After the successful breakthrough of the five youngsters, the others too grew excited and determined. Watching their companions ascend beyond their limits ignited something fierce and hopeful within them. The sight of glowing mist and heavenly thunder no longer inspired fear — it called to them, urging them to rise.
Each of them had seen what true focus and endurance could achieve. Under the guidance of the elders and the shared insights of YuoTu, Chen Mei, Xiao Feng, Xiao Bia, and Ling Yue, the remaining disciples began to refine their methods. They learned where their flaws lay — in imbalance, hesitation, or lack of harmony — and they resolved to correct them.
Some, like Jin Fei and Wu Chen, turned their focus to physical strength, tempering their bodies through weighted endurance runs and repeated combat drills until sweat mixed with blood upon the stones. Others, such as Ye Chen and Chen Ruo, sat cross-legged beneath the trees, delving deeper into meditation, their auras pulsing faintly as they sought the perfect balance between will and breath. Yan Hao, ever the strategist, reorganized his team's regimen, ensuring that body, mind, and spirit advanced together in seamless rhythm.
Days turned into weeks, and once again, the Hidden Land Plateau became a living rhythm of effort — a harmony of strength, stillness, and determination. The sounds of training filled the air: the steady breathing of meditation, the distant thuds of practice strikes, and the faint hum of energy circulating through the ground itself.
Then came the change.
As dawn bled across the horizon, the atmosphere around the training ground began to shift. The air thickened, mist creeping across the plateau like rolling waves of smoke. The stones gleamed with dew, and the faint scent of ozone drifted through the air — a whisper of thunder yet to come.
One by one, the young cultivators took their places across the field. Each sat cross-legged, spaced evenly to avoid interference with one another's energy flow. The silence that followed was profound — not empty, but charged, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
The first tremor of energy rippled through the air, faint but unmistakable. Clouds began to form above the plateau, coiling and thickening, their edges tinged with faint silver light. The gathering storm did not threaten — it beckoned.
On the far left, Yan Hao's team settled into formation: Yan Hao at the center, his calm face serene beneath the rising mist; beside him sat Chen Ruo, eyes closed and breathing slow, while Jin Fei anchored their group like a mountain, and Liang Yin's aura shimmered faintly with light, a warmth balancing the others' intensity.
On the opposite side, Tao's team mirrored that formation — Wu Chen, Ye Chen, and Chen Mei in meditation, while Luo Tang and YunKai Tao stood watch. The two cousins were the only ones of their group not yet attempting a breakthrough. Instead, they served as silent sentinels, eyes alert and steady as they guarded the field's edge.
Luo Tang's usual playful grin was nowhere to be seen. His voice was low, almost reverent.
"Big Brother Tao," he whispered, eyes on the rising storm, "it's happening again. The sky's moving like before."
YunKai Tao nodded, his expression calm but intent. "Yes. They're ready. Their Qi is calling to Heaven."
Both of them stepped back from the central zone, moving toward the perimeter where the previously ascended stood: YuoTu, Xiao Feng, Chen Mei, Xiao Bia, Ling Yue, and Yan Rui — all observing with serene focus. Around them, the elders—Tong Chen, Xiao Ling, Liang Shan, and Yan Zhi Lan—watched from their stone platforms, silent but attentive.
Soon, others gathered as well: Wu Ping, agile and bright-eyed; Huo Min, his arms crossed tightly as he felt the vibrations beneath his feet; Li Fen, her gaze calm but filled with quiet concern; Qiu Lan and Zhang Wei, both from YuoTu's team, observing with analytical focus; even Xiao Ren, ever reserved, had appeared near the back, his arms folded, studying the phenomena intently.
The entire plateau had transformed into a sacred stage.
The mist rolled thickly around the young disciples as their energies began to rise, intertwining with the breath of the heavens. The clouds directly above them shifted from pale gray to deep crimson, streaks of light pulsing within their depths.
A low hum filled the air.
The ground trembled faintly.
This was no ordinary weather — it was resonance. The heavens had heard the call of mortal determination once again.
Luo Tang exhaled slowly, eyes wide. "It's just like before… but stronger."
Yan Rui, standing nearby, glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze to the storm. "Stronger," she agreed softly. "Because their foundations are steadier — and Heaven answers in kind."
As if in response to her words, the first arc of lightning flickered across the clouds — not striking yet, but coiling, measuring, waiting. The faint scent of charged air spread across the field. Every young cultivator felt it — the pulse of something greater, testing the strength of their will.
And so, under the watch of elders, mentors, and fellow disciples, the next generation prepared to face their storm.
Each sat still and steady, surrounded by mist and silence, their spirits unwavering.
The plateau that had once echoed with training and laughter now stood in solemn silence. A low mist curled across the stone ground, dense and cold, as if the mountain itself held its breath. The early sun struggled to pierce the thick clouds gathering overhead, their dark undersides tinged with the faintest flickers of lightning. Thunder grumbled in the distance, not a threat, but a herald — the very air charged with anticipation.
This was no ordinary day. Today, Ye Chen, Wu Chen, Wu Ping, Huo Min, Li Fen, Qiu Lan, Zhang Wei, Yan Hao, Chen Ruo, Jin Fei, Liang Yin, and Lin Shan stood at the threshold of destiny itself. Each had spent countless days and nights pushing themselves, their sweat and perseverance etched into the soil of this plateau. Now, after trials that had tested not only their bodies but their hearts, the moment of Foundation Establishment beckoned.
Ye Chen's eyes, usually bright and alert, held a steely focus today. She drew a slow breath, feeling the surge of blood within her veins, the latent power that had long simmered beneath her skin. She glanced at her cousin, Wu Chen, who stood a few paces away, calm and quiet as ever. His presence was steadying, like an anchor against the storm that rumbled around them.
"Focus on your core, Ye Chen," Wu Chen murmured, his soft voice barely audible over the distant roll of thunder. "Let the power within flow naturally. Force nothing. It will answer when you are ready."
Ye Chen nodded, shutting her eyes. Her mind cleared, shedding every doubt and fear that had clung to her over the years. The plateau seemed to shrink around her, the mist and cloud closing in, forming a sacred cocoon that separated them from the world below. She could feel it — the pulse of the earth, the heartbeat of the mountain itself.
Nearby, Wu Ping crouched low, his agile frame barely touching the ground. He had always struggled with isolation, the feeling that he didn't belong. Yet here, surrounded by his comrades, he felt a unity he had never known. His breaths became synchronized with the rhythm of the wind, and he sensed the energy within him beginning to hum. The clouds above convulsed, a faint crack of lightning arcing through them, illuminating his determined face.
Huo Min stood at the forefront, broad shoulders braced against the wind. His usual quiet resilience had carried him far, and now, as he felt the first tremors of his breakthrough, his body tensed with anticipation. Beside him, Li Fen's gentle presence radiated calm, guiding the flow of energy around her, weaving the subtle threads of life and vitality into the storm of power.
The plateau's mist thickened, condensing into shapes that seemed almost alive. Thunder rolled closer, and flashes of lightning lit up the scene with otherworldly brilliance. Each student felt it differently — a surge of fear, a flicker of doubt, a thrill of possibility.
Qiu Lan's eyes narrowed, her analytical mind racing even as her body flowed with energy. The years of overthinking threatened to anchor her, but she forced herself to release control. "I must trust the process," she whispered, feeling her internal power expand, coil, and finally leap like a contained storm.
Zhang Wei, sturdy and loyal, gritted his teeth. His hands were steady, but his heart raced with the pressure of wanting to protect everyone. Today, it was no longer enough to be strong — he needed to transcend his limits. And then he felt it: a wave of warmth spreading through his limbs, a rhythm of vitality matching the heartbeat of the plateau itself.
The clouds above darkened further, swirls of grey and violet streaked with flickers of lightning. Yan Hao raised his hands, eyes calm and steadfast. The strategic mind that had guided his team through countless trials now became a conduit for his energy. The storm responded. A rumble of approval echoed through the plateau, and the air shimmered with latent power.
Chen Ruo and Jin Fei exchanged a glance, unspoken words passing between them. She, precise and perfectionist, feared the imperfection within her, but now, as she felt the first currents of breakthrough, she realized that strength did not demand perfection. He, tall and steadfast, had always kept his emotions in check, but now he allowed himself to feel the surge of power, and in that feeling, he grew stronger than ever.
Liang Yin laughed softly, a sound that cut through the tension like sunlight breaking through clouds. Her cheerful energy lifted the spirits of those nearby, a subtle reminder that breakthroughs were not only about individual strength, but the bonds between comrades.
Lin Shan, their unassuming guide and mentor, watched from the edge, his calm eyes reflecting pride. He had seen them grow, stumble, and rise countless times. Now, as lightning cracked overhead and the plateau trembled beneath their combined energy, he knew that the students had become something greater.
One by one, the young warriors entered the final stage. The air around them vibrated with an invisible force, the clouds above condensing, the thunder synchronizing with the pulse of their hearts. Ye Chen opened her eyes, a brilliant aura surrounding her. Wu Chen followed, his energy calm and focused, a shield and anchor all at once.
Wu Ping felt the storm inside him reach a crescendo, his energy bursting forth in radiant waves. Huo Min's body glowed as raw power coursed through him, controlled yet overwhelming. Li Fen's presence spread, a calming light weaving around the others.
Qiu Lan's aura sharpened, precise and controlled, slicing through the storm like a blade of light. Zhang Wei's energy flared, strong and protective, a pillar against the swirling chaos. Yan Hao's strategic mastery allowed him to balance his power, guiding the storm with the subtlety of a maestro.
Chen Ruo and Jin Fei's breakthroughs intertwined, a perfect symphony of precision and strength. Liang Yin laughed again, light and free, her energy harmonizing the group. And Lin Shan, ever watchful, felt his heart swell as he witnessed the culmination of their arduous journey.
The storm above reached its climax. Lightning arced across the sky, thunder crashing in a deafening chorus, and for a moment, time itself seemed to freeze. Then, with a final, unified exhale, the young warriors erupted in radiant energy. The plateau shook, the clouds parting in awe as each of them ascended into the Foundation Establishment level.
Ye Chen's eyes shone with triumph, Wu Chen's calm smile unwavering, Wu Ping's face lit with belonging, Huo Min's presence solid and unyielding, Li Fen's gentle aura stronger than ever. Qiu Lan's focus was absolute, Zhang Wei's resolve ironclad, Yan Hao's leadership radiant, Chen Ruo's precision unmatched, Jin Fei's silent strength undeniable, Liang Yin's cheer contagious, and Lin Shan's pride profound.
As the storm subsided, the plateau returned to its quiet, sacred state. The mist lingered, but now it carried a warmth, a pulse of life that had been absent before. The young warriors looked at one another, breathless and exhilarated. Their eyes met in silent acknowledgment — they had all crossed the threshold, stepping into a new realm of power and possibility.
"Foundation Established," Lin Shan whispered, his voice carrying over the plateau, steady and proud. "You have all done well. This is not the end, but a beginning."
Ye Chen laughed softly, Wu Chen nodded, Wu Ping grinned, and Huo Min allowed a small smile to break his usual stoic demeanor. Li Fen's gentle voice spoke words of encouragement, while Qiu Lan analyzed the residual energy, noting every detail with satisfaction. Zhang Wei let out a deep breath, Yan Hao exuded calm command, Chen Ruo and Jin Fei exchanged a knowing glance, Liang Yin chuckled lightly, and Lin Shan's heart swelled with pride.
The plateau, once alive with training and laughter, now rested in solemn stillness. Mist clung to the jagged rocks, curling around the edges of the stone like slow smoke. The clouds above were heavy and dark, their surfaces occasionally illuminated by distant flashes of lightning, while the soft roll of thunder echoed across the valley. The air was electric, charged with the remnants of the storm that had swept through earlier, a silent witness to the trials that had just concluded.
On the plateau, the young warriors stood in radiant auras. Ye Chen, Wu Chen, Wu Ping, Huo Min, Li Fen, Qiu Lan, Zhang Wei, Yan Hao, Chen Ruo, Jin Fei, Liang Yin, and Lin Shan had all broken through. Their bodies pulsed with the newfound energy of Foundation Establishment, and their eyes shone with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Each had surpassed the plateau's grueling demands, leaving behind the boundaries that had once confined them.
From a respectful distance, YunKai Tao, Luo Tang, YuoTu, Xiao Feng, Chen Mei, Xiao Bia, Ling Yue, and Yan Rui observed the scene. Unlike the others, their energy remained contained, their breakthroughs yet to arrive. They did not display disappointment; instead, they watched with serene focus, internalizing the lessons of the day.
The elders — Tong Chen, Xiao Ling, Liang Shan, and Yan Zhi Lan — stood quietly, their composed faces betraying only the faintest hints of excitement. No surprise or shock crossed their features, only a subtle pride. They had guided these youths, watched them struggle, and now, witnessing the younger generation's growth, they allowed themselves quiet approval.
Two names remained unbroken: YunKai Tao and Luo Tang.
Luo Tang, energetic and reckless, looked on with wide, curious eyes. He was the youngest among the remaining aspirants, only eleven, and while his spirit had always burned brightly, his progress now lagged behind even his peers of similar age. The plateau's invisible wall — a bottleneck of limits — had kept him from stepping forward. His growth had been steady, yet the breakthroughs of the others only highlighted the gap he still had to cross.
Beside him, YunKai Tao appeared calm and collected, almost detached in his observation. But the elders knew better. There was something extraordinary about him, something unseen to those outside this circle of watchers. A hidden block restrained him — a latent inheritance, a secret trait within his bloodline that limited his access to the next stage. Yet even with this barrier, he had reached levels that surprised even the elders. His discipline, determination, and innate talent had brought him farther than anyone could have expected.
Xiao Ling's eyes narrowed slightly, betraying admiration. "Even with the block, he has reached a stage beyond what most could achieve," she murmured softly. "Few can endure such restraint and still perform at this level."
Tong Chen nodded, arms folded, watching YunKai Tao's subtle movements. "It is remarkable," he said quietly. "We all know the nature of this barrier, yet he has advanced to this extent. His potential… it is undeniable."
Liang Shan shifted his stance, turning his gaze to Luo Tang. The boy's energy was untamed, vibrant, almost chaotic, yet it carried promise. "He is young, but his potential is enormous," Liang Shan noted. "This bottleneck is temporary. He only needs to synchronize his energy, refine his spirit, and he will surpass it."
Yan Zhi Lan's eyes flickered between the two boys. "They are different," she said softly. "One bears the weight of hidden power, the other raw, unpolished potential. But both will shape the future of this plateau. Their time will come."
Luo Tang clenched his fists, drawing a slow breath. Watching the others glow with newfound energy was inspiring yet daunting. He knew the plateau's test was not simply about strength, but about harmony — control over oneself, one's body, and one's spirit. "I can't let them surpass me forever," he whispered under his breath, determination hardening in his young heart. "I will break through. I have to."
YunKai Tao's eyes followed his cousin. He did not speak, but his calm presence conveyed both understanding and reassurance. He could sense Luo Tang's struggle — the bottleneck, the impatience, the frustration — and he also knew the same feeling within himself. The invisible block that restrained him was not weakness; it was a test, a measure of the deeper potential that waited to awaken.
The plateau seemed to sense the tension. Mist swirled around their feet, wrapping them in a cocoon of quiet energy. The distant thunder vibrated through the stone beneath them, a subtle echo of the inner storms they both felt. Every muscle, every breath, every pulse of energy mattered. The breakthrough would come, but only after patience, understanding, and a refinement of power that had eluded them for years.
Around them, the younger observers — YuoTu, Xiao Feng, Chen Mei, Xiao Bia, Ling Yue, and Yan Rui — watched quietly, inspired by the perseverance of the two boys. Even as their own breakthroughs had been completed, they understood the weight of what YunKai Tao and Luo Tang carried. Their respect for the cousins deepened, and a quiet camaraderie formed in the shared struggle.
The elders exchanged subtle glances. None of them spoke aloud what they truly felt — a mixture of astonishment, cautious expectation, and restrained excitement. They had seen countless students rise and fall, yet few had displayed the combination of talent, resilience, and hidden depth that YunKai Tao and Luo Tang exhibited. Today, the plateau bore witness to the culmination of years of preparation, and these two would soon write their own chapters of legend.
Time seemed to stretch. The others rested, bodies glowing with newfound power, while YunKai Tao and Luo Tang remained poised, absorbing every nuance of the plateau, every tremor of energy beneath their feet, every pulse in the air around them. It was a silent preparation, the calm before the storm of their eventual breakthroughs.
Luo Tang's hands tightened. "I will reach it," he said with quiet determination, voice barely audible over the whispering wind. "I will step into Foundation Establishment, just like them. I won't fall behind."
YunKai Tao's gaze softened, and for a moment, the aura of quiet mystery that surrounded him seemed to ripple. He too would surpass the barrier. He had already achieved far more than many could comprehend, and the elders' knowledge of his hidden inheritance ensured that when the time came, he would astonish them all.
The plateau remained quiet, sacred, alive. The storm had passed, the others had broken through, and now the focus rested entirely on the two who carried the weight of both extraordinary potential and hidden trials.
Two aspirants remained — one young and restless, one exceptional and restrained. And as the mist curled around their feet, the clouds above drifting slowly, the plateau waited, patient and eternal.