The academy bell rang at dawn.
Not the short chime that signaled training.
But the deep, resonant toll used only for official announcements.
All outer-court disciples were ordered to gather in the central plaza.
Chen Yuan arrived early and stood near the middle of the crowd. Compared to before, no one casually shoved him aside anymore. Students gave him space—subtle, but noticeable.
At the front of the plaza, several elders stood on a raised platform.
Instructor Lu stepped forward.
"In seven days," he announced, voice steady and clear, "Qinghe Spirit Academy will conduct the Inner-Court Observation Trial."
A ripple passed through the crowd.
Observation Trial.
Not selection.
Yet.
It was the final filter before true elevation.
Instructor Lu continued, "This trial is not about absolute strength alone. It evaluates foundation, adaptability, and temperament."
He raised a jade slip.
"The trial will take place in the Mirror Boundary Field."
Gasps followed.
That place was infamous.
The Mirror Boundary did not kill often—but it exposed weaknesses mercilessly.
"In seven days," Instructor Lu said, "eligible outer disciples may enter. Performance will be recorded. Outstanding individuals may receive inner-court recommendations."
His gaze swept the crowd.
"Prepare yourselves."
Whispers erupted immediately.
"The Mirror Boundary? That place reflects combat flaws…"
"Eighth Layer or not, it's brutal."
"Those with unstable foundations will collapse."
Chen Yuan listened quietly.
The Mirror Boundary Field was dangerous—not physically, but mentally. It forced cultivators to face simulated opponents formed from their own qi control and reaction limits.
Talent alone was insufficient.
Control mattered.
As Chen Yuan turned to leave, Zhao Ming's voice reached him.
"You plan to enter."
It was not a question.
Chen Yuan turned.
"Yes."
Zhao Ming smiled thinly.
"Then I hope you've prepared enough spirit stones," he said. "The Boundary Field drains them quickly. Without resources, even talent becomes irrelevant."
Chen Yuan understood immediately.
The academy did not provide spirit stones for the trial.
Participants supplied their own.
Chen Yuan currently had… very few.
Zhao Ming's smile widened.
"After all," he added lightly, "accidents happen when one pushes too hard."
He walked away.
That night, Chen Yuan counted his resources.
One remaining spirit stone.
No pills.
Entering the Mirror Boundary like this would be… risky.
The system activated quietly.
Trial-Related Constraint Detected
Host Resource Level: Low
Support Adjustment Available
A new panel unfolded.
Temporary Trial Buff (Optional)
Effect: Spirit Consumption Reduction — 50%
Duration: Trial Only
Condition:
Continuous focus required
Mental fatigue will accumulate faster
Chen Yuan read it carefully.
Reduced cost.
Increased mental strain.
Balanced.
Fair.
"I accept," he said.
The system pulsed gently.
Buff Reserved
Prepare your body and mind.
Over the next seven days, Chen Yuan trained harder than ever.
He refined movements rather than increasing power. He practiced breath control until his lungs burned. When fatigue threatened to dull his focus, he stopped—remembering the system's warning.
On the fifth night, his vision blurred during meditation.
A test.
He pushed through.
Mental Endurance Increment: +Minor
By the seventh day, he was ready.
The Mirror Boundary Field opened at dawn.
A vast formation circle shimmered in the plaza, its surface reflective like still water.
One by one, disciples stepped inside and vanished.
When Chen Yuan's turn came, Zhao Ming was watching from the edge.
Their eyes met briefly.
Chen Yuan stepped forward without hesitation.
The world inverted.
Mirrors formed around him—dozens of them.
And from within the reflections, a figure stepped out.
Not Zhao Ming.
Not a beast.
But Chen Yuan himself.
Calm.
Focused.
Eighth Layer.
The trial had begun.
Mirror Boundary Trial Initiated
Evaluate: Control, Stability, Resolve
Chen Yuan steadied his breath.
Then let me see how far I've truly come.