Time flowed steadily.
One disciple after another emerged from the Pagodas.
Some celebrated excitedly after securing places within the top sixty-four and advancing to the next phase of the Annual Competition.
Others could only shake their heads with bitter smiles after falling just short of their goals.
Regardless of the outcome, every participant had given their all.
Li Yan quietly observed each result without speaking. As the trial continued, the atmosphere throughout the arena grew increasingly intense.
One disciple after another challenged their own limits. Many surpassed the scores they had achieved the previous year. Several climbed into higher levels of their respective Pagodas for the very first time.
Although not everyone succeeded, no one lacked determination.
As the final minutes approached, everyone's attention gradually shifted toward the remaining names upon the four leaderboards.
At the very top of the Azure-Rank Pagoda stood one familiar name.
Ji Xin.
Countless disciples quietly held their breath.
As the Sect Leader's granddaughter and the disciple who had trained beside Li Yan for nearly an entire year, many believed she possessed the greatest chance of becoming this year's Azure-Rank Champion.
The final minute quietly began counting down.
The stadium gradually fell silent.
Every pair of eyes remained fixed upon the four towering leaderboards.
Then, a brilliant golden light suddenly erupted from the Azure-Rank Leaderboard.
The entire arena froze.
Golden radiance spread across the enormous stone monument. One by one, every name upon the rankings disappeared. The rankings themselves dissolved into countless particles of light.
Several breaths later, only a single name remained.
Enlarged.
Occupying the entire leaderboard.
[Azure Rank Pagoda — Ji Xin
Current Level: Hidden Level
Points: 5,000
Time Remaining: 0:00:27 (Paused)]
Silence descended upon the arena.
Several elders rose to their feet almost simultaneously. "The Hidden Level…"
"She reached the Hidden Level!"
A heartbeat later, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the stadium.
A faint smile appeared upon Li Yan's face. Months of patient guidance had finally borne fruit.
Before the excitement surrounding Ji Xin could settle, another burst of golden light exploded from the Yellow-Rank Leaderboard.
The crowd instinctively turned. Once again, every name vanished. The rankings disappeared completely.
Moments later, another single name appeared.
[Yellow Rank Pagoda — Mu Fan
Current Level: Hidden Level
Points: 5,000
Time Remaining: 0:00:09 (Paused)]
Another wave of astonished cheers swept through the arena.
No one had expected two disciples to conquer Hidden Levels during the same Annual Competition.
Li Yan's eyes rested briefly upon the Yellow-Rank Leaderboard. A faint smile once again appeared at the corner of his lips. Mu Fan had not disappointed him.
The final countdown reached zero.
A moment later, streams of light emerged from the four Pagodas as every remaining participant was forcibly teleported outside.
Only two names remained upon the Hidden Level displays.
Ji Xin.
Mu Fan.
Although neither the White-Rank nor Brown-Rank Pagodas produced another Hidden Level challenger, Li Yan wasn't surprised. Several disciples had come remarkably close before time expired, and compared with previous years, the Sect's overall standard had already improved considerably.
Several minutes later, the entrance to the Azure-Rank Pagoda rippled gently.
Ji Xin slowly walked out.
Although her complexion appeared somewhat pale from exhaustion, the joy within her eyes was impossible to conceal.
She had succeeded.
She had conquered the Hidden Level.
Thunderous applause immediately echoed throughout the arena.
Numerous Azure-Rank disciples congratulated her as she returned to the spectator area.
Not long afterward, another figure staggered from the Yellow-Rank Pagoda.
Mu Fan.
His robes were torn. Fresh blood stained several places across his body. His breathing was unsteady. Yet despite his battered appearance…
An indescribable smile rested upon his face.
The cheers became even louder.
Mu Fan slowly raised his head.
His eyes naturally searched through the spectator stands before finally finding Li Yan.
For a brief moment, the two looked at one another.
Mu Fan still remembered Li Yan's words before the competition. "Challenge your own limits."
When his body had nearly reached its breaking point inside the 9th Level…
Those words had become the final reason he continued taking one more step.
Li Yan simply nodded.
Nothing more was needed.
Sometimes…
All a person required was a single reason to step beyond the limits they had imposed upon themselves.
Just then, the two leaderboards shimmered once more.
The golden light gradually settled before the displays transformed.
The Hidden Level announcement disappeared.
In its place…
Historical records slowly emerged.
The Azure-Rank Leaderboard displayed:
[Azure-Rank Pagoda
1st Conqueror — Li Yan Tian — Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-3) — 0:00:49 Remaining
2nd Conqueror — Ji Xin — Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-9) — 0:00:27 Remaining]
Moments later, the Yellow-Rank Leaderboard also changed.
[Yellow-Rank Pagoda
1st Conqueror — Mu Fan — Qi Refining Realm (Peak Stage) — 0:00:09 Remaining]
The entire arena became silent once again.
No one spoke.
Even Ji Xin quietly stared at the Azure-Rank Leaderboard. Only now, after personally conquering the Hidden Level, did she truly understand its difficulty.
She had exhausted every ounce of strength, yet she had only finished with twenty-seven seconds remaining.
Li Yan…
Had achieved the same feat a year earlier.
At that time, his cultivation was only at the Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-3).
Six entire cultivation stages below her current realm. The comparison spoke louder than any words. The gap between them had never been merely talent.
It had always been comprehension, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
As countless disciples continued to stare at the two historical records, a profound realization quietly settled over the arena.
Li Yan's achievements had never been meant to set an impossible standard.
They existed to prove how far a cultivator could climb… when every single day was devoted to surpassing the person they had been the day before.
As thunderous applause gradually subsided, Li Yan rose from the spectator seats before calmly walking toward the central platform.
Waiting there were Ji Xin and Mu Fan.
Both respectfully cupped their fists as he approached.
A faint smile appeared on Li Yan's face. "Congratulations."
Mu Fan smiled. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I wouldn't have reached the Hidden Level without your words before the competition."
Ji Xin nodded in agreement. "And I wouldn't have reached it without your guidance throughout the past year."
Li Yan simply smiled. "You earned your own achievements."
After a brief pause, he looked at the two of them. "Now. What rewards do you want?"
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire arena became silent. Countless disciples stared at him in astonishment.
Even the elders looked toward the platform.
From the way Li Yan had spoken…
It sounded as though the recipients would choose the reward themselves.
Mu Fan remained silent for several moments before speaking. "Inside the Hidden Level, I had to choose from five rewards. Two of them were suitable for me: twenty-five Darkness Qi Stones and a Mortal-Tier High-Level technique."
"I chose the Darkness Qi Stones." His expression became slightly awkward. "But I still wish to obtain that technique."
Li Yan nodded. "Are you certain?"
Mu Fan answered without hesitation. "I am."
Li Yan smiled faintly. "Very well. After today's competition concludes, visit the Ancient Techniques Hall."
"Choose any Mortal-Tier High-Level technique. I'll settle the cost with Elder Lu."
As he spoke, Li Yan looked toward the elders' platform.
Elder Lu Zhi smiled before giving a slight nod.
The surrounding disciples immediately drew sharp breaths.
A Mortal-Tier High-Level technique required twenty thousand Shadow Points.
To Li Yan…
It seemed no different from an ordinary purchase.
Mu Fan immediately cupped his fists. "Thank you, Senior Brother Li."
Li Yan waved his hand lightly. "You earned it."
He then turned toward Ji Xin. "And you?"
Ji Xin answered almost immediately. "I also saw two rewards that suited me."
"A Mortal-Tier Peak-Level technique and fifty Darkness Qi Stones."
"I chose the technique." She smiled sheepishly. So, I want the Darkness Qi Stones."
Li Yan nodded as though it were the most ordinary request in the world. "Go to the Exchange Hall after today's matches conclude."
"Collect fifty Darkness Qi Stones. I'll reimburse Elder Qiu."
This time…
Even several elders revealed surprised expressions.
Fifty Darkness Qi Stones were worth one hundred thousand Shadow Points according to the Sect's current exchange rates.
Even Ji Xin blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Li Yan looked at her calmly. "Of course."
A hint of relief appeared on Ji Xin's face.
Before she could thank him, Li Yan continued. "However…"
"If you fail to become this year's Azure-Rank Champion, I'll stop teaching you swordsmanship."
Ji Xin froze. "What?"
She stared at him in complete disbelief. "Senior Brother Li!"
Li Yan remained perfectly composed. "You awakened Sword Intent several weeks ago. Your cultivation has already reached the Qi Channeling Realm (Stage-9)."
"There shouldn't be anyone among the Azure-Rank disciples capable of matching you."
He looked directly into her eyes. "If you still fail, it only means you haven't fully demonstrated the results of your training."
His tone remained as calm as though he were discussing tomorrow's weather.
Ji Xin stood speechless.
Several disciples struggled to suppress their laughter.
After a long moment, she puffed out her cheeks before letting out a dissatisfied snort. "Fine."
"I'll become the Azure-Rank Champion."
Only then did Li Yan nod with satisfaction. "I'll be waiting."
Ji Xin narrowed her eyes at him before finally smiling. She had long since understood his personality.
What sounded like pressure from anyone else…
Was simply Li Yan's way of expressing confidence in her. Without saying anything further, Li Yan returned to the Azure-Rank spectator seats.
****
Not long afterward, Elder Chen Zhi officially announced the beginning of the elimination rounds. The atmosphere in the arena heated up again immediately.
The sixty-four qualified disciples of each rank stepped onto their respective arenas simultaneously.
One match followed another.
Victories and defeats were decided in quick succession.
The number of participants steadily decreased.
Sixty-four became thirty-two.
Thirty-two became sixteen.
Sixteen became eight.
Eight became four.
The four semifinalists of every rank had finally been determined.
Among the Azure-Rank disciples, Ji Xin advanced without encountering any serious obstacles. Watching from the spectator seats, Li Yan quietly observed every match.
He noted each disciple's strengths, weaknesses, and improvements compared to the previous year. Overall, the standard of this year's competition had clearly surpassed that of last year's.
A faint nod appeared on his face.
The atmosphere within the Sect was changing.
Not through coercion.
But through healthy competition and the desire to surpass one's own limits.
By sunset, the first day's matches had concluded, and Elder Chen Zhi officially announced the conclusion of the first day of the Annual Competition.
The disciples gradually dispersed from the arena.
Those eliminated reflected upon today's battles.
The semifinalists returned to prepare for tomorrow's decisive matches.
Meanwhile, Li Yan quietly left the stadium alongside the others, his expression remaining as calm as ever.
*****
The following morning, the Shadow Haven Sect's Annual Competition entered its final phase.
The semifinals of all four ranks officially began.
As Elder Chen Zhi announced the start of the matches, the first pair of each rank immediately stepped onto the arenas.
The battle erupted almost instantly.
Swords collided with clear metallic clangs as disciples launched into a rapid exchange of techniques. Darkness Qi surged across the arena while technique attacks intertwined with sword strikes, neither side willing to surrender the initiative.
Compared to the previous year's competition, the overall standard had improved considerably.
Many disciples displayed noticeably steadier foundations. Others demonstrated far greater control over their elemental affinity and martial techniques. Even their combat awareness had matured significantly.
Watching from the spectator seats, Li Yan quietly observed every battle.
Beside him sat Ji Hao.
Over the past two years, Ji Hao's cultivation had advanced from the Qi Harmonization Realm (Stage-3) to the Qi Harmonization Realm (Stage-8).
Although his progress was respectable, the Brown-Rank Competition had become increasingly competitive.
With his current strength, reaching the semifinals remained beyond his abilities.
Even so, he watched every battle with obvious interest.
After observing several exchanges, Ji Hao glanced toward Li Yan. "What do you think? Can Xin'er win the championship?"
Li Yan's gaze remained upon the arena. "With her current advantages…"
"It shouldn't be difficult. As long as she uses them correctly."
Ji Hao nodded. "I thought the same."
His eyes shifted toward another arena. "There. The Yellow-Rank disciple using the spear."
"He seems to have the advantage."
Li Yan calmly followed his gaze. The young spear wielder continuously launched fierce attacks, forcing his opponent backward with overwhelming momentum.
After several breaths, Li Yan spoke. "His movements are smooth. But he relies too heavily on brute force. If his opponent remains calm..."
"He'll eventually expose an opening."
Ji Hao nodded thoughtfully before turning his attention back toward the arena.
Li Yan remained silent.
He had already seen the flaw.
Now, it was only a matter of whether the other disciple would see it in time.