Shen Xiang was also startled by his own score. But after thinking it over, he felt it was reasonable, considering that he had cultivated the Five Elements True Qi. When the Five Elements True Qi fused, it became Heaven and Earth True Qi, greatly enhancing its power.
"Brother Shen, you really scared me! You weren't playing fair when we sparred last time! You didn't use your full strength!" Yun Xiaodao exclaimed in amazement.
Zhu Rong's expression was also strange. Earlier, he thought Shen Xiang had no chance of entering the inner sect, but now it seemed quite possible. At the very least, Zhu Rong, with his level ten Mortal Martial Realm strength, couldn't achieve such a score.
"Heh, that cockeyed guy is definitely going to lose now!" Yun Xiaodao laughed, as he had kept the bet deep in his mind.
There were many participants in the examination, and it wasn't until late at night that all the testing was completed. In the morning, the square was packed with people, but now only about 300 remained. Shen Xiang realized how difficult it was to enter the inner sect—just the first test had already eliminated so many!
After the first test, everyone from Shen Xiang's academy passed, but they weren't very confident about the second test. Many had failed this part multiple times before, and over time, a shadow of doubt had crept into their hearts.
"Will the second test be conducted tonight? It's already late," Shen Xiang asked in confusion. Those who passed the first test were not allowed to leave.
"Of course! The three tests are conducted consecutively and can last several days without any breaks," Yun Xiaodao replied.
The group stood in the center of the square, waiting for Elder Dan to arrive and begin the next part of the test.
Under the silver moonlight, the square was illuminated, and a cool breeze occasionally swept through, making everyone feel comfortable.
Suddenly, the crowd felt an intense heat, as if it was about to rain, but when they looked up at the sky, they could still see the stars twinkling above.
Just as everyone was looking at the sky, someone suddenly appeared in front of them, startling the crowd!
"Greetings, Elder Dan!" The three hundred participants and the examiners hurriedly bowed.
Elder Dan was a woman dressed in a long white gown, with beautiful black hair cascading over her shoulders. To Shen Xiang's disappointment, she wore a black mask that only revealed her eyes, which glowed with a fiery red light, making it impossible to see any features of her face.
"No need for formalities," Elder Dan raised her hand and said.
Her voice sounded somewhat lazy, but it was cold, exuding a commanding aura that made Shen Xiang feel she was similar to the Empress of the Divine Weapon Heavenly Kingdom.
Shen Xiang suddenly felt a sense of familiarity about this masked Elder Dan, but he couldn't place who she resembled.
"She's definitely not Xianxian's master. Her master's voice isn't as cold," Shen Xiang thought to himself.
Elder Dan took a few papers and quickly glanced at the recorded test results. After reading through them, she said in a cold tone, "Not bad this year, the scores are quite high. There's even one with a score of 4,800."
Though her voice was icy and devoid of emotion, it was clear she was somewhat surprised.
Shen Xiang found her cold tone unnatural, as if she were putting on an act. Having spent time with Bai Youyou, he knew what a truly cold beauty sounded like. Bai Youyou's voice was cold in a natural way.
"Shen Xiang, step forward!" Elder Dan's voice suddenly rang out, booming like an explosion in everyone's ears, causing them to shudder.
Shen Xiang stepped forward, unflinchingly saying, "Disciple Shen Xiang!"
"Hmph, don't think that just because you have some ability, you can flaunt it! I've heard about the trouble you've caused since you arrived, and you were no less restless in the mortal world. Someone like you should be tempered in the outer sect for a while longer before entering the inner sect, to avoid causing even greater problems! Are you sure you want to proceed with the second test?" Elder Dan's words shocked everyone, as it was clear she was deliberately targeting Shen Xiang!
Elder Dan was a significant figure—the most powerful person under the head of the Tai Wu Sect and a renowned alchemist! For someone of her stature to single out Shen Xiang meant that he would face many hardships in the future within the sect.
"I will proceed with the second test!" Shen Xiang frowned slightly and replied expressionlessly, "Everything I have done, both in the mortal world and here, was what I believed to be the right thing."
"Hmph!" Elder Dan snorted coldly. "Move to the other side of the square. When I give the word, you may begin!"
After saying this, Elder Dan flew to the opposite end of the square, moving so quickly that it left the crowd in awe.
Shen Xiang had already figured out the content of the test—it involved walking from one end of the square to the other under some kind of pressure. If you could make it to the other side, you passed the second test.
The square was over three hundred zhang wide, and crossing it seemed simple enough. Using light body techniques would make it even quicker!
The 300 outer sect disciples lined up, waiting for Elder Dan to give the signal from the other end of the square.
"Shen Xiang, stay where you are. You will be tested separately!" Elder Dan's words gave Shen Xiang a bad feeling. He silently regretted following Bai Youyou's advice to reveal his strength earlier.
At this point, Shen Xiang was certain that Elder Dan was deliberately targeting him. He suspected she might have some connection to the Yao Family, as she seemed to be giving him "special attention."
"Brother Shen, take care! I'll wait for you in the inner sect," Yun Xiaodao said with a bitter smile, sounding helpless because he knew Shen Xiang wouldn't make it into the inner sect for the next few years.
"Begin!" Elder Dan shouted. Although she was several hundred zhang away, her voice carried clearly.
At the same moment, Shen Xiang felt an invisible pressure descend upon him, making it difficult to stand, as if a massive mountain were pressing down on his shoulders.
"Anyone who can't withstand it, just shout 'give up,' and I will immediately remove you from the square," Elder Dan said coldly.
Shen Xiang cursed inwardly, for he too was enduring the pressure, even though his test was separate. It was clear that Elder Dan was indeed giving him "special treatment!"
Not long after the test began, many participants collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood before shouting to give up. They were then immediately removed from the square by a mysterious force.
This was the first time Shen Xiang had seen such a powerful individual in action. With just a simple wave of energy, she could release such immense pressure. Even Mortal Martial Realm ninth and tenth-level warriors were like ants in her eyes.
Shen Xiang had no doubt that Elder Dan could kill him with just a glance if she wanted to!
This was the strength of a warrior standing at the peak of the Mortal Martial World!