Biting winds swept through the central square of Ice Seal City, yet the enormous ice crystal stage at its center was as warm as spring. Icewave Academy's selection had entered its second stage-the comprehension test. This test assessed the cultivators' ability to grasp the academy's exclusive combat techniques.
Vice Dean Venerable Han Xing stood on the stage, his gaze sweeping over all the contestants. "For this test, each of you will receive a manual for one of the academy's exclusive combat techniques. Your score will depend on how thoroughly you comprehend it within the allotted time."
As he finished speaking, ice-blue manuals were distributed to every contestant. Ye Lingyun accepted his manual. The title "Icewave Secret Sword" was engraved prominently on its cover, and a light brush of his fingertips let him feel the icy sword intent contained within.
"Begin the test!" the vice dean called.
The contestants closed their eyes and focused, beginning to study the combat technique in the manual. Ye Lingyun slowly closed his eyes as well. His mind sank into the manual, and the system's notification sounded in his head.
Mission: Comprehend the Icewave Secret Sword. Reward: Increased comprehension.
Within Ye Lingyun's consciousness, the system's assistance quietly activated. The previously obscure text became exceptionally clear in his eyes, each word seeming to carve itself into his mind. Every sword form in the manual ceased to be mere lines and movements and became a vivid scene, as though he could witness its execution firsthand.
His spirit seemed to resonate with the sword intent in the manual. The path of every strike and the profound meaning of every form slowly unfolded within his heart. He could feel the sharpness and exquisite precision of the moves, along with the deeper meaning they held. As time passed, his understanding of the Icewave Secret Sword grew ever deeper, as though he had absorbed the entire manual into his very marrow.
Meanwhile, the other contestants were still struggling to comprehend their manuals. Some furrowed their brows, while others made attempt after attempt, yet they remained unable to truly grasp its mysteries. By comparison, Ye Lingyun's progress was astonishingly swift. In just a few minutes, he had fully comprehended the essence of the Icewave Secret Sword.
Not only that, with the system's assistance, he had also innovated several of its forms, making them better suited to his own style and characteristics. These new moves made his swordplay more fluid and versatile, greatly increasing its power.
When he opened his eyes, a confident smile appeared on his face. He knew this Icewave Secret Sword would give him a greater advantage in the competition. Now, he only needed to wait for the competition to begin and demonstrate his strength. When the bell signaling the end of the allotted time rang, Ye Lingyun opened his eyes, a bright light shining within them. He gently opened the manual to display the annotations and improvements he had made.
The vice dean took the manual and scanned Ye Lingyun's annotations, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. "You not only fully comprehended the Icewave Secret Sword, but even introduced innovations. This has been rare throughout all our past selections."
Ye Lingyun smiled faintly, his voice calm and confident. "I merely did what I should."
The vice dean nodded, a hint of appreciation in his gaze.
The surrounding contestants cast envious and admiring looks his way. Ye Lingyun's name spread through the crowd, and he was regarded as the Child of Ice, a genius with tremendous potential in ice cultivation.
Biting winds swept through the central square of Ice Seal City, which lay blanketed in ice and snow, yet the enormous ice crystal stage at its center radiated a faint, warm glow. Icewave Academy's selection had entered its final stage-the willpower test. This test assessed the firmness of the cultivators' resolve.
Vice Dean Venerable Han Xing stood on the stage, his gaze sweeping over all the contestants. "For this test, you will enter the snow and ice illusion. Within it, you will face all manner of temptations and fears. Only a truly steadfast will can see through the illusion and complete the test."
As he finished speaking, beams of ice-blue light shot from the Ice Crystal Orb at the center of the stage, enveloping all the contestants. Ye Lingyun's vision blurred. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing on a vast, boundless snowfield.
"Is this the snow and ice illusion?" Ye Lingyun murmured. His gaze swept his surroundings, taking in an endless expanse of white ice and snow, howling winds, and swirling snowflakes.
Suddenly, a melodious song drifted toward him, filled with endless temptation, as though beckoning him somewhere. Ye Lingyun's gaze sharpened. Behind him, the phantom of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox slowly emerged, its nine tails swaying gently and radiating a faint glow.
"Illusion, shatter!" Ye Lingyun shouted sharply. The power of his Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox martial soul erupted in that instant. The song vanished at once, and the illusion around him began to crumble.
Ye Lingyun appeared on the ice crystal stage once more, a satisfied smile on his face. He could feel that his willpower had improved tremendously in that moment.
"Ye Lingyun, your results are outstanding. You have been accepted into Icewave Academy." A hint of appreciation colored the vice dean's voice.
As the test continued, more and more contestants were sent out of the illusion. Confusion lingered in their eyes; clearly, they had yet to fully recover from it.
Finally, once all the contestants had completed the test, the vice dean announced the results. "A total of 179 people have passed this selection and will join Icewave Academy."
Cheers erupted from the crowd, their sound crashing against everyone's hearts like surging ocean waves. The cultivators who had passed wore joyful smiles, their eyes shining with excitement and pride. They knew this was an important turning point in their cultivation journeys, and a new starting point in the pursuit of their dreams.
Ye Lingyun stood quietly amid the crowd, his figure seeming somewhat lonely, yet his gaze passed beyond the cheering throng toward the distant horizon. A profound resolve and longing shone in his eyes, as though he could already see the road his future would take. He knew this selection was merely the beginning of his journey among the stars. Countless challenges still awaited his conquest.
Ye Lingyun drew a deep breath, taking in the fervent atmosphere around him as a powerful surge of motivation welled up within. He decided to use this selection as an opportunity to keep improving his strength and pursue higher realms. He believed that, so long as he persevered in his efforts, he would surely achieve his goals and become a truly powerful cultivator.
Amid the lively scene, Ye Lingyun's heart remained calm and resolute. He silently told himself that no matter what hardships or setbacks he faced, he must never abandon his dreams. He would forge his own glory with his own hands and become the focus of everyone's attention. As the cheers gradually subsided, Ye Lingyun turned and left, leaving behind a solitary yet resolute figure. His steps were light and strong as he advanced toward an unknown future.
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