The morning wind swept across the grasslands as Li Yun walked along the dirt path toward the main gate of Duskwind Academy. The academy stood proudly on the slopes of Mount Tianxue, shrouded in a thin mist that seemed like a spiritual veil protecting the sacred grounds.
Li Yun gazed up at the towering stone peaks, and his heart trembled.
This academy was no place for the ordinary. Only those who could absorb spiritual energy and withstand the pressure of the screening formation at the gate were allowed entry. And until now, Li Yun had always failed.
But today was different.
Within his chest, something stirred— a warm energy flowing gently, like underground lava. Tian Luo's voice echoed once more in his mind—not as loud as last night, but still clear.
"The seal on your body hasn't fully broken. But I've created a crack. You'll be able to absorb a small amount of energy. Just enough to pass the entrance test... if you don't act carelessly."
Li Yun nodded silently. He put the black pendant back around his neck, tucking it beneath his robes. No one could know what he possessed.
By the time he reached the great jade gate, dozens of young men and women from villages and towns had already gathered. Some wore elegant robes of noble clans, proudly displaying their family emblems.
"Well, look who decided to show up," came a familiar mocking voice.
Huo Jin stood nearby, flanked by two bulky young men. He looked at Li Yun with a crooked smile. "You came after all, boy from the dead clan?"
A few laughs followed. But this time, Li Yun didn't rise to the bait. He merely stared back with calm, indifferent eyes.
"You'll see," he said quietly.
A teacher in a green robe appeared before the gate. He tapped the ground with a metal staff, sending out a wave of faint energy.
"All applicants, step onto the Screening Stone! Those who pass may enter the Inner Gate. Those who fail... return home."
The Screening Stone was an ancient formation that measured a person's ability to absorb spiritual energy from the air within ten breaths. Those who couldn't absorb enough would be forcefully ejected.
One by one, the hopefuls stepped forward. Some passed with ease. Others screamed as the formation violently rejected them. Spiritual energy could be merciless when forced by the unworthy.
When Huo Jin's turn came, he stepped forward with confidence. Within five breaths, spiritual energy enveloped him. The formation glowed green. Cheers broke out. He grinned smugly at Li Yun.
"Now… Li Yun."
All eyes turned toward him. Some clearly eager to witness his failure.
Li Yun took a steady breath and stepped onto the Screening Stone.
The moment his foot touched the jade surface, immense pressure weighed down on him. In the past, this was the point where spiritual energy always rejected him. But now… he could feel it—faint yet real—a warm current entering through his soles, flowing through meridians that had long felt barren.
"Don't rush," Tian Luo whispered. "Breathe. Let the energy flow gently. Don't force it. Feel its rhythm."
Li Yun closed his eyes. Slowly, he followed the rhythm. Breath after breath. Time seemed to slow.
One…
Two…
Three…
The stone began to glow faintly.
Four…
Five…
Still faint, but strengthening.
Six…
Seven…
The formation's color began to shift—from gray to a dim yellow.
Eight…
A glimmer of green emerged at the base of the stone.
Nine…
Whispers filled the air. Some began to rise to their feet.
Ten.
A green light shone. Not as bright as Huo Jin's, but unmistakably clear.
"Passed!" declared the green-robed teacher.
Li Yun opened his eyes. Sweat dripped down his forehead, but inside his chest, he felt a surge of relief.
For the first time, the world had acknowledged him.
As night fell, Li Yun had entered the beginner training quarters of Duskwind Academy. He was given a modest room, shared with dozens of other students.
Lying on his hard bed, he gazed at the night sky through the small window.
"Tian Luo," he whispered, "what really happened to my clan?"
"A long… and bloody secret," the spirit replied. "But time will reveal all. For now, focus on strengthening your body. Tonight, I'll begin unlocking your second meridian path."
Li Yun nodded.
He was no longer standing at the edge of the world. He had stepped onto the path toward true power.
And the flame that had begun to burn within him—could no longer be extinguished.