Cloudrest Village was a place forgotten by the heavens.
Nestled in a valley surrounded by jagged cliffs, it was a village of survivors—people who had lived through war, famine, and the cruelty of fate. Their ancestors had once spoken of heroes who soared across the sky, wielding divine techniques and celestial weapons, but such legends had long since faded into mere stories.
Now, the only thing that mattered was survival.
Li Tianhai knew this better than anyone.
His hands were cracked and calloused from years of chopping wood and hauling stones. At sixteen, he was stronger than most grown men in the village, but strength alone did little when your future was already decided. He was an orphan, a laborer, a disposable existence in a world where power meant everything.
The Sky-Severing Sect was coming today.
A once-in-a-decade event, the sect recruitment test was a chance for children to break free from their mortal shackles. Cultivation was a privilege reserved for the talented. Those chosen would receive techniques, weapons, and a chance to step onto the path of immortality.
But for commoners like Tianhai, it was nothing more than a spectacle.
He sighed, adjusting the pile of firewood on his back as he walked toward the village square.
That was when he saw them.
---
The Arrival of Cultivators
A gust of wind swept through the village as three figures descended from the sky. Their robes shimmered with traces of spiritual energy, and their very presence made the air feel heavier.
They were cultivators.
The one leading them was an elder—Jian Xuan, a renowned figure in the outer halls of the Sky-Severing Sect. His robes were embroidered with silver clouds, a symbol of his standing. The two behind him were disciples, likely here to assist with the selection process.
"Gather," Elder Jian commanded, his voice calm but absolute. "The test will begin shortly."
The villagers moved quickly, pushing their children forward. Some were eager, others nervous. The lucky few who displayed talent today would leave Cloudrest forever, never to return.
Tianhai remained where he was, watching from the sidelines. He knew his place.
Until—
"You."
The elder's voice cut through the air like a blade.
Tianhai blinked, realizing that Jian Xuan was looking directly at him.
"You have not stepped forward"
The crowd parted slightly eyes falling on Tianhai. Some whispered Others sneered.
"Tianhai? What's the point?"
"He's strong but cultivators don't care about brute strength"
"Just let the real candidates test"
Tianhai's fists clenched He had long grown used to these words He had no background, no connections Why would a sect elder waste time on him?
Yet under the weight of the elder's gaze he found himself moving
Slowly he stepped forward and placed his hand on the Talent-Testing Stone.
---
A Hidden Radiance
The ston remained dark for a moment.
Then—a pulse.
A faint golden glow flickered across its surface, steady and unwavering Unlike the others whose talent readings had fluctuated chaotically Tianhai's light remained firm.
The crowd murmured in confusion.
"That's not bad"
"But it's not amazing either."
"I thought he'd have no talent at all."
Tianhai stared at his own hand, unsure what to think.
The younger male disciple frowned slightly. "Strange. The reaction is too stable."
The female disciple beside him nodded. "Most talent readings fluctuate, even for those with high potential. His is… unnatural."
Elder Jian, however, remained silent, his sharp eyes locked onto the stone.
Then, a small, almost imperceptible smile formed on his lips.
"Very well."
He turned to the gathered villagers and declared, "I will personally recommend this boy for further testing at the sect."
Gasps filled the air.
Tianhai's breath caught in his throat. What?
Before he could react, a deep chuckle interrupted.
"A moment Elder Jian."
A second figure stepped forward—a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard and an oppressive aura Elder Zhu, another senior figure in the sect.
He eyed Tianhai with interest "If you are choosing this boy, I would also like to offer him a place under my guidance."
Another cultivator stepped forward. "Elder Zhu if you are interested, then I must also put forth my claim."
The crowd exploded into whispers.
"What's going on?"
"Why are they fighting over him?"
"Is his talent actually higher than what we saw?"
Tianhai himself was frozen in place. Just minutes ago he had been nothing—a forgotten orphan, a mere laborer. Yet now, powerful sect elders were competing for him.
He didn't understand.
But he knew one thing for certain.
This was his one chance.
And he would not let it slip away.