Keep The Challenges Coming

"This… this is beyond Core Formation…"

The noble disciples, who had been smirking moments ago, now wore expressions of disbelief.

"Impossible."

"Who is this guy?"

Finally, the elder turned back to Li Wei and spoke, his voice carrying an unusual weight.

"Li Wei… your cultivation will not be classified by standard ranks."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"What does that mean?" someone asked.

The elder's eyes remained locked on Li Wei. "It means he is beyond what we can measure."

A heavy silence fell.

Then, a cold voice echoed from behind the crowd.

"Hmph. A peasant with no background, and you expect us to believe he's some hidden genius?"

The students turned to see a tall, elegant youth in silver robes stepping forward. His expression was sharp, his aura suffocating.

Yun Hao. One of the strongest new disciples and the son of a noble sect leader.

He narrowed his eyes at Li Wei.

"I don't believe it," Yun Hao said coldly. "If you're really that strong—then prove it."

Li Wei met Yun Hao's piercing gaze, his expression unreadable.

The tension in the courtyard thickened. Students whispered excitedly.

This was already shaping up to be the most interesting entrance evaluation in years.

The elder frowned but did not intervene. Challenges were common at Azure Sky Academy. Strength determined everything.

Yun Hao smirked. "What's wrong? You broke the Spirit Appraisal Stone, didn't you? Show us that power."

Li Wei remained silent. He had no interest in meaningless displays.

But then—

Yun Hao moved.

Faster than most could react, his figure blurred, closing the distance in an instant.

"Cloud Piercing Strike!"

His palm shot forward, a silver wave of spiritual energy crashing toward Li Wei like a raging storm.

Gasps erupted from the crowd.

"He's already at Core Formation Middle Stage!"

"Li Wei will be sent flying!"

But—

Li Wei didn't move.

The moment Yun Hao's attack reached him, a golden ripple of energy flared around Li Wei's body.

The air itself seemed to bend, distorting as if rejecting the attack.

Then—

BOOM!

Yun Hao was the one sent flying.

He crashed onto the ground, coughing violently. His palm trembled—the impact had numbed his entire arm.

The crowd fell into stunned silence.

The elder watching narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. "That reaction… Could it be—?"

Yun Hao gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. He refused to accept this.

"This isn't over," he growled. "I don't care how strong you are—I won't be humiliated by a nobody."

Li Wei looked at him calmly. Then, he finally spoke.

"Then grow stronger."

With those simple words, he turned away.

The academy had yet to truly begin, and already, he had made an enemy.

The murmurs of the crowd followed Li Wei as he walked past Yun Hao, leaving the defeated noble fuming.

The elder observing the test finally spoke.

"Enough. The entrance evaluations are concluded."

The students fell silent, their attention shifting back to the elder.

"This year's disciples will be divided into three ranks," he continued. "Outer Court, Inner Court, and Core Disciples. Your performance today determines your placement."

Many students straightened their backs, hoping to hear their names among the elite.

The elder began calling out names.

"Yun Hao—Inner Court."

Though frustrated by his defeat, Yun Hao nodded, his pride somewhat intact.

The Inner Court was where the most talented disciples trained.

One by one, names were called, each assigned to their respective courts.

Then—

"Li Wei."

A pause. The elder looked at him, then spoke in a tone that made everyone hold their breath.

"You… will not be placed in any rank."

Gasps.

"Wait, what?"

"Is he being expelled?"

Yun Hao smirked. "Hah! So he wasn't qualified after all."

But the elder's next words shattered that assumption.

"From this moment forward—Li Wei is a Direct Disciple of the Grand Elders."

The entire courtyard exploded with shock.

A Direct Disciple? That was a title given only to once-in-a-generation geniuses! Not even the strongest Core Disciples could compare!

Li Wei's eyes flickered. He had expected to stand out, but this…

Suddenly, a powerful golden pressure descended upon the courtyard.

A figure appeared in midair, floating effortlessly—a man with long silver hair and an aura so vast that even the elders bowed in respect.

One of the Grand Elders.

He looked at Li Wei with interest. Then, in a voice that shook the heavens, he spoke:

"Come. Your true training begins now."

...

Li Wei locked eyes with Feng Ziyan, the tension between them thick like an approaching storm.

The other Direct Disciples whispered among themselves.

"He didn't collapse from Feng Ziyan's pressure?"

"He's stronger than he looks. But he's still just a newcomer."

Feng Ziyan crossed his arms. "Since you're here, let's see if you're truly qualified."

A disciple with dark red robes stepped forward, his expression cold. "Allow me, Senior Brother."

The Grand Elder gave a small nod. "A sparring match is fair."

Li Wei didn't protest. If he wanted to earn his place, he had to fight for it.

The disciple stepped onto the sparring platform. "I am Guo Ling, at the Core Formation Peak Stage. Let's see if the rumors about you are true."

Li Wei stepped onto the platform. "Then come."

Guo Ling's eyes flashed. He moved like a shadow, closing the distance in an instant.

"Phantom Step—Shadow Fang!"

His palm shot forward, black spiritual energy forming into a sharp claw aimed directly at Li Wei's chest.

Gasps filled the hall.

"That's a killing move!"

But Li Wei remained calm.

As the attack reached him, he shifted slightly.

His body moved like flowing water. The claw barely grazed him.

Then, in a single swift motion, he countered—

BOOM!

His palm struck Guo Ling's chest, sending him flying backward into the air before crashing onto the ground.

Silence.

Even the Grand Elder's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Guo Ling coughed, his eyes filled with disbelief. "What… was that?"

Li Wei stood firm, his golden aura pulsing. He was getting stronger.

Feng Ziyan's smile widened slightly. "Now this is interesting."