The battles had ended.
Dust still hung in the air, fragments of shattered platforms drifting down like ash. The roar of the crowd faded into an uneasy hush.
One by one, the Four Hall Elders descended from their viewing platforms, their eyes fixed on a single figure standing amid the ruins—Han Xing.
Whispers rippled through the arena."He defeated all seven alone…""What kind of monster is he?"
Elder Shen Guang, master of the Flame Hall, stepped forward first. His aura burned like molten fire, his voice rumbling like distant thunder."Han Xing, join my Flame Hall, and I will grant you access to the Infernal Spirit Pool—a place to temper your body and accelerate your cultivation. Few are ever given such an opportunity."
Before Han could respond, Elder Rong Yue of the Azure Mist Hall smiled faintly, her robes flowing like mist."Join my Azure Mist Hall. I will refine your spirit and teach you the Spirit Control Art and Heart Reflection Technique—a rare cultivation method that sharpens perception, refines battle instincts, and can even strike at the soul of your opponent."
Elder Bai Yunshan of the Steel Mountain Hall crossed his arms, his voice steady as stone."Han Xing, don't rush your decision. Their offers have value, yes—but none truly suit your combat style, based on what I've seen of you. What you need is a foundation that will strengthen your body. My hall cultivates the forbidden art of unbreakable defense through the Adamant Body Sutra. It is the perfect martial art for your fighting style."
"My hall does not focus on raw strength," Elder Xue Lian of the Crimson Moon Hall said, her gaze sharp. "We specialize in long-range techniques and array arts, which may suit you. But I can see you still lack a proper method to strike effectively from a distance. If you join the Crimson Moon Hall, I will personally teach you the Starlit Array Core Technique. Even if you are only beginning now, you will emerge among the best."
She paused, pride glimmering faintly in her eyes."As a token of our commitment, you will receive a top-grade weapon, perfectly tempered to channel your Qi. Alongside it, you will gain access to rare resources—materials and elixirs that take centuries to gather elsewhere. With these, your potential will grow without limits."
The tension in the arena thickened. Even the other top students stepped back, watching as four Elders vied for the same man.
The words hung in the air, deliberate and weighty.
The other Elders froze, unease flickering across their faces.
Elder Mo Wushan's lips curved into a faint, wry smile."Hmph… the Moon Hall can offer far more than we can. Not just strength, but resources and guidance too."
Elder Yun Tianji's eyes narrowed thoughtfully."The Starlit Array Core Technique, combined with all that support… few could resist. He would grow beyond what we could provide."
The remaining two Elders exchanged glances, surprised and cautious."If the Moon Hall invests this much, our offers seem almost meaningless. We must tread carefully."
Han stood silently, eyes half-lidded, his thoughts calm and precise.Flame Hall offers the Infernal Spirit Pool—but I don't need it.Azure Mist offers ways to sharpen perception—but my Asura killing intent is enough for now.Steel Mountain offers a forbidden technique to enhance body and weapon arts—but I can advance it myself.Crimson Moon… they hold the resources and technique I need.For now, the Crimson Moon Hall is the right choice.
He could still feel the ache of battle beneath his calm, the faint hum of Qi still burning through his veins. Yet his mind remained sharp. Opportunity and danger often come together—and this was both.
Before he could answer, the air shifted.
A sudden crack echoed through the sky—like glass splintering under divine force. Space itself fractured above the arena, shimmering with streaks of gold and silver light.
Every Elder froze, their expressions turning solemn as a wave of indescribable pressure swept across the academy grounds. The air itself trembled with reverence and fear.
From the fracture, two figures emerged—radiant, timeless, and commanding. Their presence distorted the flow of Qi across the arena.
The Supreme Elders had descended.
All four Hall Elders turned their attention from Han Xing to the two Supreme Elders. They bowed deeply, and the other students quickly followed suit, showing their respect.
One Elder finally spoke, voice steady but tinged with awe."Supreme Elders… what brings you here in person?"
Yun Tianji's gaze was sharp, commanding."I have come for the girl from the Celestial Moon Sect. Will you become my disciple?"
Yue Lianhua dropped to one knee, voice steady and respectful."I am Yue Lianhua of the Celestial Moon Sect, willing to become your disciple."
Yun Tianji nodded."Good. From today onward, you shall be my second disciple."
Her eyes flicked to Mo Wushan."And you… why are you here?"
Mo Wushan's tone was calm, detached."Why would I take in a disciple?"
Yun Tianji's eyes narrowed."Then why are you here?"
Mo Wushan's gaze finally landed on Han Xing, piercing and steady.
Han's mind raced. Why is he looking at me?
A faint smile curved Mo Wushan's lips, but his eyes held a sharp intensity. Han instinctively tightened his grip on his halberd.
"You… what is your name?"
"Han Xing," he replied firmly.
A voice echoed inside his mind, calm yet commanding: Have you mastered the Violent Sky Thunder Art?
Han froze, worry threading through his thoughts. How does he know?
The voice came again, firmer this time: I ask you once more—have you mastered it?
"Yes… I have mastered it," Han admitted.
Mo Wushan laughed low, like distant thunder."Good… very good. It has been two hundred years since anyone has mastered this technique."
He extended a hand, releasing a surge of energy into Han like a living current."I give this technique to you—consider it a gift for our first meeting."
Han's eyes widened."Why… why give me this technique?"
Mo Wushan's smile deepened."The Violent Sky Thunder Art was forged for my last disciple. Now that you have mastered it, you may be considered… half my disciple as well."
Han bowed deeply."Thank you, Senior Mo, for your guidance and this gift."
Mo Wushan's laughter rumbled again, commanding yet warm."Good. Remember this well, Han Xing. Should you ever find yourself in need… call my name. I will answer—three times."
The words echoed through the arena like a divine decree. Gasps rippled through the crowd, and even the Elders were visibly shocked. A Supreme Elder's promise was worth more than any treasure.
With a sweep of his sleeve, Mo Wushan's figure rose slowly, merging into the void, leaving only the faint echo of thunder.
Han stood frozen, the residual energy still crackling around him. Envy, awe, and disbelief pressed down from every gaze.
Three favors from a Supreme Elder… The thought echoed in every mind. Just who is Han Xing?
Yun Tianji, who had remained silent, glanced at the fading ripples. A faint, knowing smile curved her lips."Still as soft-hearted as ever, Mo Wushan," she murmured.
As the last traces of thunder faded, she turned, commanding yet calm."Let us conclude. The Hall Selection Ceremony will continue as planned. Those chosen, return and prepare for your new paths."
Her gaze sharpened on Yue Lianhua."Yue'er, you will return with me. I will personally guide your cultivation from now on."
"Yes, Master," Yue Lianhua replied.
With a wave of her sleeve, spiritual light shimmered around them. Both master and disciple vanished, leaving only a faint trace of moonlight.
For a moment, the arena was silent. Han exhaled slowly, decision resolute."I've made up my mind," he said, calm yet firm."I will join the Crimson Moon Hall."
Elder Xue Lian's eyes gleamed."You have chosen wisely. I am Xue Lian. From today onward, you—Han Xing—are a disciple of the Crimson Moon Hall."
Murmurs spread across the crowd. One by one, the remaining top students chose their halls and followed their Elders, except Yue Lianhua, who went with her master.
"Everyone, the selection has come to an end! The first-place champion is… Han Xing!"
High above, the sky gradually cleared, the remnants of divine light fading. The Hall Selection Ceremony—one that would be remembered for generations—had finally concluded.