The towering gates of the Verdant Sky Sect loomed before Yohan and Elara as they approached. Carved from shimmering jade, the gates reflected the sunlight, casting a serene green glow on the surrounding stone path. Beyond the gates, the sect sprawled across the mountainside, with elegant pagodas and training grounds visible in the distance. Spiraling staircases climbed steeply toward the heavens, as if challenging the candidates to ascend not only the physical heights but also the spiritual ones.
A crowd of aspiring cultivators filled the wide courtyard just outside the gates, their chatter a mixture of excitement and tension. Most carried weapons or wore armor that gleamed with faint spiritual energy. Yohan's sharp eyes scanned the group, noting that many of them already possessed powerful auras. A few stood out even among the crowd, their confidence marking them as experienced fighters.
Elara tugged on Yohan's sleeve, her voice low and nervous. "This is... a lot more people than I expected. And they all look so strong."
Yohan didn't reply immediately, his cold red eyes fixed on the sect representatives standing on a raised platform near the gate. Finally, he said, "Strength means nothing without control. Focus on yourself."
His tone was as cold as ever, but Elara found a strange comfort in his words. She nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.
An elder stepped forward, his long gray beard swaying slightly in the mountain breeze. His presence silenced the crowd as his deep, resonant voice carried over them.
"Welcome to the Verdant Sky Sect," he began, his gaze sweeping over the gathered candidates. "You stand here because you seek a place among the chosen. But know this: our sect does not accept mediocrity. Strength, will, and discipline are the pillars of our cultivation. If you lack any of these, you will not pass."
A murmur ran through the crowd, a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The elder raised a hand, silencing the noise. "The entry test will consist of three challenges. Each is designed to test a different aspect of your potential. Those who succeed will earn the right to train under our guidance. Those who fail will leave."
He gestured to the sect's gates, which began to open with a deep, echoing groan. Behind them, the steep mountain path awaited, shrouded in mist that seemed almost alive.
"Your first challenge begins now," the elder announced. "The Mountain Climb. You will scale this path and reach the designated checkpoint before the time limit expires. Beware—the mountain will not show you mercy. Neither will we."
Yohan adjusted his new black assassin armor, the lightweight material moving silently with his body. He could feel the tension in the air as candidates shifted and prepared to dash forward.
Elara clenched her fists, determination replacing her earlier nervousness. "Let's do this," she said, glancing at Yohan.
He nodded, his face impassive, and together they stepped forward as the first challenge began.
The steep path leading up the mountain was a relentless incline, lined with jagged rocks and shrouded in a thick, clinging mist. The moment the elder gave the signal, the crowd of candidates surged forward, their footsteps echoing on the stone.
Yohan and Elara started at a steady pace, letting the more reckless competitors rush ahead. His cold, calculating gaze scanned the trail, noting loose stones and potential pitfalls. The mist seemed to play tricks, obscuring the path and distorting sounds.
"Stay close," Yohan said tersely, his voice cutting through the swirling fog.
Elara nodded, her breathing steady as she kept pace with him. While the climb was arduous, she drew confidence from Yohan's calm presence.
As they ascended, the first obstacle made itself known. The mountain trembled slightly before a cascade of rocks came crashing down from above. Screams echoed as some candidates scrambled for cover.
"Rockslide!" someone yelled.
Yohan reacted instantly, pulling Elara to the side of the path and shielding her with his body. A large boulder smashed into the ground mere inches from them, sending up a cloud of dust.
"Thanks," Elara said, her voice breathless but sincere.
"Keep moving," Yohan replied curtly, his red eyes scanning the ridge above for any signs of more danger.
The climb grew steeper as they advanced, and the air turned thinner. A sharp gust of wind howled through the narrow pass, threatening to unbalance the candidates. Yohan dug his feet into the rocky ground, his lightweight assassin armor allowing him to move with precision. Elara followed his lead, mimicking his movements to maintain her balance.
Ahead, a group of three candidates struggled to climb a particularly treacherous section of the path. One slipped, crying out as he tumbled down several feet before catching himself on a protruding rock.
"Help me!" the candidate shouted, his eyes wide with panic.
Yohan paused, glancing at the struggling individual. Elara hesitated, torn between helping and continuing. Before she could speak, Yohan extended his hand, pulling the man back to stable ground with a single powerful motion.
"Don't stop," Yohan said, his tone icy. "The mountain won't wait for you."
The candidate nodded gratefully but didn't linger, hurrying to catch up with his companions.
As they pressed onward, the mist seemed to thicken, carrying with it a strange, oppressive energy that sapped the candidates' strength. Yohan frowned, recognizing the subtle effect of spiritual pressure.
"This mist… it's not natural," Elara said, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's a test," Yohan replied. "Focus on your breathing. Don't let it overwhelm you."
Taking his advice, Elara steadied herself, her steps becoming more confident.
Finally, the mist began to thin, and the checkpoint came into view. A large, flat platform marked with glowing runes awaited at the top of the trail. Several candidates had already reached it, sitting in exhaustion as they caught their breath.
Yohan and Elara pushed through the final stretch, their muscles burning but their resolve unbroken. They stepped onto the platform, earning a nod of acknowledgment from the elder overseeing this stage.
"You made it," Elara said, panting but smiling.
Yohan didn't respond, his eyes scanning the other candidates. Some looked smug, others weary. He noted a few individuals who seemed unusually composed, marking them as potential threats.
"The real challenges start now," Yohan muttered, his gaze turning to the distant forest where the next trial awaited.
The candidates gathered on a circular stone platform surrounded by glowing blue sigils. The elder overseeing the challenge raised his hand, and the buzzing conversations fell silent.
"For the next trial," the elder announced, his voice deep and resonant, "you will endure the hostile spiritual energy of this platform. Sit. Meditate. Survive. Those who falter will fail."
The moment the elder's hand dropped, the runes on the platform flared to life, and an oppressive energy filled the air. It was heavy and chaotic, clawing at the candidates' minds like a storm of whispers and screams.
Yohan settled into a cross-legged position on the cold stone, his expression as unreadable as ever. He focused inward, ignoring the increasing pressure. The dagger at his waist radiated a faint, comforting presence, a subtle reminder of his determination.
Nearby, Elara struggled to maintain her composure. Her breathing was uneven, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to center herself. Yohan opened one eye, his gaze flicking toward her.
"Focus," he said in a low tone. "Block everything out. Breathe."
Elara nodded, swallowing hard before closing her eyes and following his instructions. Slowly, her breathing steadied, though the strain was still evident on her face.
Around them, several candidates were already faltering. One young man cried out, clutching his head before collapsing, unable to bear the weight of the spiritual energy. Two others staggered to their feet and left the platform, their faces pale with defeat.
Yohan's focus sharpened as the energy around him seemed to shift. It pressed harder, seeking out weaknesses, probing his mind for cracks. He gritted his teeth, drawing on his past struggles. The slums, the betrayals, the pain—they had hardened him. This trial was nothing compared to the life he'd endured.
Amid the chaos, a mysterious girl caught his attention. She sat a few feet away, her posture flawless, her expression serene. The oppressive energy seemed to swirl around her without touching her, as if she were immune to its effects. Her violet eyes were closed, her silver hair falling around her like a shimmering veil.
For a moment, Yohan felt a flicker of intrigue. She wasn't just enduring the trial—she was mastering it.
Minutes dragged into what felt like hours. The platform was now dotted with candidates who had either fled or collapsed in defeat. Only a handful remained, their faces etched with strain.
Elara's breaths came in soft gasps, but she held on, drawing strength from Yohan's presence.
"Five minutes remain," the elder announced, his voice cutting through the oppressive energy like a blade.
Yohan pushed aside the distractions, sinking deeper into his meditation. The chaos around him became distant, like the sound of a faraway storm. He felt his mind sharpen, his body relax.
When the elder finally called an end to the trial, the oppressive energy vanished as abruptly as it had appeared. Yohan opened his eyes, calm and steady. Elara let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her face.
The mysterious girl rose gracefully to her feet, she out among the other candidates with an aura of calm confidence. Her long, flowing silver hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading down her back in soft waves. Her striking violet eyes glimmered with intelligence and mystery, as if she could see through the very soul of those who dared meet her gaze. Dressed in a simple but elegant robe of deep indigo, she exuded a quiet strength that set her apart. She seemed unbothered by the tension in the air, her posture relaxed yet deliberate, as if the chaos around her was of no concern, her violet eyes meeting Yohan's for a brief moment. There was no fear or fatigue in her gaze—only quiet curiosity.
"Interesting," she murmured softly before walking away, leaving Yohan to wonder who she was and why she seemed so unaffected.
The elder surveyed the remaining candidates, nodding in approval. "You have passed. Prepare yourselves for the next trial."
Yohan stood, his mind already shifting to the challenges ahead. The mysterious girl remained at the edge of his thoughts, a puzzle yet to be solved.