The Fifth Clan Leader was sitting on a stone stool, smiling at her.

Qin Ruqing walked over, her gaze still filled with amazement.

As if knowing what she was amazed by, the Fifth Clan Leader kindly said, “If you don’t like the pine forest, we can switch the scene. Waterfalls, peach groves, lakes—anything you prefer…”

Wow, you Celestial really know how to have fun!

Qin Ruqing gave a polite bow, appearing very courteous.

After smiling briefly, she straightforwardly asked, “Would it be possible to switch the scene to an apricot grove?”

That’s how Qin Ruqing was.

Sometimes she would play the polite game, but other times she would be excessively direct, without a hint of formality.

The Fifth Clan Leader was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter.

With a wave of his hand, the scene indeed transformed into a picturesque apricot grove with falling blossoms.

“You like apricot flowers?” the Fifth Clan Leader asked with curiosity.

Qin Ruqing shook her head, “Not really. It’s just that in my family’s homeland, there is a beautiful apricot grove. I grew up playing in it, so this scene feels relaxing and familiar.”

The Fifth Clan Leader nodded with a gentle smile, his demeanor warm and accommodating, making it easy to let down one’s guard and develop a favorable impression.

Qin Ruqing was intrigued.

When she first met this immortal clan leader, she felt he had a nondescript appearance, like an ordinary passerby, but later realized it was a divine illusion.

Upon closer inspection, she saw he was a clear superior with the majesty of an immortal rank.

Yet today, the clan leader’s aura felt like a gentle spring breeze, easily inspiring trust.

The Fifth Clan Leader noticed Qin Ruqing’s curious gaze and asked, “Are you probing me?”

Qin Ruqing politely nodded and candidly replied, “I just find the clan leader’s demeanor very changeable. Though very imposing and authoritative, you also exude a refreshing and kind aura.”

Her frankness clearly pleased the Fifth Clan Leader.

Superiors like this are often fond of perceptive juniors but dislike those who are too clever.

Qin Ruqing understood this well and never played games with these individuals.

Even if she used a little trickery, it was always straightforward and obvious.

The Fifth Clan Leader even explained the reason: “This is due to the cultivation methods of the Fifth Family. Our practice requires a calm and peaceful mind, and over time, it naturally endears people to others.”

Qin Ruqing realized.

So it’s a family’s inherited cultivation technique.

No wonder.

Thinking about it, the elderly woman she met in the Wanjuan Pavilion, the young clan leader, and now this clan leader, all seemed to share a similar demeanor.

The only difference was… it seemed she hadn’t encountered this technique in Fifth Lingyu.

With this doubt flashing through her mind, Qin Ruqing did not ask any questions.

Who knew if she might touch on a taboo; she wasn’t about to risk it.

She remained silent, but the Fifth Clan Leader took the initiative to say, “The reason I called you here today is also related to this technique. It is a precious Immortal-grade inheritance of the Fifth family, never to be disclosed to outsiders. If your affinity with this inheritance is high, it’s not only possible to achieve immortality but also to become a great figure of our time.”

From this point, Qin Ruqing knew the real deal was about to come.

“Never to be disclosed,” “Immortal-grade inheritance,” and “high affinity with the inheritance” were all key phrases.

Sure enough, the Fifth Clan Leader continued, “I heard you’ve already passed through two of the trials and obtained the Heavenly Tokens. The Fourth Trial is the place for selecting candidates for this Immortal-grade inheritance. Your performance proves that your affinity with the inheritance is extremely high.”

As he spoke, the Fifth Clan Leader raised his eyes to look at Qin Ruqing, and there was a trace of genuine anticipation in his gaze. “If you can join our Celestial Family, you will have the opportunity to obtain this inheritance.”

Qin Ruqing immediately realized that “joining our Celestial Family” was not just a matter of furthering her studies with the Fifth family; it meant truly abandoning her own surname and adopting the Fifth surname.

Otherwise, how could such a top-level inheritance be given to an outsider?

The clan leader’s words also clarified Qin Ruqing’s previous doubts.

When she learned the truth about the Fourth Trial, she had indeed entertained thoughts.

With her high affinity for this top-level inheritance, coupled with her Dao Physique, it seemed like a sure path to ascension.

Although there were opportunities to obtain inheritances in the Immortal Tomb, they were not guaranteed, and the dangers there were numerous and unknown.

In comparison, being directly accepted was incredibly tempting!

But unfortunately, even the most tempting offer had conditions.

Qin Ruqing was clear that she could not change her surname.

In this world, where the clan is paramount and family names are fundamental, changing one’s surname carried immense significance.

Qin Ruqing shook her head directly and said earnestly, “Clan Leader, I appreciate your good intentions. However, I will only bear the surname Qin, and I fear I am not destined to receive the Fifth family’s inheritance.”

The Fifth Clan Leader remained silent for a moment and then sighed, “Lingyu had mentioned to me before that you would not agree, and I did not believe him. It seems now that he was right.”

He looked directly at Qin Ruqing as if he wanted her to understand his seriousness. “Girl, have you considered this carefully? The rules of the Celestial Family cannot be broken. If you refuse, it means rejecting this inheritance.”

‘Wow, could you not make the stakes so clear?’ She could refuse to join the Celestial Familydirectly, but that didn’t mean she could bluntly refuse their inheritance!

Seeing Qin Ruqing’s face full of embarrassment and difficulty, the Fifth Clan Leader seemed pleased and laughed heartily.

Qin Ruqing deliberately blinked and said with a distressed expression, “Clan Leader, will my refusal affect my participation in the upcoming Four Hells training?”

The Fifth Clan Leader appeared thoughtful. “It’s possible. After all, if you participate in the training, the rewards are substantial and will deplete the foundation of the Four Hells.”

This was a seemingly ordinary yet deeply thought-provoking statement.

The difference between using “Four Hells’ foundation” and “immortal foundation” was significant.

A fleeting thought crossed Qin Ruqing’s mind, but her face showed a look of regret, as if thinking, “I shouldn’t have said that.”

After laughing, the Fifth Clan Leader sighed and said seriously, “Don’t worry. On one hand, you were brought in by Lingyu, and we will still need your help to unlock the celestial tomb seal. We won’t mistreat you.”

“On the other hand… we also want to see your final rating after you complete the Four Hells. Therefore, even though the latter two Hells are restricted to non-Fifth clan members by rule, we’ve decided to make an exception for you.”

Qin Ruqing immediately showed a delighted expression, standing up and bowing deeply. “Thank you, Clan Leader!”

Her lowered eyes were very clear.

This “exception” was likely meant to see if she could achieve a Immortal rating overall.

Fifth Lingyu had previously told her that no one from the Fifth Family had ever received a Immortal rating.

Qin Ruqing didn’t know the reason, but after her conversation with the Clan Leader today, she was determined to strive for this Immortal rating.

The rewards for achieving such a rating were too tempting to ignore.

Moreover, the Celestial rating might signify something more profound.

After sitting back down, Qin Ruqing showed a hesitant expression.

Seeing this, the Fifth Clan Leader said, “If you have any questions about the Four Hells training, feel free to ask.”

Qin Ruqing then spoke up, “I just have one question. Since the Fifth Family already has such a legacy, why go to great lengths to open the Immortal tomb…”

She wondered about the necessity of the manpower and resources involved.

Was it just to seek out the inheritance?

This seemed to be a highly complex and deep topic.

The Fifth Clan Leader fell silent for a while before responding to Qin Ruqing:

“Because, even the immortal inheritance is not complete.”

In that plain and unassuming sentence, Qin Ruqing sensed an inexplicable hint of impending trouble.

After discussing for a while longer, the Fifth Clan Leader informed her about the latter two Hells, explaining that they required more time and were more challenging.

It was best to fully digest the insights from the first two Hells before proceeding.

Qin Ruqing also learned the names of the latter two Hells: “Hungry Ghost Path” and “Human Path.”

Before leaving, the Fifth Clan Leader kindly said, “If you have any questions about your cultivation in the Four Hells, you can find the young clan leader, Fifth Youlin. He trains on the fourth floor of the Wanjuan Pavilion and is not difficult to locate.”

Qin Ruqing was puzzled.

Puzzled, Qin Ruqing directly asked, “Clan Leader, why didn’t you ask me to consult Fifth Lingyu?”

The Clan Leader had repeatedly emphasized that she was brought here by Fifth Lingyu.

Wouldn’t it be more logical to ask him questions?

The Fifth Clan Leader’s expression grew solemn and complex.

But Qin Ruqing could tell that this complexity was not directed at her but rather at Fifth Lingyu or the matter itself.

The Fifth Clan Leader answered her:

“Because, in the Fourth Trial of cultivation, he is not as good as Fifth Youlin, and not as good as you.”

Huh?

“But, I heard from others that Fifth Lingyu’s ratings in the first two trials were all Celestial level,” Qin Ruqing said, referring to what she had heard from the chattering Immortal Clan disciples.

The Fifth Clan Leader did not speak this time.

He waved his hand, and the scene before Qin Ruqing began to shift.

She thought she wouldn’t get an answer, but just before being transported out, she heard one more sentence:

“Because, in the latter two trials, Lingyu’s ratings were only Profound level.”