The dawn of the recruitment day arrived, and the city of Silvermist was teeming with excitement. From the tallest spires to the smallest alleyways, the air buzzed with anticipation as cultivators from all corners of the region converged on the central plaza, eager to showcase their abilities.
Feng Yuntian, staying far from the chaotic crowds, stood at a distance from the plaza, observing everything with sharp eyes. His presence was concealed, blending seamlessly with the flow of ordinary people going about their day. He didn't come to prove himself to the Skyshatter Sect, but rather to gauge their strength and see what secrets they might reveal.
The plaza, which the night before had been nothing more than an open space, was now adorned with large banners and a raised platform, where the sect's senior disciples and elders were already seated. Their presence commanded respect, and cultivators in the plaza eagerly awaited the beginning of the trials.
"This year, the trials are said to be more difficult than ever."
"I heard one of the sect's elders is personally overseeing the final stage. Whoever passes will surely have a bright future ahead."
Murmurs from the surrounding crowd reached Feng Yuntian's ears, though he paid them little mind. The trials themselves were of minimal interest to him, though it was clear that many had come hoping to make a name for themselves. What intrigued him was the presence of the Skyshatter Elder. An elder of a sect would undoubtedly possess profound knowledge and powerful techniques. Feng Yuntian's goal, however, was not to challenge them directly, but to learn.
As the trials began, participants were split into different categories based on their cultivation stage. The majority were young cultivators, many of whom had only just stepped onto the path of cultivation. For these hopefuls, even joining the outer sect of the Skyshatter Sect was a significant achievement.
The first rounds were basic—tests of strength, speed, and combat prowess. Feng Yuntian watched, his expression unreadable, as dozens of hopefuls competed fiercely, each pushing themselves to their limits. For most, these trials were an opportunity to show off, but Feng Yuntian saw the truth: it was all a performance. The true challenges, and the real power of the sect, would be hidden from the public eye.
Hours passed, and the trials continued. More skilled participants had begun to take the stage, and Feng Yuntian's interest was finally piqued. A few notable talents emerged, individuals who clearly had potential. But none of them would be a match for him. Not yet, at least.
It was then that he felt it—a subtle, almost imperceptible ripple of energy in the air. His keen senses detected it instantly, though no one else seemed to notice. The energy was faint, but it carried a weight that spoke of hidden power.
He turned his attention to the platform, where one of the Skyshatter Sect's senior disciples was speaking. Beside him, sitting quietly, was a man who appeared to be in his late fifties, though the years had done little to dull his sharp eyes. His aura was restrained, but Feng Yuntian could tell—this was the elder he had heard about.
The elder, dressed in simple yet elegant robes, had an air of authority about him. His gaze swept across the plaza with an indifference that suggested he had seen countless recruitment events like this one. Yet, the subtle energy Feng Yuntian had detected was coming from him.
"So, that's the Skyshatter Elder…" Feng Yuntian thought, narrowing his eyes. The elder's cultivation was undoubtedly profound, likely at the Nascent Soul stage or higher, but it wasn't his raw power that caught Feng Yuntian's attention. It was the hidden depths of his cultivation technique.
The elder didn't seem to be paying much attention to the proceedings, but Feng Yuntian could feel the subtle way the elder manipulated the spiritual energy around him. It was as though the entire plaza was under his watch, and no movement or surge of energy could escape his notice. It was an impressive display of control, one that only someone of significant experience could achieve.
As the trials neared their final stages, the atmosphere grew tense. The remaining participants were the strongest and most skilled, and the crowd watched in hushed anticipation. However, Feng Yuntian remained detached, his mind focused elsewhere. He had no interest in the victor of this competition. What intrigued him was the deeper structure of the Skyshatter Sect itself.
His eyes drifted to the side of the platform, where a group of disciples, dressed in more ornate robes, stood watching the event. They were not participating in the trials, but their status within the sect was clear. These were core disciples, cultivators who had already proven themselves and were being groomed for leadership within the sect.
One of them, a tall man with a commanding presence, caught Feng Yuntian's attention. His aura was particularly strong, even more so than the other core disciples. The way the other disciples deferred to him suggested that he was not just any core disciple, but someone of significant standing within the sect.
"Jiang Shenyuan," someone whispered nearby. "He's already broken through to the Golden Core stage. They say he's being considered as the next sect leader."
Feng Yuntian glanced at Jiang Shenyuan, noting the man's calm confidence. A Golden Core cultivator at his age was certainly impressive, but what was more interesting to Feng Yuntian was the quiet tension he detected between the core disciples. Though they stood together, there were subtle glances and unspoken rivalries among them.
The power dynamics within the Skyshatter Sect were more complex than they appeared. Even among the core disciples, there was competition, and each of them likely had their own ambitions. It was clear that Jiang Shenyuan was at the top of this hierarchy, but how long he would remain there was another question.
The final trial had begun, and the strongest participants clashed on the platform, their techniques lighting up the plaza with bursts of spiritual energy. The crowd cheered, and even the elder seemed mildly interested now, his gaze shifting toward the combatants.
But Feng Yuntian's focus was elsewhere. He had seen enough of the trials. His interest now lay in what was hidden behind the public displays of power. The Skyshatter Sect was a formidable organization, but every sect had its secrets—ancient techniques, forbidden arts, or treasures locked away from prying eyes. Those were what truly interested him.
As the crowd's attention remained fixed on the final trial, Feng Yuntian quietly slipped away from the plaza. He had seen enough to know that the Skyshatter Sect was worth further investigation, but for now, he would bide his time. There was no rush. He would uncover their secrets, one way or another, but it would be on his terms.
That night, as the city of Silvermist celebrated the successful conclusion of the Skyshatter Sect's recruitment event, Feng Yuntian sat alone in his inn, meditating quietly. His mind was calm, his focus sharp. The Heavenly Void Art was progressing smoothly, and he had already begun to unlock some of its deeper layers.
But his thoughts kept drifting back to the elder and the core disciples. There was something about the way they interacted, the hidden tension beneath the surface. The Skyshatter Sect was not as unified as it seemed, and where there were cracks, there was opportunity.
For now, Feng Yuntian would remain in the shadows, watching, learning, and waiting for the right moment to strike. The ripples of power in this world were beginning to grow, and soon, they would turn into waves.