Jiang Chen sat with his parents, recounting a carefully edited version of his survival. He told them he had fallen into a hidden cavern and found an old inheritance left by a long-forgotten cultivator. He didn't mention the Heaven-Defying Sacred Art. Not yet.
His father, Jiang Han, listened in silence, his sharp eyes studying him carefully. His mother, Liu Mei, wept in relief, clutching his hand as if afraid he would vanish again.
But before the conversation could continue—
BOOM!
A heavy force descended upon the village like an invisible mountain pressing against their souls. The air itself trembled.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed. A powerful cultivator was here.
Outside, villagers rushed to the square in fear. A massive golden-robed figure descended from the sky, his aura vast and overwhelming. His hands were clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping across the village like an eagle searching for prey.
An elder from the Silver Moon Cultivation Academy.
His name was Elder Mo Shan, and he was a peak Core Formation cultivator—one of the strongest in the region.
Jiang Chen's father paled. "W-Why would an academy elder come here?"
Before anyone could answer, Elder Mo's voice thundered through the village.
"Who defeated Wu Tian, Lin Fei, and Zhao Kun?"
Silence.
Then, the villagers' eyes all turned toward Jiang Chen's home.
Elder Mo's gaze followed theirs. His eyes locked onto Jiang Chen.
A slow smile spread across his face. "Interesting."
Jiang Chen stepped forward, his expression calm. He could feel the elder's powerful aura pressing down on him, but he stood firm.
Elder Mo chuckled. "A boy who was supposed to be a cripple, yet you humiliated three of my academy's disciples. You've caught my attention."
Jiang Chen said nothing, but inside, his mind raced. This wasn't just about revenge anymore. If an academy elder had come personally, this could be an opportunity… or a trap.
Elder Mo tilted his head. "Tell me, boy… what cultivation realm have you reached?"
Jiang Chen met his gaze without flinching. "Why don't you find out?"
The crowd gasped.
Elder Mo's smile widened. "Very well. Show me."
The ground cracked beneath Jiang Chen's feet as he took his stance.
The test had begun.
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