The morning bell echoed through the Outer Sect like thunder rolling over the peaks. Lui Yan awoke with a fluttering sense of anticipation and unease. Today marked the beginning of the Outer Sect Selection Trial, a chance for young disciples to prove themselves, gain recognition, and secure a coveted place in the Inner Sect.
The courtyard was already buzzing when he arrived. Groups of disciples whispered nervously, their eyes darting toward the central arena - a vast stone circle etched with runes that shimmered faintly in the morning light.
Yan Mei arrived beside him, her expression calm yet determined. "Are you ready?" she asked softly.
Lui Yan nodded, adjusting the robes around his shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be. Focus is key."
Lin Yumo jogged up, excitement written all over his face. "Let's show them how the three of us handle trials! Nothing can beat teamwork, right?"
Lui Yan smiled faintly. "Right. But keep your mind sharp. There are others who will try to sabotage, not just compete."
-
From the opposite side, Chen Wuying stood tall, his robe immaculate, his presence commanding. A circle of younger disciples flanked him, whispering about the artifact Lui Yan carried.
"He thinks a glowing toy makes him special," Chen Wuying sneered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. "By the end of this trial, he will learn what true power looks like."
Nearby, the mysterious grey-robed figure observed silently, their hood concealing any expression. Every movement, every whisper of energy, seemed calculated, as if mapping Lui Yan's potential and preparing for the moment to strike.
The tension was palpable. Even the elders watching from the gallery seemed to hold their breath, waiting for the first spark to ignite the competition.
An elder stepped forward, voice carrying across the arena. "Welcome, disciples. The Outer Sect Selection Trial will test three aspects: skill, strategy, and understanding of your cultivation. Each participant will face challenges individually and in teams. The top ten will gain entry into the Inner Sect.
"Remember: respect your opponents, trust your abilities, and beware the shadows. The path is not always clear, and deception may lurk even among friends."
A hush fell over the crowd. Lui Yan felt a shiver run down his spine. Shadows and hidden enemies - exactly what he had feared.
-
(First Challenge – The Elemental Gauntlet)
The first test appeared: The Elemental Gauntlet, a series of shifting platforms floating above a pit of mystical flames, water currents, and thorned vines. Each disciple had to navigate without falling, while maintaining control of their qi to manipulate elemental obstacles.
Lui Yan approached the starting platform, the artifact glowing softly at his side. "Focus on flow," he muttered. "Move with, not against."
The moment he stepped forward, the platforms shifted. Fire erupted beneath him, vines twisted toward his legs, and water surged unpredictably. Using the artifact's resonance, he adjusted his qi, stabilizing the platforms under his feet. Each step felt like a conversation - subtle, precise, and guided by instinct.
-
Yan Mei followed closely, adjusting her own flow of qi to mirror Lui Yan's movements. She handed him a small vial mid-step, filled with a stabilizing liquid she had prepared earlier.
"Here," she whispered. "It will help if you need extra control."
Lui Yan took it without breaking stride. The potion harmonized with the artifact's energy, smoothing the flow of elemental energy around him. Together, they moved in sync, covering the unstable path with careful precision.
As Lui Yan and Yan Mei neared the final platform, a sudden surge of dark qi erupted nearby. Chen Wuying had activated a hidden rune, trying to destabilize their path.
"Impressive… but not enough," Chen Wuying murmured, a sly smile on his face.
Lui Yan's heart raced, but the artifact's hum steadied him. Adjusting his qi and using the elemental momentum, he neutralized the sudden obstacle. Yan Mei mirrored his movements, and together they landed safely on the final platform.
The crowd murmured in astonishment - very few had completed the gauntlet, and none had done so with such precision and teamwork.
-
Chen Wuying's smirk faltered. "So… he survives," he muttered. "This is only the beginning. Next, I will ensure the artifact's limits are exposed."
The grey-robed figure observed silently, a faint glimmer of interest in their gaze. Someone powerful was certainly present among the young disciples, but was it Lui Yan… or another hidden player?
Later, Lui Yan sat with Yan Mei and Lin Yumo, overlooking the moonlit peaks. The first trial had been a success, but his mind churned with questions.
"The artifact…" Yan Mei said softly. "It's more than just a tool. It feels alive, like it's responding to your intent."
Lui Yan nodded. "I know. But the people watching… and Chen Wuying… this trial is only a small taste. There's something bigger coming, and I need to be ready."
Lin Yumo grinned, though his eyes betrayed concern. "Well, whatever happens, we've got your back. Just… don't do anything stupid, okay?"
Lui Yan chuckled faintly. "I'll try."
But deep down, he knew this was just the beginning. The Outer Sect Selection Trial was only the first step, and shadows loomed on every path, waiting for a single mistake to turn the tide.