Hope stood before the towering gates of the Ember Empire’s capital city, Solaris. The sprawling metropolis loomed ahead, its its streets bustling with life. The air buzzed with an energy unlike anything he had felt before, a mixture of ambition, desperation, and excitement that seemed to seep into the very stones beneath his feet.

A week had passed since his encounter with the old man and the girl in the forest. Now, standing at the threshold of Solaris, he felt a mix of anticipation and caution.

This city, far larger and more opulent than any he had ever seen, was a place where opportunities and dangers intertwined.

As he passed through the gates, he couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer scale of the city. Vendors lined the streets, hawking everything from exotic fruits to rare cultivation materials.

The clinking of coins and the murmur of deals being struck filled the air. Towering buildings of stone and metal loomed on either side of the main thoroughfare, their intricate designs a testament to the empire’s wealth and craftsmanship.

Hope kept his head low, his hood drawn over his face to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Despite his efforts, the weight of his sword strapped to his back and his calm, deliberate stride drew a few curious glances. He ignored them, focusing instead on the snippets of conversation that floated through the air.

“... recruiting next month... only the best make it...”

“Phoenix Cry Pavilion is looking for fresh blood this year.”

“I heard the trials are brutal. Most don’t even make it through the first stage.”

Hope’s ears perked up at the mention of the Phoenix Cry Pavilion.

He slowed his pace, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for the source of the chatter. Eventually, he spotted a group of merchants standing near a stall, their animated discussion centered on the organization.

He approached the group but stopped short of engaging them. Instead, he leaned casually against a nearby wall, waiting for an opportunity to glean more information without drawing attention to himself.

“... They say the Pavilion’s rewards are worth the risk” one of the merchants said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and envy. “If you make it through the trials, you’re set for life. Resources, techniques, even a chance to learn from the elders!”

Another merchant scoffed. “Set for life? If you survive, maybe. I heard they don’t tolerate failure. If you’re not strong enough, you’re as good as dead.”

Hope frowned slightly. The Phoenix Cry Pavilion sounded like a place that valued strength above all else—a sentiment he was all too familiar with. He decided it was time to learn more.

He stepped away from the wall and approached a young man standing near the edge of the group.

The man appeared to be only a few years older than Hope, with a lean build and an easy smile. His dark hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and his plain but well-kept robes suggested he was neither poor nor overly wealthy. He seemed approachable enough.

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“Excuse me” Hope said, his tone calm and indifferent. “I couldn’t help but overhear. You mentioned the Phoenix Cry Pavilion. What is it?”

The young man turned to face him, his smile widening. “Ah, you’re new here, aren’t you? The Phoenix Cry Pavilion is one of the most prestigious organizations in the Ember Empire. They’re known for their elite cultivators and their unmatched resources. If you’re looking to make a name for yourself, there’s no better place to start.”

“And they’re recruiting?” Hope asked, his voice steady despite the spark of interest that flickered within him.

The man nodded eagerly. “That’s right. They hold their recruitment trials once every few years, and this time, it’s happening next month. Only the best and brightest are selected, though. The trials are grueling, designed to weed out anyone who doesn’t have what it takes.”

Hope studied the man for a moment. “You plan to join?” he asked.

The young man laughed lightly. “That’s the idea. The name’s Ren, by the way. And you are?”

“Hope” he replied, offering no further details.

Ren didn’t seem to mind the lack of elaboration. “Well, Hope, if you’re interested in the Phoenix Cry Pavilion, you should know that the competition will be fierce. People from all over the empire—and even beyond—will be vying for a spot. You’ll need more than just strength to make it.”

“What do you mean?” Hope asked, his tone still indifferent.

Ren leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “The trials aren’t just about fighting. They test your judgment, your intelligence, your ability to adapt under pressure. It’s said that the Pavilion values those who can think as much as those who can fight. They’re looking for the complete package.”

Hope considered this, his mind already racing with possibilities. He had no illusions about his current level of power; he was still far from the likes of Alara and her master even though he was confident in a life and death battle he would win. But if the Phoenix Cry Pavilion truly valued more than just brute strength, then perhaps he had a chance.

“What happens if you pass the trials?” he asked.

Ren’s eyes lit up. “If you pass, you’re officially a disciple of the Pavilion. You gain access to their libraries, their training grounds, and their resources. You’ll be taught by some of the most powerful cultivators in the empire, and your status will skyrocket. Of course, they expect absolute loyalty in return.”

“And if you fail?”

Ren hesitated, his smile faltering slightly. “Well... failing the trials isn’t exactly encouraged. At best, you’ll be sent back to wherever you came from, humiliated. At worst... let’s just say the Pavilion doesn’t take kindly to weakness.”

Hope nodded, his expression unreadable.

The risks were high, but so were the rewards. For someone like him, someone who had everything to prove and nothing to lose, the Phoenix Cry Pavilion might be the perfect opportunity.

“You planning to sign up?” Ren asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

“Maybe” Hope said, his voice carefully neutral. “I’ll think about it.”

Ren chuckled. “Fair enough. I guess we might see each other at the trials, then. If we do, try not to hold back too much. I’d hate to win too easily.”

Hope didn’t rise to the bait. He simply nodded and turned away, his thoughts already focused on the month ahead.

The Phoenix Cry Pavilion’s recruitment trials were an opportunity, one he couldn’t afford to ignore. But he knew better than to approach it lightly. If he was going to enter, he needed to prepare.

As he walked away from Ren and the bustling streets, his mind replayed the details he had learned. The trials would test more than just his strength—they would test his mind, his resolve, his very essence as a cultivator. It was a challenge unlike any he had faced before, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The streets of Solaris stretched out before him, a labyrinth of possibilities and dangers. Somewhere within this vast city, he would find the tools he needed to succeed. And when the time came, he would prove that he was more than just another nameless face in the crowd.

For now, though, he had a month to prepare. And he intended to use every moment wisely.