A Gathering of Saints and the Training of a Thousand Years
Dawn arrived, pale and cool, brushing against the stone terraces of the sect. The Seven Saints had gathered, their presence casting long shadows that seemed to touch the horizon. Their gazes were sharp, calculating, and powerful enough to command the attention of every disciple in the courtyard.
One of the Saints, the Saint of the Xiwu Sect, stepped forward. His voice rang clearly across the assembly.
"Every disciple from all sects will participate in the once-in-a-thousand-year training," he declared. "Each group will consist of one boy and one girl. Only those who survive all the trials will qualify to become immortals. You may quit at any point, but know this: if you die during the training, no one will take responsibility for your life. Should you find yourself in danger, quit immediately. But if you persevere and overcome every obstacle, immortality will await you. Now… line up!"
Magical prowess swirled around the disciples, arranging them into their designated pairs. Xiao Yan's pulse quickened as his gaze landed on the girl assigned to him: Mi-An.
Mi-An's eyes met his, and she let out a small, frustrated sigh. Her expression betrayed regret—Xiao Yan knew she was already aware of his lack of inner energy. She would have to carry him through the trials.
Beside them, Nem and Mi-An's friend were paired together, their auras blending seamlessly, a stark contrast to Xiao Yan and Mi-An.
Xiao Yan could barely move his thoughts past the warning of demons in the coming trials. The mention of them reminded him sharply of the Ansha and the terrifying power he had witnessed.