The sun rose over the jade mountains, casting long shadows across the Inner Sect courtyard. Birds cried in the distance, and the scent of incense from the elder halls mingled with the morning mist. Li Tian had been awake for hours, meditating in the small courtyard near his dormitory, letting the Primordial Devouring Core stabilize with the morning Qi.
Today was the first formal Inner Sect trial, a small-scale competition designed to test the control and potential of the new disciples. It was not just a test of power—it was a glimpse into how far one could climb within the sect.
Preparing for the Trial
Li Tian adjusted his robe, feeling the Core pulse beneath his chest. He had spent the last week absorbing elemental Qi from the inner courtyard streams, training his body and mind to channel energy in sync with the Core. Unlike other disciples who depended on spirit roots and natural affinity, Li Tian's cultivation was entirely based on his Devouring Core, a forbidden and unpredictable power.
Han Xue appeared beside him, her silver braid swaying lightly. "You look tense," she said softly. "Remember, this is not about defeating anyone. It's about control."
Li Tian nodded. "Control… yes. That is all that matters."
She smirked. "I'll be watching. Don't embarrass yourself—or me."
Though teasing, her words carried truth. Inner Sect trials were merciless; mistakes were punished severely.
The Arena
The trial arena was larger than anything Li Tian had seen before. A circular platform of jade stretched over fifty meters in diameter, surrounded by spectator tiers carved into the mountainside. Five elemental statues hovered at the center—less for display now, and more for combat simulation.
The elder overseeing the trial raised his hand. "Disciples, today you will demonstrate your ability to manipulate Qi, absorb energy, and maintain composure under pressure. Failure will not be punished physically, but your rank will be affected."
Li Tian stepped forward, his eyes scanning the arena. He was calm, his Core thrumming softly. This was his first real test—not just to prove power, but to understand it in action.
First Challenge: Elemental Combat
The trial began with elemental combat simulations. The Fire statue erupted in flames, Water statues hurled liquid torrents, Wind statues sent cutting gales, Earth statues hurled boulders, and the Lightning statue crackled with raw energy.
Other disciples approached cautiously, channeling Qi through their meridians. Some succeeded partially, but many were thrown back by the raw force of the elements.
Li Tian stepped into the arena. The first fireball shot toward him. He exhaled slowly, letting the Devouring Core absorb the energy. Flames vanished, refined into gentle heat that rippled harmlessly across his robes.
Water followed. Streams twisted around him, attempting to entangle and destabilize. The Core pulsed, drawing the water in and converting it to soft mist, which drifted harmlessly into the air.
Wind cut past him, slicing through rocks and debris. He let it swirl around the Core, which twisted the air currents subtly, neutralizing their force.
Earth and Lightning followed in succession. Each time, the Core absorbed, refined, and redirected the energy without harm. The crowd gasped. Elders whispered. This mortal—without spirit root—controlled energy far beyond expectation.
Han Xue watched from the sidelines, her expression unreadable. "He's not just powerful… he's dangerous."
A Sudden Rival Attack
No sooner had Li Tian completed the elemental sequence than Zhao Ming leaped onto the platform from the spectator tier. His eyes glinted with rage.
"You think you can impress everyone with tricks?" Zhao Ming shouted. "I will show you true power!"
Lightning crackled around Zhao Ming's fists. The audience gasped; few could withstand a direct strike from him.
Li Tian did not panic. The Core pulsed, drawing the lightning in. Pain lanced through his chest, but he remained upright, turning Zhao Ming's attack into a controlled energy wave that swept harmlessly across the arena.
The crowd erupted into murmurs and exclamations. Zhao Ming's face turned red with fury, but he held back, knowing the elders were watching.
Li Tian exhaled, steadying the Core. He now understood something vital: raw absorption was not enough—he needed to learn precision, to control and redirect energy strategically.
Unexpected Ally
As the trial ended, Han Xue approached him. "Not bad," she said quietly. "Your Core is unusual, but you lack finesse. Raw power alone won't last long here."
Li Tian inclined his head. "I will learn. I must."
She smiled faintly. "Perhaps I can help. But you'll need to trust me—and not everything I teach will be easy."
A flicker of hope passed through Li Tian. Allies were rare in the Inner Sect, and even rare ones could shift the balance of survival.
The Path Ahead
That night, as Li Tian sat alone in his dormitory, he reflected on the trial. The Core pulsed steadily, a reminder of both his strength and vulnerability.
Enemies were watching. Allies were rare. And his power—though fearsome—was still unstable.
"I will master this Core," he whispered. "I will grow beyond all limits. And I will carve a place for myself among the heavens."
The moon shone down on the Inner Sect, casting silver light over jade rooftops and mountain spires. Somewhere in the shadows, eyes watched him—but Li Tian was no longer the boy without a spirit root. He was a mortal who dared to challenge fate.
And the heavens themselves would soon notice.