The celebration had softened into a warm evening hum. Plates had been cleared, wine nearly gone, and laughter gave way to comfortable silence. Master Yuan set his cup down with a gentle tap.
"Now that the engagement is settled," he said, voice calm but deliberate, "we should speak of the next step."
Lin Hao and Qingyue turned toward him at once.
"The entrance trials for the top universities begin soon," he continued. "Have you made your decision?"
Qingyue glanced at Lin Hao. He returned the look with a slight nod. They had spoken of this countless times.
"We're applying to the Military Academy," she answered.
Lin Hao added, "We'd rather test ourselves on the field than sit through theory behind a desk."
General Yuan leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table.
"You're aware the trials this year won't be lenient. The military is looking for warriors, not students. Injury is expected. Elimination is common."
Lin Hao didn't waver. "We're ready."
Qingyue's eyes didn't leave the general's. "We know the risks."
Master Yuan smiled faintly. "Then make these final two weeks count. Push your limits."
—
Two weeks passed in relentless discipline. Lin Hao and Qingyue rose before dawn, sparred until exhaustion, soaked in medicinal baths, then refined techniques and internal stability long into the night. Their strength deepened. Their coordination sharpened. By the final day, their movements had become instinctive—two blades honed for battle.
On the morning of the trials, the entrance to the Central Military Testing Grounds loomed ahead. Iron gates stretched high and wide, decorated with gold banners fluttering in the wind. Dozens of recruits stood in clusters—some bearing emblems from martial sects, others from noble houses.
Lin Hao and Qingyue walked side by side, dressed in modest, unmarked combat uniforms. Their presence drew occasional glances, quiet whispers among those who had heard rumors—but they ignored them.
At the check-in point, a stone-faced officer stood behind a desk stacked with scrolls and nameplates.
"Name. Age. Current Body Cultivation level," the man said briskly, not looking up.
"Lin Hao. Seventeen. Peak Stage One," Lin Hao replied.
The man paused for a moment. "Confirmed."
He turned to Qingyue.
"Yuan Qingyue. Seventeen. Peak Stage One," she answered clearly.
The officer's pen scratched over the scroll. "Proceed."
No mention was made of Mind Cultivation. As expected, such details were kept confidential—especially for those trained in private.
Beyond the checkpoint, the training ground opened up. Sparring arenas, weighted track lanes, obstacle towers, and rows of spears lined the horizon. Hundreds of candidates moved between zones, most wearing confident expressions. Others scanned the area, already evaluating potential rivals.
"Seems like everyone who thinks they're strong showed up," Qingyue said under her breath.
Lin Hao nodded. "Let's show them they're not the only ones."
They walked into the fray together, heads high. The trials had begun.