Incredible Breakthrough

Under the gaze of the crowd, Jiang Yun's aura fluctuated within his body. With a single hand, his face red and veins bulging on his neck, he lifted the massive stone a few centimeters once again. Those with discerning eyes could tell that Jiang Yun might have reached his limit.

"This guy is in trouble. Judging by the volume of that stone, it must weigh at least ten thousand catties. It's doubtful that a Martial Artist of just the third level of Qi Wu could pass this challenge. I'm not even sure I could lift it," stated a Martial Artist of the sixth level of Qi Wu. However, in the next moment, he turned as embarrassed as if he had been slapped hard on the face, his face redder than a monkey's behind.

"Ah!"

Jiang Yun gritted his teeth, veins standing out on his neck, and with his qi circulating rapidly throughout his body for nine cycles, his aura suddenly erupted.

"What's this?"

"A breakthrough?"

"Isn't this too cool? He actually broke through at this moment?"

All the schadenfreude-filled onlookers were astounded by the sudden eruption of Jiang Yun's aura, including the Inner Disciple of the Sky Sword Sect who had shown him special treatment.

A surge of new vitality flowed through Jiang Yun's body. The tense muscles all over his body seemed as though they were about to explode. At this critical moment, the Nine Li Divine Technique broke through from the second layer of the third level to the fourth level, equivalent to the strength of a Martial Artist at the fourth level of Qi Wu.

With this newfound strength, Jiang Yun lifted the massive stone to his chest with a single effort.

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Three!"

Initially, some of the spectators had felt a bit of schadenfreude, but as Jiang Yun broke through, they were now counting the seconds in anticipation, wanting to see if he could last five seconds to advance.

"Two!"

"One!"

Amidst the countdown of the crowd, Jiang Yun held on for five seconds. A Martial Artist of the fourth level of Qi Wu, holding up a ten-thousand-catty heavy stone with a single hand for five seconds, once again refreshed the record of the first stage.

"Bang!"

The giant stone fell heavily to the ground as Jiang Yun released it, echoing not only physically but also within the hearts of those who witnessed it.

Jiang Yun's temples throbbed continuously, showing how much effort he had put into this display of persistence.

The Inner Disciple of the Sky Sword Sect stared at Jiang Yun for a while before he came to his senses. Only when Jiang Yun met his gaze did he realize, and he returned the wooden number plate to Jiang Yun.

"Congratulations on passing the second stage."

Although this Inner Disciple had intentionally given Jiang Yun a hard time, he didn't say anything further. Jiang Yun understood that there must be someone behind this matter's orchestration, even though he didn't yet know who it was.

"Where is the testing location for the second stage?" Jiang Yun took the number plate without wasting words with the Inner Disciple. Since he had come this far, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead, whether they were human or supernatural. A single slash would deal with them.

Following the directions of the Inner Disciple, Jiang Yun quickly arrived at the testing area for the second stage. This place was much quieter compared to the testing platform; only a few people were present. The assessment for the second stage wasn't held outdoors on a platform but rather inside a small room. The room was tightly closed, and those waiting for the assessment were gathered at the entrance.

One of the young men, simple-looking and dressed in coarse clothing, saw Jiang Yun approaching and greeted him with kindness, saying, "Congratulations on passing the first stage. My name is Li Dadan. Nice to meet you, let's be friends."

"Jiang Yun, likewise." Jiang Yun smiled and replied.

Li Dadan had an honest appearance, with calluses on the palm of his right hand. When he shook hands with Jiang Yun, it was clear that his grip was firm.

Jiang Yun speculated that Li Dadan might not be as straightforward as he appeared. The calluses on the palm of his right hand might be a result of sword practice, indicating his proficient control over sword techniques.

However, since Li Dadan showed friendliness, Jiang Yun didn't think too much of it. After all, everyone had their own unique traits.

Li Dadan's inner thoughts weren't as calm as they seemed on the surface. From the moment Jiang Yun approached, he could sense a sharp sword intent emanating from Jiang Yun. It was a natural and spontaneous aura, even though Jiang Yun was smiling. Li Dadan knew that this was just Jiang Yun's outward demeanor; once provoked, it would be the moment when he would draw his sword.

Guided by the principle of having more friends and more paths, Li Dadan greeted Jiang Yun. Seeing that Jiang Yun didn't seem inclined to chat much, Li Dadan also understood the principle of keeping a shallow conversation.

With a creak, the door opened, and a young man in black robes walked out of the room. He glanced at the group with a disappointed look on his face and silently left.

"Next."

A slightly hoarse voice came from inside the room. The first person waiting outside took a deep breath and entered with an anxious heart.

"An entire morning, over a dozen people, and not a single one promoted. The requirements for this year's selection are much stricter compared to the last time. I wonder if I'll be lucky enough to be chosen this time."

Beside Jiang Yun, Li Dadan sighed and told him that he was participating in the Sky Sword Sect's disciple selection for the second time. He had been eliminated in the third round of the previous selection due to his inadequate strength. This time, he was making a fresh attempt, but his confidence wasn't very high.

After sharing his experience, Li Dadan also explained the events of the morning to Jiang Yun. Jiang Yun displayed a humble attitude, attentively listening without interrupting.

The person who went in this time came out in less than three minutes. After coming out, he slammed the door heavily. It was unclear what had happened inside, but he angrily shouted towards the door, "Thirty years in the west river, thirty years in the east river, don't bully a young person."

"Next!"

The voice from inside the room was unaffected by this person's outburst. It was the same impatient tone. Though his voice wasn't loud, it covered the angry shouting outside the door, reaching the ears of those waiting outside.

"This person's cultivation is quite high. This seemingly simple sentence has been divided into several strands, transmitted into the ears of a few people. This level of control over spiritual energy is truly formidable. If it were about controlling sword intent, it might be even more impressive."

When a master makes a move, they reveal their hand.

Although Jiang Yun hadn't seen the person inside the room yet, he had begun to be wary of the individual's strength. Yet, when it came to this level of control over spiritual energy, it seemed even more impressive than Elder Qin's.

A person responsible for assessing the outer disciples possessed such formidable strength. Jiang Yun marveled at the profound strength of the Sky Sword Sect.

Jiang Yun, however, misunderstood the Sky Sword Sect this time. Even if you looked across the entire sect, there wouldn't be many who could solidly defeat him. His participation in the recruitment of outer disciples alongside a few juniors was purely coincidental and not what he desired.

"Next!"

Time passed quickly, and only Li Dadan remained ahead of Jiang Yun. It was now his turn. Jiang Yun patted his shoulder in encouragement, saying, "Go for it!"

Li Dadan managed to squeeze out a smile, a way of thanking Jiang Yun for his encouragement. Like the several people before him, he took a deep breath and stepped into the room.