The night passed without incident.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the sky slowly shifted from deep indigo to a warm, burning orange. Pale sunlight spilled into White Moon Valley, brushing against the mist that lingered close to the ground and turning it faintly gold.
One by one, the examinees stirred.
Stephen rose quietly from where he had rested, rolling his shoulders as stiffness worked its way out of his muscles. Around him, others were already awake—some stretching, some meditating, some pacing restlessly with weapons in hand. The valley, once calm and silent, now hummed with anticipation.
Then—
Boom.
A thunderous sound cracked through the sky.
The ground trembled as heads snapped upward. Three silhouettes streaked in from the distance, flying effortlessly through the air before slowing to a halt above the valley. Their qi pressed down like a sudden weight, heavy enough to make weaker cultivators stiffen instinctively.
As they descended, their figures became clear.
Two women and one man.
They landed lightly, yet the moment their feet touched the ground, the air itself seemed to steady—as if the valley acknowledged their authority.
The woman on the right stepped forward first. Her posture was composed, her gaze sharp as it swept over the thousands gathered below.
"We are the examiners responsible for this phase of the Federation Examination," she said, her voice carrying clearly across the valley without effort.
Without another word, the woman in the lead reached into her sleeve and withdrew something small—a miniature tower no larger than her palm. At a glance, it looked almost like a trinket.
Then she tossed it into the air.
The three examiners raised their hands simultaneously, qi surging outward in controlled torrents. The small tower shuddered, glowing as veins of rainbow-colored light spread across its surface.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The tower began to grow.
Larger.
Taller.
Heavier.
In moments, it expanded into a massive structure that blotted out the sky above the valley. It descended slowly before crashing into the earth with a deafening thud, sending shockwaves rippling outward.
The ground buckled.
Several examinees stumbled. A few were knocked flat onto their backs, drawing bursts of laughter from those who managed to remain standing. Others—those with solid foundations—didn't move at all, feet planted like iron stakes driven into stone.
Stephen remained seated, eyes narrowed as he studied the tower.
It stood tens of meters tall, its surface smooth and dark, inscribed with faint patterns that pulsed softly with light. The structure radiated pressure—not oppressive, but unmistakably dangerous.
The male examiner on the left stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back.
"This examination will take place inside the tower," he announced. "It contains ten floors. Each floor presents a different trial. You may face spirit beasts, simulated human cultivators, or combinations of both."
His gaze sharpened.
"The difficulty increases with every level. To pass, you must clear at least the fourth floor."
A low murmur spread through the crowd.
Before it could grow louder, the second woman stepped forward, a faint smile on her lips.
"There are over five thousand examinees present," she said lightly. "You will enter the tower in groups of one hundred."
Her eyes gleamed with amusement.
"For reference, the fastest record ever recorded was three hours to reach the ninth floor."
The valley fell silent.
"Anyone who breaks this record," she continued, "will receive a special reward from the Federation itself—a direct admission token to become an inner disciple of the Royal Academy."
The effect was immediate.
Excited whispers erupted. Some clenched their fists in determination. Others openly vowed to claim the top spot, confidence burning brightly in their eyes.
Stephen remained calm.
He had learned better than to chase glory blindly.
The examiners called for order, and the crowd quickly reorganized into groups of one hundred. Stephen deliberately placed himself in the final group. There was no advantage in rushing—only risk.
After receiving a small token from the examiners, he withdrew to a quiet corner of the valley. Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and began circulating his qi slowly.
According to his estimates, it would be a long wait.
Better to cultivate than waste time standing idle.
The rules echoed clearly in his mind: no leaving the area during the exam period, and no fighting between examinees. Any violation meant immediate disqualification.
Ahead of him, the first group began entering the tower, disappearing through its massive entrance two and three at a time.
The examination had begun.
Stephen steadied his breathing, the Blue Sapling within his soul sea swaying gently as qi flowed through his meridians.
Soon enough, it would be his turn.
And when he stepped into that tower, there would be no retreat—only ascent.