The seven peaks of the Seven Valley Sect towered like ancient guardians beneath the morning sun, each casting long, jagged shadows across the vast complex below. Jin Hao stood still as the disciples dispersed, his sharp eyes scanning the landscape before him. The wind carried the scent of pine and incense, blending with the faint hum of spiritual formations resonating through the mountains. It was unlike anything he had experienced before.
This was no longer just a trial ground. This was home—for now.
Jin Hao had passed the Seven Heavens Trial, his illusions tempered by pain and determination. He had emerged with more than just survival; he had emerged transformed.
Assigned to Serpent Peak, a place known for its emphasis on body cultivation and silent training, Jin Hao felt oddly at ease. The quiet energy of the valley resonated with him. The peaks were dotted with ancient training halls, stone pavilions shaped like coiling serpents, and carved murals depicting the Sect's beast-taming traditions.
He walked through the winding path, lined with glowing spirit lamps and jade trees, his thoughts drifting to the others—Su Yang, Lin Xue, and that Ice Serpent Valley girl whose name he hadn't learned yet. Each of them had faced their own demons in the Seven Heavens Trial, yet Jin Hao couldn't help but feel his path was somehow heavier.
"I have to grow stronger," he muttered, his hand instinctively brushing the faint scar across his chest—the one gifted to him by the beast illusion in his fifth trial. "If I want to protect anyone… If I want to find the one who ruined my clan…"
The distant cry of a spirit eagle echoed above. Jin Hao looked up. A rider from the inner sect flew past, his robe marked with the Core Foundation emblem. Power rolled off him in waves—serene, yet awe-inspiring. It reminded Jin Hao how far he still had to go.
A disciple clad in violet robes approached. "Are you Jin Hao of the outer sect?" the youth asked, his tone respectful but reserved.
"I am."
"You've been summoned to the Serpent Peak Pavilion for orientation. The elders wish to address all new disciples."
Jin Hao nodded. He followed the disciple toward the largest structure at the peak's base—a temple-like building etched into the side of the cliff, where carved serpent statues hissed frozen in time. Inside, several new disciples were already assembled.
Among them, Jin Hao noticed a few familiar faces from the trial. He also noticed how some looked at him with curiosity—others, with veiled hostility. News had already spread that he had landed among the top ten trial performers.
An elder, his face weathered and pale like old parchment, stepped up to the altar at the front. His voice was sharp and clear. "Welcome to Serpent Peak. You are now outer disciples of the Seven Valley Sect. Some of you come from noble families, others from obscurity. It matters not. The Sect does not raise cowards or fools. Here, strength is truth."
Jin Hao clenched his fists. That phrase—Strength is truth—felt carved into his bones.
"You will be expected to train daily, complete sect missions, and hone your cultivation. You may compete in duels to climb the rankings. But you will also earn gold coins through contribution, which can be used to purchase cultivation manuals, pills, and access to higher levels of the library."
Jin Hao's ears perked up at that. Gold coins were still the primary currency, and he had barely enough left after buying his first set of basic manuals.
The elder continued. "Our cultivation system follows the ancient Mortal Path: from Skin Refinement all the way to Core Foundation. Many of you are already at Bone or Blood Tempering. Good. But remember—many die before even reaching Organ Refinement. Few reach the Core."
A chill passed through the room.
"As new outer disciples, you'll begin your path here. If you prove yourself, the inner sect awaits. Fail, and you will simply vanish in history."
Jin Hao inhaled slowly. He had no intention of vanishing.
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"Still so much to grow," he murmured. His Blood Tempering stage gave him high vitality and decent power, but his soul and organ realms were far off.
His thoughts drifted to Su Yang again—the strange boy who, despite being in Bone Tempering, had stood toe to toe with Sun Xiyan. His spiritual pressure and body refinement were abnormal.
"Who are you really, Su Yang?" Jin Hao muttered.
He remembered the way Su Yang had looked during the trial—not arrogant, not bloodthirsty, but sharp, composed, and fearless. It was unlike anyone Jin Hao had met.
A knock came at the door. One of the violet-robed guides stood outside. "You're being called to the Spirit Beast Field tomorrow at dawn. Beast affinity test."
Jin Hao nodded. "I'll be there."
As the night deepened and stars began to scatter across the sky, Jin Hao sat cross-legged and activated his breathing technique. Streams of faint red qi flowed into his body, strengthening his blood. Around him, the soft hiss of the wind echoed—like the whisper of a serpent coiled in the darkness, waiting to strike.
Tomorrow, his next trial would begin.
And Jin Hao… would not be the same boy who walked into the Seven Valley Sect.
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