Chapter 14 Exam Part 2.

Elysia found a quiet spot among the cultivators, her chosen manual, Lightning Flash Steps, laid out before her. The pages exuded a faint radiance, capturing the essence of the lightning it promised to embody. With an air of focused determination, she began the journey of comprehension.

Around her, fellow cultivators were engrossed in their own chosen techniques. Elysia's diligence blended seamlessly with the collective effort, an unspoken unity prevailing among those seeking enlightenment. Occasionally, she exchanged subtle glances with nearby cultivators, recognizing the shared pursuit of mastery.

As she delved into the Lightning Flash Steps, the dance of lightning unfolded in her mind. Each step, a flicker of electric grace, seemed to resonate with the innate rhythm of her being. The manual's teachings became a silent symphony, and Elysia wove herself into its melody.

Amidst the hushed atmosphere, Elysia's concentration was interrupted by the soft resonance of her system. The revelation, a clandestine whisper within her consciousness, unfolded like a secret shared in the midst of a crowd.

'Host can use the power of the Enlightenment Stone to speed up the Comprehension Speed of your current 2 techniques.'

Elysia, maintaining her facade of contemplation, responded inwardly, cautious not to draw attention. "Will anything happen to the Enlightenment Stone?"

'The Enlightenment Stone has around 2 thousand years left before it turns to dust, but the host can sacrifice 500 years to reach Perfection Mastery over your 5th Stage Immortal Heart Sutra and the 5th Stage 5 Elemental Heavenly Sword Formation Technique.'

A sly smile played on Elysia's lips as she discreetly approved the system's proposal. The unspoken agreement unfolded beneath the surface, concealed from the prying eyes of her fellow cultivators.

'Sacrificing 500 years of the Enlightenment Stone.'

A surge of knowledge, an avalanche of insights, flooded Elysia's consciousness. Perfection Mastery over her techniques, once distant peaks, now felt within reach. The Enlightenment Stone's power catalyzed her journey to perfection, an alliance between cultivator and system shrouded in secrecy.

Amidst the collective focus of cultivators, Elysia's closed eyes hid the internal transformation. The tranquil exterior belied the profound revelations transpiring within her, an unspoken narrative woven in the fabric of the Enlightenment Stone's shared journey.

In the unfolding minutes, Elysia felt the profound imprint of newfound knowledge resonating within her being. The Perfection Mastery achieved over two pivotal techniques marked a surge in her martial prowess, a dynamic shift that defied the conventional boundaries of cultivation.

The sacrifice of the Enlightenment Stone's temporal essence had transformed into an investment, an infusion of power that rippled through Elysia's cultivation like a revitalizing current. Amidst the collective pursuit of enlightenment, her fellow cultivators remained immersed in their own journeys, unaware of the extraordinary exchange transpiring within her consciousness.

With restrained excitement bubbling within, Elysia resisted the immediate urge to showcase her enhanced techniques. Instead, she opted for strategic patience, recognizing the importance of concealing the depths of her newfound mastery in this competitive setting.

In a barely audible whisper, camouflaged by the ambient murmur of fellow cultivators, Elysia conveyed a directive to her system, "Initiate the Comprehension of the 6th Stage of the Immortal Heart Sutra."

'It will take 40 years for the host to reach Perfection Mastery over the 6th Stage Immortal Heart Sutra.'

The system's response resonated in the private recesses of her mind. Despite her genuine eagerness to expedite her cultivation, Elysia maintained a composed exterior, understanding the need for caution. The Enlightenment Stone, a potent asset, bore the risk of exposing her extraordinary advancements to discerning eyes.

Appreciating this delicate balance, Elysia exercised prudence in her use of the Stone. She acknowledged the importance of restraint, cognizant that excessive exploitation might attract unwarranted attention from peers and potential rivals. The wisdom of a cultivator lay in knowing when to wield power discreetly and when to unleash it with unrestrained force.

"Yes, proceed. I can't risk overusing the Stone, or someone might catch on," Elysia cautioned her system, demonstrating a keen awareness of potential consequences. In her pursuit of perfection, she navigated the delicate dance between ambition and subtlety, crafting a narrative of modest progression while concealing the profound strides taken within.

With her cultivation technique undergoing automatic refinement, Elysia shifted her focus to the Lightning Flash Steps. The rhythmic sways of her sword intertwined seamlessly with the subtle movements of her body, creating an intricate martial dance. Each step was a harmonious blend of skill and grace, guided by the ebb and flow of Qi coursing through her meridians.

As Elysia immersed herself in the intertwined journey of dual cultivation and movement comprehension, time seemed to bend to her will. The 40-year odyssey toward Perfection Mastery over the 6th Stage Immortal Heart Sutra unfolded with accelerated clarity, a testament to the harmonious dance between her innate talents, the Enlightenment Stone, and the subtle orchestrations of her vigilant system.

While her peers grappled with the challenges set forth by the Stone of Enlightenment, Elysia persisted in her diligent practice, exploiting the temporal boon without betraying the clandestine nature of her accelerated ascension.

Guided by the convergence of the Enlightenment Stone's influence and her Immortal Heart Sutra, Elysia's understanding of the Lightning Flash Steps soared to unprecedented heights.

In mere hours, she ascended to the Basic Realm, defying the conventional learning curves. The ephemeral dance of her movements echoed with the seasoned grace of a martial artist, the Lightning Flash Steps seamlessly becoming an extension of her being.

Within a single day, Elysia catapulted her mastery to the Initiate Realm, a manifestation of the synergistic effect between her natural aptitude and the empowering aura of the Enlightenment Stone.

The essence of the technique coursed through her with unparalleled fluidity, showcasing a proficiency that transcended the ordinary boundaries of cultivation.

In the remaining time, Elysia pushed the boundaries even further, attaining the Intermediate Realm—a feat aligning with the accomplishments of many geniuses within the same timeframe. However, strategic in her approach, Elysia chose to reveal only the Initiate Realm during the examination.

Her decision to withhold the full extent of her mastery proved calculated, allowing Elysia to maintain an enigmatic presence within the hierarchy of disciples within the Tranquility Sect.

The initiation trial transformed into a showcase not just of her Lightning Flash Steps but also of her astute understanding of the delicate balance between unveiling prowess and preserving an aura of mystery.

In the eyes of her fellow disciples, Elysia's performance stood as a superior display. Her calculated strategy of revealing only a fraction of her true capability positioned her strategically within the tapestry of disciples, leaving an indelible mark on the initiation trial.

This subtle dance between revelation and concealment added a layer of intrigue to Elysia's narrative, a testament to her mastery not just in martial techniques but also in the intricate dynamics of cultivation politics.

As Elysia elegantly navigated the intricate dance of the Lightning Flash Steps, her nimble footwork painted an ethereal picture in the air. Every movement carried an undeniable elegance, setting her apart from a substantial portion of the candidates.

Among the remaining aspirants, murmurs and whispers echoed through the crowd.

"That's the Lightning Flash Steps, right? But she's only showing the basics," one observant disciple remarked.

Another, scrutinizing Elysia with a discerning gaze, added, "She's holding back. Look at the precision in her movements. It's beyond what we're used to seeing in the Initiate Realm."

Elders overseeing the examination exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the subtlety in Elysia's approach. Elder Zhang, a seasoned cultivator with a discerning eye, commented, "Interesting. She's revealing enough to stand out, yet she's clearly capable of more. A calculated choice, perhaps."

As the exhibition unfolded, candidates evaluated their own standings in comparison. An ambitious disciple whispered to his companion, "I thought I had a good grasp of the Lightning Flash Steps, but look at her. She's operating on a different level."

A confident cultivator, still awaiting his turn, scoffed, "She might impress some, but true geniuses won't be swayed by a mere Initiate Realm display."

Elysia's measured performance, strategically revealing her expertise while retaining an air of mystery, stirred curiosity and speculation. Some candidates admired her skill, while others attempted to downplay her achievements.

Later, as the elders conferred to assess the candidates, Elder Zhang addressed his colleagues, "Elysia's control over the Lightning Flash Steps is exceptional. She deliberately restrained herself, showing only the basics. This hints at a deeper understanding that she refrained from revealing fully."

Elder Li, another seasoned figure, nodded in agreement. "It's a rare approach, especially during the initiation trial. She's carved a niche for herself—a mysterious cultivator with hidden depths."

In the midst of discussions, Elysia remained composed, aware that her calculated presentation had accomplished its purpose. Though not yet reaching the echelon of the sect's acknowledged geniuses, she had firmly positioned herself as a candidate worthy of consideration and intrigue.

As the courtyard buzzed with anticipation for the final examination, Elysia prepared herself for the last trial, her enigmatic aura capturing the attention of both peers and elders alike.