The Supreme Peak was a place of impossible beauty and terrifying power. Axel made the ascent at dawn as instructed, climbing stone steps that had been carved directly from the mountain's face thousands of years ago. Each step radiated spiritual pressure from the countless powerful cultivators who'd walked this path before him.
The ambient Qi grew denser with every hundred feet of elevation. By the time Axel reached halfway, the concentration was so intense that even his Core Formation body struggled to process it comfortably. Foundation Establishment cultivators would find this environment literally uninhabitable—the spiritual pressure alone would crush them.
"This is deliberate," Axel realized, his enhanced perception analyzing the mountain's structure. "The path itself is a test. Only Core Formation and above can even reach the summit."
The system confirmed his observation:
[ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: SUPREME PEAK]
[AMBIENT QI DENSITY: 847% ABOVE NORMAL]
[SPIRITUAL PRESSURE: OPPRESSIVE (CORE FORMATION THRESHOLD)]
[FORMATION ARRAYS DETECTED: 247 ACTIVE LAYERS]
[PURPOSE: CULTIVATION ENHANCEMENT + SECURITY + TESTING]
[RECOMMENDATION: MAINTAIN DEFENSIVE CIRCULATION]
[NOTE: YOU ARE BEING OBSERVED]
Of course he was being observed. This was the Supreme Peak, where Ascendant Realm cultivators dwelled. They probably noticed the moment he set foot on the mountain path.
Axel continued climbing, using the oppressive environment as cultivation practice. His Golden Core responded to the dense Qi by absorbing and refining it automatically, actually growing stronger from exposure to the challenging conditions. What was meant to be a test became an opportunity—typical of how his Mythical-grade cultivation seemed to operate.
The summit plateau appeared after another thousand steps. A massive courtyard stretched before him, perfectly maintained gardens surrounding a central pavilion that seemed to exist partially outside normal space. The architecture was elegant but understated, suggesting power so absolute it didn't need ostentatious display.
An elderly man sat in the pavilion, apparently observing the sunrise. He wore simple robes without sect insignia, his spiritual pressure so perfectly controlled that Axel couldn't sense it at all—which was more terrifying than overwhelming pressure would have been. Only cultivators at realms far beyond Axel's perception could suppress their presence so completely.
This had to be Supreme Elder Jiang.
Axel approached respectfully, stopping at an appropriate distance and performing a formal disciple's bow. "Supreme Elder Jiang. Junior Disciple Axel King reporting as summoned."
"Axel King," the elder said without turning from the sunrise. His voice was gentle but carried weight that made the air itself vibrate. "The disciple who achieved Core Formation in five weeks. The formation prodigy who's caught Elder Shen's personal attention. The contested third-rank who's causing political chaos throughout the outer disciple hierarchy."
"Yes, Supreme Elder."
"Come. Sit." Jiang gestured to a chair that appeared from nowhere. "Let's have tea while we discuss your remarkable advancement."
Axel sat carefully, accepting the teacup that materialized in front of him. The tea radiated spiritual energy—this was obviously no ordinary beverage, but something refined by cultivation methods far beyond his understanding.
Supreme Elder Jiang finally turned to face him, and Axel had to suppress his instinctive recoil. The elder's eyes contained depths that suggested he'd seen the rise and fall of dynasties, the birth and death of cultivation methods, the transformation of the world itself over centuries beyond counting.
This was Ascendant Realm—Stage 10, five full stages above Axel's Core Formation. The difference in power was so vast that Jiang could probably kill him with a thought before Axel even registered the attack.
"Relax," Jiang said with mild amusement. "I didn't summon you here to execute you. If I wanted that, you'd already be dead without ever knowing I'd decided it."
The blunt assessment didn't help Axel relax, but he appreciated the honesty.
"I'm curious about you, Axel King," Jiang continued. "In my thousand years of cultivation, I've encountered perhaps a dozen truly exceptional talents—cultivators who advanced so quickly and thoroughly that conventional wisdom couldn't explain them. You're the first I've seen in this sect for over two centuries."
"I've been fortunate in my cultivation resources and instruction, Supreme Elder."
"Fortunate," Jiang repeated, tasting the word. "An interesting choice. Let me tell you what I perceive when I look at you."
The elder's spiritual pressure expanded slightly—not threatening, but comprehensive, scanning every aspect of Axel's cultivation in detail that made him feel transparent.
"Your Golden Core is Mythical-grade," Jiang began. "A quality I've only seen twice before in my entire life, both in cultivators who eventually reached True Immortal and ascended to the Immortal World. It exists in seven dimensions simultaneously—four beyond what normal cultivators can perceive—and contains formation structures that shouldn't be possible to create without Saint Realm understanding."
Axel said nothing, unsure how to respond to such precise analysis.
"Your foundation before Core Formation was similarly exceptional. Nine Primordial Pillars arranged in a configuration that I recognize from ancient texts describing pre-historical cultivation methods." Jiang sipped his tea. "Methods that supposedly haven't been used for ten thousand years, because they require bloodline compatibility that no longer exists in the modern cultivation world."
The conversation was heading toward the Hongmeng Bloodline. Axel could feel it approaching like storm clouds gathering on the horizon.
"And then there's your advancement rate," Jiang continued. "Five weeks from Foundation Establishment Early to Core Formation. That's not just exceptional—it's impossible by normal cultivation standards. Even with Mythical-grade foundation and optimal resources, the time required to accumulate sufficient Qi and stabilize between realms should prevent such rapid advancement."
"Unless," the elder's eyes sharpened, "you have some kind of cultivation assistance that operates on principles beyond normal methods. A bloodline, perhaps, that provides guidance and acceleration that transcends conventional limitations."
Axel weighed his response carefully. Elder Shen had advised honesty but not volunteering unnecessary information. "Supreme Elder, I do have... advantages in my cultivation that I don't fully understand myself. Whether they constitute a bloodline or something else, I can't definitively say."
"Cannot or will not?" Jiang asked mildly.
"Genuinely cannot. I know that my cultivation progresses faster than normal and that I sometimes receive insights that help me avoid mistakes. But the source and nature of those advantages..." Axel paused. "I would tell you if I knew, Supreme Elder. I have no reason to deceive someone at your realm—you could perceive any lie I attempted."
Jiang studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Truth. You genuinely don't fully understand your own capabilities. That's actually more intriguing than if you'd claimed complete knowledge."
The elder stood and walked to the courtyard's edge, gazing out over the sect spread across the mountain below. "Let me tell you why I summoned you, Axel King. The Azure Sky Sect is at a critical juncture. We're a mid-tier power—respectable but not dominant. We have perhaps two dozen Core Formation cultivators, seven Golden Core, and one Nascent Soul who serves as Sect Master. No Soul Projection. No Spirit Fusion. Nothing beyond Nascent Soul Peak."
"That's adequate for maintaining our territory and status," Jiang continued. "But it means we're vulnerable to any neighboring sect that decides to expand. We survive through balance—ensuring no single neighbor is strong enough to absorb us while we're not weak enough to invite casual aggression."
Axel understood the political reality being described. Mid-tier sects existed in constant tension, neither strong enough to dominate nor weak enough to be destroyed, surviving through careful diplomacy and maintained deterrence.
"You represent something the sect hasn't had in two hundred years—a cultivator with genuine potential to reach realms beyond Nascent Soul," Jiang said. "Not guaranteed, obviously. Ninety percent of exceptional talents die before reaching their potential. But possible, which is more than anyone else in the sect can claim."
"So you want to ensure I remain loyal to the sect?" Axel guessed.
"I want to ensure you survive long enough to determine if that potential is real." Jiang turned back to face him. "You've attracted dangerous attention, Axel. Three different factions want to control you. Two neighboring sects have already sent subtle inquiries about whether you might be 'available for recruitment.' And there's a demonic cultivation organization that's shown interest in capturing talented disciples for forced cultivation harvesting."
The last item made Axel's blood run cold. "Demonic cultivation organizations target sect disciples?"
"Rarely, because the consequences are usually severe. But for a talent like yours?" Jiang's expression was grim. "They might consider the risk acceptable. Harvesting your cultivation base and attempting to extract whatever gives you those advantages could benefit multiple demonic cultivators."
"What can I do to protect myself?"
"Several things. First, accept that you cannot survive alone. You need allies, protection, and institutional backing. The sect provides all three, but only if you're officially valuable enough to justify the investment." Jiang pulled out a jade token that radiated Ascendant Realm spiritual pressure. "This is a Supreme Elder protection token. Anyone who attacks you while you carry it is directly challenging me. That won't stop everyone, but it will make most reconsider."
Axel accepted the token carefully, feeling its weight both physical and symbolic. "Thank you, Supreme Elder."
"Second, you need proper training beyond what Elder Shen can provide. Formation mastery is valuable, but you need combat instruction, cultivation guidance, and political education if you're going to navigate the dangers ahead." Jiang gestured, and three more jade slips appeared. "These are introductions to three different inner disciples who can mentor you in areas Elder Shen doesn't specialize in."
"Third, and most importantly, you need to advance quickly enough that you reach Golden Core before your enemies act." Jiang's tone became deadly serious. "Core Formation is impressive but still vulnerable. Golden Core cultivators are significantly harder to kill and have access to resources and protections that Core Formation disciples don't. The faster you climb, the safer you become."
"The Heavenly Ascension Trial," Axel said, understanding where this was leading. "You want me to use the trial to advance as quickly as possible."
"The trial is perfect for your situation. Three months in a high-energy environment where advancement is expected and accelerated. If you can reach Core Formation Mid or Late during the trial, you'll be positioned to attempt Golden Core breakthrough soon after returning." Jiang sat back down. "But you need a proper team. Most existing teams won't accept a controversial newcomer, even one with your capabilities."
"You have a team for me?" Axel guessed.
"I have four disciples who need a fifth member. They're all talented, all loyal to the sect, and all ambitious enough to appreciate having an exceptional fifth rather than fearing competition." Jiang pulled out another jade slip. "They're waiting at the Eastern Training Grounds. Go meet them, see if you're compatible. If not, I'll help you find alternatives."
The meeting was apparently concluded. Axel stood and bowed formally. "Thank you for your guidance and protection, Supreme Elder. I'll do my best to justify your investment."
"See that you do. The sect has limited resources to spare on disciples who don't reach their potential." Jiang's tone softened slightly. "But I believe you will, Axel King. Your advancement rate suggests you're being pushed by something that won't let you fail. Use that drive. Let it carry you to heights that justify the attention you've attracted."
Elder Shen's Perspective - Formation Research Pavilion
Elder Shen watched through a remote viewing formation as his student left Supreme Peak alive and carrying a protection token. The Formation Master had been genuinely uncertain whether Axel would survive the meeting—Supreme Elder Jiang was known for decisive action, and "decisive" sometimes meant eliminating problems before they grew into disasters.
But Jiang had apparently concluded that Axel was an investment rather than a liability. The protection token proved it. Such tokens were extremely rare, given only to disciples the Supreme Elders considered critically important to the sect's future.
"So the boy is officially under Ascendant Realm protection now," Elder Shen murmured. "That will enrage the elimination faction while emboldening the recruitment factions. Politics are about to become significantly more complicated."
He made a mental note to strengthen the security formations around Axel's quarters. The protection token would prevent direct attacks, but it wouldn't stop sabotage, poisoning, or "accidents" that could technically be explained as non-hostile.
"Kid, you're going to need more than just formation mastery to survive what's coming," Shen said to the empty workshop. "Let's hope those mentors Jiang provides actually teach you what you need rather than using the opportunity to assess your weaknesses."
Feng Yun's Perspective - Eastern Training Grounds
Feng Yun stood with three other disciples at the Eastern Training Grounds, all of them waiting with varying degrees of impatience and curiosity.
"Supreme Elder Jiang said our fifth would be 'exceptional,'" said Chen Wu, a Core Formation Early cultivator who specialized in defensive techniques. "But he's been saying that about potential recruits for weeks. They all turned us down because we're not prestigious enough."
"This one won't turn us down," said Zhao Mei, the team's Core Formation Mid powerhouse. "Jiang specifically said they need us as much as we need them. That suggests someone controversial, probably powerful but lacking established connections."
"So another arrogant prodigy who thinks they're better than everyone," Lin Shan grumbled. The team's scout and reconnaissance specialist was Foundation Establishment Peak, bitter about not yet achieving Core Formation. "Perfect."
"Reserved judgment until we meet them," Feng Yun advised. She'd been selected as team leader due to her experience and tactical thinking, though she was only Core Formation Early like Chen Wu. "Jiang doesn't waste time on disciples without real talent. If he's personally vouching for this fifth, they're probably legitimately exceptional."
A figure appeared at the training ground entrance—young man, early twenties, radiating carefully controlled Core Formation spiritual pressure. Feng Yun's eyes widened in recognition.
"That's Axel King. The one who defeated me during the monthly evaluation."
"That's our fifth?" Chen Wu looked skeptical. "He's been in the sect for what, five weeks? And he's already Core Formation?"
"Six weeks, actually," Zhao Mei corrected, her spiritual senses analyzing Axel as he approached. "And his Golden Core is... that's not normal quality. That's Mythical-grade or close to it."
Axel reached their position and performed a formal bow. "I'm Axel King. Supreme Elder Jiang suggested you might need a fifth team member for the Heavenly Ascension Trial."
"We do," Feng Yun confirmed, stepping forward as team leader. "But we need to assess compatibility first. Teams that don't work together die in the trial. So let's be direct—why are you available? Someone with your advancement rate should have multiple team offers."
"I'm controversial," Axel said simply. "Rapid advancement attracts both interest and suspicion. Most established teams don't want the political complications that come with accepting me."
"And you think we're desperate enough to accept those complications?" Lin Shan challenged.
"I think you're practical enough to recognize that capability matters more than politics inside the Ascension Realm," Axel replied evenly. "The trial doesn't care about sect factions or social standing. It cares about power, adaptability, and teamwork."
"Fair assessment," Zhao Mei said. "Show us your capabilities. If you're as exceptional as your advancement suggests, we'll deal with the political complications. If you're just lucky, we'll find someone else."
What followed was an hour of intensive testing. Axel demonstrated combat techniques against Chen Wu's defensive formations, showcased spatial manipulation for Lin Shan's reconnaissance planning, and sparred with Zhao Mei to test his power output against a Core Formation Mid cultivator.
The results were impressive. Axel's combat capability was solid Core Formation Mid equivalent despite his Early stage cultivation. His spatial techniques provided tactical advantages that Lin Shan immediately began incorporating into reconnaissance strategies. And his willingness to take direction from Feng Yun suggested he could function in a team structure rather than demanding leadership.
"Verdict," Feng Yun called after the testing concluded. The team gathered for quick discussion while Axel waited at respectful distance.
"He's legitimate," Zhao Mei said immediately. "That Golden Core is exceptional quality, and his combat applications are sophisticated beyond his apparent experience level."
"Spatial manipulation gives us options we don't currently have," Lin Shan admitted grudgingly. "Being able to create short-range teleportation could save lives in the trial."
"He follows direction well and doesn't seem arrogant despite his capabilities," Chen Wu added. "That's rare for rapid advancement cultivators."
"I agree," Feng Yun concluded. "The political complications are real, but his abilities justify accepting them. We're trying to survive the trial, not win a popularity contest."
They gestured for Axel to rejoin them.
"You're accepted as our fifth," Feng Yun announced. "But understand the terms clearly—in the Ascension Realm, team survival takes precedence over individual advancement. We support each other's breakthroughs, but not at the cost of team safety. Everyone contributes, everyone shares resources proportionally, and everyone follows tactical decisions made by the team leader."
"Understood and agreed," Axel said. "When do we begin preparation?"
"Now. We have two months until trial entry, which means eight weeks of intensive team training." Feng Yun pulled out a training schedule that made Axel wince at its density. "Combat coordination, formation exercises, resource management, and simulated trial scenarios. By the time we enter the Ascension Realm, we'll function as a unit rather than five individuals."
Axel's POV - That Evening
Axel returned to his quarters exhausted but satisfied. He'd survived the Supreme Elder meeting, gained official protection, and found a trial team that seemed competent and willing to work with him despite his controversial status.
Liu Feng greeted him with barely contained excitement. "You survived Supreme Peak! And you're glowing with Ascendant Realm spiritual pressure residue—did Jiang give you a protection token?"
"He did." Axel showed the token, watching Liu Feng's expression shift to awe.
"That's... that's incredible. Supreme Elder tokens are legendary. You're basically untouchable now for anyone below Golden Core, and even Golden Core cultivators will think twice before challenging you." Liu Feng examined the token more closely. "Though this will make your enemies more creative. Can't attack you directly, so they'll try poisoning, sabotage, political maneuvering..."
"Elder Shen strengthened our quarter's security formations," Axel pointed out.
"Which helps but isn't perfect. Just stay alert." Liu Feng's expression became more serious. "There's something else. While you were gone, the Ranking Committee announced their decision about your contested third-rank position."
"And?"
"You keep it. They ruled that celestial alignment constituted extraordinary circumstances, and since you were Foundation Establishment Peak during the actual evaluation, your Core Formation breakthrough afterward doesn't invalidate your ranking." Liu Feng smiled. "Congratulations. You're officially third-ranked among outer disciples despite now being Core Formation."
That was good news, though it would probably intensify political complications with disciples who'd wanted that position.
"There's more," Liu Feng continued. "Your team for the Heavenly Ascension Trial has been officially registered. You, Feng Yun, Chen Wu, Zhao Mei, and Lin Shan. That's actually a strong composition—balanced combat capabilities, good tactical leadership, solid reconnaissance. You could legitimately place well in the trial."
"What do successful teams typically achieve?"
"Depends on definition of success. Survival is priority one—eighty percent survival rate sounds acceptable until you remember that means one in five participants dies. Advancement is priority two—most teams hope their members breakthrough at least one sub-stage during the trial. Resource acquisition is priority three—valuable herbs, formation materials, and cultivation resources that can be sold or used afterward."
Liu Feng pulled up trial statistics from previous years. "Top performing teams typically see two to three members breakthrough at least one full stage during the trial. They acquire resources worth hundreds of spirit stones. And they build reputations that lead to inner disciple promotions and elder sponsorship."
"What about casualties?"
"Usually from inter-sect combat or encounters with the realm's apex predators. The Ascension Realm has Qi beasts equivalent to Golden Core and occasionally Nascent Soul. Running into one of those without proper preparation is fatal." Liu Feng's expression was grim. "Your team seems competent, but competence doesn't guarantee survival in that kind of environment."
Axel absorbed this sobering information. The trial was opportunity and danger in equal measure—a chance to advance rapidly, but with real risk of death.
The system interface appeared, apparently triggered by his contemplation:
[HEAVENLY ASCENSION TRIAL PREPARATION]
[TEAM COMPOSITION ANALYSIS: ABOVE AVERAGE]
[FENG YUN: TACTICAL LEADER - COMPETENT]
[CHEN WU: DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST - SOLID]
[ZHAO MEI: PRIMARY COMBATANT - STRONG]
[LIN SHAN: SCOUT/RECONNAISSANCE - ADEQUATE]
[AXEL KING: SPATIAL SPECIALIST - EXCEPTIONAL]
[TEAM SYNERGY: DEVELOPING (CURRENTLY 34%)]
[RECOMMENDATION: INTENSIVE COORDINATION TRAINING]
[ESTIMATED SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 87%]
[ESTIMATED ADVANCEMENT DURING TRIAL: 2.3 STAGES (AVERAGE)]
[YOUR ESTIMATED ADVANCEMENT: 3.7 STAGES]
[NOTE: BLOODLINE ADVANTAGES AMPLIFIED IN HIGH-ENERGY ENVIRONMENT]
Three point seven stages would take him from Core Formation Early to nearly Core Formation Peak. That aligned with the system's earlier estimates and suggested the trial was indeed perfect for his cultivation style.
"Two months of preparation," Axel said. "Then three months in the Ascension Realm. That's five months total, which could advance me more than five years of normal cultivation."
"If you survive," Liu Feng reminded him. "Don't get so focused on advancement that you forget the mortality rate."
"I won't. But I also can't afford to cultivate slowly. My enemies won't wait for me to reach Golden Core through conservative progression." Axel's expression hardened. "The faster I climb, the safer I become. That's the reality."
He spent the rest of the evening reviewing his team's information and beginning the tactical planning that would consume the next eight weeks. Feng Yun had provided detailed files on each team member—their capabilities, weaknesses, preferred combat styles, and psychological profiles.
Chen Wu was defensive specialist who could create barriers that even Core Formation Peak cultivators struggled to break. Zhao Mei was pure combatant with offensive techniques that rivaled Golden Core Early in power output. Lin Shan was scout whose sensory abilities detected threats from miles away. Feng Yun was tactical coordinator who could analyze complex combat scenarios and direct team responses in real-time.
And Axel was spatial specialist whose dimensional manipulation provided tactical flexibility no other team could match.
"We have real potential," Axel concluded after reviewing everything. "If we can develop proper team coordination, we might actually excel in the trial rather than just survive it."
His Golden Core pulsed steadily, already beginning the next phase of optimization. Eight percent bloodline awakening hummed with readiness for the challenges ahead. And somewhere in the higher dimensions, Axel could sense the Ascension Realm itself—a pocket of concentrated power that called to his Hongmeng cultivation like a beacon.
Two months of preparation. Three months of intensive cultivation in conditions that would accelerate his advancement beyond normal limits.
The path to Golden Core was becoming clear. The Heavenly Ascension Trial would be the crucible where he transformed from promising talent into genuine powerhouse.
But first, he needed to survive the two months of sect politics while his enemies adapted to his newfound protection and sought creative ways to eliminate or control him.
The Golden Core was formed. The team was assembled. The trial awaited.
Now came the preparation that would determine whether Axel King's rapid ascent continued or ended in the statistics that marked the trial's twenty percent mortality rate.
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