The crowd of applicants grew tense as Elder Mo led them to a spacious courtyard. At its center stood a glowing stone tablet that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy.
"The second trial," Elder Mo declared, his voice carrying like thunder, "will test your cultivation. Stand before the tablet and reveal your true strength. Anyone below Rank Two is unworthy of entering Blue Sky Academy. Step forward one by one."
The first student placed his hand on the stone. A dim light flickered, barely reaching the first mark.
"Rank One… trash," Elder Mo said coldly. "Leave."
The boy trembled and hurried away.
One after another, hopefuls stepped forward. Many revealed themselves as early Rank Two, a few as mid Rank Two. But Elder Mo's face showed little interest.
When Gavin Lee approached, whispers rippled through the crowd. The son of the Prime Minister placed his hand on the tablet, and dazzling light spread across the surface—Late Rank Two.
"As expected of the Prime Minister's heir," Elder Mo nodded.
Then it was Elijah Jackson's turn. He calmly rested his hand upon the stone. In an instant, three rings of light lit up, blazing like fire.
"Rank Three!" gasps erupted.
"Impossible, he's already at Rank Three at his age?"
"The Jackson clan truly is terrifying…"
Elder Mo's eyes narrowed in approval. "Remarkable. A true genius."
Standing in the back, Kai folded his arms. His sharp eyes pierced through Elijah as though peeling away his facade.
(A lord-rank bloodline…) Kai thought. (No wonder he advanced so quickly. It would be strange if he weren't Rank Three already.)
In his pocket dimension, Crimson stirred.
"Master, are you impressed?"
Kai smirked faintly. "Not exactly. Power without true strength is shallow. But he'll be interesting to watch."
Finally, it was Kai's turn. He stepped forward and pressed his palm to the stone. The entire tablet flared with the same intensity as Elijah's—Rank Three.
The courtyard erupted in disbelief.
"What?! Another Rank Three?"
"From where? He's not from the great clans!"
"Could someone from a minor city really stand at the same level as Elijah Jackson?"
Even Elder Mo froze for a moment before regaining composure. His gaze bore into Kai, but he could see nothing beyond the calm eyes of the boy before him.
"…It seems we have two monsters this year," Elder Mo finally declared.
After the last student tested, only 17 remained. Elder Mo raised a hand.
"Those who remain—10 of you—will face the final test. If you fail, you will still remain here… but only as Outer Disciples. Pass, and you will become Inner Disciples."
His voice grew sharp. "Now, follow me."
The chosen ten exchanged tense looks. The true trial was about to begin.