Chapitre 25: Sect Trials

Fang Hao looked at his father with amazement, just like everyone else. He was the spotlight of this sect discipline recruitment event.

A loud 'Cough' abruptly silenced the gathering, and only then did they realize that the sect master and the discipline elder were still present.

"Since the inner elder is injured, I will take over," Zhang Wei announced, a trace of annoyance in his tone.

"While the sect's primary focus is on the sword dao, we acknowledge other paths as well.''

''We will ensure your talents are acceptable, and no mistakes have occurred, those that pass may enter as outer disciplines. " Zhang Wei stated, his gaze scrutinizing the two city representatives.

However, when his eyes fell upon Cloudsoar, he simply bypassed them.

"Those from the cities, step forward and touch the stone before entering the arena," he directed, gesturing for them to proceed.

They approached the immense stone that bore no symbols to indicate their innate talents. One by one, their touches prompted it to emit a light of blue to black glows.

Fang Hao stepped forward and the stone illuminated in a deep black glow. The sect master nodded, showing no surprise as he had expected this outcome.

Content that everything was proceeding smoothly, he instructed those with blue ratings to remain in the arena, while the others waited outside for the third round.

His focus then shifted to where those who had come from outside the three cities had gathered for testing.

"Up next is the unaffiliated," he gestured, signalling for the testing to commence.

As they underwent the testing, it became evident that some fell short of the talent requirement, their touches failing to trigger the stone's glow.

However, a chosen few emitted violet and black lights, earning his approval.

"For those who did not manage to activate the talent marble, may leave," he declared, addressing them directly.

With an intensified aura, he made it clear that there was no room for a second option. The recent battle in the sky had made them acutely aware of the consequences.

"Thank you, Sect Master," they said, kneeling and leaving fast.

He then went on to divide those with violet and black ratings, directing them to another elder.

"In total, 5406 blue ratings," he muttered, noting the combined number of individuals who would partake in the trials.

"We will divide them into rounds of eliminations: Power, Speed, Will Power" he declared, instructing an elder to arrange the stone pillars, following the established tradition.

"Step forward and attempt to damage the pillars. Those who leave a mark on them will pass the first round." A total of 50 pillars were set up, and the participants took turns forming lines to attack them.

Fang Hao stood alongside his father and other talented children from his city, observing as one person after another displayed various skills.

Some delivered punches, while others swung swords and used different elements, creating a vivid and colourful spectacle.

Each participant executed a technique, with similarities emerging among those from the same city.

The techniques were all quite fundamental, reflective of their cultivation ranks which didn't afford them abundant spiritual qi.

The sect's recruitment focused on those who hadn't cultivated before, understanding that changing one's path later would require significant sacrifice of time.

As the attacks struck the pillars, Fang Hao's expression turned serious.

The force behind some of the strikes equalled or even exceeded his array attack, indicating that these individuals clearly possessed greater power.

"Father, what about those who focus on defense?" he wondered, as the sect leader hadn't mentioned it.

"You don't need to worry. In fact, this is all just a display. The elders can perceive your cultivation without you having to demonstrate it."

"But didn't you say I shouldn't reveal my talent in arrays?" he asked, puzzled by Yu Rui's previous advice.

"Arraymasters, like alchemists and others, are deemed secondary and don't leave a trace until at least higher realms.''

''You might not perceive it, but the person striking the pillar now possesses traces of a 'defensive technique'," Fang Xiong explained, his gaze fixed on the youth in the distance.

"As you can see, the pillar didn't bear a mark, but the elder let him pass. They recognized his focus on defense," he added.

"This is where your ring becomes useful. I delayed giving it to you for a bit to make it mimic sword traces. Since you're my son, no one will question it. Besides, you even possess a technique.''Fang Xiong remarked.

"Hao, you can let people know, but don't go overboard," Fang Xiong explained in a voice that only Hao could hear. "The missions assigned by the sect are obligatory, and some involve array masters setting up formations."

"Due to the different worlds and limits of realms you can enter, you might be dispatched a bit early to one to offer assistance," he paused, then continued.

''For now, focus on cultivation. When the time comes, you can proceed. It's a valuable experience for you," Fang Xiong shared, expressing his desire for his son to face various challenges.

"I understand," Fang Hao nodded. "What about my sister's world? Will I be sent there?"

Fang Xiong observed him intently and then shook his head. "That's a treacherous place. Initially, you'll be sent to a safer one, but your life and death within it are beyond my control. Remember this when the time comes."

"This is the primary reason for joining the sects. Otherwise, I could simply teach you. However, only the top three sects possess the means to transport individuals to other worlds," he said, changing the subject as he addressed Hao.

"The girl from our city who stood up and asked me is about to begin," Fang Xiong shifted his focus and observed with interest.

Like those before her, she stated her name, "Feixia Ting." The outer elder recorded the name and gestured for her to begin.

Feixia Ting's eyes narrowed as she focused. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her step silent.

The hilt of her sword felt like an extension of her own being, perfectly attuned to her movements.

Raising the blade, she drew it back with controlled fluidity.

Her arm seemed to glide through the air, tracing an elegant arc that captured the essence of the wind's gentle curve.

The blade sang as it sliced through the air, an almost imperceptible whisper of sound that harmonized with the wind's own melody.

A louder bang than the rest resounded as her blade made contact.

Fang Hao watched as the pillar acquired a long white mark, and Feixia Ting breathed in and out, she gave it her all.

The outer elder nodded his head, satisfied, and let her pass. This was one of the strongest attacks he had witnessed on this pillar.

Fang Hao was impressed; this attack was at least twice as strong as the array attack he possessed.

The first round of trials continued, and the Sect Master announced the results, "A total of 1200 remain. Those who failed will be offered an opportunity compared to be forced to leave. They can join the sect as servants."

"Servants?" A lot of them started mumbling, causing the Sect Master to silence them. "You will perform chores and tend to low-level spiritual plants, but in return, you will gain resources.''

"You can also take the trials again in 5 years, but it will be at a higher realm since you would have broken through," he said before ordering them.

"If you decide to stay and become servants, go to the outer elder on the left. The rest can leave. You have until the end of the sect trials to decide. Continue to the second round," he gestured to the elder to continue and carry on.

''Father servants? isn't it better to go to the mortal kingdoms, or just join another sect?'' Hao asked in a hushed voice

"It depends. Don't forget how hard it is to travel in this world, Hao. There are beasts and cultivators everywhere. You won't make it to another sect," Fang Xiong explained, acknowledging the harsh reality.

"Hao, prepare," his father said, as their turn was approaching.

The trials continued, and the second round, much like the previous, resulted in the elimination of more participants.

Fang Hao remained focused, mentally preparing himself.

The total number of people remaining was approximately 2000, taking into account all the talented individuals.

Now, the final trial awaited – the 'Will Power' trial, the last and most crucial phase.

With unwavering authority, the Sect Leader decreed, "Each individual that wants to join the sect must undertake this trial. Those who do not succeed must leave immediately."

Fang Hao, along with the group from Cloudsoar, stepped forward and entered the expansive arena.

This trial represented their first and last trial: a trial of willpower.

It was all about the heart, your capacity to remain steady amidst the challenges that would ensue.

The trial stood as a unique testament to unwavering determination in cultivation; talent held no effect here...except for a select few who were extremely rare—that very individual whom the sect hadn't anticipated would arrive today.