The plaza fell silent as the jade-testing platform rose from the ground.
A massive slab of translucent stone, carved with intricate runes, shimmered faintly under the morning sun.
An elder's voice echoed through the mountain.
"The first test is the Jade Power Monument," he announced.
"No spiritual qi allowed. Use only your raw physical strength to strike the monument. This is to test purely your physical strength."
A murmur rippled through the candidates.
No qi?
That meant pure physique, pure bone strength, pure martial foundation.
This was a test that separated pampered geniuses from true monsters.
Hao Lo stepped forward immediately, spear still resting across his back.
He flashed a confident smile toward Fang Yuan before turning to the monument.
"Watch closely," he said loudly. "A real cultivator needs no tricks."
He planted his feet, drew back his fist, and struck the jade rock.
A thunderous crack tore through the mountain air.
