Three days had passed since Kael's awakening at the mountain peak.
With the Trial of the Body complete and the relic stable—albeit still damaged—Kael descended, moving toward civilization. The relic guided him to a place where talent was honed and the strong gathered: Emberlight Institute, nestled in the heart of the Aetherveil Region.
A respected sect, one of five great powers in the central realm, Emberlight specialized in training those of exceptional physique and soul sensitivity. But its reputation was recently waning—once home to prodigies, now overshadowed by neighboring sects like Violet Sky Hall and Duskwind Valley.
Kael arrived during the Twilight Selection, the institute's annual intake of new disciples.
He wasn't the only one.
The plaza was flooded with young cultivators—some clothed in silk, marked by clan insignias; others, commoners with blazing eyes and hardened palms. All hoping to be chosen. All dreaming of rising.
A booming voice echoed through the mountains.
"Welcome, aspirants. Step forward. Your essence will be tested. Your fate begins today."
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Kael stepped into line, unnoticed… until it was his turn.
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The Essence Mirror, a tall obsidian obelisk, was used to test a cultivator's potential in the three aspects: Body, Mind, and Spirit.
When Kael touched it, the Mirror trembled.
First, a blood-red light exploded from its base—indicating a rare and powerful body constitution.
Then, flickers of silver mist spiraled up its core—spirit potential.
Finally, a deep azure pulse blinked across its top—mind sensitivity.
All three aspects… at once.
The crowd went silent.
The elder managing the test, Master Eshen, narrowed his eyes. "All three awakened? At initial stage?"
"Not awakened," Kael replied. "Balanced."
Whispers erupted. "Who is he?" "Never seen him before—he's not from any major clan!" "Could he be a Divine Root holder?"
A figure in violet robes stepped forward.
Riven Valemir, heir to the noble Valemir Clan, known for his frost-cultivation art and already a 2nd-stage Ascendant, sneered. "A balanced talent? So what? If you can't win, it's useless."
Kael's gaze met his, calm and indifferent.
Riven smiled coldly. "I hope we meet during the internal matches."
Kael was admitted instantly, but his arrival caused ripples.
Jealousy. Admiration. Fear.
He was placed into the Outer Disciple Hall, though his talent could rival inner disciples. The elders decided to observe him—let the institute's structure shape him, test him.
But Kael didn't mind.
He needed to cultivate. To repair the relic. To prepare.
The relic whispered as he meditated that night.
"Convergence threads… pulling closer…"
"And one has followed you."