The next morning dawned bright and clear, the courtyard alive with murmurs of anticipation. Students had gathered once more, their gazes fixed on the principal who stood at the center plaza, his hands clasped behind his back. His presence alone carried weight—he was one of the rare few in the entire Xianglong Kingdom to have stepped into the Foundation Establishment Realm, his aura steady and commanding.
"Students," his voice carried across the plaza, firm and unyielding, "yesterday you learned of the Tianlong Sect's selection tournament. Before you set foot in the capital, I must gauge your readiness. Today, each of you will face a combat assessment against one of our mentors. Your performance will decide if you qualify for our special training program—and with it, access to resources beyond what ordinary students may hope to touch. Among them is the Essence Refinement Pill, a treasure that can hasten your cultivation by weeks, even months."
Gasps spread through the gathered crowd. For many, the pill was the stuff of dreams.
Li Wei's heart pounded at the words. He had spent countless hours straining against the bottlenecks of Qi Refinement; a single pill could make the difference between mediocrity and ascension. He clenched his fists. I can't let this chance slip away.
"Li Wei," the principal called, his eyes glinting with a quiet challenge, "you will go first."
A hush fell over the students as they parted, forming a wide circle. Li Wei stepped forward, his breaths steady but his pulse racing. Across from him, his opponent approached—a tall, broad-shouldered man with a confident gait. Mentor Jian, known for his unrelenting speed and mastery of hand-to-hand techniques, was one of the academy's most respected instructors.
Though still within the Qi Refinement Realm, Jian stood at its very peak, his foundation polished over decades. The gap between him and Li Wei was not small.
"Ready yourself, boy," Jian said, his tone half-warning, half-encouragement. "Show me what the top student of Lianhua Academy is truly made of."
Li Wei bowed respectfully, drawing his blade. "I will not disappoint."
The principal's hand cut through the air. "Begin!"
Jian moved first—his body blurring as he closed the distance in a flash, fists striking like a storm. Li Wei barely had time to react, parrying with the flat of his blade before twisting aside. The impact reverberated up his arm, his bones humming with the force. Even restrained, Jian's strikes hit like hammers.
Li Wei exhaled sharply, channeling qi into his limbs. He pivoted, unleashing the Whirlwind Slash. A gust of wind spiraled outward as his blade cut through the air, forcing Jian to skip back. The students around the circle gasped, the sudden burst of power stirring dust and leaves into a vortex.
"Not bad!" Jian barked, lunging forward again. This time, his fists struck in rapid succession, testing every angle of Li Wei's defense.
Li Wei gritted his teeth, blocking one, sidestepping another. Still, a fist clipped his shoulder, pain blooming sharp and hot. He staggered, nearly losing his footing. The gap in cultivation was showing.
No... I won't falter here.
He steadied himself, drawing deeply on his qi reserves. His eyes sharpened. As Jian launched another furious volley, Li Wei shifted his stance—rather than retreating, he stepped into the attack, his blade cutting upward with perfect timing. The motion wasn't about brute strength but precision, a culmination of countless hours refining his technique.
The Whirlwind Slash erupted once more, but this time it wasn't just a strike. The arc of wind curved unexpectedly, catching Jian on his exposed flank. The mentor's eyes widened as the force knocked him off balance, his body sliding back several paces before he caught himself.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then Jian laughed, the sound booming across the courtyard. "Excellent! You've surpassed my expectations."
The students erupted into cheers. Li Wei lowered his blade, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his brow. He had won—not by overwhelming power, but through ingenuity and resolve.
Jian straightened, brushing dust from his robe, and gave Li Wei a nod of respect. "You've earned your place."
The principal's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Well done, Li Wei. This is the spirit we need for the capital." His gaze swept across the gathered students. "Remember—strength is not enough. Creativity, discipline, and willpower will see you through where cultivation alone cannot."
Soon after next student stepped onto the platform.
---
The following weeks passed in a blur of training and preparation. Li Wei pushed himself to his limits, honing the Whirlwind Slash until he reached the Perfection Realm of mastery. Mei sparred with him daily, her laughter and sharp critiques keeping him sharp. Together, they studied techniques, tested strategies, and pushed each other beyond exhaustion.
By the time the day of departure arrived, Li Wei felt sharper than ever.
The morning sun rose over the Academy of Lianhua, casting a golden glow as students gathered at the gates. Packs were slung over shoulders, weapons secured, eyes alight with anticipation. The principal stood tall at the head of the group, his presence alone silencing the chatter.
"Today, you carry not just your own ambitions, but the honor of this academy," he declared. "Walk with pride, and remember that every step is a test. Go forth, and return stronger than before."
With that, the gates swung open. The students of Lianhua Academy set off, their footsteps ringing with purpose.
---
Across the northern hills, another academy prepared for the same journey. At Xiang Academy, Wang Zhao tightened the straps of his bracers, a smirk playing on his lips. Known for his ruthless strikes and unyielding will, he was widely regarded as one of the strongest competitors this year.
"Think you're ready to put Li Wei in his place?" his friend, Lian Yi, asked with a grin.
Wang Zhao scoffed. "Li Wei? He's a frog at the bottom of a well. Let him leap as high as he likes—I'll be the one to crush him back down."
Their mentor, Master Zhao, overheard and frowned. "Arrogance blinds, Wang Zhao. Do not underestimate those who walk a different path."
"Arrogance? No," Wang Zhao replied, eyes gleaming. "Confidence."
---
Farther south, the students of Mei Academy gathered at their own gates. Yao Lin, tall and composed, adjusted her arm guards. Known for her tactical mind and devastating spear techniques, she was the pride of her academy.
"I've heard Lianhua boasts a prodigy this year," said her friend, Meng Li.
Yao Lin's lips curved into a cool smile. "Prodigy or not, they'll stand as nothing more than stepping stones. This tournament will be mine."
Their mentor, Master Feng, placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression stern. "Remember, Yao Lin—victory without humility breeds weakness. Fight not just for glory, but for growth."
---
Days later, as the capital's walls loomed into view, Li Wei's heart raced. The towering gates were alive with the bustle of cultivators, merchants, and sect emissaries. Flags of countless academies fluttered in the wind, and the air vibrated with ambition.
Beside him, Mei grinned, her eyes wide. "We're really here."
Li Wei nodded, determination hardening within him. This was more than a tournament. It was the threshold of destiny—the chance to leap beyond the limits of Xianglong and step onto the path of legends.