The morning sun bathed Phoenix Crest City in golden light, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Merchants called out their wares, children chased each other through the plazas, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming crimson spiritflowers from the City Lord Manor gardens. Today, however, a tense anticipation lingered in the air. Word had spread far and wide. The Azure Spirit Sword Sect was arriving, and the city had gathered to witness the legendary sect appearance.
Above the bustling city, the sky suddenly rippled as a massive flying vessel descended. Its hull shimmered with a celestial glow, runes tracing intricate patterns along its sides. The crowd gasped in unison as the Heavenly Ark lowered gracefully onto the plaza, radiating an aura of divine majesty. Children clutched their parents hands, while seasoned cultivators eyes gleamed with awe.
One by one, the people of the Azure Spirit Sword Sect disembarked. And then, at the forefront, stepped a figure who made every heartbeat in the plaza falter. Sect Master Xingjin.
Xingjin, with delicate features framing a flawless face, lips curved in quiet composure, and hair flowing like silk down the shoulders. Yet behind the beauty was an authority so sharp, so overpowering, that even the bravest cultivators instinctively lowered their gazes. Whispers erupted like wildfire.
"Is… is that a goddess?"
"Beautiful."
"Who is she?"
Eyes darted back and forth, captivated, yet unsure how to address such a presence.
From the City Lord, Feng Haoran straightened, chest swelling with both pride and nervousness. He stepped forward, opening his mouth: "I welco—"
A soft, almost imperceptible whisper cut through the air, carrying a weight that froze him in place.
"Lower your voice."
Feng Haoran's expression changed instantly, fear flashing across his features. Before he could utter another word, Xingjin's gaze, piercing as a blade, commanded silently.
"Lead the way."
Swallowing his nerves, Feng Haoran bowed deeply. "Please… follow me," he said, his voice quivering slightly. The crowd murmured amongst themselves.
Inside the grand halls of the City Lord Manor, Feng Haoran led Xingjin into the main reception chamber. The man who ruled Phoenix Crest City could not hide the admiration in his eyes as he thought silently, So this is Sect Master Xingjin… the only Peak Mahayana Realm cultivator in the entire sect. Such… beauty.
Xingjin's sharp gaze swept over him like a blade. "How are the preparations for tomorrow?"
Feng Haoran swallowed, straightening. "All preparations for the Recruitment Trial are complete."
He paused, hand twitching slightly as he considered mentioning the White-Haired Demon, but his fear of Xingjin's temper won over. Better not… Sect Master Xingjin's reputation precedes him. If I mention even a hint of failure, she'll be furious…
Xingjin's gaze softened slightly, yet the weight of it still pressed on Feng Haoran's shoulders. "Good. I wish to rest. You may leave."
"Excuse me," Feng Haoran replied quickly. He waved to a nearby maid, signaling her to escort Xingjin to his quarters, while the three elders of the Sect retreated to their rooms.
Once alone in his room, Xingjin leaned against the window, gazing out at the plaza below. The crowd was still chattering, many repeatedly calling him a "goddess," and he felt a flush of embarrassment. There are many onlookers… he murmured inwardly, thankfully, no one outside the sect knows who I truly am. If they did, I'd be utterly humiliated.
He allowed himself a brief smirk, his mind already turning toward the trials to come. Despite the beauty, despite the whispers, behind the delicate appearance was a cultivator whose name would command respect and fear within the walls of the Azure Spirit Sword Sect.
And so, the stage was set. The Recruitment Trial was about to begin, and the city.
...
Sunlight filtered softly through the Bamboo Forest, casting dancing patterns across the forest floor. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of bamboo leaves swaying in the gentle breeze. Amidst the tall, verdant stalks, a figure lay on the ground, face pale and fatigued.
"Liu Xin!" Lin Xuan called out, concern and urgency in his tone. "Three days have passed since you began your training. The Recruitment Trial is about to begin. Get up now."
Liu Xin stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Yes, Master," he replied, voice hoarse but resolute.
Lin Xuan's gaze was sharp as he studied his disciple. "Tell me… after three thousand years in the Void Domain, have you mastered the Heaven-Piercing Void Slash and the Eternal Aegis Barrier?"
Liu Xin lowered his gaze, a hint of shame crossing his tired expression. "I… only reached the early stage of the Heaven-Piercing Void Slash and the early stage of the Eternal Aegis Barrier, Master."
Lin Xuan's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's more than enough for the Recruitment Trial." He reached into his robes and produced a seemingly ordinary ring, handing it to Liu Xin.
Liu Xin looked at it curiously. "Master… what is this?"
Lin Xuan's voice was calm but firm. "This will conceal your cultivation, reducing it back to the Foundation Establishment Realm if you wear."
"Master… but why?" Liu Xin's brow furrowed in confusion.
Lin Xuan's expression softened, yet his tone carried an unyielding edge. "If a mere Fourth Qi Refinement Realm cultivator suddenly rose to the Soul Transformation Realm, it would raise too many questions. Your sudden rise will attract suspicion. The ring will hide your true strength."
Understanding dawned on Liu Xin. He bowed deeply. "I understand, Master."
Lin Xuan nodded. "Now, go to the Recruitment Trial."
Liu Xin hesitated for a moment. "Master… you are not coming?"
Lin Xuan shook his head. "I have other business. This one… You must face yourself."
With a respectful farewell to Lin Xuan and Yue, Liu Xin turned and disappeared into the forest, his heart brimming with deep respect and gratitude for his master.
After Liu Xin left, Lin Xuan's gaze shifted to Yue. "Now, let us proceed to the Recruitment Trial place, Yue."
Yue eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yes, Master."
Stepping into the Void, Lin Xuan and Yue disappeared from the Bamboo Forest and reappeared in the skies above Phoenix Crest City, perfectly undetected by the defensive formations set by the City Lord. From this vantage, they could observe the Recruitment Trial in peace, relaxed yet alert.
It was at this moment that Lin Xuan's sharp eyes caught something, or rather someone, high above, in a place reserved only for the most distinguished guest.
A figure stood, captivating beyond belief. A seemingly beautiful lady, her aura radiant, her composure perfect. Lin Xuan heart skipped a beat.
"Who… who is that beautiful lady?" he whispered to Yue.
Yue's expression was calm, almost amused. "That is Sect Master Xingjin. And… that's not a lady, it's a man."
Lin Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of shock and awe crossing his face. "A… man?" he whispered, barely able to believe it. "This… this beauty… like a goddess descended from the Immortal Realm… he's a man?!"
Yue merely nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips as he watched Lin Xuan's reaction and said to Lin Xuan, "Don't tell me you are attracted to a man."
Lin Xuan froze for a moment, cheeks flushing slightly, and avoided Yue gaze. A mixture of surprise and embarrassment flickered across his face before he quickly looked away, his fingers fidgeting nervously.
...
Far below, at the rear entrance of the plaza, a lone figure slipped quietly out from the crowd. Wrapped in a plain, faded hooded cloak, Liu Xin's face was completely hidden beneath the shadow of the hood. His clothing was so ordinary almost shabby that most people didn't even spare him a glance.
His concealed cultivation ring suppressed his terrifying aura, making him appear no different from a weak Foundation Establishment youth fragile.
He blended so seamlessly into the sea of hopeful disciples that even the guards barely noticed him.
His eyes, however hidden beneath the hood were sharp. Calm. Steadfast.
A group of nearby youths glanced at him and immediately lost interest.
"Tch. Just another nobody."
"Look at him, he probably came from some tiny mountain village."
"He doesn't even look like he'll pass the first test."
They quickly turned away, not even bothering to sneer further.
Liu Xin walked forward silently, his hood swaying slightly with each step. He kept his hands clasped behind his back, posture steady, unshaken by the disdain around him.
Master… I will not disappoint you, he thought, eyes narrowing with quiet resolve beneath the hood.
Without attracting any attention, he slipped into the long line of participants.
The plaza suddenly trembled as Elder Zhen stepped onto the central platform, raising a glowing jade tablet in his hand.
"Participants, step forward one by one for age and cultivation verification!" His voice echoed across the plaza like rolling thunder.
Lines shifted. Hopeful youths straightened their robes, and families watched anxiously from the sidelines. The glowing Age-Testing Stone lit up as the first few participants placed their palms upon it.
"Age: 19. Cultivation: 9th Qi Refinement."
"Age: 17. Cultivation: 5th Qi Refinement."
"Age: 18. Cultivation: Early Foundation Establishment. Acceptable."
The crowd murmured.
Some cheered.
Some sighed with disappointment.
Elder Zhen nodded with cold professionalism at each result."This level is common. Next!"
Liu Xin's Turn
Slowly, the hooded youth stepped out of the line.
He moved silently.
No arrogance. No nervousness. No presence at all.
To many, he was the most forgettable person in the plaza.
"This one looks weak."
"I bet he's already 20 and still stuck at Qi Refinement."
"Those shabby clothes… he probably begged just to come here."
Their voices were dismissive, completely unconcerned.
Elder Zhen didn't spare him a second glance."Next participant. Place your palm on the Age Stone."
Liu Xin quietly lifted his hand and placed it on the glowing jade stone.
A faint hum spread through the air.
The stone flickered once… twice…Then blazed brightly, as if awakened by something unexpected.
Gasps erupted from nearby spectators.
"What, why is it glowing so strongly?!"
"Is the stone malfunctioning?"
Numbers slowly formed inside the stone like floating characters.
Age: 16
A stunned silence washed over the plaza.
Sixteen.
He was one of the youngest participants here.
Elder Zhen's brows lifted ever so slightly."What a young age… impressive."
Before the crowd could recover, the second stone activated. The Cultivation Stone.
The moment Liu Xin placed his other palm on it.
WUUUMMMM
A stable, bright foundation-level ripple pulsed outward.
Cultivation: Early Foundation Establishment Realm
This time, the crowd exploded.
"Sixteen… and already Foundation Establishment?!"
"Impossible! That's the threshold for a top-tier genius!"
"Even the City Lord's son reached that realm at 17!"
"He's a monster!"
"What kind of freakish talent is this?"
Many cultivators who had ignored him moments ago now craned their necks to get a better look. Some even stood on tiptoe, trying to see under the hood.
But Liu Xin remained still.
Unmoving.
Expression unreadable beneath the shadow covering his face.
Elder Zhen's gaze sharpened.
"Age sixteen… Early Foundation Establishment…" His voice grew more serious, losing its earlier casual tone.
"You are a genius among the geniuses."
The other elders took notice as well, whispering among themselves.
"Such talent… But he is dressed like a beggar."
"His potential surpasses even noble-born prodigies. "
"Who exactly is this man?"
High above, even Sect Master Xingjin glanced briefly in Liu Xin's direction, interest flickering in those serene eyes.
Liu Xin lowered his head respectfully, concealing any trace of emotion.
Under his hood, his lips curved faintly.
Master… I will walk this path as you taught me, but…
A brief thought flickered in his mind. Why did master insist that I wear like this? The appearance hardly matched the overwhelming strength and dignity he carried.
But just as quickly as it came, Liu Xin dismissed the thought.
He trusted his master completely. There must be a reason, and it was not his place to question it.
Elder Zhen cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
"You pass."
Liu Xin bowed slightly and walked forward.
Still quiet.
Still unnoticed by many.
But now…
No one dared to call him "a nobody."