The illusion array gradually lost its glow, and the light that had bathed the trial grounds finally dimmed. The massive crowd of disciples began to murmur as the final participant—Jin Hao—stepped out of the formation with steady steps.
Moments later, a powerful spiritual pressure swept through the area like a crashing wave.
Boom!
All voices fell silent as an elder in deep purple robes floated down from above, his presence alone enough to make the weaker disciples bow their heads in reverence. His hair was like silver thread, his eyes piercing, and he radiated the aura of a master deeply rooted in the Dao.
Behind him stood other elders, each from a different participating sect.
The elder spoke with a calm, authoritative voice that echoed across the field:
> "With the conclusion of the Seven Heavens Trial, the Sect Exchange Trial is officially complete."
Cheers erupted from the crowd, but the elder raised a hand and silenced them with a glance.
> "Among the hundreds who entered, only a few have passed all three trials. These disciples have not only shown talent, strength, and heart—but also the potential to stand at the peak of this generation."
He continued, "These chosen few will now be taken to the Seven Valley Sect, where the final rankings will be announced. There, based on their overall performance, the final rewards and placements will be revealed."
Su Yang narrowed his eyes slightly. So, this was only a part of the grand event. He had passed all three trials: pressure, combat, and illusion—and now a larger stage awaited him.
Beside him, Jin Hao stood calm, while Lin Xue quietly glanced at Su Yang before looking away. Other disciples who had passed gathered together, sharing mixed feelings—nervousness, anticipation, and pride.
The elder raised his hand once more and declared, "Prepare yourselves."
Just then—
Whoooooosh!
The sky darkened momentarily as an enormous shadow passed overhead. Wind exploded outward in all directions as a majestic Level 9 Spirit Eagle descended with power that shook the very clouds.
Its feathers shimmered with a metallic sheen—gold and black layered together. Its wings spanned nearly fifty meters wide, and every flap sent gusts rolling across the hills. Each claw could crush boulders. Its sharp eyes were more intelligent than most humans.
But what drew Su Yang's attention even more than the beast itself was the man calmly sitting on its back.
He was dressed in simple white robes with a jade crown holding up his long black hair. A sword rested by his side. His cultivation aura… was terrifying.
> "Core Foundation Realm," Su Yang muttered, eyes narrowing.
This was a true expert. One whose presence could command armies. Not a mere disciple—but an inner elder or elite from one of the major sects.
The Spirit Eagle landed gracefully on the specially reinforced stone platform nearby, its claws clicking against the surface. The man standing atop it looked down at the gathered disciples with mild interest before nodding toward the elder in charge.
"Greetings, Elder Yan," the rider said.
The elder nodded back with respect. "Elder Mo, thank you for coming personally."
Su Yang observed closely. So even someone at the Core Foundation realm had been dispatched for this escort. It showed how much importance the Seven Valley Sect placed on this trial.
Elder Yan turned back to the disciples and spoke firmly:
> "You will now board the Spirit Eagle. From here, we will fly directly to the Seven Valley Sect, located in the heart of the Stormcloud Mountain Range."
> "Once there, you will be assigned your accommodations, and tomorrow the rankings and rewards will be formally declared before all sects."
Excitement flickered in many eyes.
Su Yang glanced at Max, who was sitting quietly by his feet. The little fox-beast looked up at the massive eagle with curiosity but no fear.
"Heh. You've seen scarier, haven't you?" Su Yang smiled, scratching Max's ears.
Then his gaze flickered toward Jin Hao and Lin Xue. Both nodded back, sharing the same unspoken thought:
The real competition starts now.
As the chosen disciples boarded the eagle's platform one by one, Su Yang stepped forward and placed his foot on the massive creature's back. The surface was warm—surprisingly soft—and the energy radiating from the Spirit Eagle pulsed gently under his boots.
The Core Foundation cultivator glanced his way.
A brief second passed.
Su Yang didn't lower his gaze. He offered a calm, respectful nod—and received a faint smile in return.
The eagle gave a sharp screech, spreading its wings again. All passengers were now aboard.
"Hold on," Elder Yan warned.
With a thunderous roar and an explosion of wind, the eagle launched itself skyward, tearing through the clouds with speed no ordinary beast could match. Below, the Sect Trial grounds shrank into dots, and the skies welcomed them toward the unknown lands of the Seven Valley Sect.
---