Chapter 5: Inner Disciple Selection and the First Trial.
With the confrontation and the crushing dominance of his new-found power, Lin Jian was determined to further his cultivation within the sect. He had tasted power beyond his previous limits, and he yearned to unlock even greater abilities. His sights were set on becoming an inner disciple.
The inner disciples were a select group within the sect who enjoyed privileges such as access to higher-grade cultivation techniques, better resources, and more personalized training. It was a step closer to the path of true power.
To achieve this status, Lin Jian knew he had to distinguish himself. The sect held a series of trials to select new inner disciples, and he was determined to succeed.
As it was the month of August, where the sect would hold the selection for inner disciples every year.
The first trial was a test of combat prowess. Lin Jian faced off against another outer disciple of the same realm in a martial arts arena before a crowd of the sect's disciples and elders.
The second trial—a grueling test of intellect and adaptability.The trial took place in a vast, ancient forest known as the "Mystic Grove," which was notorious for its concealed dangers. Within the forest were puzzles and traps specifically designed to challenge the cultivators' knowledge of qi manipulation.
One trap, for example, required them to balance the flow of their qi precisely to avoid activating pressure-sensitive plates on the forest floor. Another challenge involved deciphering intricate arrays that, when triggered incorrectly, would summon beasts of the qi condensing realms.
The final trial to determine the new inner disciples consisted of a series of battles. The top tenth of the rankings, would face off against each other individually.
Lin Jian, along with a few hundred fellow outer disciples, made their way through the center of the sect's duel arena, thousands were seated on the grandstands elevated on top. Spanning over a hundred meters, the arena was vast, fitting for the duels of cultivators of qi condensing realm.
Minutes passed as the contestants were each matched up against by selection at random, though a few geniuses selected to duel by the elders.
The arena buzzes with excitement as hundreds of disciples face off in duels.
However, many of these battles seem relatively uneventful, with participants evenly matched and lacking the exceptional talent that captures attention.
As the trials continue, the crowd's interest begins to wane. It isn't until a duel between two prominent geniuses that the atmosphere becomes charged with anticipation.
The boy, named Zhan Wei, is known for his exceptional strength and formidable techniques. On the other hand, the girl, Mei Ling, has earned a reputation as the most talented disciple among the outer sect members.
Their battle begins, but it quickly becomes apparent that Mei Ling is in a league of her own. With grace and precision, she outmaneuvers Zhan Wei, countering his every move effortlessly. Her mastery of techniques and qi becomes evident as she delivers a swift and decisive victory.
The elders observing the duel exchange impressed glances. One elder leans over to the other and remarks, "Mei Ling truly lives up to her reputation. She might be the top talent among our outer disciples."
The first trial continues, with occasional bouts between geniuses like Mei Ling showcasing their extraordinary abilities, leaving the spectators in awe.
However, Lin Jian, who has yet to participate, watches attentively, knowing that his turn will come soon.
Lin Jian's moment finally arrives as he steps into the arena to face his opponent, a skilled swordsman named Luo Yang. Luo Yang has a reputation for his swift and precise sword techniques, making him a formidable adversary.
Luo Yang, his voice dripping with arrogance, sneers at Lin Jian as they prepare to face off.
"You actually think you can defeat me? I've trained with the sword for years. You, on the other hand, are nothing but a talentless upstart.
Lin Jian, calm and collected, replies with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Experience can be valuable, but talent combined with dedication can surpass it. We'll see who stands victorious once we cross blades."
As soon as Lin Jian finishes speaking, Luo Yang attacks him, swinging his sword with precision and speed.
In a surprising turn of events, Lin Jian decides to end the duel swiftly. He makes a subtle hand gesture, and a condensed beam of qi forms on his index finger.
With an almost effortless flick, he releases the qi laser towards Luo Yang. The sudden burst of energy leaves the spectators in awe.
The qi laser strikes Luo Yang's sword, causing a resounding clash that echoes through the arena. However, Lin Jian's power proves overwhelming as upon contact with it, the sword disintegrates into a cloud of dust, leaving Luo Yang defenseless.
The sheer force of Lin Jian's attack sends Luo Yang hurtling backward through the arena, his body crashing into a stone wall with a thunderous impact. The wall cracks under the force of the collision, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.
The spectators are left in stunned silence as they witness the extent of Lin Jian's strength.
It's a display of power unlike anything they've seen before in these trials. Luo Yang, on the other hand, lies amidst the rubble, groaning in pain from the impact.
The referee and elders exchange wide-eyed glances, realizing that Lin Jian's abilities far surpass the norm for an outer disciple.
They quickly regain their composure, and the referee raises Lin Jian's hand in victory, declaring him the winner of the duel.
The arena erupts with applause and chatter as the disciples and elders try to process the incredible events they've just witnessed.
Lin Jian, with a calm and composed demeanor, leaves the arena, his performance leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
As he exits, whispers of his extraordinary power fill the air, and the inner disciple selection trials have just taken an unexpected turn with Lin Jian's undeniable power.
Weekly Power Status
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