The sect bell tolled three times, its echo rolling across the mountains like thunder. Disciples everywhere froze, then excitement swept through them like wildfire.
"The Core Trial is starting!"
"Finally! Every three years, the sect holds this exam. If you pass, you can earn Core Disciple qualifications!"
"Core Disciples get the best pills, the best techniques, the best everything..."
Li Ming tilted his head. "Core... Trial? What’s that? Sounds like a fancier breakfast menu."
A junior beside him gasped. "Senior Brother, it’s not about food! This is the exam to determine the next generation of the sect’s elites. Even Inner Disciples struggle to pass!"
Li Ming’s eyes sparkled. Best pills, huh? Now we’re talking.
Gathering at the Main Plaza
The disciples gathered in the sect’s main plaza, a massive space paved with blue stone, with the sect’s ancient totem rising in the center. Elders floated above on clouds of qi, their robes billowing majestically.
Elder Feng’s voice rang out like a bell. "Disciples of Azure Sky Sect! Today begins the Core Trial. Only those with true talent and determination will succeed. Those who falter... shall remain ordinary."
The disciples roared in response.
Elder Han stroked his beard, smiling. "This year’s trial is interesting. We have many promising talents... and a few unexpected ones." His gaze lingered on Li Ming.
Li Ming waved up at him cheerfully. "Hi Elder! Don’t worry, I’ll make you proud!"
Elder Feng’s eyebrow twitched. This boy again...
A formation lit up across the plaza, projecting glowing words into the air:
First Stage – The Forest of Trials
Enter the spirit forest. Get full chapters from novel⦿fire.net
Collect three spirit tokens hidden inside.
Avoid or defeat the beasts guarding them.
Time limit: three days.
"Spirit beasts?" Li Ming muttered. "Are we talking rabbits or dragons?"
A disciple nearby snorted. "Even the weakest beast inside is as strong as a Qi Refining 5th Stage cultivator. Some can crush early Foundation Establishment. You’re dead meat."
Li Ming grinned. "Perfect. More exercise before dinner."
Hundreds of Inner Disciples lined up, qi flaring with confidence. Among them were names whispered with awe:
Guo Wei’s Senior Brother, Bai Chen – Qi Refining 8th Stage, calm and ruthless.
Lin Xue, a cold-faced beauty who wielded twin swords.
And of course, Lan Yue, standing gracefully with the air of an untouchable goddess.
When she stepped forward, the crowd went silent. Everyone knew she was already Foundation Establishment 3rd Stage—far beyond most of the competitors.
Li Ming, standing a little too close, gave her a cheerful wave. "Hey Senior Sister Lan! Want to team up? I promise I won’t slow you down. Much."
"No one dares talk to her like that!"
Lan Yue’s lips curved ever so slightly. "Focus on surviving first, Junior Brother."
The crowd nearly fainted. She answered him again?!
Wu Jian, standing nearby, gritted his teeth until his jaw creaked. Why does she always respond to him?!
With a wave of Elder Yue’s hand, the formation opened, revealing a massive forest glowing with mist. Roars echoed from within, shaking the air.
Disciples surged forward like a flood, weapons drawn, qi blazing.
Li Ming strolled in casually, whistling. "Not bad. Smells like steamed buns in here. Oh wait, that’s just me."
A tiger-shaped spirit beast leapt from the shadows, qi swirling around its claws. Disciples screamed and scattered.
Li Ming blinked. "Whoa, kitty! You want a bun?"
The beast roared, lunging at him.
Dust exploded as Li Ming’s fist met its jaw, sending it tumbling back into the trees with a whimper.
The watching disciples froze.
"...Did he just... one-punch a Qi Refining 5th Stage beast?!"
Li Ming dusted his hands. "Good kitty. Now, where’s my token?"
Lan Yue, walking deeper into the forest, paused. She glanced back once, sensing the faint ripple of power from Li Ming’s strike.
He’s only Qi Refining 3rd Stage, yet he fights like someone much higher. Just what are you hiding, Li Ming?
The jade slip in Li Ming’s robe pulsed faintly, whispering:
> "The Core Trial... is only the beginning."
Li Ming grinned. "Hehe. Then let’s make it fun. Three tokens, three days? Please. I’ll grab them before dinner."
And thus, the Core Trial Arc began.
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