The entrance trials for various sects across the world had now begun.
Young cultivators eager to secure a place in the most powerful sects were preparing themselves for the trials.
At this moment, in the Red Fire District, three young cultivators were getting ready to register for their chosen sects. Today was a special day for these talented individuals, as they would have the chance to join one of the strongest sects in the world.
In Huo Zhou Continent, countless talented young cultivators were participating in these trials. Qi Yuan and Lu Jiantong had also made their preparations, each ready to walk their own path.
However, Xun Yi, who had already secured a place in the Purple Lotus Sect years ago, did not need to take the trials again. Instead, she planned to inform her masters and sect leaders about her recent experiences.
"Now it's time for us to choose our own paths to become the strongest. I'm heading out first, Brother Lu, Sister Xun. Don't forget to keep in touch later. See you!"
"Thunder Dragon Steps!"
Swoooosh!
After saying those words to Lu Jiantong and Xun Yi, Qi Yuan waved his hand and dashed forward at full speed, using his Thunder Dragon Steps technique.
"Haha, that martial arts maniac. Always so enthusiastic, forgetting everything else just to become stronger. Well, we shouldn't be late to the Purple Lotus Sect either," Xun Yi said to Lu Jiantong as they both left their inn in the Red Fire District.
Several Hours Later, Zhenwu Capital
Qi Yuan was now on his way to the entrance trial of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect, the sect Xun Yi had mentioned to him yesterday afternoon.
With his deep love for martial arts, Qi Yuan ran while practicing the movements of a technique Xun Yi had taught him. The black sword, Longyuan Jian, was firmly gripped in his hand.
Slash! Swoosh!
Lost in his training, he paid little attention to anything else. Yet, his balance remained flawless with every movement as he leaped from tree to tree, heading toward Huatian Mountain, where the Blazing Sky Sword Sect was located.
His adoptive sister, Xun Yi, had fully taught him the Sword Breath technique. Now, Qi Yuan had reached the perfected stage of this technique, thanks to his exceptional comprehension of martial arts.
"Finally, I've perfected it! Now I need to push my Thunder Dragon Steps to the next level!" Qi Yuan thought to himself.
He then altered his movements into a zigzag pattern, gathering his qi essence and lightning energy within his body.
Zzt!
A searing pain coursed through him. Burns appeared across his skin, blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, and his meridians felt as if they would explode from the overwhelming lightning energy.
"Ugh! Training this technique feels like dying! But I have to push through to break my limits!" he muttered, enduring the excruciating pain.
Midday, Huatian Mountain
After a long journey and grueling training, Qi Yuan finally arrived at the mountain where the Blazing Sky Sword Sect was situated.
"T-There it is… the Blazing Sky Sword Sect… just a little farther…" he whispered.
His clothes were torn and stained with blood, damaged by the effects of the lightning energy he had used while training Thunder Dragon Steps. Though his body was close to its limit, Qi Yuan forced himself forward, heading to the registration area.
Swoosh!
Minutes Later, Blazing Sky Sword Sect
In front of the sect, a registration table had been set up. A man in a white robe sat there, managing the candidates.
Fourteen young cultivators stood in line, waiting for their turn to register.
"I finally made it..." Qi Yuan muttered under his breath.
But suddenly, five young cultivators rushed past him.
Swoosh! Tap! Tap!
"Who's this guy? Haha! A mere Qi Foundation stage six dares to register for the Blazing Sky Sword Sect?" one of them mocked.
Qi Yuan responded with a sharp gaze, releasing a faint killing intent.
"H-His glare is terrifying!" the cultivator stammered, while his four companions also felt the tension.
"Let's go! No point wasting time on this poor guy," a female cultivator among them scoffed.
However, the one who had insulted Qi Yuan earlier clenched his fist in anger. "Just wait! I'll get back at him later!" he thought.
The five of them quickly registered, while Qi Yuan calmed himself before stepping up to the table.
"Hey, kid! You're the last one! What happened to your body? Did you run into trouble on the way?" the white-robed man asked.
"Ah, I was just training my technique, hehe," Qi Yuan replied, scratching his head.
"Hmph, whatever. Just write your name here."
After writing his name, Qi Yuan was informed that the first trial would be climbing the stairs leading to the sect.
The white-robed man pointed behind him. Qi Yuan thanked him before turning to look in that direction.
Suddenly, the registration table and the white-robed man vanished in an instant.
"That man's power… he's incredibly strong!" Qi Yuan murmured in awe.
First Trial Grounds, Blazing Sky Sword Sect
Now, twenty trial participants had gathered in front of a massive staircase.
"Woah! Where does this staircase even lead? It's insanely high!" one of the participants exclaimed.
"From the outside, this staircase was completely invisible. Just what kind of place is the Blazing Sky Sword Sect?" Qi Yuan wondered.
Suddenly, a mysterious voice echoed throughout the area.
"Welcome to my sect, trial participants! Your first trial is simple!"
The voice sounded like it belonged to the sect leader.
"All you have to do is climb these 9,999 steps within two hours! Use your strength wisely—except for that little girl with the purple hair, no flight techniques for you! Hahaha! Good luck!"
"Oh, and one more thing! Your rankings will be determined throughout the trial. Those who fail will be sent straight out of Huatian Mountain. The trial starts now!"
Boom!
The trial began! The participants immediately rushed forward, climbing the stairs with all their might.
Qi Yuan, however, was at a huge disadvantage—he was exhausted and low on energy.
"Damn! I have to surpass my limits!"
As the others climbed ahead, Qi Yuan sat down cross-legged, trying to recover his qi energy.
The five cultivators who had mocked him earlier laughed again.
But among them, a girl with purple hair glanced at Qi Yuan for a brief moment before speeding up, ascending the stairs at incredible speed.
To Be Continued…