Inner Sect Preliminary Selection (1)

The sky had just begun to lighten, dawn's rays not yet piercing the clouds, when the Ziyang Sect's outer sect Training Ground was already packed with a sea of people.

Thousands of Outer Sect Disciples, clad in uniform Gray Disciple Robes, stood in neat rows across the vast square, each face a mix of tension and anticipation. On the high platform, dozens of deacon elders sat in formal array, led by the Chief Deacon Elder of the outer sect. He wore a Green Daoist Robe, his expression stern, and as his gaze swept over the disciples below, the clamorous square fell silent in an instant.

Shen Hao and Zhang Shan stood in the middle of the formation, both with palms slightly damp with sweat.

At the hour of Chen, the Chief Deacon Elder rose and announced in a clear voice, "All Outer Sect Disciples, today's Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment consists of three parts—Cultivation Test, Sword Art Assessment, and Combat Competition. The top one hundred in combined scores across all three assessments will be promoted to Inner Sect Disciples! Now, the first assessment, the Cultivation Test, officially begins!"

As his words fell, the ground at the center of the square slowly split open, and a Spirit Testing Pillar, pure white and gleaming, rose from beneath. Its surface was carved with intricate, arcane patterns, radiating a faint spiritual light—clearly no ordinary object.

"Disciples, step forward in order and place your palm against the Spirit Testing Pillar. First Layer of Qi Condensation shows white light, Second Layer yellow, Third Layer green, Fourth Layer blue. The brighter the light, the deeper your cultivation!" The Chief Deacon Elder's voice, amplified by Spiritual Energy, carried clearly to every corner of the square.

The disciples quickly formed a long line and stepped up one by one to test. Soon, the elder's voice rang out in succession.

"Wang Hu, Early Qi Refining Third Layer!" "Li Qing, Late Qi Refining Second Layer!" "Zhang Shan, Early Qi Refining Second Layer!"

After Zhang Shan finished testing, he jogged back to Shen Hao's side, rubbing his hands nervously. "Senior Brother Shen, I'm only at Early Qi Refining Second Layer. I wonder if I can make up for it in the later assessments."

"Don't worry, there are still two more assessments. Just do your best." Shen Hao patted his shoulder and comforted him warmly.

Soon, it was Shen Hao's turn.

He took a deep breath, walked slowly to the Spirit Testing Pillar, and gently placed his palm against it. In an instant, a stream of pure Spiritual Energy surged from his palm into the pillar. The pillar erupted in a dazzling, brilliant green light, so radiant it surpassed every disciple tested before him, even showing signs of condensing into solid form, casting a green glow over all those nearby.

On the high platform, a flicker of surprise passed through the Chief Deacon Elder's eyes, and he announced loudly, "Shen Hao, Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer!"

The moment the words fell, the square erupted into chaos. Disciples turned their heads, voices rising in a buzz of discussion. "What? Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer! Who is this Shen Hao? I've never heard his name before!" "I remember he only joined the outer sect three months ago. This cultivation speed is insane! He's practically a monster!" "He's definitely secured a spot as an Inner Sect Disciple this time! Maybe he'll even break into the top ten!"

Shen Hao bowed respectfully to the elder, then returned to his place in the formation with a calm expression. Zhang Shan looked at him, admiration clear in his eyes, and whispered, "Senior Brother Shen, you're amazing!"

Shen Hao smiled but said nothing. Only he knew that behind that dazzling green light lay countless days and nights of bitter training and sweat, the support of his Companion Jade Pendant and the Spirit Devouring Art, and the persistence of breaking through bottleneck after bottleneck.