Tension months passed in the blink of an eye.
Throughout the year, instructors of rank two frequently held sessions guiding cultivation, sharpening combat instincts, and refining control over spiritual energy. Yet, Elder Wang Kai remained absent from all instruction, choosing to observe the growth of the batch from afar.
Today, however, was different.
An announcement had summoned all candidates. They now sat quietly at their desks, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. The classroom, built from aged stone and illuminated by faint spiritual lamps, was silent until the door creaked open.
Elder Wang Kai entered.
Immediately, every student rose to their feet and bowed respectfully.
He responded with a simple wave of his hand, motioning for them to sit.
His sharp gaze scanned across the room, his expression unreadable, though a hint of satisfaction glimmered in his eyes.
"In the past year," he thought, "six students have successfully broken through to Rank One Formation Apprentice. Wang Mei was the first, then Wang Ming, followed by Wang Shui. Three other rank-two talents also succeeded. Several others show potential… They may soon follow."
He stepped forward and spoke in a firm, steady tone that echoed through the room.
"This is now your second year in the academy. You have done well not disappointing me, nor the clan. This batch may very well be the best we've had in the last two decades.
Now that you've reached this level, it is time for your first test. The clan hopes you will prove yourselves worthy.
Follow me."
With that short but heavy declaration, he turned and walked toward the exit. A gesture of his hand signaled the students to follow.
The room buzzed with uncertainty.
Some students looked confused. Others had unease clouding their expressions fear creeping into their minds at the mention of a "test."
But only three wore unreadable looks.
Wang Ming was one of them.
"Finally," he thought. "It seems the time has come—the first test. But this is no real test. No, it's a carefully constructed blood game by the clan's upper echelon. A tool to mold children into obedient weapons."
"They don't test cultivation here, nor strength. They test how far one is willing to go for rewards. Points are awarded for ruthlessness, not righteousness. At first glance, it appears like a mistake raising children to chase benefits. But it's not.
It's a calculated chain, another binding force. Once they enter the cycle of rewards and merit points, their path is set. And it's not just the Wang Clan. Every sect righteous or demonic does the same.
You can't escape it."
His fingers tightened slightly at his side, but his face remained calm as he followed the group.
Meanwhile, Wang Mei and Wang Shui whose fathers were both elder-level figures carried different expressions. Calm, but not surprised. They already knew what was coming.
A blood-drenched trial, cloaked in the name of a test.