The gates of the Azure Spirit Sect loomed large and imposing, their grandeur capable of accommodating an entire caravan of merchants on foot within their expansive embrace. Silent as the whispers of the wind, they swung inward to reveal a meticulously paved avenue, framed by a broad expanse of light green stone that gleamed softly in the sunlight. The path stretched ahead like a promise, inviting and foreboding all at once.
As Lin Xuan stepped through the entrance, a wave of sensation washed over him, marking this place as distinctly different from the world he had known. Here, the Qi was denser, a palpable force that enveloped him like a warm embrace. It was thicker than the mountains and rivers that lay beyond the sect's walls, converging into a radiant essence that felt purer and finer than the air after years of relentless cold.
An overview of the environment:
- Internal Qi Density increased by 52%
- Triple-layered formation detection, suppression, and isolation
- Note: this ground = Security Theatre forming 1
Every element of the sect, from the towering walls that reached toward the heavens to the fluttering banners that danced in the breeze, whispered an undeniable truth to Lin Xuan: power was the only coin that mattered here. It was a currency that could buy respect, fear, and perhaps even survival.
Ahead of him, the courtyard was alive with the bustle of people. Disciples clad in robes of various hues mingled with elders whose stern faces bore the weight of wisdom and authority. Among them were newcomers like Lin Xuan, many of whom seemed to have stepped from the shadows of their small, humble villages, grateful for the mere opportunity to draw the attention of a recruiter. Some had spent their entire lives in dojos, honing their skills, while others appeared to be countryfolk, their eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
The moment Lin Xuan and his companion, Yun Ruo, entered, the lively chatter that filled the air abruptly ceased. Conversations fell quiet, replaced by a palpable tension that prickled at the back of his neck. From Brant's temple, a long stick with a glossy black finish, he felt the weight of dozens of curious, scrutinizing eyes upon him — some filled with intrigue, others tinged with hostility.
Emerging from the shadows, a figure clad in white-and-blue disciple robes advanced toward him, his hair perfectly styled into a topknot that spoke of meticulous grooming. The man's gaze barely lingered on Lin Xuan, assessing him as one might appraise livestock at a market.
"You were the one who fought at the gate," he announced, his tone flat and devoid of warmth. The words were not a question but a statement of fact.
Lin Xuan didn't need to confirm. The truth hung in the air like a challenge.
"A test awaits you here," the man continued, his voice dripping with condescension. "But do not delude yourself into thinking that your small roadside spectacle will sway the elders. It is safe to say that we have been training since the moment we could walk. You will need more than mere luck to contend with us."
Lin Xuan could almost feel the ripple of agreement from the disciples surrounding him; the boy next to him echoed the sentiment with a voice that carried through the stillness.
Yun Ruo stepped forward, her voice icy as she confronted the man. "Top Disciple Meng Zhao, right?"
Yet, despite her assertiveness, Meng Zhao's eyes remained devoid of mirth. "Ah, yes, just being welcoming to the new guy. Remember, the sect devours the arrogant."
Suddenly, a bell tolled from somewhere high above, resonating with an authority that commanded attention. Three esteemed elders, draped in azure robes adorned with silver spirit cranes, descended gracefully from the grand staircase leading from the main hall. Two were men, their presence formidable, while the third, a woman, radiated a fierce grace that demanded respect.
[Observe]:
- Elder Ji [Foundation Establishment—Mid]
- Elder Qin [Core Formation—Early]
- Elder Su [Foundation Establishment—Peak]
Elder Qin, the eldest among them, surveyed the gathered crowd with a discerning eye. His voice, unhurried and rich, echoed across the courtyard, drawing every ear. "Candidates, today marks the commencement of the Azure Spirit Sect Entry Trial. Your spiritual root quality, combat capability, and self-pressure resistance will be put to the test."
As his gaze flitted across the sea of hopeful faces, it briefly settled on Lin Xuan, sending a shiver down his spine.
The candidates were ushered to a high platform, where a crystalline monolith stood poised at its center. One by one, they approached the stone, placing their hands against its smooth surface. As each candidate made contact, the crystal would shimmer and change color, revealing the level and type of their spiritual origins.
Most of the candidates emerged with results that glowed green or yellow—good, but not particularly impressive. Lin Xuan could feel the weight of dozens of eyes boring into him, a palpable hostility that hung thick in the air behind him.
He stepped forward, placing his hands on the glass-like surface.
[SPIRITUAL ROOT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM: Historical perspective will be distorted to reflect the current state of suppression in host] Option available – Mask Output.
"Yes," he whispered to himself, steeling his resolve.
As the crystal illuminated, it revealed a faint blue hue—Basic Water Affinity. The murmur that swept through the crowd was immediate and scathing.
"Barely above useless." "A blue at his age? He's nothing special."
Lin Xuan chose silence, his expression betraying nothing but a light grin as he turned away. Let them think him weak; that would serve him well for now.
The scene shifted to the training grounds, where a circular arena had been established. Alliances formed and broke, with elders acting as referees while core disciples settled into their seats, eager to witness the unfolding battles.
When Lin Xuan's name was announced, he felt a surge of adrenaline course through him. His opponent was none other than Meng Li, a junior cousin of Meng Zhao, who stood across the arena with a lean figure, sharp eyes glinting with anticipation, and a smile that hinted at his confidence in victory. "I will do my best not to injure you before you finish blowing the rest of the test," he taunted playfully.
They bowed respectfully to each other, the elder presiding over the match raising his hand to signal the start. "Begin!"
Without hesitation, Meng Li charged forward, his sword flicking out in a high-arc slash that sliced through the air with lethal grace.
"A Silver Arc Slash — Low-grade sword technique," Lin Xuan observed, mentally cataloging the move. "Yes."
He responded instinctively, his spear striking just as Meng Li's blade descended. Their weapons made contact, and Lin Xuan twisted the spear, redirecting the momentum as he stepped in closer. The shaft of his spear slid along the length of Meng Li's sword, forcing him to back away with a startled expression.
The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and gasps. Lin Xuan's movements were practical and efficient—workmanlike, yet lacking the flamboyant flair that often captivated onlookers.
Frustration etched Meng Li's features as he snarled and shifted his stance, changing tactics.
With a fierce thrust aimed at Lin Xuan's midsection, Meng Li charged forward. Lin Xuan let the spear tip dip, deftly catching the blade off-line and countering with a Stone Piercing Lunge that halted mere inches from Meng Li's chest.
The elder's voice rang out, breaking the tension: "Lin Xuan scores a point."
Meng Li's face flushed with anger and embarrassment.
Meng Li, refusing to accept defeat, launched another attack. This time, she wouldn't stop. Instead, she closed in with a foul move, launching herself back into the fray.
[Ability Traced: Hidden Fang Strike – Stealth blade technique.] Yes.
In an instant, Lin Xuan found himself surrounded by blinding speed. The spear flashed faster than his eyes could track, slamming against Meng Li's wrist and forcing her armdagger to spin down into the dirt. The disciples who watched gasped in shock, their astonished faces reflecting the intensity of the duel.
Elder Ji's gaze hardened, narrowing as he assessed the situation. "Disqualified. Remove her."
Meng Li, seething with humiliation, was escorted away, her eyes filled with rage as they lingered on Lin Xuan.
The final phase of the trial was a team task, designed to test not only skill but adaptability. The candidates were led into the sect grounds and thrust into a narrow, shadowy gorge nestled within a small forest. Scattered throughout were three jade medallions; all who returned with one would be deemed successful.
Chaos erupted the moment they arrived. Teams formed and broke apart within minutes; alliances shifted like the wind. Lin Xuan, however, chose to operate solo, relying on the System to provide him with high-altitude topographic scans and enemy positions.
[Skill Detected: Hawk Step – Trace skill.] Yes.
He dashed forward, the thrill of the hunt igniting his spirit. He was the first to reach a boulder where he discovered his first medallion, just as three of Joe's top candidates closed in behind him, their intentions clear.
[Skill Triggered: Staff Technique—Triple Wind Sweep] Yes.
The confrontation was swift. With three precise strikes, he dispatched his opponents, securing one medallion in his grasp before they even had a chance to recover.
As the candidates emerged from the trials, Lin Xuan heard his name called among those who had successfully passed all three stages. Flanked by the elders, their tatami mats and inkwells set before them on a low table, he stood proudly by the jade medallion of power now resting in his palm. The same setup as last time, but this time he felt an electric thrill coursing through him as they recorded their final marks.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Meng Zhao, a smile curving his lips that barely concealed a more deliberate intent. The atmosphere was charged with unspoken challenges.
The System chimed, its voice echoing in his mind.
[Discovered Hidden Quest: Exceeded target suppression during the trial. Reward: +1 High-grade spear technique.]
A soft voice mumbled just behind him as the crowd began to disperse, laden with whispers of disdain and warnings.
"Enjoy your victory, outsider. You won't last a month here."
Lin Xuan did not turn to confront the speaker but allowed a confident smile to bloom on his face. "We'll see," he replied, his voice steady, carrying the weight of determination and unyielding spirit. The trials were just the beginning of his journey.