught him that power without honor was meaningless. Strength without principle was just brutality.

Finally, the illusions stopped. The room returned to normal, bare walls and meditation mat. An examiner entered moments later and nodded respectfully.

"Your assessment is complete. Please return to the main courtyard."

Xian Tiandi stood and left the chamber. He found Xian Long and Ying Yue already waiting in the designated area. They both looked relieved to have finished the character tests.

"How did it go?" Xian Long asked eagerly.

"Fine," Xian Tiandi replied. "The scenarios were straightforward. Just make the choices that feel right. Don’t overthink it."

"I helped an old lady cross a dangerous bridge," Xian Long said. "And returned a lost item to its owner. And refused a bribe from a corrupt official."

"I was tested on keeping promises, protecting the weak, and resisting temptation," Ying Yue added. "The illusions were remarkably realistic. I almost forgot they weren’t real."

Other applicants began emerging from their testing chambers with varying expressions. Some looked confident in their choices. Others appeared troubled, clearly second-guessing their decisions.

One young man walked out with slumped shoulders. "I took the money," he muttered to his friend. "The old man dropped his purse, and I just... I thought it was a test of cunning, not morality."

"You idiot," his friend replied. "This is the character assessment. Of course it tests morality!"

After all character assessments concluded, Elder Zhang gathered everyone in the main courtyard. Night had fully fallen. Glowing formation arrays provided illumination across the compound, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.

"The selection trials are complete," Elder Zhang announced, his voice carrying authority. "All three phases have been evaluated. Talent. Combat. Character. The examiners will now deliberate and determine acceptances."

He gestured toward a large building behind the platform. "Wait here. Results will be announced within the hour."

The Golden Core examiners disappeared into the building, their robes swishing as they moved with cultivator grace. The heavy doors closed behind them with a resounding thud.

Nervous energy immediately filled the courtyard. Applicants clustered in small groups, discussing their performances in hushed voices. Some paced restlessly, unable to stand still. Others sat in meditation, trying to remain calm while their fate was decided.

"Do you think I did enough?" a young woman asked her companion anxiously. "I killed the Iron Fang Wolf, but it took me almost four minutes."

"Four minutes is fine," her friend assured her. "Some people took six or seven. You did well."

"But what about the character test? I hesitated on that last scenario. What if they noticed?"

"Everyone hesitates. You made the right choice in the end. That’s what matters."

Similar conversations echoed across the courtyard. Anxiety, hope, and fear mixed together in equal measure.

Xian Tiandi found a quiet spot near the edge of the courtyard and settled into stillness. Xian Long fidgeted beside him, unable to contain his nervous energy. Ying Yue maintained her composed exterior, though her fingers occasionally twitched, betraying her inner tension.

"How long do you think it’ll take?" Xian Long asked for the third time.

"Elder Zhang said within the hour," Ying Yue replied patiently. "Try to stay calm."

"I am calm," Xian Long protested. "I’m just... excited. And nervous. And worried. But mostly excited."

"You did well in all three tests," Xian Tiandi said. "Your martial spirit impressed the examiners. Your character choices were sound. You have nothing to worry about."

"But what if..."

"No ’what ifs,’" Xian Tiandi interrupted gently. "You either pass or you don’t. Worrying won’t change the outcome."

Although he was sure they would all pass. He didn’t say that to them.

Ying Yue looked at him briefly, thinking to herself, ’I hope I pass, then I can spend more time with the Young Master. My brother will get a better life too.’