On the first day of fall, the Azure Cloud Combat Sect's square was already teeming with people. The crowd was so dense that it seemed like the entire city had gathered. Due to the overwhelming number of candidates applying to join the sect, the entrance examination always began at sunrise and continued until dusk.

Yu Xuan hadn’t entered the square yet. Instead, he stood on the main road just outside, where the throngs were slightly thinner. Even so, the air was alive with chatter, the noise buzzing in his ears.

“I heard some top-tier talents are participating this time,” a young man’s voice carried over the din. “Including Liang Shen, the number one talent of Jadefall City. Fourteen years old, High-Grade talent, and already at the Third Layer of Vital Essence Stage. Truly extraordinary.”

“Why didn’t he join the Azure Cloud Combat Sect earlier?” someone else asked. “Why wait until now? He could’ve participated in the previous exams.”

“I think he waited just to claim the first-place prize for this round. A calculated move,” another speculated.

As they spoke, Yu Xuan’s gaze turned toward the center of the square. Three massive stone pillars loomed over the area. These pillars were vital for the Foundation Strength Trial, the first of three rounds in the entrance exam.

Each candidate would approach one of the pillars, where their strength would be measured by the intensity of a beam of light. Success or failure was determined in an instant, and for many, this moment could seal their fate.

Soon, a old man in his seventies stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the square. His presence immediately silenced the crowd. Dressed in elegant white robes that hinted at hir status as one of the exam supervisors, he surveyed the gathering with a calm, authoritative gaze.

“Welcome,” he began, his voice steady and clear. “I am one of the supervisors for the Foundation Strength Trial. The Azure Cloud Combat Sect’s entrance examination consists of three parts. Those who qualify will be evaluated based on their age, talent, and performance. The top ten participants will receive special rewards, with the first-place candidate earning the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill.”

The crowd erupted in whispers.

“An Azure Phoenix Essence Pill?” someone gasped. The news left their jaws hanging and hearts pounding.

The weaker candidates visibly deflated, their expressions tinged with regret and resignation. They knew they had no chance of claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, eyes of those with greater confidence were gleaming with determination.

Yu Xuan, listening quietly, recalled what he knew about the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill. This rare pill was crafted by combining the Blazing Sunflower Seeds, Draconic Amber Sap, Azure Lotus Petals and many more precious herbs. The resulting concoction could strengthen the body, enhance cultivation, and even help overcome bottlenecks.

The supervisor continued, his expression as composed as ever. “The second and third candidates will receive the Moonshadow Energy Pill, while fourth to tenth place will earn five Stone Blossom Strength Pill.”

The crowd stirred again.The Moonshadow Energy Pill was a mystical elixir crafted to enhance the cultivation of Yin energy and sharpen one’s spiritual perception under the influence of moonlight. It was refined from Starlight Dewdrops, Nightshade Crystal Powder, Lunar Silverleaf and Moonshadow Lotus.

Though it paled in comparison to the Azure Phoenix Essence Pill, it was not bad. As for the Stone Blossom Strength Pill, though useful, they were relatively common and paled beside the rewards for higher ranks.

The extravagant prizes heightened the anticipation, especially among the stronger candidates. Some shifted impatiently, eager to prove themselves.

On the platform, the supervisor raised his voice again. “The first round of the entrance exam will now begin. The stone pillars will measure the strength of your attack. One inch of light represents 50 kg of force. To pass this round, you must exceed 500 kg of force. Each candidate will have three attempts. As long as you qualify once, you may proceed.”

His gaze swept across the crowd. “To demonstrate, Zhao Tianlan, please step forward.”

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A tall, gaunt man emerged from the crowd and ascended the stage. His sharp eyes gave him an intimidating presence, and the murmurs among the crowd stilled as all attention focused on him.

"Is that Zhao Tianlan?"

"I heard he broke through to the Eighth Layer of Muscle Transformation Stage last year," another whispered.

Zhao Tianlan, a tall figure with a composed demeanor, stood before the stone pillar. Without a hint of urgency, he raised his right hand and delivered a casual strike.

Boom!

The pillar shook violently, and the light beam surged upward before stabilizing at one hundred thirty inches (10.83 foot)—a staggering 6,500 kgs!

The crowd erupted in astonishment.

"If he used his full strength, wouldn’t he surpass even that?" someone exclaimed, their voice tinged with disbelief.

Yu Xuan, observing from the sidelines, nodded in silent acknowledgment. For someone at the Eighth Layer of Muscle Transformation Stage, which rivaled the Mid Stone Core Stage, Zhao Tianlan’s feat was remarkable. While the average Mid Stone Core cultivator boasted strength between 5,000 and 9,000 kgs, Zhao Tianlan had reached 6,500 kgs with casual ease.

The elder overseeing the trial raised his hand and declared, “The Foundation Strength Trial begins now!”

The candidates were brimming with excitement, their eagerness palpable. However, their enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration as many faltered.

"400 kgs, 450 kgs, 470 kgs. Three attempts failed. Next!"

"472 kgs, 429 kgs, 487 kgs. Failed. Next!"

The stone pillar became a silent arbiter of dreams and despair. Many of the participants were barely at the Vital Essence Stage, their strength wavering between 400 to 500 kgs. Nerves and exhaustion dulled their performance, dooming most to failure.

Occasionally, a candidate’s success broke the monotony.

"672 kgs! Qualified!"

A young man who passed the test celebrated wildly.

"598 kgs! Qualified!"

"499 kgs! Failed!"

For every cheer of success, there were far more sighs of defeat. Those who succeeded exuded elation, while others walked away, their spirits crushed.

Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd. Yu Xuan’s attention was drawn to a youth in simple grey robes standing before the stone pillar, gathering his strength.

"That’s Ren Kaiyang from Hundred Miles City," someone whispered. "Fourth Layer of Vital Essence Stage. They say his strength is fierce!"

Ren Kaiyang stepped forward, his movements sharp and deliberate.

Bang!

The impact reverberated through the square, and the light beam surged upward, stopping at twenty six inches (2.16 foot)—1,300 kgs!

Gasps and exclamations filled the air.

..........

Just like that, the test continued. Then came a name that turned every head in the crowd.

"It’s Liang Shen from Jadefall City!"

The name carried weight, and a ripple of anticipation spread through the candidates. At just fourteen, Liang Shen wasn’t only younger than most; he also possessed a High-Grade talent.

All eyes were on him as he approached the pillar. His calm, focused demeanor silenced the murmurs. Liang Shen exhaled deeply and struck the pillar with fluid precision.

Bang!

The stone pillar shuddered, and the light climbed steadily before halting at twenty four inches (2 foot)—1,200 kgs!

The crowd erupted into chaos.

"Fourteen years old and this strong?" someone muttered in awe.

As the trial progressed, more candidates stepped forward. The Azure Cloud Combat Sect maintained strict rules: participants had to be between thirteen and eighteen years old.

Now, it was finally Yu Xuan’s turn.

Stepping forward, his gaze was calm. His movements were measured, his breathing steady. As he stood before the towering stone column, his body seemed to transform—his relaxed posture coiled into a taut spring, every muscle brimming with latent energy.

Lowering his waist slightly, Yu Xuan channeled the power of his legs into his core. In one explosive motion, he struck the column.

“Bang!”

The impact reverberated through the square like a thunderclap. All eyes snapped to the column as the light beam soared upward, climbing with relentless momentum before stabilizing at a dazzling height: 1,700 kgs.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

“My god, 1,700 kgs!”

"That’s insane! He’s not just strong—he’s like a beast in human form!"

“This kid came out of nowhere. How did someone this powerful not make a name for himself before?”

“I don’t know where he’s from, but he’s definitely not ordinary. Who could have trained him to this level?”

“If he pushes just a bit more, he could rival someone at the Sixth Layer of Vital Essence Stage!”

Even Ren Kaiyang, who had previously stood as an unchallenged figure among the participants, couldn’t hide his frown. His eyes narrowed, studying Yu Xuan with suspicion.

"Where did this guy come from?" Ren Kaiyang muttered under his breath. A cold gleam flickered in his eyes. "So he wants to steal the spotlight? Hmph. There are still two more trials. Let’s see if he can keep up."

Despite the whispers and scrutiny, Yu Xuan remained composed.

It was clear he hadn’t used his full strength. If he had, his force would easily exceed 25,000 kgs. Such a strike would completely destroy the pillar. Instead, Yu Xuan chose to display just enough power to surpass Ren Kaiyang, keeping it reasonable for someone his age while ensuring he secured the top spot in the Foundation Strength Trial.

The Trial concluded by noon. Candidates who had passed were given a short rest before the next stage of the entrance exam was announced.

The old supervisor, his voice steady and authoritative, addressed the crowd. “We will now proceed to the second trial: the Soul Reflection Trial. This test will measure the strength of your inner heart.”

The crowd buzzed with curiosity and apprehension.

“The Soul Reflection Trial?” Yu Xuan murmured, somewhat interested. He had heard of such tests existing in this world—trials that delved into a cultivator’s inner psyche, testing their resolve and exposing their fears.

The old man gestured for the group to follow him. “Come with me. We’re heading to the Emerald Reflection Terrace.”

The group of passed participants trailed behind the old man as he led them through the towering gates of the Azure Cloud Combat Sect. The gates themselves were monumental, carved with intricate patterns of soaring clouds and martial figures, exuding a sense of awe and solemnity. Every step beyond them felt like entering another world.

The sect sprawled across the rolling hills, its beauty both simple and profound. There were no ostentatious towers or grand palaces, only endless expanses of verdant land and streams, punctuated by elegant pavilions.

The flowing curves of the roofs, the smooth texture of the walls, and the surrounding natural scenery blended seamlessly.

As the group walked, the soft rustling of leaves and the distant melody of a flowing stream accompanied their footsteps. The journey took ten minutes before they reached their destination.

Before them stretched a lake, its surface a vibrant shade of green, like living jade. The water was unnervingly still, a perfect mirror reflecting the sky.