Three days after the village farewell, the group stood before three gates—each carved into the mountain face like mouths leading into different destinies.
Chen Yu watched from atop a nearby ridge, cloaked in a plain travel robe, his presence concealed by spiritual suppression. He had promised to walk beside them, yes—but not with them. Not yet.
> [System Notice: Observation Mode Active]
Monitoring external cultivation techniques and trial frameworks.
Legacy Experience may be assimilated.
Below, the entrance exams began.
Verdant Sky Sect's gate shimmered with wind-light illusions. Lin Yue stood tall at the front of a line of hopefuls, all brandishing swords. Her trial? Swiftly ascend a staircase of floating platforms suspended in the air, each responding to spiritual pressure. A misstep would send her plummeting.
With a focused breath, Lin Yue launched upward—each leap a perfect arc, blade in hand. Others stumbled. She did not.
> Trial Result: Passed – Third Highest Record
Verdant Sky Instructor: "Your footwork sings like the wind. Welcome."
Chen Yu allowed a faint smile. She will become a sword that the heavens fear.
At the Crimson Flame Hall, Zhang Fei stood in a stone arena surrounded by roaring flames. His challenge was to survive five minutes against an elemental beast conjured by flame core energy. He trembled—but did not retreat.
The beast lunged, and Zhang Fei dodged clumsily, but then clenched his fists. Fire burst from his palm—raw, untamed—but real.
He didn't overpower the beast.
He outlasted it, eyes wild with determination.
> Trial Result: Passed – Spirit Flame Spark Ignited
Flame Elder: "Rough… but real. We'll mold you."
At the peaceful pond of the Azure Lotus Temple, Monk Shi sat opposite a robed elder. His trial was different: a test of spiritual resonance. They would chant, and the one who lost focus would fail.
The chanting began.
Hours passed. One aspirant collapsed. Then another.
But Shi's breath never wavered. By the fifth hour, even the elder opened his eyes, surprised.
> Trial Result: Passed – Lotus Breath Harmony Achieved
Temple Monk: "You carry peace like armor. Enter, little one."
Chen Yu exhaled slowly, pride settling in his chest like warm sunlight.
They had each taken their first step toward greatness.
> [System Update: Companions Registered]
Lin Yue: Sword Spirit Rising – Ally Tier 1
Zhang Fei: Flame-Blood Aspirant – Ally Tier 1
Shi: Lotus Vessel – Ally Tier 1
Chen Yu turned from the ridge, stepping into the deeper paths of the mountain where no sect banners flew. His journey was not bound to walls or trials.
His test would come in the wilderness, in the shadows of forgotten ruins, and against those who had once called him king.
> Quest Activated: Walk the Sovereign's Path – Find the Ruins of Tianlong Keep
Objective: Reclaim the Sovereign's Legacy. Step One: Survive.