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Suddenly the whole mountain shook. The dragon fled in terror when it heard a melodic sound that came from the top of the mountain.
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Step. Step.
Long Tianyu's boots tapped against the pale stone as he walked toward the podium. The sound echoed through the vast square, each step steady and firm. Something about the rhythm carried weight. The air trembled faintly with every step he took.
The murmurs of the crowd faded. Thousands of eyes followed him in silence. Even the sect representatives leaned forward in their seats. They had seen many tests before, but this youth's calm, almost indifferent presence drew them in.
Long Tianyu's gaze never wavered. His eyes reflected the faint glow of the Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone. For three years he had endured bitter training, sleepless nights, and countless failures. Now he stood before the very thing that could open the path he had dreamed of, for he knew so little and he wanted to know more about the world and cultivation.
Even the clan masters stopped whispering. Bai Xuehai's face stiffened, Yu Qianhe's brows rose slightly, and Xie Moran narrowed his eyes. The boy's qi was steady, clear, and yet it hummed with an intensity none of them expected from someone his age.
Xiao Chi crossed his arms and muttered to himself, "This show-off…," but he couldn't hide his grin.
Long Tianyu stopped before the stone. The faint blue light within it pulsed as if sensing his presence. He inhaled once, his hand lifting slowly, then pressed his palm onto its cool surface.
The air shuddered.
A wave of power erupted outward, like a storm. Dust scattered across the square and robes fluttered. Several people gasped and covered their faces.
The Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone lit up.
Twelve years old, 4th stage of Elementary Qi. Before the reactions could even form, the entire stone burst into color.
A radiant azure light erupted upward, brighter than anything that had come before. It tore through the clouds like a divine pillar reaching for the heavens. The square was swallowed in brilliance; shadows fled, and the air trembled as if the world itself bowed before that light.
The beam twisted, coiling like a living dragon before settling into form, a man's silhouette.
He stood tall upon the pillar of light, unmoving, a figure of unyielding will. His armor was black as the deepest abyss, yet streaked with lines of deep, living blue that pulsed with the rhythm of thunder. The armor bristled with edges and spikes. Each plate seemed forged from storm and shadow, every edge keen as a blade's promise. In his hands hung two swords, slender and elegant, yet brimming with killing intent. His hair streamed behind him, caught in the tempest that circled his form like a halo of lightning.
The heavens responded to his presence. Clouds rolled in from every direction, churning and colliding above the square. Thunder rumbled across the sky like the roar of an ancient beast. Then, the man lifted his right sword.
For a heartbeat, all creation seemed to hold its breath.
He slashed.
The sky cracked. The light of the strike carved through the firmament, shattering the illusion of the sky itself. The vision exploded outward in a storm of radiant fragments, raining down across the square like falling stars.
When the last light faded, silence reigned. The crowd stood motionless. Even the wind had vanished.
The first voice to break the silence came from the sect representatives.
"Golden Windblade Sect invites you to join us!"
"Ironheart Sect invites you to join us!"
"Scarlet Battlefield invites you to join us!"
"Thundering Sky Sect invites you to join us!"
"Starseeking Sect invites you to join us!"
"Heavenly Sword Temple invites you to join us!"
The quiet square erupted into chaos. The cultivators who had moments ago looked proud and composed now shouted over one another, almost standing from their seats. Each sect wanted him, and not one of them intended to give up easily.
Among the crowd, jaws hung open.
Xie Wuji almost fell down "How is that possible…"
Yu Shentong clenched his fists. His pride burned. "How could he have cultivated to that level?"
The crowd broke into wild chatter.
"Twelve years old and already fourth stage of Elementary Qi?!"
"Where is he from?!"
"Impossible!"
Amid the storm of noise, Hua Qingqing smiled faintly. She said nothing, but her eyes glowed with quiet pride. Beside her, Chen Jie laughed openly. "Ha! That's our eldest brother!"
Wang Shuren and Wang Lihua exchanged looks of pure joy. "His parents will faint when they hear about this," Wang Lihua whispered.
Eventually, the noise died down. All eyes turned back to the boy standing at the center of the podium. The light around him had faded, but the energy in the air still buzzed faintly, as if reluctant to leave.
Long Tianyu bowed slightly. "I wish to join the Golden Windblade Sect."
Before anyone could react, a man from the Heavenly Sword Temple shouted, "Child, reconsider! The Heavenly Sword Temple offers a higher path. Think carefully!"
Another voice followed, "Don't be rash. With us, you could.."
The representative from the Golden Windblade Sect cut them off with a cold snort. "The boy has made his choice. Do you mean to snatch him like bandits?"
The others glared, but no one stepped forward.
Long Tianyu simply nodded, unbothered, and stepped down from the podium. His eyes found Hua Qingqing in the crowd. She smiled at him, her lips curling gently, her eyes forming two bright crescents. He smiled back, though his heart felt strangely heavy. Soon they would part ways.
Next up was Xiao Chi.
He swaggered toward the stone, his grin wide. "I want to join the Scarlet Battlefield!" he shouted, his voice carrying through the square. He slammed his hand down.
The crystal glowed. "Age thirteen, second stage of Elementary Qi," An attendant called.
The azure light burst forth again, this time with a violent roar that echoed through the square. It spread across the air like a storm of blood and thunder, dyeing the heavens crimson. The glow thickened, twisting and churning until it became a vast sea of blood that surged and crashed as if it possessed its own will. The scent of iron and smoke filled the air, heavy enough to make the crowd's hearts pound faster.
From within that endless sea, waves rose and fell like mountains, each wave revealing broken weapons and shattered armor. The cries of battle, distant yet unmistakable seemed to echo through the illusion, the screams of warriors long dead carried on a howling wind.
At the center of it all, a man emerged. He stood upon the surface of the sea as if upon solid ground, his stance unshakable. His bare chest was scarred, his arms corded with muscle, and his eyes burned with unyielding ferocity. In his hands he gripped a long crimson spear, its edge glinting like fresh blood under moonlight.
When he raised it, the sea itself seemed to kneel. Waves froze mid-motion, and the storm stilled as if waiting for his command. Then, with a single motion, he thrust his spear forward.
The world trembled. A roar like a thousand war drums filled the sky as the sea split in two, its waves crashing apart under the sheer force of the strike. The blood mist rose and scattered into countless sparks of light, each one pulsing with raw, violent energy before vanishing.
The illusion faded slowly, leaving behind silence so deep it felt sacred. Even the sect members could not disguise their awe. The power contained in that vision was not of mere talent, it was dao, dao perfect for a battlefield.
"Hahaha! Good young man!" an old cultivator in black armor bellowed from the Scarlet Battlefield group. A wide grin split his scarred face. "Come, come! You have the heart of battle."
The square erupted again, another teenager in Elementary Qi Stage.
Jin Lian was next. He stepped forward, his expression calm but proud. "I will also join the Scarlet Battlefield."
The attendant called out, "Age fourteen, Organ Refinement stage."
The stone flared with golden light this time, forming a massive figure wielding a golden spear, surrounded by fallen enemies. The Scarlet Battlefield member nodded and allowed Jin Lian to come towards their group. It was far less impressive compared to Xiao Chi, but still stood out compared to other commoners.
Then came Nong Xuanfeng.
He was quieter than the rest, his steps even. "Age fifteen, third stage of Elementary Qi."
The light that appeared above him was steady and strong, not bursting forth like fire or storm but rising with the quiet dignity of a mountain. The azure glow condensed slowly, pulsing like a living heart until it solidified into form. A great anvil emerged from the light, massive, ancient, and unshakable. Its surface was etched with runes that shimmered like stars, shifting and rearranging themselves in complex patterns.
Each rune pulsed with the rhythm of creation itself. With every throb, a deep metallic hum resonated through the square, reverberating in the bones of all who watched. Sparks of molten light dripped from the anvil's edges,. Wherever they landed, shapes flickered into being, swords, hammers and armor before dissolving back into golden mist.
The heat rolling off the illusion wasn't real, yet many felt sweat bead on their foreheads as if standing before a divine furnace. The air seemed heavier, as though the weight of craftsmanship, patience, and will pressed down upon the world.
From within the illusion, the echo of hammer strikes began. Clang. Clang. Clang. Each blow was precise and unwavering, carrying a rhythm that spoke of unyielding discipline. The anvil glowed brighter with every strike, its runes burning with gold, red, and faint traces of violet.
Then came a final thunderous strike, a spark so brilliant it lit the entire square. For an instant, the illusion showed a figure standing behind the anvil: a man of broad shoulders and calm eyes, his hands blackened with soot, yet his expression serene, as though forging the heavens themselves.
When the vision faded, the lingering heat and resonance remained in the hearts of all who had seen it. The sect members exchanged solemn glances.
This wasn't the dao of destruction, nor illusion, nor battle. It was the dao of making, the power to shape heaven and earth with patience, precision, and will unbroken by time.
Many sect members tried to snatch Nong Xuanfeng, including Thunderforge Sect, but eventually he chose Molten Furnace Sect.
"Molten Furnace Sect welcomes you," a broad man said with a grin. Nong Xuanfeng bowed and joined them.
Zang Liu followed soon after.
"Age fifteen, third stage of Elementary Qi." The attendant called.
The light above Zang Liu condensed into a talisman that glowed with intertwining streaks of purple and gold. Markings shimmered along its surface, flowing like rivers of molten light. The talisman pulsed once, twice, and then the markings began to shift and breathe as though it possessed a life of its own.
The onlookers watched in silence as the living script changed form. First, the talisman unfolded into a vast painting. Ink-like mist formed a towering tree whose roots delved deep into the earth while its branches reached far above the clouds, connecting heaven and earth. Each leaf shimmered with runic light.
Then, the scene changed. Clouds gathered, and thunder roared within the illusion. Lightning coiled around the tree's trunk like a divine serpent, striking down in blinding flashes. Flames burst to life at its roots, wild and fierce, devouring the earth. From those same flames, water poured forth in shimmering streams, weaving through fire and lightning without being consumed.
The four elements danced together, circling the grand tree in harmony and destruction, creation and renewal.
A voice from the Celestial Brush Hall called, "A perfect fit for us! Come, boy." Zang Liu nodded and walked over.
The sect representatives whispered among themselves.
"How many geniuses can one city produce?"
"It's not possible. Something is strange about them."
But the results kept coming.
Wang Mei stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she approached the Heavenly Dao Measuring Stone, she reached out to touch it.
"Age thirteen, second stage of Elementary Qi," Was announced by the attendant nearby.
The crystal responded instantly. A calm, radiant light enveloped her, different from the fierce or violent displays before. It was soft, tranquil, yet impossibly deep, as if it carried the weight of countless lifetimes of thought.
Above her head, the light gathered and condensed into a book made of pure energy. Its cover shimmered with golden characters that no one could read, and when it opened, the pages began to turn on their own, one after another. Each page glowed with symbols that floated into the air before dissolving into motes of light. Every letter seemed to hum softly, a whisper of knowledge and truth that resonated through the hearts of those watching.
Some felt as if they were standing in an endless library beneath the stars, surrounded by ancient wisdom waiting to be uncovered.
When the light faded, the divine book closed slowly and vanished into motes that rained down upon her like gentle snow.
A voice called out from the podium.
"The Starseeking Sect would be honored to guide you, child of wisdom."
Wang Mei blinked in surprise, then bowed deeply, her face glowing with quiet joy. As she walked toward the Starseeking Sect's disciples, she overheard whispers among the spectators, how the sect was known to pursue enlightenment through knowledge, truth, and the mysteries of the stars.
It was exactly what her heart desired.
As she took her place among them, Wang Mei couldn't help but smile faintly. While others chased strength and battle, she sought to understand the world and perhaps, one day, to write her own book in the heavens.
When Chen Jie stepped forward, the square seemed to still. The crystal flared, a brilliant surge of azure light that rippled outward in shimmering waves.
"Age fifteen, third stage of Elementary Qi," The attendant's voice echoed.
Then the vision came. Above Chen Jie, the heavens split open, and nine radiant stars ignited across a dark expanse. Beneath them rose a towering mountain, its peak lost in the clouds, its surface aglow with molten veins of light. The air rumbled as if the heavens themselves acknowledged his unyielding will.
Each star pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, and the mountain shuddered under their light, symbolizing a strength that could bear the weight of the sky itself. The ground beneath his feet trembled, faintly echoing the power of the vision.
Chen Jie's dao resonated not with speed or sharpness, but with endurance and defiance, like a mountain refusing to bow before wind or time.
"The Molten Furnace Sect welcomes such fortitude!" a voice thundered.
Chen Jie bowed slightly, a proud but calm smile on his lips, and walked toward the Molten Furnace Sect's disciples, joining Nong Xuanfeng. Together, their destinies began to burn like two embers within the forge.
Lin Yue approached next, her steps light but sure. The sun seemed to soften as she neared the crystal.
Her fingertips brushed against the cool surface, and the stone pulsed in response, sending out ripples of golden light. "Age thirteen, second stage of Elementary Qi."
Slowly, the light gathered above her and shaped itself into a grand alchemy furnace, shimmering with divine radiance. The furnace rotated gently in the air, and every turn released a soft chime, like the sound of a cauldron ringing at the heart of creation.
Flames of gold, silver, and emerald licked its edges, but they did not burn. Instead, they danced, giving off a warmth that filled the hearts of those watching. Within that glow, visions appeared, pills forming, herbs swirling, essence refining, as if the very Dao of Alchemy revealed itself through her.
The members of Eternal Cauldron Sect exchanged delighted smiles, they had found another soul born for alchemy.
Lin Yue bowed deeply, her lips curving into a bright smile as she accepted their offer.
Then came Song Xue. The murmuring crowd grew quiet once more as she stepped up to the crystal. Her friends, Long Tianyu, Hua Qingqing, Xiao Chi, Lin Yue and the others, were excited to see what her dao was, since they barely knew what would symbolise her because she didn't speak much.
"Age fourteen, third stage of Elementary Qi,"
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, unnervingly slowly, the light began to form. It was not the usual azure hue, but a deep, cold blue that shimmered like starlight on still water.
Two enormous eyes opened in the sky above her, vast and ancient. Each glimmered with countless stars swirling within their depths, reflecting the boundless mysteries of the heavens. The crowd gasped. Even the sect members felt their souls tremble as if those eyes could see through their hearts, through every lie, every hidden truth.
Light blue patterns spiraled outward from the eyes, forming strange, divine symbols that pulsed with power.
From the podium, a man from the Nine Patterns Sect dropped his teacup, porcelain shattering against the floor. His voice broke the silence.
"Those patterns! Girl, join us, The Nine Patterns Sect at once!"
Song Xue blinked, still caught between awe and curiosity. Her expression softened into a smile. "I accept."
As she joined the Nine Patterns Sect, the eyes above her slowly closed, and the square once again fell silent. But many could not shake the feeling that the heavens themselves had looked through them.
Finally, Hua Qingqing stepped forward.
The murmurs stopped.
The attendant's voice rang out. "Age twelve, fifth stage of Elementary Qi."
The stone flared, brighter and fiercer than when Long Tianyu had touched the stone. A woman appeared above Hua Qingqing, seated beneath a blooming plum blossom tree with a zither resting across her lap. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, her face blurred yet divine. Commoners, clan masters, and even the sect representatives felt as though they were gazing upon a celestial being. Though the vision lacked clear detail, none dared to look too much at her face. All instinctively bowed their heads, afraid that even looking too long would profane her presence.
Then the melody began. A serene, otherworldly tune drifted through the square, washing away every trace of anxiety. Even the wind seemed to pause, carrying the notes like whispers of spring. Some of the weaker cultivators swayed where they stood, then slowly fell asleep with peaceful expressions.
Hua Qingqing herself nearly sank into the trance. The melody stirred her heart and memories of Long Tianyu rose unbidden. The thought of being apart from him, the ache of distance, bloomed within her like a fragile flower under sunlight. What if someone hurt him? What if he was kil...
Her fear ignited something deep inside.
The celestial woman above raised her head. Tears. Tears of blood began to stream from her perfect eyes. The zither's tone broke apart, no longer gentle but filled with anguish and divine fury. A surge of sound burst outward, sharp enough to tear through the air. The tranquil melody twisted into a storm of grief and rage.
The square trembled beneath the echo. Hearts clenched, ears rang, and even the cultivators from the sects felt their head hurt. What had once been beauty now became terror. It lasted for a short while, but it seemed like forever.
No one dared breathe.
Then the shouting began again.
"Join the Starseeking Sect!"
"No, the Heavenly Harmony Pavilion!"
"Soulrend Valley invites you!"
The last name made Hua Qingqing lift her eyes. The woman who had spoken was elegant, her robes flowing like water, her aura calm yet deep as the sea. Something in Hua Qingqing's heart stirred.
"I wish to join Soulrend Valley," she said softly.
The woman smiled and nodded.
Long Tianyu was quiet. But inside he thought I need to be careful... not to anger my future wife.
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The clan masters and their families stood in stunned silence. Nine children, all under sixteen, all reaching Elementary Qi, and beyond the first stage at that. However no one in the square knew that their teacher was a mortal man that couldn't cultivate, and they had done this in three years. It was absurd.
The crowd whispered in disbelief.
"Who taught them?"
"Are they even from this world?"
Many continued discussion the Dao that formed above them, especially Hua Qingqing's stood out, as a grand ending.
It was a poor sight for the next teenagers getting tested, barely no one reached above Marrow Cleansing Stage.
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High above the city, a man floated in the sky. His crimson long robes rustled faintly in the wind with a talisman hanging on his robes. His eyes were calm, ancient, yet curious.
It wasn't their cultivation that drew his attention. It was their dao. The resonance of their souls. Even from this height, he could feel it.
That child.... that horrifying sound from the zither had even made him take a step back.
He looked upward toward the heavens, where a faint line of light split a cloud perfectly in half. His eyes narrowed.
"And that little monster," he muttered. "He cut the sky."
He waved his hand, and the cloud slowly mended, leaving no trace of the scar that had divided it.
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End of chapter 11 - Dao Visions Above the Mortal World