The first rounds went quickly. Simple formation tests — speed, control, endurance. Tian Lei passed each without much effort. His focus was on the final round: creation. Each participant had to build a self-sustaining formation that could adapt to changing attacks.
One by one, the disciples failed as their arrays collapsed under pressure. When it was Tian Lei's turn, he stepped into the circle, took a slow breath, and began.
Instead of forcing control, he followed the lesson from the underground hall — balance, not dominance. The runes he drew didn't resist each other; they flowed like water, harmonizing even as energy waves struck them. His formation bent, twisted, and shifted shape to match every attack.
When the final blast hit, it didn't break. It absorbed the energy and turned it into light.
Silence filled the arena. Then applause broke out. Even the elders looked impressed.
