That day arrived sooner than anyone expected. The normally quiet village was bustling as children and elders gathered in the central square. Amid the crowd stood a dignified middle-aged man in simple robes, and beside him a young assistant with a notebook, ready to record any standout talents.
He was Mr. Yu Shan, the official envoy from the Qinglong Academy—one of the largest martial arts schools in the eastern region.
"We will evaluate not just physical strength," he announced, "but also the calmness of heart and the depth of the soul."
The young candidates lined up. Li Yuan stood among them, alongside Mu Yi and Fan Tu. All three tried to maintain steady expressions, though their hands trembled.
The first test began.
It was simple: execute basic martial arts moves—punches, kicks, and stance balance.
Many participants stumbled or executed poorly. But Li Yuan, with his two years of training, moved with light steps. His movements were unremarkable, yet rhythmic and calm, like flowing water.
The second test was the gaze.
Mr. Yu Shan walked down the line, looking each youth in the eyes. One stepped back nervously. Another looked down.
When it was Li Yuan's turn, the old master locked eyes with him.
In that moment… time seemed to pause.
"Hm?" Mr. Yu Shan murmured to himself.
Li Yuan's eyes… a dim gray abyss, hiding boundless depths. In his gaze, there was calm, sorrow… yet also untapped strength.
"What is this? Like staring at a starless night sky. Calm… but terrifying."
Mr. Yu Shan took a breath, momentarily caught off guard. Li Yuan bowed politely, unaware of his own effect.
The third test was sensitivity:
The youths were blindfolded and asked to detect gentle attacks from different directions. Most merely guessed at the source. But Li Yuan… remained still. And then—tap!—he caught an attack from his left with serene reflex.
"His body isn't fast… but his heart is unwavering," whispered the scribe.
From across the square, villagers watched and murmured among themselves:
"Look—it's Li Yuan… the skinny, shy boy."
"He's truly changed…"
When the trials concluded, Mr. Yu Shan called out a few names. Only three were selected:
"Mu Yi…"
"Fan Tu…"
"Li Yuan."
The crowd erupted in cheers; some wept with joy.
Li Yuan offered a small smile—not from pride, but because he knew his life's path had begun to shift. Something within him had begun to stir. The world remained silent, with no Qi yet awakened—but the journey toward true strength had begun.
And his eyes… the abyss Mr. Yu Shan had sensed… were still not fully awakened.
"I want to know… where you come from, Li Yuan," Mr. Yu Shan thought, watching him from afar.