As the sun climbed toward its peak, the disciples gathered.
The Black Fog Forest stood before them like the mouth of a sleeping beast.
Tall and ancient trees stretched endlessly into the distance, their canopies interlocking and blocking most of the sunlight. A thin layer of mist clung to the ground, curling around roots and rocks like living smoke. From within the forest came faint, unsettling sounds, rustling leaves, and unknown growls.
The disciples stood at its entrance.
Some were nervous.
Some were excited.
Some hid their fear behind forced confidence.
Kerus stood among them, his expression calm, his eyes sharp.
At the front, the teacher stood with his hands behind his back, calmly observing the restless crowd.
"This is the Black Fog Forest," he said. "Once you enter, the test begins."
A murmur spread through the disciples.
Before he could continue, a young disciple stepped forward and cupped his fists respectfully.
"Teacher," the disciple asked, hesitating slightly, "may we form groups?"
Then everyone fell quiet.
Many straightened their backs, their ears straining.
The teacher looked at him for a moment. Then, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"As long as you bring me two heads of any beast and ten pill refinement materials," he said calmly, "you will pass."
That was all.
No restrictions.
No limits.
No rules against teamwork.
Understanding spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"So it's like that…"
"Groups are allowed."
"Strength in numbers."
The meaning was clear.
A disciple murmured, "Those who cooperate will survive more easily. Those who don't… will struggle."
But Kerus instantly saw the flaw.
"There's a downside," he murmured. "They can also steal from each other. The danger isn't just beasts… It's them."
Kerus narrowed his eyes slightly, "So that's the real test.
It wasn't just about killing beasts.
It was about judgment, trust, greed, fear, and survival."
Kerus lowered his gaze slightly.
"If I want to leave this place alive," he thought calmly, "I must form stars first."
His current body was far too weak.
Without cultivation, even the weakest beast in the forest could kill him.
Then, before starting the test, the teacher warned them, "Do not approach the middle layer. Even if all of you form a team, you are not yet capable of facing a Spirit Beast."
Among the disciples, one asked, "Teacher, what are spirit beasts?"
Hearing this question, others laughed loudly.
"You don't even know what a Spirit Beast is?"
"Silence, everyone." The teacher shouted and stopped everyone. Continuing, "It is normal, some may not know it. Let me tell you. Spirit Beasts are creatures that have absorbed spiritual energy and formed a core of spiritual energy. If one can slay it, they get a beast core."
"So don't go near the middle layer." Finishing his warning, he raised his hand and began the test.
"Enter."
That single word was enough.
The disciples surged forward with ambition.
Groups that had already been formed rushed in together, shouting instructions, assigning roles, and planning hunting routes. Some moved carefully. Others charged recklessly, driven by fear of falling behind.
Within moments, the forest swallowed them all.
Kerus remained where he was.
Alone, he had to move on his own so he could form stars.
Just as he was about to step forward, a soft voice stopped him.
"Rick."
He turned.
A girl with long black hair stood a short distance away.
She wore the same academy robes as the others, but her expression was filled with worry. Her eyes lingered on his pale face, on his thin frame, on the dark circles beneath his eyes.
Mei Ling.
Through Rick's memories, Kerus knew her well.
She had been by Rick's side since childhood. They had trained together, eaten together, and endured ridicule together. Even when others avoided him, she had stayed.
Her fingers clenched slightly.
"Rick," she said gently, "we should form a team."
Kerus saw it clearly.
Concern.
Fear.
And hope.
He already knew what she would say.
And he already knew his answer.
This test was not simple.
And with his current condition, anyone who stayed near him would be in danger.
Kerus met her gaze.
From Rick's memories, he felt the bond between them. And because of that bond, he could not allow her to be dragged into what he was about to do.
"I'm fine," he said quietly.
Mei Ling frowned. "You shouldn't go alone. You haven't even formed stars yet. At least let me..."
Kerus shook his head.
"This test isn't what it looks like," he said calmly.
"Stay with others. You'll be safer."
She bit her lip, "But..."
Before she could say more, Kerus turned and stepped into the forest.
"Rick!" she called out.
He didn't look back.
As his figure disappeared among the trees, Mei Ling felt a dull pain in her chest.
She knew something had changed.
But she didn't know what.
A brief moment later, inside the forest, chaos unfolded.
Groups spread out in different directions. Some fought beasts immediately. Others searched for materials. Shouts, clashes, and roars echoed through the trees.
Kerus had seen most of them, but ignoring them, he moved deeper into the forest until the sounds faded, and no one was near.
Only then did he stop.
He scanned his surroundings carefully. Only a denser jungle filled his vision.
No presence nearby.
No beasts in immediate range.
"Good," Kerus said after confirming the surrounding condition, and sat down beneath a large tree and crossed his legs into a lotus position.
"I must form my stars first," he muttered.
Closing his eyes, he focused inward.
This body was unfamiliar, weak. But the soul guiding it was not.
He slowed his breathing.
Time passed....
Gradually, he began sensing the qi in the surroundings.
It was faint.
Thin.
Like mist barely clinging to the air.
But it was there.
Guided by decades of experience, Kerus carefully drew the qi into his body.
Pain flared instantly.
His internal pathways resisted violently, sending sharp pain through his body.
They were narrow, clogged, unused.
Kerus frowned, "So stiff…"
He pushed gently, steadily.
Not forcefully.
Crack.
Within his lower dantian, the first star ignited.
A wave of warmth flowed through his body.
Then another ignited…