The Heavenly Realm Sect's Grand Arena was alive with noise.
Thousands of outer disciples gathered in the stands. The sky above was clear, banners fluttered, spiritual energy thick in the air.
This day determined fate— Only the strongest would be chosen to rise to the Inner Sect.
Xu Yao walked in quietly.
He wore a simple robe. On his back hung the sword he forged himself — Frostblade, pale and cold like a moonlit winter river.
Whispers followed him.
> "Isn't that the weakling who couldn't cultivate?"
"He broke Zhao Wei's bones last month. I thought that was rumor…"
"His progress is impossible. Something is strange about him…"
Xu Yao ignored them. He had walked through humiliation, hunger, and blood. Words could not cut him anymore.
On the High Platform
The elders took their seats.
Elder Yun Tianhai sat in the center — calm, strong, authoritative.
Elder Han wusheng Inner Disciple Examiner Calm, analytical, fair
Elder ling yeyun Silent Elder of Moonpeak Hall Soft-spoken, rarely appears, veil covers her face
No one knew why Elder ling came. She normally stayed withdrawn in her frost valley peak.
But today… she sat quietly, eyes closed, as if simply watching fate unfold.
The Six powerful Inner Disciples
They stood behind the elders, aloof and powerful — each of them stars of the sect.
Lan Xuan — the gentle, composed sword genius.
Bai Chen — fierce spear king, battle loving.
Ling Qiu — silent blade monk, emotionless.
Wei Rong — thunder fist brute, loud and excited.
Mo Qinghai — scholar tactician, gaze calculating.
Su Yaoqing — Frost Petal Fairy, elegant, cold beauty.
Their presence alone made many outer disciples tremble.
Lan Xuan's gaze softened slightly when he saw Xu Yao.
Su Yaoqing also looks at him. Not with admiration. Not with mockery.
Just quiet, sharp recognition.
Bai chen looked at Lan Xuan noticing his interest.
> Bai chen : "You know that boy?"
Lan Xuan didn't look away from the arena.
> Lan Xuan: "I know strength when I see it. He climbed out of the mud by himself. That kind of person won't stay down."
Ling Qiu raised an eyebrow, slightly amused.
> Ling Qiu: "So you're betting on the broken sword becoming sharp again?"
Lan Xuan smiled.
> Lan Xuan: "No. I'm saying the sword was never broken."
The other inner disciples fell quiet.
The drums thundered.
A booming voice echoed across the arena:
> "First Round — Strength Test!"
A massive stone tablet, inscribed with runes, floated into place.
Disciples would strike it to measure their physical foundation.
Zhao Wei, the bully from months ago, stepped up first.
He smirked, showing off for the crowd.
Boom!
The stone flickered with glowing characters — 68 Strength Points.
His little followers cheered loudly.
> "Senior Brother Zhao is still unmatched!" "Xu Yao is done today, just watch!"
Zhao Wei flicked his sleeve arrogantly and looked at Xu Yao with disdain.
Xu Yao said nothing. He stepped forward.
One calm breath.
No stance. No shout.
Just a simple punch.
CRACK!
The stone shuddered.
The runes flashed brighter—nearly bursting.
92 Strength Points.
The arena fell into complete silence.
Mouths hung open.
Even the wind stopped.
Elder Ling Yeyun's eyelashes trembled behind her veil.
That number… that aura… something old in her memory stirred.
Elder Yun Tianhai's eyes widened for a moment.
Then… a slow, proud smile formed on his face.
He did not speak, but the approval in his gaze was clear:
> "Good. This child has not wasted his suffering."
Elder Han Wusheng nodded, analytical as ever.
> Elder Han: "His foundation is pure. No signs of forced cultivation. His strength is real."
Among the inner disciples, Wei Rong slammed his fist into his palm.
> Wei Rong: "Good strength! The kid's no joke!"
Mo Qinghai narrowed his eyes.
> Mo Qinghai: "No signs of forced qi augmentation… meaning this is pure body tempering. Impressive."
Su Yaoqing didn't react outwardly.
But her gaze lingered on the frost that formed at Xu Yao's knuckles — a trace of cold spiritual resonance.
Lan Xuan smiled — not surprised.
> Lan Xuan (softly, to himself): "So you finally stopped hiding."
Zhao Wei, face red from humiliation, pointed at Xu Yao, voice trembling.
> Zhao Wei: "Y-you must have cheated! No way! You—"
Zhao Liang's gaze from behind the inner disciples burned like a blade on Xu Yao's back.
But he said nothing. Not yet.
The elder in charge of the test struck his staff on the arena floor.
BOOM.
The drums sounded again—deep, rolling, final.
BOOM.
> Elder Han Wusheng: "Strength Test is complete!"
The announcement echoed across the arena.
Xu Yao lowered his fist. He did not bow. He did not gloat.
He simply turned… and walked off the stage.
No celebration. No arrogance.
Just quiet, unshakable resolve.
A storm was forming around him, though he did not yet see it.
The Grand Arena buzzed with whispers—
> "Xu Yao… first place in strength…" "How far will he go?" "What is he, really…?"
The sky seemed brighter.
The wind seemed colder.
And the sect… would not forget this day.
Next Chapter: Round Two — The Combat Matches Begin.