Keeping The Tension High

The hall was deathly silent.

Guo Ling—one of the strongest Direct Disciples—had just been sent flying with a single strike.

The watching disciples exchanged shocked glances.

"Did… Did he really just overpower a Core Formation Peak disciple?"

"Impossible! He was just admitted today!"

Feng Ziyan's smile deepened, but his eyes flickered with something else—interest.

Guo Ling groaned, slowly rising to his feet. His face was pale, but there was no anger—only wariness.

"You… What cultivation level are you?" he asked.

Li Wei didn't answer. Instead, he simply stood there, his golden aura still flickering faintly.

The truth was—he didn't know.

The Celestial Seal's energy within him felt limitless, beyond any defined cultivation realm.

His strength was growing at a monstrous rate, and yet, he was just scratching the surface.

The Grand Elder finally spoke. "Enough."

His gaze swept across the hall. "This academy is not a place for arrogance. True power is revealed over time. Let this match be a lesson for all."

Guo Ling bowed slightly in respect before stepping down.

But as Li Wei turned to leave, Feng Ziyan finally spoke again.

"Li Wei."

He stopped.

Feng Ziyan's cold blue eyes gleamed. "You have potential. But potential alone means nothing here. If you truly wish to stand at the top—"

He smiled.

"Then be prepared to fight for it."

Li Wei met his gaze, his determination unwavering.

"Then I'll see you at the top."

Li Wei left the Heavenly Ascension Hall, but the weight of countless gazes followed him.

He had only just arrived at the academy, yet he had already made waves—and enemies.

As he walked through the towering corridors, he overheard murmurs.

"How could a newcomer defeat Guo Ling so easily?"

"He must have hidden his true cultivation level!"

"Feng Ziyan won't let this slide… There's no way Li Wei will have it easy."

Li Wei ignored them. He had no time to be concerned about others' opinions.

What mattered now was getting stronger.

But just as he was about to reach his new residence—

BOOM!

A pressure suddenly crashed onto him from above. A powerful aura descended, suffocating and heavy.

"Li Wei."

A voice echoed like thunder.

He looked up and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man with long dark hair floating above the courtyard.

His robes were embroidered with golden dragons, a clear sign of his noble status.

Whispers erupted around them.

"That's Bai Shentu!"

"A genius ranked among the top five Direct Disciples!"

"Why is he here? Is he already targeting Li Wei?"

Bai Shentu landed lightly before Li Wei, his sharp gaze scanning him.

"I heard you embarrassed Guo Ling."

Li Wei remained silent, but his golden aura flickered slightly—a silent warning.

Bai Shentu chuckled. "Interesting. It seems you're not as weak as people thought."

Then his gaze turned cold. "But strength is not just about one lucky victory. If you want to survive here, you'll have to prove yourself—again and again."

He turned to leave but left one final remark.

"Don't die too quickly, newcomer. I want to see how far you can climb."

With that, Bai Shentu disappeared.

Li Wei exhaled slowly.

More challenges were coming.

And he welcomed them.

Li Wei clenched his fists as Bai Shentu's words echoed in his mind.

"You'll have to prove yourself—again and again."

He already expected hostility, but this was on another level.

It wasn't just about strength—it was about status, power, and survival.

As he entered his assigned courtyard, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"You've made a big mess already, huh?"

Li Wei turned to see Jinhai, the carefree. He leaned against the doorway, smirking.

"How did you get to enter Here?" Li Wei Asked

"I have my ways, anyways You've caught the attention of some powerful people. That can either be a blessing or a curse."

Li Wei sighed. "I don't care about attention. I just want to get stronger."

Jinhai grinned. "Good. Because the Inner Court Trials are coming up soon."

Li Wei raised an eyebrow. "Inner Court Trials?"

Jinhai nodded. "Every newcomer has to go through them. Pass, and you'll be officially recognized as an Inner Court Disciple. Fail…" He shrugged. "Well, let's just say you don't want to fail."

Li Wei's eyes darkened. This was it. His first real test in the academy.

"What's the challenge?" he asked.

Jinhai's smirk widened. "It's different every year, but rumor has it… this time, we're entering the Abyssal Ruins."

Li Wei's expression hardened. Abyssal Ruins?

That place was infamous. It was filled with ancient traps, fierce spirit beasts, and remnants of an unknown civilization.

Many disciples had entered before—not all returned.

Jinhai's eyes gleamed. "So? Ready to prove yourself?"

Li Wei didn't hesitate.

"Bring it on."

The day of the Inner Court Trials arrived.

Hundreds of disciples gathered outside the towering Spirit Gate, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and dread.

The Abyssal Ruins were known for devouring the weak, and now, it was their turn to enter.

Li Wei stood among them, his golden aura faintly flickering.

His battle with Guo Ling had already made him infamous, but now… this was his true test.

The elders hovered above, their robes billowing in the wind.

The Grand Elder raised a hand, silencing the murmurs.

"The Inner Court Trials will now begin." His deep voice echoed through the air.

"The rules are simple: Survive. Retrieve the Celestial Jade hidden within the ruins. Only those who obtain one will pass."

A hushed whisper spread through the crowd.

"Celestial Jade? That's no ordinary treasure…"

"There are only a limited number! That means some of us will fail!"

Li Wei's eyes sharpened. This wasn't just a test—it was a battle for survival.

A booming sound shook the ground as the Spirit Gate rumbled open, revealing a swirling vortex of darkness.

A wave of ancient, oppressive energy surged forth.

The ruins had awakened.

"Enter," the Grand Elder commanded.

Without hesitation, the strongest disciples dashed forward, disappearing into the vortex.

Li Wei stepped forward, but before he could move—

A mocking voice stopped him.

"I hope you're ready to beg for your life, newcomer."

He turned to see Guo Ling, now fully recovered, standing beside a group of elite disciples. Their eyes gleamed with hostility.

They weren't just here to win.

They were here to eliminate the competition.

Li Wei smirked. "You should worry about surviving yourself."