The capital city had not seen such a clear sky in days. The morning sun bathed the earth in warm gold as bells chimed across the imperial arena.
But far from the public's eyes, in various corners of the city, the mood was anything but calm.
In truth, a few top families and noble clans, through deep-rooted connections, had caught wind of the final round's format well in advance. The involvement of a jointly opened secret realm was a privileged piece of information—not revealed to the common crowd, but quietly passed along through subtle favors and veiled messages.
–––
At Qin Residence
Qin Wushuang stood in the rear courtyard, dressed in simple gray robes. His grandfather, an old cultivator with a hunched back and hawk-like eyes, slowly adjusted the belt around the boy's waist.
"Wushuang, remember our teachings," the old man said, his voice gruff. "You are a descendant of the Qin lineage. Let no fear enter your heart."
Qin Wushuang nodded, face steady as stone. "I understand, Grandfather. I will not bring shame to the family."
The old man's eyes gleamed. "You already surpassed that useless cousin of yours. Good. But this final trial… is no simple duel.
Qin Wushuang knelt in respect. "Thank you for the guidance."
–––
Mu Family Pavilion
Mu Yihan knelt before a cold altar, incense burning softly. Her mother, Lady Mu, stood behind her in white, with eyes that revealed little emotion.
"I suppose you'll go in silent and come out victorious, like always?" her mother asked softly.
Mu Yihan remained still. "That's the plan."
Lady Mu chuckled. "Be careful in there. You always suppress your emotions so tightly… But sometimes, strength comes from letting your spirit stir."
"I don't have the luxury," Mu Yihan whispered. "Not yet."
Her mother watched her in silence. "Then return, Yihan. At any cost."
–––
Xia Clan Manor
Within the quiet of the training hall, Xia Shuying moved with quiet precision. Her wooden practice sword flowed like water in her hands—each step, each strike, measured and deliberate. She was sparring against one of the elite guards, but the difference in skill was apparent. The guard's strikes were fast, but hers were faster. Sharper.
She ducked under a sweeping blow and countered with a smooth, upward slash that stopped just an inch from her opponent's neck.
"Enough," she said calmly, lowering her sword.
Her uncle, watching from the stone corridor, approached with a faint smile. "You've grown again. Your movements have matured."
She accepted the cloth he handed her, wiping her forehead without a word.
"You're the most promising sword cultivator our clan has produced in a century," he said. "But remember—arrogance dulls the edge of any blade. The secret realm won't be as forgiving as this spar."
Xia Shuying's eyes flickered slightly. "I understand."
She walked over to a rack of swords by the wall and paused, fingers brushing against a plain, sheathed blade.
"I won't let my sword dull," she said softly. "Inside the secret realm, I'll temper it further."
Her uncle nodded approvingly, but as she turned away, there was a brief moment where the faint hum of sword intent clung to the air around her—a silent promise of what was to come.
–––
Li Family Courtyard
Li Qingyun sat cross-legged beneath a willow tree. The world was quiet around him, but within, his spiritual energy ran like a roaring tide.
His father, Li Tianyang, quietly approached, placing a thick fur cloak beside him. "It might get cold in there."
Li Qingyun opened his eyes and nodded. "Thanks, Father."
"Do you have doubts?" Li Tianyang asked, sitting beside him.
Li Qingyun thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No doubts… only a quiet excitement."
His father smiled, eyes reflecting pride and concern. "This world is vast, Qingyun. But the right path always begins with a strong heart."
"I'll return stronger than when I left," the boy said calmly.
A soft voice called from the walkway—Lin Meiyu, his mother. "Qingyun, eat something before you go!"
He turned with a faint smile. "Coming."
––––
The brilliant morning sun cascaded over the great coliseum, its golden light falling on the vast circular stage where only twenty-five young geniuses now remained. Where once there had been hundreds, only the most exceptional cultivators stood tall, the air tense with excitement and anticipation. Li Qingyun stood in the front, his expression calm yet focused, eyes flicking briefly over the remaining participants.
Beside him stood Qin Wushuang, aloof and graceful, Mu Yihan with a silent resolve in her eyes, and Xia Shuying with arms crossed and a sword in her hand. These three, like Li Qingyun, had defeated all odds to reach this final round. Zhao Yunhai, though praised and recognized for his strength, had been eliminated—his misfortune lying in crossing paths with Li Qingyun.
The final twenty-five stood quietly as eight dazzling figures descended from above, each one emanating the deep pressure of powerful cultivators. These were the envoys of the major sects—representatives of the pinnacle forces in the region.
A tall man with flowing black robes, holding a long sword at his back, stepped forward. His voice was deep, commanding, and calm as he addressed the remaining competitors.
"I am Elder Jian Wu of the Sky-Reaching Sword Sect. Together with my fellow sect envoys, we will now commence the final round of this Grand Competition."
He gestured to the seven others, who each stepped forward one by one.
Then he introduced every elders to all participants.
"Fairy Ling Yao, Yunlan Spirit Valley."
"Elder Xuan Cang, Thousands Illusion Pavilion."
"Elder Lei Tian, Mystic Thunder Hall."
"Elder Huo Lin, Divine Flame Pavilion."
"Elder Qing He, Emerald Spirit Valley."
"Elder Mo Ye, Darkmoon Sect."
"Elder Tian Kui, Thousands Pillar Sect."
Each of their names drew a ripple of awe from the watching crowd. Even the younger participants couldn't help but feel reverence—the chance to be selected by one of these powerful sects was a dream few dared to imagine.
Jian Wu continued. "You have all proven yourselves among the best. Now, the final trial will begin. You stand on the threshold of the Ancient Jade Realm, a special secret realm designed by generations past for the sole purpose of recruiting true prodigies!"
Elder Xuan Cang of the Illusion Pavilion stepped forward with a flick of his sleeve, and twenty-five green jade tokens floated out in a neat line, landing gently in the hands of each participant.
"These are your personal jade tokens," he said, voice smooth like mist. "They are bound to your spiritual signature. Within the secret realm, many more jade tokens are scattered. Your goal: collect as many tokens as possible before the time limit expires. When the realm closes, the count of jade tokens on your person will determine your ranking."
Gasps echoed across the stage.
Li Qingyun turned the jade token in his hand thoughtfully, inspecting the soft green glow that resonated slightly with his spiritual energy.
Then Elder Lei Tian, his presence like rolling thunder, added, ""You may steal each other's tokens. Form temporary alliances if you wish, but be warned—your friend today may be your enemy tomorrow. Within the realm, danger is real. Battle will be permitted. To avoid accidents, each of you is given an emergency talisman. If you find yourself in a fatal situation, inject spiritual energy into the talisman. You will be instantly teleported out."
Another wave of talismans flew out, this time glimmering with silver light. Each participant caught theirs with solemn expressions.
"However," Elder Mo Ye from the Darkmoon Sect said, his eyes cold and piercing, "if you use the talisman, your jade tokens will become invalid. You will forfeit the round. Your rank will then be determined by the number of participants still inside at the end."
The rules were harsh—but fair. Cultivation was a path of struggle. If one could not bear the pressure at this stage, how could they ever reach the peak?
Li Qingyun's eyes narrowed slightly. So that's how they test not only strength, but wits, endurance, and instinct.
He looked around the gathered youths.
The Remaining Participants:
Qin Wushuang, Mu Yihan, Xia Shuying, Feng Jue, Bai Yu, Luo Min, Han Zhen, Yu Qing, Sheng Lian, Ji Wuxin, Lu Qingzhi, Tang Hu, Yan Wei, Guo Tiancheng, Rong Yue, Lin Xiang, Zhao Ruyan, Wu Hong, Huo Zeming, Mei Xuan, Si Yulan, Cheng Yuan, Duan Li, Xie Fen and Li Qingyun.
The atmosphere turned serious as everyone checked their storage pouches and gathered their focus. Some were visibly nervous, others radiated determination.
Xia Shuying muttered, "A free-for-all, huh?"
Mu Yihan didn't speak, but the way she gripped her token said she was ready.
Qin Wushuang stood still as a statue, serene and unreadable.
Li Qingyun glanced at the center stage, where runes were beginning to glow.
Then, Jian Wu raised a hand. "The teleportation formation is now ready. You will each be sent to a random location within the realm. Remember: survive, adapt, and prevail. Let this be the final test of your path."
As the formation pulsed with light, each participant took a deep breath.
Li Qingyun, you're here to walk your own path, he reminded himself. Time to see what's waiting inside.
With a flash of brilliant white light, twenty-five young prodigies vanished into the realm.