**Qiao Feng's Combat Trial**
The combat arena was merciless.
Qiao Feng faced opponent after opponent, each stronger and faster than the last.
Bruises bloomed like dark flowers on his skin.
His breath came heavy, but his spirit roared louder.
Then the final challenger appeared—a tall figure cloaked in shadow, eyes cold and calculating.
The fight was brutal.
Qiao Feng's reckless punches barely landed; the shadow opponent moved like smoke, untouchable and precise.
Each time Qiao Feng stumbled, the figure whispered—mocking, cutting deep.
"Foolish pride will be your undoing."
Pain burned in Qiao Feng's chest, but he refused to yield.
With a furious roar, he threw himself forward one last time.
The shadow vanished.
Qiao Feng collapsed, exhausted but alive.
---
### **Han Rui's Medical Evaluation**
In the sterile halls of the medical division, Han Rui faced a test of precision and speed.
Simulated patients screamed, wounds bled, and time was a merciless enemy.
His hands trembled, but he pushed forward.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in the corner—a man with a cruel smile.
The evaluator whispered venomously:
"Your kindness is weakness."
Han Rui's heart froze.
But instead of faltering, he focused his energy.
He healed faster, steadied his hands.
He refused to let fear dictate his path.
---
### **Lu Xinyi's Movement Challenge**
The movement hall was transformed into a shifting labyrinth.
Walls moved.
Platforms spun.
Blades flashed unexpectedly.
Lu Xinyi's heart pounded—not from fear but focus.
Suddenly, a shadow lunged from the darkness—an assassin sent to test her limits.
She dodged and countered, every move a dance of survival.
The assassin's eyes glinted with malice.
"You rely too much on control. What happens when you lose it?"
Lu Xinyi smiled fiercely.
"Then I break your rules."
With a swift strike, she ended the trial.
---
### **Shen Yu's Silent Observation**
Meanwhile, Shen Yu sat alone in the quiet chamber.
No trials called for him.
Only observation.
But the silence was broken when the door creaked open.
Old Mo stepped in, eyes gleaming.
"You are watched," he said quietly.
Shen Yu nodded.
"I know."
Old Mo smiled.
"Your journey is just beginning."
---
### **Across the Sect**
The shadows gathered.
Hidden eyes watched.
Whispers carried threats.
A voice cold and sharp hissed:
"They grow stronger."
"We must act before they become a threat."