Chapter 11: Reached The Azure Sky Sect & The Start Of Trials
Long Tian stood before the grand entrance of the Azure Sky Sect, gazing at the towering stone gates that marked the boundary between the mundane and the extraordinary.
The sect sprawled across the floating peaks of Azure Mountain, its architecture a seamless blend of ancient grandeur and profound mysticism. Floating platforms, glowing inscriptions, and cascading waterfalls exuded an ethereal presence, as if the sect itself was carved from the fabric of heaven.
Disciples in azure robes, their movements exuding grace and control, traversed the sect grounds with an aura of authority.
At his side, Raijin—the Thunderstorm Wyvern—flicked its twin tails, sparks of violet lightning crackling along its obsidian-black scales.
Long Tian's gaze remained calm as he took his first step forward.
He was not here to prove himself to anyone.
He was here to take what he needed.
---
The outer courtyard of the sect's entrance was packed with hundreds of young cultivators, all hoping to be accepted into one of the three strongest sects in the region.
The air buzzed with excitement, nervousness, and arrogance.
Long Tian scanned the competition.
Some wealthy clan heirs, their robes embroidered with gold, standing with prideful smirks as their servants whispered about their "guaranteed acceptance."
And there are also rogue cultivators, their expressions hardened, eyes filled with quiet determination.
While other Elders from smaller sects, watching as their disciples prepared for the trial.
Then—a presence stood out.
A young man dressed in pristine white robes stepped into the courtyard, his very existence drawing attention.
Handsome, with sharp phoenix-like eyes filled with confidence.
Long silver hair tied loosely, flowing with the wind.
A presence that carried the weight of natural authority.
The crowd stirred.
"That's Feng Chen!"
"The number one genius of the Feng Clan!"
"They say he reached Foundation Establishment before sixteen!"
Feng Chen walked with an air of absolute confidence, as if the trials were nothing more than formalities for him.
Then—his gaze landed on Long Tian.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
A moment of silent understanding.
A rivalry that had not yet begun—but was inevitable.
Long Tian yawned.
Then stepped past Feng Chen without a second glance.
---
At the center of the courtyard stood the Azure Talent Monolith, an ancient stone pillar inscribed with celestial runes.
Each applicant would place their hand on the monolith, which would assess:
Martial Soul Rank – Measuring the quality and potential of their soul manifestation.
Qi Affinity – Determining how well their body harmonized with cultivation energy.
A noble from a side clan was the first to step forward.
He placed his palm against the monolith.
The stone flickered weakly before displaying:
[Martial Soul: Rank 5 – Crimson Tiger]
[Qi Affinity: Mid-Tier Fire Affinity]
The elder nodded. "Pass."
The boy exhaled in relief and stepped back.
Another cultivator followed.
[Martial Soul: Rank 3 – Iron Serpent]
[Qi Affinity: Low-Tier Earth Affinity]
"Fail."
The young man turned pale before running off in shame.
One by one, the applicants revealed their talents—some passing, some failing.
Then—
It was Feng Chen's turn.
The moment he placed his palm on the monolith—
BOOOOM!
A burst of golden light exploded, shaking the entire courtyard.
The monolith's inscriptions burned brightly, flickering wildly.
[Martial Soul: Rank 9 – Heavenly Wind Falcon]
[Qi Affinity: Supreme Wind Affinity]
A collective gasp filled the crowd.
"A Rank 9 Martial Soul?!"
"Heavenly Wind Falcon… a legendary bloodline!"
Even the elders nodded approvingly.
Feng Chen withdrew his hand, his expression calm yet filled with silent confidence.
Then—he turned toward Long Tian.
A silent challenge.
Long Tian stepped forward lazily and placed his hand on the monolith.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
BOOOOM!
The monolith trembled violently.
Golden-blue radiance erupted violently, the energy unstable and flickering.
[Martial Soul: Rank ??? – Azure Dragon & Fate Eyes]
[Qi Affinity: ???]
A tense silence filled the courtyard.
One elder furrowed his brows deeply.
"This…"
The monolith couldn't fully evaluate him.
Long Tian removed his hand, cutting off the reaction immediately.
The elder hesitated.
Then nodded.
"Pass."
Long Tian smirked slightly.
---
The applicants were led deeper into the sect's inner training grounds.
Before them stood three massive stone steles, each engraved with ancient cultivation techniques.
The elder spoke.
"This test will measure your comprehension ability."
"You will have one day to comprehend one of these techniques. The more you understand, the higher your evaluation will be."
Long Tian stepped forward, his gaze scanning the steles.
First Stele – Flowing River Palm (A basic technique, easy to comprehend.)
Second Stele – Sky Piercing Spear (A mid-tier technique, difficult for average disciples.)
Third Stele – Nine Heavens Tempest Slash (An advanced technique, extremely difficult.)
The crowd hesitated.
Even Feng Chen frowned slightly.
'The Nine Heavens Tempest Slash… this technique requires at least a week to fully comprehend.'
Long Tian?
He casually walked up to the Third Stele.
Then, without hesitation—placed his palm against the ancient inscriptions.
A surge of profound knowledge flooded his mind.
Most would be overwhelmed.
Long Tian?
His Fate Eyes flashed.
Deciphering speed increased.
Qi circulation pathways revealed.
Technique mastery accelerated.
The comprehension process that should have taken days—happened in mere moments.
Ten minutes later…
Long Tian removed his hand.
The elder's eyes widened in shock.
"You… you're done?"
Long Tian smirked.
"I've already mastered it."
The entire crowd turned silent.
Even Feng Chen's brows furrowed slightly.
A technique that required a week… comprehended in minutes?
---
A crystal sphere was used to verify each applicant's age.
Feng Chen stepped forward.
"Feng Chen, sixteen years old. Acceptable."
He glanced at Long Tian.
Long Tian stepped forward.
"Long Tian, seventeen years old. Acceptable."
The elder nodded.
"You have all passed the first three trials. Tomorrow, you will enter the Secret Realm for the final test."
Long Tian smirked slightly.
'Finally, a real test.'
---
End of Chapter 11