Chapter 7 Sects Competition

**Chapter 7: The Trial of Knowledge**

The grand competition had begun, and the first phase was set to test the depth of knowledge each participant possessed about cultivation techniques, formations, and medicinal herbs. Five hundred eager cultivators, including Feng Ruoyan and the heirs of the ten famous families, stood within the Celestial Pavilion—a vast hall lined with countless ancient scrolls and jade tablets. The atmosphere was thick with tension and ambition, as each competitor sought to prove their worth.

Elder Mo, a venerable scholar and the overseer of the trial, raised his hand to silence the murmuring crowd. "This phase will evaluate your understanding of alchemy and herbal refinement. You will be tested on your ability to identify, categorize, and utilize medicinal herbs essential for cultivation and healing. Only those who achieve a score of seventy percent or higher will advance."

Large stone tables filled with rare herbs and spiritual plants were arranged before the participants. The test comprised three parts: theoretical knowledge, practical identification, and an application challenge.

The first section presented a series of questions written on glowing talismans. Participants needed to inscribe their answers using their spiritual energy. Questions ranged from the properties of Starfire Ginseng to the effects of Moonshadow Lotus on spiritual veins. Ruoyan's eyes flickered with confidence as she swiftly wrote her answers, recalling her past experiences and knowledge granted by her parents.

As the talismans dimmed, signifying the end of the written test, Elder Mo nodded. "Next, the practical identification challenge. Each of you will be presented with ten herbs—some common, others extremely rare. Identify them correctly within the time limit."

Ruoyan moved with precision, effortlessly naming each herb. A few competitors hesitated, their foreheads creased with doubt. The Bai family's heir, Bai Zhen, confidently called out names, while Yue Ling, a former friend turned rival, smirked at Ruoyan, clearly trying to undermine her.

Finally, the application challenge required participants to create a basic medicinal pill using the herbs provided. Controlling the flames beneath her cauldron with precision, Ruoyan ground the herbs and channeled her energy to refine the mixture. A faint golden light shimmered as her pill formed perfectly—an indicator of a high-quality product.

When the results were announced, Elder Mo smiled. "Out of five hundred participants, only two hundred remain. Those whose names are listed shall proceed to the next phase."

Ruoyan stepped forward, her name shining brightly on the ranking board. Alongside hers, the names of the most exceptional participants stood out:

1. **Feng Ruoyan** - Rising Sun Sect

- **Family:** Daughter of the secluded but powerful Feng Clan. Her parents once stood at the peak of the cultivation world but vanished into seclusion.

- **Siblings:** None. Raised as a lone heir with strict guidance in cultivation.

- **Relationship:** Her parents secretly provide her resources but remain hidden from the world.

2. **Bai Zhen** - Bai Family

- **Family:** A direct heir of the Bai Family, known for their elite combat skills and powerful lineage.

- **Siblings:** One younger sister, Bai Mei, who is also a talented cultivator.

- **Relationship:** A childhood acquaintance of Ruoyan, respects her talent but sees her as a rival.

3. **Jiang Tian** - Jiang Family

- **Family:** Comes from the influential Jiang Family, known for their expertise in formations and strategic warfare.

- **Siblings:** An elder brother, Jiang Hao, who oversees family affairs.

- **Relationship:** Initially neutral toward Ruoyan but intrigued by her rapid growth.

4. **Li Xuan** - Xuan Family

- **Family:** A noble family that prides itself on refining weapons and possessing immense wealth.

- **Siblings:** None.

- **Relationship:** Former fiancé of Ruoyan, secretly worked against her with Yue Ling.

5. **Yue Ling** - Yue Family

- **Family:** A family with strong ties to spiritual artifacts and deception techniques.

- **Siblings:** A younger brother, Yue Fan, who idolizes her.

- **Relationship:** Once Ruoyan's closest friend but turned traitor for personal gain.

6. **Mu Chen** - Celestial Alchemy Sect

- **Family:** Born into a commoner background but recognized for his extraordinary alchemical talent.

- **Siblings:** None.

- **Relationship:** Admires Ruoyan's skill in alchemy, seeks a friendly rivalry.

7. **Zhao Wei** - Heavenly Flame Pavilion

- **Family:** Belongs to a sect specializing in fire-based cultivation.

- **Siblings:** One older sister, Zhao Xue, who is an elder in the sect.

- **Relationship:** Respects Ruoyan's fire spiritual root but sees her as a challenge.

8. **Luo Yan** - Thunder Valley Sect

- **Family:** A lineage known for controlling lightning techniques and destructive martial arts.

- **Siblings:** Two older brothers, Luo Feng and Luo Ming.

- **Relationship:** Finds Ruoyan interesting but maintains distance.

9. **Shen Ming** - Azure Cloud Clan

- **Family:** A scholarly clan dedicated to knowledge and ancient cultivation techniques.

- **Siblings:** A twin sister, Shen Rui, who is a prodigy in her own right.

- **Relationship:** Sees Ruoyan as a potential ally in uncovering lost cultivation techniques.

10. **Tang Rui** - Phantom Shadow Sect

- **Family:** A mysterious sect shrouded in secrecy, excelling in illusion techniques.

- **Siblings:** Unknown.

- **Relationship:** Keeps an eye on Ruoyan's movements but remains unpredictable.

These names represented the top ten contenders, each possessing remarkable talent and deep cultivation knowledge. The trial had only just begun, and Ruoyan was determined to carve her path to victory.