Subduing the Cliff

Atop the cliff, a silver-robed deacon stepped forward. "Each of you has only five breaths to prepare."

"Let us begin."

"Everyone, get ready."

The atmosphere atop the cliff abruptly changed.

Clang! Shing!

The scrape of weapons leaving their sheaths rose one after another.

Tens of thousands of prodigies drew their weapons and magical treasures, holding their breaths and focusing their minds.

"First."

Holding a jade slip, the silver-robed deacon swept his gaze across the crowd and announced a name. "Wu Tian."

A stir ran through the Special Training Camp.

"I didn't expect Wu Tian to go first."

"He's reached the third layer of true intent. Let's see how he does."

Lu Zhen stood at the back of the crowd as well, arms folded across his chest, watching with interest.

"Whew." Barefoot, Wu Tian strode out of the crowd.

He drew a deep breath. His muscles suddenly bulged, and a wild, ferocious aura erupted from him.

The third layer of true intent!

A hundred and thirtyfold amplification!

"Ring for me!"

Wu Tian roared, drawing his energy into his right fist before smashing it into the pitch-black cliff face.

Boom—

A deep, muffled impact rang out.

The cliff face did not budge.

But a moment later...

Behind the cliff face, the ancient bells suspended in the void began to tremble.

Dong!

Dong! Dong!

The tolling spread continuously from near to far.

Ten bells.

Twenty bells.

Only upon reaching the twenty-seventh bell did the tolling finally cease, its echoes lingering through the sea of clouds.

"Twenty-seven resonances," the silver-robed deacon announced expressionlessly. "A pass. Between a fourth-class and third-class Dao Academy."

Quite a few people atop the cliff silently shook their heads.

"The third layer of true intent, and only twenty-seven resonances?"

Watching Wu Tian return to the crowd with an ashen face,