The following thirteen days were a blur of focused cultivation. Bai Yu diligently pushed himself, reaching the pinnacle of the eighth stage in the Blood Condensation Realm. He also dedicated himself to rigorous sword training, desperately honing his skills in the hopes of securing a coveted spot within the Azure Sword Sect.
Finally, the day of the trial arrived. Bai Yu joined the throngs of eager young cultivators gathered at the Azure Sword Sect's branch, situated in the heart of the city. Aspirations crackled in the air, each participant yearning to change their destiny through acceptance into the sect.
A hush fell over the crowd as the majestic sect gates creaked open. An elderly man emerged, his long beard trailing down his chest. His aura emanated an immense power, vast as an endless sea. "A Xiantian expert," Bai Yu murmured, recognizing the strength of the elder.A booming voice filled the plaza. "Greetings, aspiring disciples. I am Elder Xuan, an elder of the Azure Sword Sect. Let us forgo pleasantries and proceed directly to the test."
A nervous young man squeaked, "Wh-what is the test?"Elder Xuan raised a hand, and a wave of majestic sword intent crashed down upon the hopefuls. "Those who can withstand my sword intent for one minute will pass the test and become outer disciples of the sect," he declared.
The sword intent is the manifestation of a powerful swordsman's will and understanding of the sword. It can be used in attacking, where a swordsman projects their sword intent as a form of offensive energy.
The pressure descended with crushing force. Nearly half the crowd crumpled to the ground, overcome by the sheer power. Gritting his teeth, Bai Yu braced himself against the onslaught. Bones cracked around him, the sounds echoing in the tense silence. Thirty seconds flew by, sweat beading on Bai Yu's brow, yet he remained standing firm. Only a quarter of the participants persisted.Ten seconds left. Bai Yu felt his bones screaming in protest, threatening to shatter. "Just a little longer," he growled, pushing his limits."Five, four, three, two, one… You passed. Congratulations!"Elder Xuan's voice boomed once more.
Relief washed over Bai Yu as the pressure lifted, a sensation akin to having a heavy boulder removed. He surveyed the scene, his sweat-soaked clothes clinging to him. "Only a thousand…" he muttered, "Out of ten thousand participants…""Report to the designated area immediately to collect your outer disciple status plate and robes," Elder Xuan instructed, before disappearing in a flash.