CHAPTER 6:Fourth level pill of light!!

The grand hall of the Zi Xuan sect was bathed in a soft, dim glow as disciples gathered under the watchful eyes of the esteemed leaders. Gang Muchen, seated on his elevated throne, observed them with an imposing gaze, making even the bravest feel a chill. Senior Jun Hei stepped forward, his face grave, and silence fell.

"Disciples," Jun Hei's voice echoed, steady and commanding, "you have gathered here today for a most crucial trial. A test that will decide who shall become the disciple of Tang Cai Ji."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, disciples exchanging glances filled with excitement and trepidation. Then, the doors at the end of the hall swung open, and in stepped Tang Cai Ji. She was a vision in her silver-blue dress, pearls glinting on her, with a veil of fine sky-colored net cloth that gave her an ethereal quality. Zhang Xin's eyes widened as he watched her; her grace and beauty left him speechless.

Tang Cai Ji raised her hand, and the crowd fell silent. "Your test," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "will push you to your limits. Only the most determined will succeed. Remember this—'Light of the faith lightened the darkness of the world.'"

As the test began, disciples scrambled toward the staircase—fifty daunting steps, each one testing their strength with an added gravity of three percent.

"Come on, Li Han!" Lynn whispered, as they took their first step. Zhang Xin followed with a calm yet determined stride.

In his eagerness, Bolin surged forward, nearly knocking over Li Han. "Out of my way!" he barked, racing up the steps. But halfway up, he stumbled, the weight pulling him back.

Watching him struggle, Zhang Xin whispered, "Patience, not haste." He climbed steadily, remembering Tang Cai Ji's advice. With each step, he felt himself growing stronger, his resolve more unshakable.

By the end of the first level, only seventy-five remained.

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Jun Hei addressed the remaining participants. "The next level," he announced, "is a test of skill. You must create a third-level pill. Only those who succeed will advance to the final level."

Each disciple was given a cauldron and a selection of spiritual plants. Zhang Xin hesitated as he stared at his ingredients, doubt creeping in.

"I've… never made a pill before," he muttered, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

From the sidelines, Bolin smirked. "Good luck, Zhang Xin. You'll need it."

As Zhang Xin started his work, he noticed Bolin quietly slipping a rare spiritual flower into his cauldron—one not given to the other participants.

"You're cheating…" Zhang Xin muttered under his breath, casting a suspicious glance at Bolin. But he didn't say anything; he was determined to succeed without shortcuts.

Golden Dragon Zhuwei in his sea of consciousness says to Zhang Xin "Need help?"

"Thank you, but I'll try on my own," Zhang Xin replied, respectfully declining. With a deep breath, he focused and dropped the first spiritual plant into the cauldron, mentally repeating Tang Cai Ji's words.

As he worked, time seemed to slip away, and his doubts faded, replaced by a quiet confidence.

"Five minutes left!" Jun Hei announced, his voice cutting through the air.

Bolin smirked as he lifted his finished pill. Li Han and Lynn followed suit, both managing to create a pill of their own. Zhang Xin, however, was still working feverishly, placing one last ingredient into the cauldron just as Jun Hei declared, "Time's up!"

Jun Hei and the other elders inspected each pill carefully. When they reached Bolin, the elder's eyes widened. "A fourth-level pill… remarkable." Bolin puffed up with pride, casting a smug glance at Zhang Xin.

Zhang Xin's pill, on the other hand, seemed like a disappointment—a mere second-level pill.

"Hmm…" Tang Cai Ji studied it closely. "It's not quite…"

Just then, the pill in Zhang Xin's hand began to emit a soft glow, brightening until it became a brilliant light. The second-level pill transformed before their eyes, evolving into a rare fourth-level pill.

"Impossible…" Jun Hei murmured in awe.

Tang Cai Ji's gaze softened as she looked at Zhang Xin. "How did you create this?"

He smiled. "I just kept thinking about your words… 'Light of the faith lightened the darkness of the world.'"

Tang Cai Ji's lips curved into a faint smile. "Well done, Zhang Xin."

The next day, Zhang Xin, Li Han, and Lynn returned home, exhilarated after passing the first two trials. As they shared the details with their grandfather over lunch, he beamed with pride.

"Well done, all of you," he praised, lifting his cup. "To many more victories!"

After the meal, they returned to their chamber, each lost in thought as they prepared for the third trial. Zhang Xin sat by the window, gazing into the distance, when a sudden movement caught his eye. A shadow.

He leaned closer, peering into the dim evening light. A figure stepped forward—a man, cloaked in black, his face hidden except for his piercing eyes.

"Who…" Zhang Xin murmured, just as the man raised a gleaming sword.

"Zhang Xin," the stranger's voice was low, almost a growl, "you should have never entered the trial."

Zhang Xin's heartbeat quickened. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man took a step forward, his sword catching the last light of the setting sun. "My name is irrelevant. But your journey ends here."

Zhang Xin backed away, his mind racing. He could call for help, but there was no time—the man was closing in.

"If you think you can scare me…" Zhang Xin steadied himself, his voice defiant.

The stranger chuckled. "Scare you? No. End you? Yes."

With a sudden lunge, the man swung his sword. Zhang Xin ducked, narrowly avoiding the blade. He reached for a staff by his side, gripping it tightly.

"Why attack me? Who sent you?" Zhang Xin demanded, his voice edged with both anger and fear.

The man tilted his head, amused. "You ask too many questions. Some paths… are not meant to be walked by people like you."

"Then let's see if you can stop me." Zhang Xin stood firm, raising his staff as the man lunged again, the clash of steel and wood echoing in the night.