Chapter 10
POV: Third Person
The sun climbed higher over Green Jade City, casting long shadows across the massive stone plaza. Tension clung to the air like mist, thick with anticipation as the Blue Sky Sect's recruitment examination officially began.
Rows of spectators packed the elevated viewing stands, nobles and commoners alike, murmuring with barely contained excitement. For many, this was the most anticipated event of the year—an opportunity to witness the birth of future cultivators, heroes, and legends.
At the heart of it all stood the examinees gathered on the wide, elevated platform. Each wore a serious expression, their backs straight, hearts pounding. Years of preparation, dreams, and hard work had led them to this moment.
Among them stood Li Yun, his posture calm but firm, his eyes observant. Next to him stood some of the competitors he had already taken note of—Han Fei, a young man with cold, calculating eyes and a poised demeanor; Lin Zhen, whose muscular form radiated quiet confidence; and two others whose auras hinted at solid cultivation foundations.
Li Yun was not nervous. Instead, he felt alert—like a taut bowstring, ready to be released.
The six elders of the Blue Sky Sect now stood atop a marble platform to the north of the arena, overlooking the gathered candidates. Their robes, azure with golden trim and swirling clouds, shimmered subtly as spiritual energy coursed through them.
At the center of the one of the six elders stepped forward—his presence alone enough to hush the crowd. His long beard swayed in the wind, and despite his seemingly frail frame, the sheer pressure he exuded was heavier than stone. It was clear: he was someone not to be taken lightly.
He raised a single hand, and the murmurs from the crowd and candidates ceased instantly.
"Today marks the first step in your path," he said, his voice gentle but echoing as though the very world listened. "Not all who step forward will be worthy. Not all who are worthy will endure. Let this be your truth: cultivation is not for the timid."
The elder to his left stepped forward and spoke next, his tone sharper.
"The first test will determine whether your mind is strong enough to walk the path of cultivation. This is the Trial of Spirit and Will."
A group of formation masters emerged, each holding a gleaming crystal orb. They moved swiftly, setting them around a carved circle in the center of the arena. As they placed the final stone, glowing runes activated across the ground, bathing the area in a soft, pulsing light.
"This formation will manifest your fears, regrets, and doubts," the elder explained. "You will face yourself—and if you falter, the array will cast you out. Failures will be disqualified immediately. There will be no appeals."
The atmosphere grew heavy. A few candidates gulped audibly.
The first name was called. A young woman with trembling hands stepped forward. She hesitated before entering the circle, and within seconds, her eyes widened. Her knees buckled. She let out a terrified scream and collapsed, sobbing. She had lasted only moments.
Two disciples of the sect gently carried her away. The crowd remained silent. There was no cruelty in their eyes—only solemn understanding. This was a sacred rite. It would show no mercy.
One by one, the examinees were summoned.
Some withstood the illusions for several minutes, emerging drenched in sweat but successful. Others, like the first, crumbled in seconds. Each success was met with a nod from the elders. Each failure with silence.
Then Han Fei stepped forward. He closed his eyes and entered the formation without hesitation. The glow flared violently around him—but his expression didn't waver. Seconds turned into minutes. He didn't so much as blink.
When the light finally faded, he walked out without a word. The crowd let out an impressed murmur. One elder offered a rare nod of approval.
"His spirit is tempered," one of the elders said. "He will go far."
Next came Lin Zhen. His fists clenched as he entered the formation. He growled once under his breath—then stilled. His breathing slowed. Moments passed. Then the light dimmed, and he staggered out, panting but upright. Sweat dripped from his forehead, but his smile was defiant.
Others followed, a handful succeeding, many failing. The number of examinees slowly dwindled.
Then came Li Yun's name.
He stepped forward with quiet resolve. As he approached the array, he could feel the pressure in the air intensify. It was more than spiritual—it was psychological. He inhaled deeply, whispered a quiet prayer under his breath, and stepped into the circle.
The world around him disappeared.
He stood in a field of ash. The skies were black, and Green Jade City burned in the distance. The cries of the innocent echoed through the smoke. He saw his mother kneeling amidst ruins, covered in blood. He saw Li Mei chained and weeping, her eyes full of betrayal.
Then came the laughter.
Zhang Wei's voice, cruel and triumphant, filled the sky.
"You couldn't protect them. You never could. You're weak. Just a child pretending to be strong."
Li Yun fell to his knees.
But then—something pulsed in his chest.
Warmth.
He looked down and saw the faint golden glow of the cross around his neck. It pulsed softly, rhythmically. His heartbeat slowed. His breathing calmed.
He stood.
"I will not be ruled by fear," he whispered.
He took one step forward. The illusion trembled.
"I will protect them. No matter what."
Another step.
The fire flickered, weakening.
"I am not alone. I have faith."
The moment those words left his lips, the illusion shattered into light.
Outside the array, the glow surrounding the formation burst upward for a moment, brighter than before—then collapsed inward with a quiet sigh. Li Yun stood at the center, calm, his face pale but steady.
He stepped out without stumbling.
The crowd was silent for a heartbeat—then exploded into thunderous applause.
The elders exchanged glances. One of them leaned toward the central figure and whispered, "Interesting... That boy—there's more to him."
The old man merely smiled faintly, his eyes never leaving Li Yun.
The test continued, but the weight of Li Yun's performance lingered over the arena.
Today marked only the beginning.
And yet—for some—destiny had already begun to take shape.
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I don't know if you guys can notice it but I'll just say it early so that if someone does sees it they won't argue about it
Anyways this chapter I had a hard time trying to make it I could only make up to half of it before I got stuck, so I got a little help from AI and had it finish the rest of it so yeah that's all
And sorry in using AI for this but I'm genuinely stuck so yeah bye