For the next week, Li Yao remained in quiet seclusion, his mind entirely focused on comprehending the Blazing Heart Flame Scripture. Compared to the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra, this new fire scripture was fiercer, more temperamental, and required an innate understanding of fire intent to truly harmonize with its essence.
Though progress was slow, Li Yao gradually began to grasp the rhythm of the technique. Its power was immense- he could feel that, if mastered, it would elevate his fire qi's quality to a level far purer and deadlier.
More than once, he considered using the Heavenly Observation System's Insight function to accelerate his understanding. But each time he opened the function, the spiritual stone requirement mocked him. He was running low, and he hadn't the face to ask his master for more. After all, the old deacon had already given him so much- an advanced cultivation method, guidance, protection, and even a spot in the upcoming secret realm.
With a sigh, Li Yao rose from the lotus position. The time for the tournament had come. This wasn't like the small-scale competitions among outer disciples- this time, it would be held at Starforge Peak, a place known for its blazing furnaces and inner disciples skilled in artifact refining.
As he made his way through the sect, he noticed a shift in the atmosphere. Disciples, both inner and outer, buzzed with anticipation. At the plaza of Starforge Peak, a wide stone platform had been set up, surrounded by banners bearing the insignias of all nine peaks.
One by one, the elders arrived, each taking their seat upon a raised pavilion reserved for the sect's highest authorities:
Elder Mo of Pillfire Peak, his robes scented faintly of medicinal herbs.
Elder Lin of Verdant Sigil Peak, a refined woman with a serene presence and eyes like deep wells of insight.
Elder Chu of Starforge Peak, his thick arms crossed, beard scorched from long hours near the forge.
Elder Qiu of Ironbody Peak, a stern-looking woman whose footsteps left faint cracks in the stone.
Elder Zhao of Swordwind Peak, his aura sharp like unsheathed blades.
Elder Zhao of Formless Array Peak, the elegant elder Li Yao had heard of, graceful yet unfathomable.
And finally, Sect Leader Yu Zhen of Emberheart Peak, a man whose presence seemed to set the air itself aflame.
Once the pavilions quieted, Sect Leader Bai Lie stepped forward, his voice echoing through the valley.
"Disciples of Embercloud, today we gather not just to admire strength, but to seek potential. The ancient Grand Mydraid Heaven Secret Realm shall open soon, and the six places offered in this tournament will not be given to the strongest, but to those we deem most worthy. Talents hidden, yet waiting to bloom. Let the trials begin."
A wave of excitement swept through the crowd.
One by one, disciples stepped forward onto the platform. Some displayed combat prowess, others formation mastery, and a few even revealed rare spiritual affinities or talents. The Golden Core elders observed quietly, making notes of each participant's name, age, cultivation realm, and skill category.
Then came Lan Yue, now the personal disciple of Elder Lin. Dressed in sky-blue robes that shimmered faintly with sigil light, she bowed and introduced herself.
"Lan Yue, age nineteen. Foundation Establishment-First Stage. Talisman crafting: Grade One, Top Tier."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
At just nineteen, she had already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. Not only that, her talent as a talisman maker placed her among the best in the sect.
Elder Lin smiled faintly, her pride evident.
After some more participants came Yan Mu, clad in a battle robe with twin swords strapped to his back. He bowed with calm precision.
"Yan Mu. Eighteen years of age. Foundation Establishment- First Stage. Swordwind Dual Blade Arts—Inner Core Level."
When the mock combat demonstration began, his blades flashed like lightning across the stage. His technique blended agility with ferocity, drawing cheers from the crowd. Even Elder Zhao of Swordwind Peak gave a rare nod of approval.
Then came Wei Shan.
He stepped forward modestly, bowing low.
"Wei Shan. Twenty-five years. Foundation Establishment-First Stage. Formations: Capable of drawing Mid-Grade Level 2 Arrays."
This caused a stir.
To comprehend mid-grade formations within a year of reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm was almost unheard of. Even Elder Chu furrowed his brows in surprise.
Only Elder Zhaoof Formless Array Peak remained calm, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she looked at her third disciple.
"Remarkable," murmured Elder Mo. "To reach that level in such a short time…"
A few more disciples followed some skilled in beast taming, some in refining, and others in rare arts like spiritual cooking and music cultivation. Each displayed their strengths to the best of their ability.
Meanwhile, Li Yao remained at the edge of the crowd, watching silently.
He did not participate.
He didn't need to. His master had already informed him that four spots were pre-reserved—his own included.
Still, as he observed Lan Yue's grace, Yan Mu's ferocity, and Wei Shan's refined control over formations, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of determination. They were the rising stars of Embercloud Sect- and soon, he would stand among them, not just in potential, but in recognition.
After all performances concluded, Sect Leader stood once more.
"You have all shown admirable dedication," he announced. "But our decision cannot be rushed. Over the next seven days, we shall deliberate and assess each of your talents and potential contributions to the upcoming expedition. The six chosen will be announced thereafter."
The crowd bowed in unison.
As the elders departed, discussions erupted throughout the plaza. Who would be selected? Which peak would earn the most spots? And just how dangerous was this secret realm to require such scrutiny?
But Li Yao turned and left quietly. He knew his place was already secured. The true test wasn't getting in- it would come inside the secret realm itself.
Returning to his modest residence, he changed into training robes and headed to a clearing behind the herbal garden. Drawing his axe, he began practicing Crimson Cleave, the fierce axe technique he'd refined over the past month.
Now that his fire qi had fully merged with his dantian, the technique surged with power. Each swing carved glowing arcs into the air, heat trailing behind the blade.
In just a few swings, his dantian was nearly emptied.
"Still just one full-powered strike," he muttered, frowning. "My qi capacity hasn't caught up with the technique yet."
He sat cross-legged, beginning the cycle of qi refinement to replenish his energy. As twilight fell, a faint glow surrounded his form.