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"... ELDEST SISTER, SAVE ME!" The man looked back, laughing as if the dragon had fallen into his trap. ''You're dead'' he whispered with qi, so only the dragon could hear him.
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The morning sun rose over the snow tipped mountains, painting the skies above Moondragon City in strokes of crimson and golden purple. Beneath that dawn light, thousands of hearts drummed with the same rhythm, expectation. Farmers, children from the city, and rogue cultivators had come from every valley and town nearby, all gathering here for one purpose.
To chase the dreams of cultivation.
The northeast quadrant of the city, usually quiet under the banners of the City Lord's estate, now roared with life. Countless figures packed the vast square, young men and women, most no older than eighteen, dressed in their best robes or simple tunics.
Standing among them was Long Tianyu, hands tucked into his sleeves, gazing at the massive black and gold podium that loomed over the square. Its surface was carved with intertwining dragons and phoenixes, and rows of elegant black stools gleamed under the morning light. For now, they were empty.
Behind the podium on the ground, City Lord Gao Wuchen stood in his ornate robes, flanked by the three other pillars of Moondragon City: Clan Master Bai Xuehai, Yu Qianhe, and Xie Moran. Their families and disciples filled the space behind them, all wearing the distinct marks of their clans.
Among them stood Xie Lingxin, her chestnut hair tied into a delicate bun pinned with a jeweled flower. Beside her was Xie Wuji, his silver-threaded and white robe embroidered with pale clouds, his demeanor calm, hands folded behind his back like a man born knowing victory.
The Bai, Yu, and Gao families stood in similar clusters, proud and composed. Every member of those houses would have the privilege of being tested first, a proof of their lineage, superior over the commoners who filled the lower square.
The morning was silent, the air thick with restrained excitement. And then, far beyond the city gates, a shadow moved on the horizon.
At first, it looked like a blot of black ink spreading across parchment. Then a loud sound exploded.
ROAR!
The roar almost split the heavens. A massive red tiger burst over the ridge, its fur blazing like molten flame, each stride shaking the earth. Flames licked from its claws as it galloped toward the gates, carrying figures on its back — cultivators robed in silver, crimson, and indigo, their presence sharp as blades.
Behind the beast followed another: a hulking creature made of stone and earth, its eyes glowing orange like molten lava. The ground trembled beneath its weight.
And from the skies above, the shriek of a giant eagle tore through the wind.
Skreeee!
Wings wider than rooftops beat once, and a storm of dust spiraled down as the creature descended, landing gracefully beside the others. Its golden talons scraped sparks against the stone.
More and more demonic beasts arrived with the sect representatives.
The people in the square erupted into chaos, gasps, exclamations, even cries of fear. Mothers clutched their sons' arms; some stumbled back, trembling at the aura of those demonic beasts. Each one radiated power that could erase a hundred mortals with a single strike.
Even Long Tianyu, who usually showed no fear felt a cold ripple run down his spine.
Still, he could not look away. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and wonder. So this is the power of the sects...
His fingers tightened slightly at his side. One day, I'll ride one of those beasts. I'll soar beyond the clouds, above the moon itself.
He turned slightly toward the slender girl beside him."Qingqing," he whispered, grinning, "when I conquer a great eagle like that, I'll take you with me. We'll fly above with the stars themselves."
Hua Qingqing gave him a look, half fond, half exasperated, her calm eyes reflecting the light of the beasts. Her long sleeves brushed his arm as she crossed them."Hush," she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "Do you want them to hear you? Those people aren't to be trifled with."
Before Long Tianyu could answer, a booming voice filled the square.
"Welcome, young heroes and esteemed guests!"
City Lord Gao Wuchen stood tall at the edge of the podium, his golden robe shining in the morning sun. His smile was wide, polished, the kind that had charmed officials and cultivators alike. Behind him, the other clan masters bowed slightly, their faces solemn with practiced dignity.
The demonic beasts slowed, kneeling in unison. One by one, disciples from the various sects dismounted, over twenty of them in total, each radiating cultivation pressure that made the air shimmer. Their robes bore symbols unknown to the local crowd, crimson lotuses, moonlit cranes, lightning talons, frozen blossoms.
They climbed the steps to the black-and-gold podium and took their seats in silent grace. The crowd watched in awe, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Yet even in all that grandeur, Long Tianyu noticed something curious, of the dozens who had ridden those beasts, only a few took the seats. The rest simply stood at the side, taking care of the beasts and taking them back outside the city gates.
So only the strongest among them are chosen to represent, he thought, frowning slightly. The world's far larger than I imagined.
Gao Wuchen lifted his hand. "Bring forth the Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone!"
The words echoed through the square. A group of servants hurried forward, bearing a crystal the size of a man's head. Its surface shimmered in a soft, ethereal blue, veins of light pulsing through its core like a living heartbeat.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"The Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone…" someone whispered in awe.
"For a thousand years," Gao Wuchen began, his voice ringing with practiced authority, "Moondragon City has stood as the bridge between mortals and cultivators. Today, once more, the heavens open a path for those fated to ascend!"
He gestured grandly toward the crystal, now placed on a high pedestal below the tall podium. Its glow painted the air in shades of sapphire.
"This sacred relic reveals three truths," Gao Wuchen continued. "The strength of one's cultivation realm… your age, and the wisp of Dao that resonates within their spirit. With it, our honored guests from the sects shall choose those worthy to tread their paths. The rest" He paused, his expression sharpening. " will have to try in another three years. Also, no one older than 18 years of age is allowed to try."
A heavy silence fell again, broken only by the wind sweeping through the flags and banners.
The families of Gao, Yu, Bai, and Xie were first to move. Their members stepped proudly toward the stone, forming a line. The crowd murmured, watching them approach as if they were already halfway to immortality.
Beside Hua Qingqing, Long Tianyu clenched his fists lightly. He felt the faintest stirring in his chest, not jealousy, but determination.
Hua Qingqing glanced at him, a quiet smile playing at her lips. "We'll have our turn, Tianyu. The stone can't tell heaven who we'll become."
He nodded slowly, feeling his nerves settle.
Up on the podium, the first teenager stepped forward. Gao Liancheng's boots tapped against the polished stone floor as he approached the glowing crystal. The crowd fell into a tense silence, eyes following his every move. With calm precision, he placed his palm on the luminous surface.
The crystal flared. An attendant shouted his age, 16. It pulsed once… twice… nine times in total. Body Unification stage.
A ripple of murmurs ran through the crowd. Some gasped audibly; others whispered to each other in astonishment. Though many had expected this Gao Liancheng was of one of the Four Families, he had never attempted the test three years ago.
Then a soft azure light shot upward, casting a radiant glow, forming into a man sitting on a throne. Three figures knelt beneath him, their heads bowed in reverence. The crowd collectively inhaled. A leader, perhaps? The high chairs above, reserved for sect representatives, tilted slightly as their occupants leaned forward to watch.
"Hall of Divine Harmony invites you to join!" A deep, commanding voice echoed across the square.
"Ironheart Sect invites you to join us!"
"Thundering Sky Sect invites you to join us!"
"Golden Windblade Sect invites you to join us!"
"Scarlet Battlefield invites you to join us!"
Other sects' invitations rang out in rapid succession, each voice competing with the next. The square buzzed with energy, like a storm about to break.
Gao Liancheng's eyes narrowed in determination. "I wish to join Ironheart Sect," he said firmly.
The man above inclined his head and waved him forward. Gao Liancheng stepped down, joining his new comrades in the Ironheart Sect's entourage.
From the sidelines, Gao Wuchen clenched his fist within his sleeve, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Good for you, Liancheng.
The next figure moved with an entirely different air of elegance. Xie Wuji's long hair flowed in the morning breeze as he approached the crystal.
14 years old. Eight pulses. Spiritual Core Expansion. An azure light shot up like before, this time forming sword that flew around, lightning seemed to crackle when it moved through the air above.
A collective gasp rose from the crowd, louder than before.
"Golden Windblade Sect invites you to join!"
"Scarlet Battlefield invites you to join!"
"Heavenly Sword Temple invites you to join!"
Xie Wuji's voice rang clear and unwavering. "I wish to join Golden Windblade Sect."
The crystal's glow dimmed, and he stepped away, leaving an air of awe behind him.
One by one, the teenagers revealed their destinies. The clan masters discussed between themselves about their children's future.
Xie Lingxin joined the Heavenly Sword Temple, and Bai Hanyue joined Scarlet Battlefield. His father, Bai Xuehai, stiffened in his chair, fingers tapping subtly against the armrest. To the untrained eye, he was calm, but inside, irritation and rage roared. He forced a composed smile, a proper face for a clan master.
Then came Yu Shentong, just thirteen years old. The crystal pulsed, confirming Spiritual Core Expansion. Gasps erupted from every corner of the square. The mortals muttered among themselves. Yu Shentong accepted the invitation from Eternal Cauldron Sect.
The last of the clan members descended from the podium, their destinies set. The crowd stirred again. Hope and fear tangled like threads in every heart. A long, disciplined line formed, stretching from the crystal toward the far edges of the square. Whispers, anticipation, and the faint scent of sweat filled the air. The selection had truly begun.
One by one, teenagers went up to try.
Age 17, Marrow Cleansing stage. An azure light shot up forming a large lotus.
Age 12, Flesh Refinement. An azure light shot up forming into molten steel.
A large majority didn't get any invitations, showing how far ahead the clan members were to the commoners.
One teenager at 14 years old had reached Organ Refinement got two invitations, his dao resonating well with the sect of Molten Furnace Sect and Thunderforge Sect.
For many hours the selection continued until it was the children's turn.
Long Tianyu drew in a deep breath. This is it…
Beside him, Hua Qingqing adjusted the ribbon in her hair, her expression calm as ever, but her fingers trembled slightly.
Nong Xuanfeng slapped Long Tianyu's shoulder, wishing him luck. Chen Jie cracked his knuckles while smiling, Xiao Chi stood solemn together with Jin Lian. Zang Liu admired the demonic beasts, perhaps drawing them later. Song Xue had closed her eyes, resting them. Wang Mei listened and tried to remember all the names of the sects and the cultivators names, an impossible task for now.
"Don't hold back," Hua Qingqing said quietly. "Even the heavens must take notice of us today."
Long Tianyu smiled and nodded.
And as he stepped forward into the sunlight, the Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone shimmered as though it had already sensed him.
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End of chapter 10 - The selection begins