The sun barely peeked over the horizon when Xiang Chen rose from his bed. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and dew. Today marked the second trial for new disciples—the Test of Strength. He felt the excitement and tension in the air as disciples gathered at the training grounds, ready to face the challenge that would determine their cultivation ranking within the sect.
Xiang Chen moved through the crowd, eyes scanning the area. Elder Wu stood on a raised platform, his expression stern and commanding. The elder's eyes swept over the gathered disciples, measuring their resolve.
"Disciples, the time has come for the Test of Strength," Elder Wu announced. "Today's trial will gauge your physical prowess, combat ability, and determination. You will face a series of opponents, and only those who prove their strength will advance. Those who falter will remain in the lower ranks."
Xiang Chen could feel the anticipation of the crowd as the trial details were revealed. Disciples whispered among themselves, some excited, others anxious. Xiang Chen remained calm, his focus sharp. This was his opportunity to demonstrate his growth and show the sect that he was not the same fallen genius they once knew.
"Let the trials begin!" Elder Wu commanded. Disciples were divided into groups and led to different sections of the training grounds, each area featuring an arena where battles would take place. Xiang Chen's group was assigned to a large circular arena surrounded by tall stone pillars.
As he stepped into the arena, he felt the ground beneath his feet vibrate with energy. The arena was an enchanted battleground, designed to amplify the combatants' strength and challenge their abilities. The first opponent stood across from him—a muscular disciple with a heavy spear in hand and a confident smirk on his face.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you, Xiang Chen," the disciple said, twirling his spear. "I've heard the rumors, but let's see if you're truly as strong as they say."
Xiang Chen activated his system panel, taking in the details of his opponent.
[Celestial Ascendance System]
Opponent: Zhang Wei
Level: 12
Weapon: Spear
Threat Level: Medium
He took a deep breath, feeling the energy coursing through him. He had trained hard for this moment, and he was ready. The crowd fell silent as the two of them prepared to fight.
"Begin!" the referee shouted.
Zhang Wei lunged forward, spear thrusting with precision. Xiang Chen sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the sharp tip, and countered with a burst of flame from his palm. The fireball hit Zhang Wei's arm, but the disciple twisted his body, minimizing the impact.
"So, you're quick with fire," Zhang Wei muttered, his eyes narrowing. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He unleashed a series of spear strikes, each one faster and more precise than the last. Xiang Chen dodged and parried, using his agility to his advantage. He noticed an opening and aimed a kick at Zhang Wei's legs, but his opponent reacted swiftly, blocking the attack with the shaft of his spear.
The two exchanged blows, sparks flying as their weapons and techniques clashed. Xiang Chen felt the thrill of battle, his instincts sharpening with each move. His training with Jin Li and his system's guidance were paying off, giving him the edge he needed.
"Not bad, Xiang Chen," Zhang Wei said, breathing heavily. "But it's time to end this!"
He spun his spear, gathering energy into the tip, and thrust it forward. Xiang Chen saw the attack coming and leaped back, summoning a flame to envelop his fist. With a quick movement, he channeled his energy, transforming the flame into a fiery whip.
He lashed out with the whip, catching Zhang Wei off guard. The flame wrapped around the spear, and with a flick of his wrist, Xiang Chen disarmed his opponent. The spear flew from Zhang Wei's hands, clattering to the ground a few feet away.
"Impressive!" Elder Wu's voice boomed from the platform. "Xiang Chen, winner of the first match!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as Xiang Chen stood victorious. Zhang Wei, though defeated, offered a respectful nod before stepping out of the arena. Xiang Chen felt a sense of accomplishment, but he knew this was only the beginning. The Test of Strength required him to face multiple opponents, each more challenging than the last.
His next opponent entered the arena—a slender figure wielding twin daggers. Her movements were fluid, and her eyes were sharp as they locked onto his.
"Mei Ling," Xiang Chen greeted, surprised to see her as his next opponent.
"I warned you I wouldn't go easy on you," Mei Ling replied with a grin, her daggers gleaming under the sunlight. "Let's see how far you've really come."
Xiang Chen nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and respect. Mei Ling was a skilled fighter, and he knew she wouldn't hold back. He took a deep breath, centering himself.
"Begin!" the referee called out.
Mei Ling moved like a shadow, darting across the arena with lightning speed. Her daggers flashed, and Xiang Chen found himself on the defensive, blocking and dodging her attacks. She was fast—faster than any opponent he'd faced so far.
He countered with bursts of flame, but Mei Ling anticipated his moves, weaving through the attacks with grace. She managed to land a shallow cut on his arm, the sting reminding him that he couldn't afford to be careless.
"Focus, Xiang Chen," he muttered to himself, tightening his grip. He needed to outmaneuver her, just as he had done with the Forest Guardian.
He changed tactics, using his flame manipulation to create a ring of fire around them. Mei Ling paused, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. Xiang Chen used the momentary distraction to close the distance between them, launching a series of quick strikes.
Mei Ling blocked the first two attacks but was caught off guard by the third. Xiang Chen managed to knock one of her daggers from her hand, but she retaliated, launching a kick that sent him staggering back.
"You're stronger than before," Mei Ling said, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "But I'm not done yet."
With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a hidden technique—a flurry of dagger strikes infused with wind energy. Xiang Chen felt the sharp gusts as he blocked and dodged, the air around them humming with energy.
He knew he needed to act quickly. Drawing on his system's guidance, he focused his energy, combining fire and wind into a powerful burst. The flames swirled around him, merging with the air currents, creating a fiery whirlwind.
Mei Ling's eyes widened as the whirlwind surged toward her. She leaped back, but the force of the attack sent her tumbling to the ground. Xiang Chen stepped forward, the flames dissipating as he held his hand out to help her up.
"Looks like I win this round," he said with a smile.
Mei Ling accepted his hand, pulling herself to her feet. "Well fought, Xiang Chen. You've definitely earned your spot here."
Elder Wu's voice echoed once again. "Xiang Chen, victorious in the second match!"
As the crowd cheered, Xiang Chen felt a sense of camaraderie with Mei Ling. He knew their friendship would be crucial as they faced future challenges together. But as he looked around, he noticed Wei Zhen watching from the edge of the crowd, his expression unreadable.
The Test of Strength was far from over, and Xiang Chen knew that the true trials—and rivalries—were just beginning.