The Assessment Begins
Dawn broke over the Xuanwu Sect in a wash of orange and gold, painting the peaks of the Five Mountains in brilliant light. Hundreds of Outer Sect disciples gathered in the main square, where three platforms had been erected for the Assessment's first two rounds. At the head of the crowd stood Elder Chen—his beard gray and his eyes sharp as he scanned the disciples with a look of barely concealed disdain.
"Disciples!" his voice boomed, carrying across the square without any need for spiritual amplification. "Today you prove whether you have what it takes to walk the path of cultivation. The top ten will become Inner Disciples. Those who fail will serve the sect for one more year before being reassessed—or sent away."
His gaze settled on Lin Jing, and a cold smile touched his lips. "We've had some… surprising developments lately. But raw power means nothing without control. Let us see who truly deserves to advance."
FIRST ROUND: BODY TEMPERING
The first test was simple—strike the Strength Measuring Bell with all your might. The bell would ring once for every thousand jin of force; disciples needed at least three rings to pass.
Chen Hao stepped up first, his muscles rippling as he drew back his fist. "Thunder Fist!" he shouted, and his strike sent three clear rings echoing across the square.
"Excellent!" Elder Chen called out. "Four thousand jin—one of the best strikes I've seen from an Outer Disciple!"
One by one, disciples took their turns. Most managed two or three rings. A few talented ones hit four. Then it was Lin Jing's turn.
The crowd murmured as he walked to the bell. Chen Hao laughed loudly. "Don't strain yourself, trash—we don't want you breaking your hand before the next round!"
Lin Jing said nothing. He raised his fist, feeling the spiritual energy in his body surge. CRIT TRIGGERED: Maximum Power Strike
EFFECT: Physical Force ×50
His fist connected with the bell.
BOOOOOM!
The sound was deafening—so loud that birds scattered from the mountainside and dust rose from the square's stone floor. The bell rang not three, not four, but nine times—each chime deeper and more powerful than the last. When the echoes finally faded, a small crack ran down the center of the ancient bronze.
Silence fell over the square. Even Elder Chen's face had gone pale with shock.
"Impossible," someone whispered. "The bell hasn't been rung nine times in over a hundred years…"
SECOND ROUND: SPIRITUAL ENERGY CONTROL
The second test took place on a platform covered in intricate arrays. Disciples were tasked with channeling their qi to light up as many of the array's nodes as possible—each node requiring precise control to activate.
Yun Qingyan went early, her hands steady as she focused. She lit six nodes—enough to pass easily. Chen Hao followed, activating eight nodes with a proud smirk.
"Only the most skilled can reach nine," Elder Chen announced. "It is said that activating all ten requires a connection to the very essence of spiritual energy itself—a feat no Outer Disciple has ever achieved."
Lin Jing stepped onto the platform. As he placed his hands on the array, Crit Perception activated—letting him see every single flow and pathway within the runes. He began to channel his qi, and with every movement…
CRIT! Node 1 Activated – Enhanced Stability
CRIT! Node 2 Activated – Energy Flow Doubled
CRIT! CRIT! CRIT! Nodes 3-8 Activated Simultaneously
Golden light spread across the platform, brighter than anyone had ever seen. Then, one by one, nodes nine and ten lit up—their light merging into a single column that shot into the sky.
The array hummed with power, and a voice—old as the mountains themselves—echoed through the square: "A true master of control has arisen…"
Elder Chen stumbled backward, his face twisted with rage and fear. "This isn't possible—you couldn't possibly have that level of control!"
Lin Jing stepped off the platform and walked toward Yun Qingyan, who was staring at him with wide eyes. "I told you I'd pass," he said quietly.
THIRD ROUND: THE BEAST HUNT
As the sun climbed higher, the remaining disciples gathered at the entrance to the Misty Woods—a vast forest shrouded in eternal fog, home to countless spiritual beasts.
"Each of you will be given a token," Elder Ye announced, stepping forward to join Elder Chen. "Hunt beasts to collect their cores—one core equals one point. The top ten points win. But be warned—the woods are dangerous. Stay on the marked paths, and return by sunset."
As Lin Jing received his token, he felt a small needle prick his finger. He looked down to see Elder Ye's eyes glinting with malice before he turned away.
SYSTEM ALERT: Poison Detected – Slow-Acting Life Drain
CRIT COUNTER: Poison Neutralized ×100; Effect Converted to Temporary Power Boost
"Qingyan," Lin Jing said quickly, pulling her aside. "They poisoned me. They'll try the same with you—don't touch anything Elder Ye gives you."
She nodded, her face pale. "I'll stay close to you. But be careful—Elder Chen probably has something planned in the woods."
Lin Jing gripped his Crit-Forge Sword, feeling the power coursing through him. The mist was thick, and shadows moved at the edge of his vision.
The hunt was on. And he knew it would be more than just beasts waiting for them in the depths of the woods.