At dawn, the Qin Clan's training grounds were alive with anticipation. Spectators gathered from all corners of the clan to witness the Gathering of the Young Talents, an event that would test not only strength and skill but also the courage of those who dared to participate. Shenlong stood among the other competitors, his expression calm yet focused.
The Clan Master, Qin Zhen, stepped forward to address the crowd, his voice carrying a commanding presence. "Today, we gather to witness the strength and promise of the next generation. Each of you will face trials that demand every ounce of your skill and determination. Only the strongest will prevail."
Qin Zhen's gaze swept over the young cultivators, his eyes briefly settling on Shenlong with a look of quiet expectation. Shenlong nodded in return, feeling the weight of his adoptive father's challenge pressing down on him. This was no ordinary test; it was an opportunity to prove himself, once and for all.
The first trial was the "Path of Flames," a grueling endurance test that required the competitors to cross a series of scorching stones, each one hotter than the last. It was designed not only to test physical endurance but also to gauge a cultivator's ability to withstand intense heat—a vital skill in certain martial arts and alchemical practices.
As the gong sounded, the young cultivators stepped onto the path. Shenlong moved with measured steps, focusing on channeling his energy to protect himself from the searing heat beneath his feet. Around him, he heard the grunts and yelps of others struggling to withstand the flames.
One by one, some of the competitors fell back, their strength faltering under the intense heat. Xian Lei, his former rival, gritted his teeth as he moved forward, glancing over at Shenlong with a mix of resentment and determination. But Shenlong remained focused, his body moving fluidly over the stones as if the flames were nothing more than a gentle warmth.
By the time he reached the end of the path, a hush had fallen over the crowd. Shenlong's endurance had not only kept him unscathed but also marked him as one of the few to pass the trial without faltering. His calm, controlled performance left an impression on everyone watching.