Chapter 15: The Brilliance That Could Not Be Hidden

The next day, as the sky still shimmered with the pale silver of dawn, Tian Jue arrived at the recruitment grounds.

He froze.

Five long lines—each stretching with over a hundred people—wound down the stone street like patient rivers of ambition. Teenagers, young adults, and even a few older cultivators stood anxiously, whispering about the famed Shenxian Sect.

This many people… and it's not even sunrise yet.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of incense and mountain pine. At the entrance to the wide plaza, robed outer disciples of Shenxian Sect moved with quiet authority, guiding applicants and maintaining order.

Tian Jue approached one of the disciples, a young man with a sword strapped to his back and the quiet confidence of someone who'd fought his way through at least a dozen spirit beasts.

When the disciple noticed the recommendation token Tian Jue held, he raised a brow in surprise. But the moment his eyes landed on the engraved name—Qiang De—his demeanor shifted entirely.

From aloof supervisor to something like… respectful acquaintance.

"Please follow me," he said quickly, bowing slightly. "The Deacon must see you."

The disciple led Tian Jue through the outer crowds and into the inner assessment courtyard. Wide, paved with spirit-inscribed tiles, the space was divided into three sections:

The Spirit Root Examination.

The Qi Absorption Test.

And the Combat Evaluation Ground.

As they stepped in, a middle-aged man with a short beard and robe lined with silver thread approached.

He took the recommendation token and examined the inscription.

"Qiang De?" His eyes widened slightly. "He's an inner disciple… and not the type to give these out lightly. In fact," he added, "he's never recommended anyone before."

He looked up at Tian Jue and smiled. "You've already got one foot inside Shenxian Sect."

Tian Jue offered a polite nod, concealing the wave of cautious pride that rose in his chest.

Qiang De… You really went above and beyond.

When one applicant finished the spirit root test—a simple flicker of blue and green—the deacon waved Tian Jue forward.

The moment his hand touched the Spirit Root Tablet, something incredible happened.

All five elemental colors erupted into radiant light, shining so brilliantly the surrounding disciples had to shield their eyes. At the same time, the stone chimed, echoing through the entire courtyard like a bell struck by destiny.

The crowd quieted. Even the birds in the sky seemed to pause.

The Deacon blinked, stunned. He took a step forward, studying the light. "The stone… only rings when it detects more than five roots… and this glow…" he shook his head slowly, "…you're compatible with at least six elemental attributes."

Tian Jue, keeping calm on the surface, lowered his hand.

Inwardly, he sighed. So much for staying low-key.

The Deacon didn't even wait for the next test.

"Tell me," he asked, eyes narrowing slightly, "have you already begun cultivating?"

Tian Jue gave a small shake of his head. "Not yet."

The deacon's pupils contracted.

No cultivation, yet that kind of root? He'll break through like a wildfire in the rain.

They walked past the qi absorption area without stopping. "We'll move straight to the combat evaluation," the Deacon said.

In the combat ring, a 1.7-meter-tall puppet stood waiting. Reinforced with bronze plates and inscribed with simple formations, it mimicked the power and speed of real cultivators at varying levels.

"What cultivation stage would you like to face?" an examiner asked.

Tian Jue thought for a moment. "Eighth stage of Qi Refinement."

A few chuckled nearby. Most applicants could barely spar with the fourth.

The examiner nodded and activated the puppet.

What happened next lasted barely two seconds.

The puppet launched forward—but before it could stabilize its stance, Tian Jue's fist exploded forward, smashing it backward. Then, with a flick of his wrist, his chained needle whipped through the air, wrapped around the puppet's neck, and smashed it to the edge of the platform.

Silence.

"…He hasn't cultivated," someone whispered.

The examiners looked at each other, stunned. It made sense now—his power came from physique refinement, not spiritual energy.

But even so…

What kind of body did this child possess?

Tian Jue turned and bowed. Calm. Controlled.

Inside, however, he was annoyed.

That was too much. I should've held back more.

But it was too late.

The brilliance of his spirit root, combined with that display of physical strength, had cemented him in the minds of every examiner here.

After a quiet discussion with another senior examiner, the Deacon returned and handed Tian Jue a silver token carved with a dragon's face.

"You've passed. Come to the plaza tomorrow morning. You'll be brought to Shenxian Sect aboard a flying beast convoy."

Tian Jue accepted the token and bowed once again.

As he walked away from the testing ground, whispers followed him.

Some curious.

Some envious.

Others… calculating.

But Tian Jue said nothing.

In my past life, I stood at the peak of strength—but it brought me enemies more than friends. I won't climb recklessly this time.

He gripped the dragon-faced token tightly.

Let the world watch. I'll rise as I see fit—on my terms.

To be continued…