Li Tian's heart raced as he arrived at the western gates of the campus. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and he couldn't help but notice the smaller crowd than he had expected. The preliminary exam must have weeded out a significant number of candidates, leaving only the strongest. His empathy stirred for those left waiting, their dreams shattered by the absence of an examiner. Grateful for his own strength, he silently thanked his ancestors for guiding him through.
As the clock struck 9 am, a commanding figure emerged from the crowd. Li Tian's attention snapped to the man, who wasted no time in delivering his verdict. "Time's up! Anyone not here has failed. Follow me," he declared with an air of authority.
Without hesitation, Li Tian fell into step behind the man, joining the throng of determined individuals as they ventured toward the ominous forest. The man set a relentless pace, one that Li Tian easily matched. However, he couldn't help but notice the struggle of others, their faces etched with exhaustion. Hours passed, and finally, they arrived at a grand gate, the entrance to the fabled "Enchanted Grove." A massive ancient tree, its roots spreading like intricate patterns across the ground, stood as a majestic sentinel. Its lush canopy of leaves created a breathtaking tapestry, casting dappled sunlight on the scene below.
Perched on one of the roots sat an enigmatic figure—an old man with graying hair and a goatee. The sunlight filtering through the leaves transformed him into a mythical being, a banished immortal. This was Master Sheng, a renowned core realm cultivator responsible for conducting the exams. His piercing gaze scanned the crowd, studying their expressions and strength. When his eyes settled on Li Tian, a flicker of confusion crossed his face. How had this talented individual escaped his notice? Master Sheng's curiosity was piqued, and he made a mental note to pay attention to this person.
After fifteen minutes of silence, Master Sheng's voice broke through the air, sending shockwaves through the crowd. "Anyone absent now has failed." The realization hit them—the running they had endured earlier was part of the test. No complaints arose; those who would have voiced their discontent were conspicuously absent.
A hush fell over the participants as Master Sheng continued, his words laden with gravity. "Welcome, everyone! Today, you stand here to prove your mettle. Brace yourselves for a trial that will test your combat skills against formidable demonic beasts. It is a perilous endeavor, and your very lives may hang in the balance. If any of you wish to withdraw, now is your chance. You have one minute to decide."
The crowd held their breath, the weight of the decision heavy upon them. But determination burned in their eyes, and not a single soul stepped forward to forfeit the opportunity.
"The rules are simple," Master Sheng proclaimed, his voice commanding attention. "Enter the Enchanted Grove and face the demonic beasts that await. Points will be awarded based on the number and rank of beasts you slay. Your final score will determine your success.
For every rank one beast killed you will be awarded 1pt and for every rank two beast killed you will be awarded 5pts"
Beasts in this world world were divided into ranks and rank one corresponded to Houtian, rank two corresponded to xiantian, rank three to foundation realm,... and so on
"After the week long hunt, the points will be tallied and
1st prize gets ten Qi gathering pills, a custom made rank 3 spirit armament and a spirit rank protecting talisman
2nd prize gets five Qi gathering pills and a rank one spirit armament
3rd prize gets three Qi gathering pills."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as Master Sheng outlined the rewards. The prizes were grand indeed, igniting a spark of ambition in the hearts of the participants. Qi gathering pills, custom-made spirit armaments, and spirit rank protecting talismans—the very mention of such treasures sent waves of awe through the assembled candidates.
But Master Sheng had more to reveal. "Within the safe zone of the forest, three exceptionally powerful demonic beasts await your challenge: the Viperfang Serpent, the Forest Shadow Panther, and the Thunderclaw Griffin. Beware, for they are formidable adversaries. Slaying any of these creatures will grant you fifteen points."
Weapons were permitted, but harming fellow contestants was strictly forbidden. The severity of the punishment hung in the air, a reminder to uphold honor and integrity amidst the trials.
Master Sheng scanned the crowd, his eyes probing for any lingering doubts or questions. Among them, Li Tian's sense of distrust swelled. How could they keep such vital information hidden? Was every aspect of this test a trial in itself? Where was the trust between examiner and examinee?
Satisfied with the silence, Master Sheng turned to the man who had led them there and nodded. The man, now revealed as a key figure, began performing intricate hand seals before the gate. Symbols emanated from his hands, striking the gate with precision. The ancient structure groaned and creaked, gradually swinging open. It served as a barrier, safeguarding the world outside from the unknown dangers within the Enchanted Grove.
The gate fully opened, and the man addressed the eager participants. His words sealed their fate. "You may enter. The examination begins now!"
Excitement surged through their veins as they flooded into the forest, their spirits ignited by the challenge that lay ahead. In a matter of moments, the area in front of the gate was deserted, the participants fully engrossed in their quest. The gate closed behind them, sealing their fate for the next week.
"See you all in one week," the man's voice echoed, a final farewell before they embarked on a journey that would test their limits and shape their destinies.