The morning sky over Azure Cloud Sect shimmered with a thousand rays of light, streaking through drifting clouds that coiled around the mountain peaks. Bells tolled in steady rhythm, each note echoing with spiritual resonance.
Today marked the Grand Elemental Affinity Testing Ceremony, held only once every five years — a sacred event that determined the path of every new disciple.
The sect's Grand Spirit Hall was vast and majestic, carved into the side of a cliff and supported by pillars etched with glowing runes. Qi energy flowed through the air like mist, filling the space with serene yet intimidating power.
At the center of the hall stood a massive stone platform. Upon it floated a Crystal of Resonance, the size of a human torso. Its surface shimmered faintly with colors that pulsed like breathing light — the visible essence of the Nine Elements themselves.
Hundreds of young disciples filled the hall, whispering in excitement. Some stood proud, already from noble lineages with high expectations. Others, like the orphans and commoners, could only clench their fists in quiet hope.
At the front stood Elder Xuan, his silver beard gently swaying with the wind. His eyes were sharp yet calm, radiating the quiet confidence of a man who had seen countless prodigies rise and fall.
"Today," Elder Xuan began, his deep voice carrying through the hall, "you will learn what the heavens have bestowed upon you. He gestured toward the crystal.
"The element that resonates with your Qi defines the Dao you may walk. Fire grants passion and destruction. Water grants flow and healing. Each of you bears a spark of heaven's will — and today, that spark shall be revealed." His words silenced the crowd.
"Remember this," the elder added. "Your element does not define your limits. It only reveals your beginning."
He motioned to the assistants at the side.
"Begin the ceremony." Names were called one after another.
"Lian Rong!" The youth stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly. He placed his palm upon the crystal, channeling his Qi.
Instantly, a blaze of crimson and gold erupted.
"Fire and Metal dual affinity!" Elder Xuan nodded in approval. "A fiery heart tempered by discipline. You will make a fine cultivator."
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
Next came Ming Yue, a graceful girl with soft eyes. As she touched the crystal, a swirl of blue and green filled the air. "Water and Wind!" "Perfect for movement and support paths," Elder Xuan said with a rare smile.
One after another, disciples stepped forward. Some lit a single faint glow. Others revealed dual affinities, earning admiration from their peers. A few crystals dimmed almost instantly, and those disciples walked away with bowed heads, knowing their paths would be difficult.
The testing continued for nearly an hour until only a handful remained. Among them stood Tian Shen, quiet and composed as always.
"Tian Shen," Elder Xuan finally called, his gaze resting on the boy.
The hall fell silent.
The boy's steps echoed softly against the stone floor as he approached the crystal. He wasn't tall for his age, but there was something about his presence — calm, steady, almost ancient.
The elders and disciples watched curiously. Tian Shen had shown promise in his fundamentals, but nothing about him seemed extraordinary — until now.
He stood before the glowing crystal, took a slow breath, and pressed his palm against its surface.
The moment his Qi flowed out, the hall trembled. A faint hum filled the air, followed by a burst of light.
A deep crimson flame flickered first — Fire.
Then came blue ripples of water, swirling gracefully around it.
A second later, emerald wind joined, wrapping the flames in a dance of balance.
Then the ground shook slightly as golden earth and silver metal flared together.
Gasps rippled through the hall. "Five affinities!?" "That's unheard of!" "No one in the last century awakened more than two!"
But the crystal wasn't done.
A flash of white lightning crackled across its surface, followed by a distortion of air — the mark of Space.
Then came a faint golden ripple — Time itself responding to his Qi.
Now eight elements burned in harmony, forming a radiant halo around Tian Shen.
The pressure in the hall grew immense; several weaker disciples were forced to their knees. The elders stared in disbelief.
Elder Xuan's eyes widened. His hand trembled slightly as he muttered,
"All eight… Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Metal, Lightning, Space, Time… All resonating perfectly."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Only one remains…"
The Silent Ninth
The final segment of the crystal — the ninth ring — represented Chaos.
For a moment, it flickered faintly… then fell still.
The other colors began to swirl violently, their harmony breaking apart. The crystal vibrated as if resisting something beyond comprehension.
The radiant elements twisted, merging, and collapsing toward the dark segment — only to be repelled again and again.
The air thickened; the light dimmed.
A deep rumble filled the hall, and suddenly, every color vanished, leaving only a void-like darkness swirling within the crystal.
The crowd began to panic. "What's happening!?"
"The crystal — it's breaking apart!"
"Impossible! It can't handle the resonance!"
Elder Xuan raised his hand to shield his eyes as a blinding flash erupted.
BOOM!
The Crystal of Resonance shattered, shards of light scattering like falling stars. For an instant, the entire hall was illuminated by a storm of black and gold Qi that spiraled around Tian Shen like a living tempest.
And in that storm, a voice spoke. It wasn't sound — it was existence itself echoing in his soul. "Who controls Chaos… controls everything."
"Chaos is the beginning…"
"…and the end of all days."
The words struck like thunder in Tian Shen's mind. His body trembled, but his gaze remained steady, staring into the void where the crystal had been.
For a fleeting moment, he saw visions — the vast universe crumbling, stars shattering, ancient beings bowing before a figure cloaked in black and gold light. Then it was gone.
The light faded. The hall was silent. Only the faint scent of ozone lingered in the air. When the dust settled, Tian Shen stood alone at the center of the shattered platform. His robes fluttered gently, untouched.
The disciples stared at him in awe and fear. "He… he destroyed the crystal." "What kind of monster lights up every element?" "Was that Chaos energy? But… that's impossible…"
Elder Xuan approached slowly, his expression unreadable. His spiritual sense swept over Tian Shen — but what he found left him shaken.
It wasn't emptiness. It wasn't overwhelming energy.
It was everything and nothing, a vast chasm that seemed to consume even his perception.
"Tian Shen," Elder Xuan said carefully, "step down for now. The Sect Masters must be informed."
The boy nodded quietly, lowering his hand. His face was calm, but deep within, his heart pounded.
That voice… who was it? And why did it sound… familiar?
As he turned to leave, faint black-gold light flickered across his palm — unseen by anyone else.
Above the hall, clouds swirled unnaturally, forming a massive spiral that reached beyond the sky. Deep within that storm, the Wheel of Fate turned once more — half gold, half black — as if the heavens themselves were awakening.