Selection Trials

The next morning, before the break of dawn, Liu Chen and Zhou Xin set off towards the outer sect of the Whispering Willow Sect. The sect was situated atop a mountain, about 20 miles away from Silvermist Hamlet city.

Their tough upbringing in the village had endowed them with strength and endurance, making their journey faster and smoother compared to their peers.

As they ascended the mountain, climbing the carved steps leading to the sect, their determination shone through. Despite the physical exertion, they arrived at the sect an hour earlier than expected, eager to begin their journey as cultivators.

Outside the sect gate, they noticed others who had arrived earlier, some even camping overnight. Patiently waiting, Liu Chen's anticipation grew, knowing that the selection process was about to commence.

As the crowd gathered at the outer sect gate, their breaths slowly returning to normal, Liu Chen and Zhou Xin observed the diverse group of individuals joining them. Some arrived in the company of servants, indicating their noble lineage or renowned family background.

Girls with a delicate grace, resembling blooming plums, also made their way to the peak. The gathering outside the gate grew in size, with students numbering well over a thousand, hailing from various parts of the country.

After a considerable wait, two senior members of the outer sect emerged, marking the beginning of the selection process. With their arrival, the assembled students were directed to enter the designated grounds. Queueing up in an orderly fashion, the multitude of hopefuls eagerly awaited further instructions.

As Liu Chen stood in the queue, he couldn't help but notice the presence of two imposing elders on the stage. Despite being several meters away, their authority was palpable.

The first elder, clad in the pristine white attire of the sect, emanated an air of wisdom and tranquility. His weathered face bore the marks of countless years of cultivation, lines etched with stories of trials and triumphs, His eyes, sharp and perceptive.

In contrast, the second elder exuded an intense and commanding presence. Muscular and imposing, his face carried the ruggedness of a warrior. Scars traced across his rugged features, a testament to battles fought and overcome. His piercing gaze, fierce and unwavering, hinted at the ferocity that lay within.

The second elder, a figure younger and more vigorous than his counterpart, stepped to the center of the stage, his commanding presence captivating the attention of all. His voice resonated with authority as he addressed the gathering.

"I am Longwei," his voice boomed, reverberating to the farthest corners of the assembled students. "Today, alongside Elder Baiyun, we shall oversee the outer sect trials."

"The selection of students will be plain and simple. We seek only the finest seeds, the most talented individuals."

His words carried weight, instilling a sense of both excitement and trepidation among the hopeful participants.

Amidst his proclamation, two disciples who had guided the students onto the grounds stepped forward, bearing a large yuan magnetic stone. The stone, shrouded in obsidian black, bore distinct handprints etched onto its surface—an enigmatic symbol of the trials that awaited.

Elder Longwei's voice resonated across the gathering, capturing the attention of every student. "This Yuan magnetic stone holds the power to reveal your fate today," he proclaimed, his words tinged with an air of mystery.

Confusion rippled through the crowd as they struggled to comprehend how a single stone could determine their talents and spiritual roots. It seemed like an impossible feat, especially for those who had never cultivated before.

Sensing their bewilderment, Elder Longwei stepped forward, his presence commanding their attention.

"I understand your concerns," he reassured them. "While you have yet to break through to the qi level and are still mortals, allow me to explain how this process will unfold."

With deliberate clarity, the elder began to unveil the path from mortal to cultivator. He elucidated the initial stage of building a solid body within a year after selection, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental preparation. Through meditation and the absorption of qi, the students would gradually cultivate their bodies and develop the ability to channel their spiritual energy.

Patiently, Elder Longwei outlined the necessary steps for success. First, they would learn the art of deep meditation, honing their focus and synchronizing their breath with the surrounding qi. This would facilitate the absorption of vital energy into their bodies. As their spiritual energy accumulated, they would embark on the journey of guiding and controlling this energy, enabling its circulation through their meridians.

In precise detail, the elder elaborated on the significance of achieving a stable qi foundation and undergoing the pivotal process of qi awakening. Step by step, he guided them through the cultivation breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of refining their qi and expanding its capacity. It was through this dedicated cultivation that they would transcend their mortal limitations and unlock the realm of cultivators.

"But you may wonder, if the process seems relatively straightforward, why are there still mortals everywhere?"

Elder Longwei acknowledged the question that lingered in their minds. With a slight pause, he continued to enlighten the students.

"The answer is simple," he stated, his voice carrying a tone of unwavering conviction.

"Not everyone possesses exceptional talents and spiritual roots. Even after being selected into this esteemed academy, your future within its walls is not guaranteed. After one year, your progress and potential will be evaluated to determine whether you will be promoted as a disciple or dismissed from the academy."

A ripple of unease spread through the crowd as they absorbed the weight of his words. The path ahead was not without its challenges and uncertainties. However, Elder Longwei offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

"Remember, this is not the end," he assured them, his gaze sweeping across the assembled students.

"There are opportunities in lower sects if you so desire. The key is to possess the talent and determination to rise above the rest."

"Allow me to elucidate how this stone will discern your spiritual roots and talents,"

Elder Longwei began, eager to shed light on the mysterious process.

"Within each and every one of you lies a unique spiritual root, an essence that defines your innate capabilities. This large yuan magnetic stone possesses a special core, intricately imbued with an array that harnesses the power of yin and yang, the fundamental forces of spiritual energy."

He gestured towards the stone, its surface gleaming with an enigmatic aura. "These arrays, carefully crafted and etched into the stone, are designed to resonate with your spiritual essence. When you place your palm upon it and close your eyes, the arrays within the stone activate, connecting with the depths of your being."

"The array within the stone will channel your spiritual energy, harmonizing with your individual resonance," Elder Longwei continued, his voice laced with a sense of reverence.

"And once resonance is balanced between the spiritual root and the array, the reading on yuan magnetic stone will be displayed" Elder Longwei concluded his long speech.