Defying Fate

The dawn painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold, casting a soft glow over the grand Ling Clan estate. The entire clan was bustling with excitement—today was the selection day for the Mystic Moon Sect, one of the most prestigious cultivation sects in the Mortal Realm.

Disciples clad in embroidered robes of silver and blue gathered in the central courtyard, their faces beaming with anticipation. For many, this was their chance to leave the Ling Clan behind and step onto the path of greatness.

But amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Ling Xueya walked alone.

Her tattered, dust-covered robes set her apart from the other noble disciples, earning her sneers and whispers as she made her way toward the selection arena.

"Why is she here?"

"Does she actually think she has a chance? With that cursed meridian?"

"Maybe she wants to humiliate herself in front of the elders."

Xueya ignored them. She had long since learned that words were nothing but wind.

As she reached the outer circle of the selection grounds, a sharp voice called out.

"Stop right there!"

A young man in luxurious white robes stepped forward, his gaze filled with disdain. Ling Tian, the first young master of the Ling Clan and one of the top contenders for today's selection. He had golden hair and sharp features, his aura overflowing with natural talent.

"Who allowed a lowly servant to step foot here?" he sneered.

The crowd laughed in agreement.

Xueya met his gaze, unfazed. "The selection is open to all of Ling Clan's disciples. Or has that rule changed, Young Master Tian?"

The mockery in the air wavered for a moment as some disciples exchanged glances. She was right—technically, even the weakest disciple had the right to participate.

Ling Tian's expression darkened, but before he could retort, a cold, authoritative voice interrupted.

"Silence."

An elderly man with flowing white robes and a long beard stepped onto the stage. Elder Mo, a high-ranking figure of the Mystic Moon Sect. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Xueya with a flicker of curiosity.

"Let all who wish to participate step forward."

Ling Tian scoffed but backed away, unwilling to defy the elder.

Xueya stepped into the testing area, her heart steady.

This was her only chance. If she failed, she would remain a servant forever. But if she succeeded…

She clenched her fists. She had to succeed.

The Talent Examination

The first stage of the selection involved testing a disciple's natural affinity with the spiritual elements. Each candidate would place their hand on the Spirit Stone, a mystical artifact that would reveal their elemental affinity and cultivation potential.

One by one, Ling Clan disciples stepped forward.

"Fire Affinity: High Grade!"

"Water Affinity: Mid Grade!"

"Lightning Affinity: Peak Grade! A genius!"

Cheers erupted as each disciple revealed their talent, but when Xueya approached the stone, the crowd fell silent.

Many expected nothing to happen.

She placed her hand on the stone.

For a moment, there was nothing. Then—

A deep, suffocating darkness erupted from the stone.

The sky above darkened, the sun momentarily eclipsed as an unseen force rippled through the air. A chilling aura spread from the stone, and a terrifying black vortex swirled within it.

The disciples gasped.

Even Elder Mo's eyes narrowed. "Darkness Affinity… but why is it so strong?"

A deep murmur spread through the crowd.

"Darkness Affinity? Isn't that an evil element?"

"No wonder she's a curse!"

"She should be eliminated before she brings misfortune!"

The once awe-struck crowd turned hostile. Even some elders whispered among themselves, their gazes wary.

Xueya's fingers tightened against the Spirit Stone.

She knew this would happen. Darkness was feared in this world. Hated.

Still, she refused to bow.

Taking a step back, she turned to Elder Mo. "Elder, does this result disqualify me?"

Elder Mo regarded her for a long moment. Then, he spoke.

"No. You have passed the first stage."

Silence fell over the crowd.

Ling Tian's expression twisted in fury. "Elder Mo, surely you jest! Darkness cultivators are—"

"I am aware," Elder Mo interrupted coldly. "However, talent is talent. The next stage will determine her fate."

Xueya let out a quiet breath.

She had survived the first test.

But she knew the real trial was just beginning.