Meanwhile, high above the dense canopy of the forest, Liang Zhiguan's sharp eyes scanned left and right, eagerly seeking out a worthy challenge. He knew from his mentor's teachings that taking down a robust creature or confronting a large herd of monsters promised more points and prestige than battling scattered undead creatures in the woods.

Then, like a beacon in the darkness, he spotted them—a group of beleaguered individuals surrounded by a formidable herd of monsters. With a grin of determination, Liang Zhiguan swooped down towards the chaos, his heart racing with the thrill of imminent battle.

With a daring leap, Liang Zhiguan dismounted his sword mid-air, his lithe body twisting gracefully as he directed it towards the herd below. As he descended, he manipulated the sword's movements with precise control, each strike calculated to maximise efficiency and minimise risk.

On the forest floor, the group of people initially overwhelmed by the onslaught of undead creatures looked on in astonishment as the monsters fell one by one under the skillful assault. Their gazes soon fixed upon Liang Zhiguan, his figure silhouetted against the sky as he descended, his focus entirely on his sword and the creatures it sought to vanquish.

Just as he neared the ground, Liang Zhiguan's keen reflexes kicked in. With a deft manoeuvre, he used his sword to break his fall, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whizzing sound. As his feet touched the ground, he sprung off the sword's edge with practised ease, his momentum propelling him forward into the fray once more.

Unheeding of the exclamations and gasps of the onlookers behind him, Liang Zhiguan pressed on with unwavering determination, his singular focus on neutralising the threat before him. With each swing of his sword, he pushed himself to the limit, driven by a deep-seated desire to prove his mettle and demonstrate his worthiness in the eyes of his mentor and peers alike.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity battling amidst the chaotic fray, the last of the monsters fell beneath Liang Zhiguan's determined onslaught. Breathing heavily, he turned to face the group of grateful disciples who had been cowering just moments ago, their relief palpable in the forest's stillness.

"Thank you for saving us, young hero," one of the disciples exclaimed, their words echoing the sentiments of the others in the group. Liang Zhiguan offered them a modest smile, brushing off their gratitude with characteristic humility. "It's no big deal," he replied, his voice tinged with genuine sincerity.

Watching the scene unfold on the screen, Xue Xinyu enjoyed the simple rice and pork dish set out before them. Liang Zhiguan's recent manoeuvre was impressive indeed; even Xue Xinyu had been practising it, ever since he first witnessed Huai Xiaozhun's flawless execution.

Back in his first life, he decided to give it a shot while surfing, thinking it would be a breeze. Little did he know, it turned out to be more of a tumble than a ride.

Of course, Liang Zhiguan had learned it simply by observing Huai Xiaozhun's technique. It was undeniably impressive, and Xue Xinyu couldn't help but wonder if there was a bit of natural talent mixed in with Liang Zhiguan's audacious spirit.

"My name is Li Ming, courtesy name Junjie," the disciple introduced himself with a respectful bow before turning his attention back to Liang Zhiguan. "What's your name, young hero?"

"My name is Liang Zhiguan, courtesy name Liang Zhiwei, disciple of Peak Master Xue Xinyu," Liang Zhiguan responded politely, meeting their curious gazes with steady composure.

The group took a collective step back, their expressions shifting from gratitude to wariness as they regarded Liang Zhiguan with newfound apprehension.

As the words left his lips, a ripple of tension swept through the group. Whispers arose among them, a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Isn't he the demonic disciple?" murmured one, while another cautiously voiced their apprehension.

Attempting to defuse the palpable unease, Junjie stepped forward once more, offering a polite smile despite the underlying tension. "Ah, so you're Peak Master Xue's infamous disciple," he acknowledged, his tone carefully neutral.

Liang Zhiguan felt a flush of embarrassment at the label, but before he could respond, Junjie continued, his voice carrying a note of reassurance. "He's been acknowledged by Master Xue, so it should be fine," Junjie assured the others, his words carrying weight amidst the uncertainty.

With Junjie's endorsement, the atmosphere relaxed slightly, the other disciples nodding in reluctant agreement. After all, Xue Xinyu's reputation was beyond reproach, his word considered law within the sect.

Grateful for Junjie's intervention, Liang Zhiguan offered a genuine expression of thanks. "Thank you," he murmured, his embarrassment visible but his determination to prove himself unwavering.

The encounter left Liang Zhiguan reflecting on the complexities of perception within the sect. Being labelled as the "demonic disciple" was a weighty burden, yet it also presented an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and exceed expectations.

As the day wore on and the trials continued, Liang Zhiguan found himself drawn into more battles, each one a test of skill and resilience. He navigated the challenges with a mix of daring and caution, mindful of both the points at stake and the impression he was leaving on his fellow disciples.

From time to time, Xue Xinyu would glance over at Liang Zhiguan's exploits on the screen, a mixture of pride and amusement playing across his features. Despite the unconventional approach, there was no denying Liang Zhiguan's determination to carve out his own path amidst the trials and tribulations of the Wayfarer Trial.

And so, amidst the lush greenery of the forest and the echoing sounds of battle, Liang Zhiguan continued to defy expectations and chase after his own definition of heroism—one sword swing at a time.

Surveying their surroundings with a critical eye, Junjie's suggestion of a cave nestled at the base of a small mountain caught the group's attention. The entrance yawned wide, inviting yet ominous in the fading light of dusk. However, Liang Zhiguan, ever the cautious daredevil, swiftly interjected with Shizun's wisdom etched into his memory.

"Strong monsters have trouble climbing mountains," he proclaimed with a sage nod, his expression earnestly conveying his dedication to Shizun's teachings. "Only flying and low-level undead creatures reside higher up. A cave nestled in the middle would be safest."

The group, their trust in Xue Xinyu's teachings evident, nodded in understanding and deferred to Liang Zhiguan's expertise. With a collective agreement, they set off towards the heart of the mountain, leaving behind the more enticing but potentially perilous prospect of the cave at the base.

During their search, Liang Zhiguan, always one to mix a bit of adventure with practicality, decided to take a brief detour from the group. "I need some 'me-time' in the forest," he declared with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with the promise of spontaneous exploration. And so, there he was, soaring through the air like a majestic bird—well, maybe more like a bat with a flair for the dramatic—when his sharp eyes caught sight of a cave tucked away low on the mountain's flank.

Now, Liang Zhiguan wasn't the type to heed warnings about "stranger danger" or "stay away from creepy caves." No, he was drawn to the allure of the unknown, the thrill of discovery. After all, what could possibly go wrong in a dark, mysterious cave in the middle of nowhere, right?

Disembarking from his trusty sword with a casual flick, Liang Zhiguan ventured into the cave, expecting it to be like any other: damp, echoey, and probably filled with spiders. But to his surprise (and mild disappointment), it was just... endless. Seriously, he walked and walked, yet there was no end in sight.

And here's the kicker: not a single monster in sight! Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but feel a bit insulted—were the monsters afraid of him? Did they not recognize his potential as a hero in the making? Or perhaps they were simply smarter than he gave them credit for.

Just as Liang Zhiguan was about to turn around and leave the cave, the very epitome of free stuff landed at his feet with a suspicious "clunk." His sharp ears caught the sound, and with a curious glance downward, he discovered a dazzling necklace lying on the ground, practically begging to be picked up.

Now, Liang Zhiguan wasn't one to turn down free stuff, especially when it was shiny and potentially cursed. The necklace was a sight to behold, boasting a massive blue gem that practically screamed "I'm magical!" As his fingers brushed against it, a strange tingling sensation coursed through him, as though the necklace itself was alive and whispering secrets only he could hear.

The gem, initially dark blue at its core, shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence, reflecting hues of purple and turquoise like it held a piece of the night sky within its depths. Encased in intricate silver filigree, the gemstone was surrounded by delicate patterns resembling celestial constellations, each etching telling a tale of ancient power and mystery.

Yet, as Liang Zhiguan examined it closer, a creeping unease settled in his stomach. The edges of the gem seemed to darken, akin to a soggy piece of toast left out too long. Warning signs flashed in his mind, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from its mesmerising glow, the allure of potential adventure too strong to resist.

Before he could ponder the consequences of his impulsive decision-making any further, a familiar voice called out his name from outside the cave. "LIAAAAANGGGG ZHIIIIIWEIIII!" With the grace of a startled deer, he quickly snatched up the necklace and shoved it around his neck, hiding it under his robe with practised stealth. He prayed that none of his companions noticed his newfound bling, hoping to avoid a barrage of questions and sceptical glances.

And just like that, with a mysterious necklace pulsing against his chest and a flurry of questions about his life choices swirling in his mind, Liang Zhiguan rejoined the group. Their search for shelter didn't take long. Soon, they stumbled upon a cavern nestled halfway up the mountain, its yawning entrance promising shelter for the night.

Before venturing inside, they gathered provisions and firewood, preparing for the evening ahead. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, they settled into the cavern. Disciples from Hongyan Peak took charge of starting a crackling fire, while their Fenghuang Peak counterparts secured the entrance for added security. Meanwhile, the nimble-fingered disciple from Fuguang Peak assisted Liang Zhiguan in preparing their meal, his culinary expertise transforming their basic provisions into a feast.

Amidst the bustle of activity, with disciples scurrying about to secure their makeshift camp for the night, Liang Zhiguan took charge of erecting a barrier. Setting up barriers typically required precision and concentration, tasks that often tested the patience of even the most seasoned disciples. Yet, under the watchful eye of Xue Xinyu, Liang Zhiguan had honed a technique that defied convention. With practised ease, he manipulated spiritual energy with finesse, weaving intricate patterns in the air that coalesced into a formidable barrier in mere minutes.

This particular technique was no ordinary safeguard; it was a relic of ancient wisdom, believed lost to the annals of time. Xue Xinyu, renowned for his vast collection of scrolls containing ancient techniques, held the key to unlocking these age-old secrets.

As they settled into their camp, surrounded by the flickering warmth of the fire and the comforting glow of their makeshift barrier, the disciples from different peaks mingled in shared camaraderie. The Fuguang disciple, deftly stirring a bubbling pot over the fire, seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Liang Zhiguan.