A week had passed since the clash with Xuan Hao, and the news of Feng Yunxian's victory had spread like wildfire through the Inner Sect. But as much as his name was beginning to stir the hearts of many disciples, Feng Yunxian's focus was on something far more important.
The elders had announced a rare event that occurred only once every few years—the Trial of the Spirit Pavilion. It was not just a test of cultivation, but a legendary opportunity. The Spirit Pavilion was an ancient structure within the sect's forbidden grounds, said to contain the remnant energies of past masters, lost techniques, and perhaps even legendary artifacts. Disciples who succeeded in this trial often found themselves rising to prominence within the sect, gaining access to resources beyond imagination.
The pavilion was rumored to be surrounded by a spiritual formation that tested a cultivator's mind, body, and spirit. It was not a place for the weak or unprepared. For Feng Yunxian, though, it was precisely the challenge he needed.
The day of the selection arrived swiftly. The Inner Sect's grand courtyard was packed with eager disciples, all hoping for a chance to enter the Spirit Pavilion. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and tension rippled through the crowd like a taut string ready to snap. Only twenty disciples would be chosen, and everyone knew that this was a make-or-break moment in their cultivation journey.
Elder Yi, now one of the most prominent figures in Feng Yunxian's life within the sect, stood at the forefront of the raised platform, flanked by several other sect elders. His eyes, sharp and cold, surveyed the crowd, as if he could see through each disciple's potential with a single glance.
"The Spirit Pavilion is not a place to simply enter. It is an ancient trial, and only the most deserving will be allowed within its walls," Elder Yi announced, his voice amplified by spiritual energy. "Today, you will fight for the right to enter. Only those with sufficient strength and fortitude will qualify. Let the trials begin."
With a single hand gesture from Elder Yi, a large stone platform rose from the ground in the center of the courtyard, creating a battlefield for the selection process. The rules were simple: disciples would be paired off to fight in one-on-one duels, with the victors moving on to the next round.
Feng Yunxian remained calm, but his blood stirred with excitement. This was exactly the type of opportunity he had been waiting for. He needed to hone his skills, and fighting against the best the sect had to offer would push him further along his path.
"First match: Feng Yunxian versus Li Shou!"
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Many disciples were familiar with Li Shou, an Inner Sect disciple known for his brute strength and skill in hand-to-hand combat. He had reached the Peak of Body Tempering, just on the verge of breaking through to the Qi Refining Realm.
Li Shou stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with a confident smirk. His large frame and aggressive stance made it clear that he intended to overpower Feng Yunxian with sheer force.
Feng Yunxian stepped onto the platform, his expression calm and unbothered. He had faced far greater foes in his previous life—beings whose very existence could shatter worlds. This disciple, no matter how strong by sect standards, was still nothing compared to the enemies he would face in the future.
The elder overseeing the duel raised his hand. "Begin!"
Li Shou wasted no time. He charged forward with explosive force, his fists glowing with spiritual energy as he unleashed a flurry of strikes. Each punch created a ripple in the air, powerful enough to crack the ground beneath them.
Feng Yunxian dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. He could see the openings in Li Shou's attacks as if they were glaring weaknesses. Every strike that came his way was anticipated, and Feng Yunxian moved like water around a stone, never allowing Li Shou to land a single hit.
The crowd watched in awe. Many had expected a close fight, but Feng Yunxian's evasive techniques made it seem as though he was toying with his opponent. His movements were graceful, almost casual, yet they displayed a level of mastery that belied his seemingly low cultivation level.
Li Shou's frustration grew as his attacks continued to miss their mark. In a fit of rage, he gathered all of his spiritual energy into one final, devastating punch. "Let's see you dodge this!" he roared, his fist crashing down like a meteor.
But Feng Yunxian didn't dodge this time.
Instead, he met Li Shou's fist head-on, catching it in the palm of his hand. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the arena, but Feng Yunxian stood firm, his feet planted as though rooted to the earth.
Li Shou's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible…"
Without a word, Feng Yunxian tightened his grip on Li Shou's fist and twisted, using his opponent's momentum against him. In an instant, Li Shou was lifted off his feet and slammed into the ground with bone-rattling force. The stone platform cracked beneath the impact, and Li Shou let out a groan of pain as the wind was knocked out of him.
The match was over.
Feng Yunxian released Li Shou and stepped back, his expression as serene as ever. The elder overseeing the duel quickly raised his hand. "Feng Yunxian is the victor!"
The crowd erupted into whispers and murmurs. Many of the Inner Sect disciples had underestimated Feng Yunxian, assuming that his rise from the Outer Sect had been nothing more than luck. But now, it was clear to everyone that there was something special about him—something dangerous.
As Feng Yunxian stepped down from the platform, he could feel the eyes of the other disciples on him, some filled with admiration, others with jealousy. But he paid them no mind. His goal was the Spirit Pavilion, and nothing would distract him from that path.
The selection process continued throughout the day, and by the end, the twenty chosen disciples stood before the elders. Feng Yunxian, of course, was among them.
Elder Yi stepped forward once more, his gaze sweeping across the assembled disciples. "Those of you who stand here today have proven your worth. You will now be given the opportunity to enter the Spirit Pavilion. However, be warned—the trial within the pavilion is unlike anything you have faced before. Many have entered, but not all have returned."
A hush fell over the crowd at Elder Yi's ominous words.
"The Spirit Pavilion will test more than just your strength," Elder Yi continued. "It will test your resolve, your intelligence, and your very spirit. The path ahead will not be easy, but for those who succeed, great rewards await."
The gates leading to the sect's forbidden grounds creaked open, revealing a mist-covered path that led into the unknown.
Feng Yunxian's eyes gleamed with determination. The Spirit Pavilion was just the beginning. He knew that the true path to power was fraught with trials and dangers, but that was the path he had chosen long ago.
As the chosen disciples began their journey toward the pavilion, Feng Yunxian felt the weight of destiny upon him. This was more than just a trial—it was a step closer to reclaiming the power he once held in the Chaos.
And nothing would stand in his way.