A deep bell resounded across the Frost Lotus Sect.
It rang once only.
The sound was thick and far-reaching, resounding through mountains and valleys before it faintly dwindled into silence. All disciples, wherever they were at that moment-be it on training grounds, along mountain paths, or within meditation chambers-stopped everything.
This was no ordinary signal.
It was the sect summoning bell.
In a few minutes, some disciples had congregated in the central plaza. Nobody said anything loud. Nobody dallied. The air was clear, yet grave, as if somehow everybody knew intuitively that an important matter was about to be announced.
Before long, the sect elders appeared on the raised platform.
In the center stood the sect master.
He did not waste any words.
"The Divine Realm has an announcement," he said evenly. "In one month, there is going to be a competition across the Immortal Realm.
It left the plaza silent.
"It is a selection that has been done once every five hundred years, to choose twenty disciples into the Divine Realm."
An elder stepped forward and unrolled a jade scroll. His voice was steady as he read aloud.
"Participants needed to register immediately."
"The competition is to last three days."
"During this time, participants will undergo three trials."
"First: evaluation of spiritual foundation."
"Second: endurance and composure."
"Third: adaptability under varying conditions."
"No assistance will be permitted. No substitutions will be allowed."
"Injuries sustained during the trials will not alter the results."
A faint ripple passed through the gathered disciples, but no one spoke.
"The final rankings will be based on overall performance," the sect master said. "Only the top twenty will be selected."
He paused briefly before adding, "Those who wish to participate may begin preparations immediately. The sect will provide no guidance beyond this announcement."
With that, the matter was settled.
The elders turned and departed without further explanation.
As the plaza gradually emptied, small groups of disciples walked along the stone paths, discussing the upcoming trials.
"Only a few of us are participating this time," said Li Han, adjusting his sword strap. "Most disciples will stay to focus on normal cultivation."
Zhao Ming nodded. "Yes, participation is optional. Only those recommended by elders or recognized for exceptional ability are allowed."
Chen Rui added thoughtfully, "Elder Mo's student, Wu Tian, is one of them. Strong and disciplined, he'll handle the trials well."
"Fang Lian from the Eastern Sect is also selected," Tang Jie said quietly. "Her composure is unmatched."
Li Han glanced around and said softly, "And Shen Yueqin… she's part of it too. Many says is really strong but she doesn't show off."
Zhao Ming exhaled. "A handful of others from our sect and a few from neighboring sects. That's all. It will be a small, elite group."
Nearby, two female disciples, Lin Yue and Mei Xin, walked along a shaded path.
"Not everyone even has the chance to enter," Lin Yue said. "It's selective for a reason. Only those with exceptional foundation, endurance, and clarity."
"Yes," Mei Xin replied. "Some of the students might be ready, but the trials will test them quietly. It's not about display."
Fang Ruo glanced toward a group practicing in the distance. "Even Shen Yueqin… her calmness alone is impressive.
The discussions faded as disciples dispersed toward their quarters, their focus now on preparation.
Shen Yueqin walked past these groups, her steps even, her expression calm. She noticed the whispers and glances of admiration but did not linger on them. To her, these were only background noise.
At the edge of the sect, her quarters awaited. Once inside, she closed the door and raised her hand, creating a protective barrier.
The air within thickened subtly, spiritual energy aligning and condensing. Inside the safe enclosure, her power flowed like a silent tide—restrained, immense, and ready.
Shen Yueqin sat cross-legged, eyes closed, her calm focus unbroken. She did not need to display her strength; it was enough that it existed. This power had survived in secret, and it would carry her forward into the coming trials.
In the secluded hall of Frost Lotus Sect, several elders gathered around a long jade table. Scrolls were spread before them, showing the list of disciples selected for the Divine Realm trials.
Elder Mo leaned back, his fingers steepled. "This cycle is small, yet exceptional. Only the most disciplined and talented have been recommended."
Elder Yan nodded, eyes scanning the names. "Shen Yueqin, Li Han, Chen Rui, Wu Tian… each has unique strengths."
Another elder, Lin Wei, frowned slightly. "I have reviewed the registration lists from other sects. The Eastern Sect has sent Fang Lian and two others; the Azure River Sect sent their finest—Jian Xi and Rong Lei. Even distant sects have participated. The competition will be tougher than in previous cycles."
Elder Mo tapped the jade table. "Indeed. The Divine Realm selects only twenty. While our disciples are strong, the trials test more than cultivation alone. Endurance, adaptability, and composure under pressure—these qualities will matter as much as raw power."
Elder Yan allowed a faint smile. "It is good. It forces them to grow. Even our students will need more than strength to succeed."
Lin Wei exhaled softly. "We will observe from afar. Guidance is minimal. Let the students prove themselves."
The elders fell silent, gazing out the hall's open windows at the distant mountains. Snow dusted the peaks, and a faint chill carried through the air. Beyond the sect, the Immortal Realm awaited those ready to challenge it.
The elders had spoken, and the scrolls had been set aside. The hall emptied gradually, and the participants returned to their quarters.
In the practice hall, some students adjusted their cultivation talismans, tracing hand seals and letting spiritual energy flow through their bodies.
Li Han and Wu Tian exchanged words softly, noting the small adjustments of other disciples. "They're readying themselves," Li Han said. "Some of the younger ones are surprisingly disciplined."
Fang Lian smoothed her robe, glancing at Shen Yueqin, who sat cross-legged near the far wall, eyes closed and calm. She was already aligning her spiritual energy, subtle and almost imperceptible to anyone else. A faint pulse of power radiated outward, enough for attentive disciples to sense her strength.
Nearby, other students whispered, "Seeing them I feel my power is too weak".
"Yes," another replied, "but don't forget Wu Tian or Fang Lian. They're also formidable. This trial will be fascinating."
Shen Yueqin opened her eyes briefly, not turning toward the whispers. She only prepared.
By nightfall, the sect had grown quiet. The atmosphere was calm, but tension simmered in the minds of the selected disciples. The trials were approaching, and all who would participate knew that their strength, endurance, and composure would be tested.
In the high halls of the Divine Realm, clouds swirled around towering spires of crystal and jade. A faint hum of spiritual energy filled the air, carrying the weight of centuries.
The Head Master, an imposing figure in flowing robes, stood beside a balcony overlooking the endless expanse of clouds. His gaze was sharp, as if he could pierce through the distant realms themselves.
"How are preparations going?" he asked, turning to the young overseer responsible for the upcoming selection.
The overseer bowed. "All the sects have been notified, Head Master. We have no certainty yet as to who will excel, but the preparations proceed as expected."
The Head Master nodded slowly, his expression grave. "Good. With the war between the gods and demons still raging, it is more important than ever that we find talented disciples. They must be ready to confront challenges beyond ordinary comprehension. If we can discover exceptional individuals, it will benefit the balance of all realms."
The overseer's eyes flicked toward the far horizon, where distant storms of energy churned, reminders of the ongoing conflict. "Yes, Head Master. I will ensure the trials are conducted carefully. Only those truly capable will be selected."
The Head Master's gaze hardened. "Very well. Let the sects prepare. These trials are not about granting power or honor—they are to discover those who can strengthen our forces. The war against the demons rages on, and we will need capable hands from every realm to tip the balance."