Chapter 7: The Elder's test

The air was heavy with tension as Jiang Chen stepped forward, facing Elder Mo Shan in the village square. The elder's golden robes shimmered under the sunlight, his hands still clasped behind his back in an air of absolute confidence. The villagers, who had once dismissed Jiang Chen as a cripple, now whispered among themselves in shock and anticipation.

Jiang Chen inhaled deeply, feeling the newfound power coursing through his body. Ever since his fortuitous encounter in the cavern, his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds. He wasn't the weakling they once knew.

Elder Mo's sharp eyes scanned him with amusement. "You're calm. That's good," he said. "Many would tremble before me. But let's see if you can back up your arrogance."

Jiang Chen didn't respond with words. Instead, he sank into a stance—Tiger Stance: Firm as the Earth, Sharp as the Wind.

Elder Mo raised an eyebrow. "A solid foundation." He nodded approvingly. "Fine. I'll give you a chance. If you can withstand three of my strikes, I'll acknowledge your talent."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Three strikes from a Core Formation elder? Impossible.

Jiang Chen, however, merely clenched his fists. Then I just have to endure.

First Strike – The Crushing Palm

Elder Mo lifted his hand and casually waved it downward. It looked like a simple motion, but the moment his palm moved, the air itself seemed to collapse. A crushing force, like a mountain, slammed toward Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen reacted instantly. He summoned the power of his newly refined Heaven-Defying Sacred Art and infused it into his body. His muscles tightened, his meridians burned with energy.

BOOM!

Jiang Chen planted his feet and threw his arms up in defense. The impact was like a tidal wave crashing against him. The ground beneath his feet cracked, and a shockwave blasted outward. Dust and debris filled the air.

For a moment, silence.

Then—Jiang Chen remained standing.

His arms trembled, but he had endured the first strike.

Elder Mo's expression shifted slightly. "Interesting. That technique… It's not something a village boy should have."

Jiang Chen steadied his breathing. "Was that your best?"

Elder Mo chuckled. "You might regret those words."

Second Strike – The Wind Slash

Elder Mo raised two fingers and casually swiped them through the air.

A razor-sharp arc of wind materialized and shot toward Jiang Chen like a blade. It moved faster than the eye could follow, slicing through stone and wood in its path.

Jiang Chen's instincts screamed. He twisted his body, channeling qi into his legs, and leaped to the side. But the wind slash was too fast—it nicked his shoulder, cutting through his robe and drawing blood.

Pain flared, but Jiang Chen gritted his teeth. He couldn't fall now.

He exhaled sharply, suppressing the pain. Two strikes down. One more to go.

Elder Mo's smile widened. "Your reaction speed is impressive for someone at your level. But let's see if you can handle my final move."

Final Strike – The Golden Lotus Palm

Elder Mo finally unclasped his hands. A golden light radiated from his palm, forming the shape of a lotus flower made of pure qi. The moment it fully formed, the air hummed with power.

The villagers gasped.

"That's a technique only Core Formation experts can use…" one elder whispered in shock.

Jiang Chen's muscles tensed. He knew that if he took this hit directly, he would lose.

He had only one option—to counterattack.

As Elder Mo launched the lotus forward, Jiang Chen drew upon the Heaven-Defying Sacred Art. He channeled every ounce of his newfound strength into his fists.

His body exploded with power.

With a mighty roar, Jiang Chen threw a punch directly into the oncoming attack.

BOOM!

The moment his fist met the golden lotus, an explosion of energy erupted. A massive shockwave blasted outward, sending villagers flying back and shaking the very earth beneath them.

The golden lotus shattered.

Jiang Chen was thrown backward, rolling across the ground before coming to a stop. His chest heaved, his arms burned, but—

He was still conscious.

The dust settled.

Elder Mo stood where he was, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly… he nodded.

"You've passed."

The villagers erupted into whispers.

Jiang Chen pushed himself up, sweat dripping from his brow. He had endured three attacks from a Core Formation elder. Even if he had barely survived, it was an undeniable victory.

Elder Mo smiled. "I wasn't planning to accept another disciple… but you've changed my mind. Jiang Chen, how would you like to join the Silver Moon Cultivation Academy?"

Jiang Chen clenched his fists. This was it. His first step toward true power.

But… could he trust the academy?

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