The Chosen Trial
20 years later…
In the heart of a dense forest, surrounded by ancient trees and wild mist, a wide open field had been cleared. At its center stood a tall, sharp-eyed man with a long grey beard Master Fung Shu Ri, one of the last remaining royal advisors.
In front of him stood the most gifted youths from the only two surviving clans of the fallen kingdom. Today, they were gathered for something that would shape the future.
Master Fung Shu Ri raised his voice, loud and clear, so all present could hear.
"As you all know, our king was killed twenty years ago in a vile conspiracy.
As the highest official left in this land, I now declare the beginning of the grand competition between the heirs of the last two clans.
Whoever passes this trial first… shall be crowned the next ruler of this realm."
Murmurs and whispers swept through the crowd, as banners of both clans waved in the wind.
Stepping forward with dignity and calm authority was Master Chui Yong, the chief of the Linyan Clan.
"I am Chui Yong, head of Linyan. I place my hopes in our brightest talent Prince Mo Yan. May he rise and claim the crown."
A young man walked forward. Mo Yan
composed, sharp-eyed, his presence silent but commanding. There was curiosity in his gaze, but no arrogance.
Then, from the opposite side, came the booming voice of Master Kin Lishuan, leader of the Fuzi Xion Clan.
"I am Kin Lishuan, chief of Fuzi Xion. I put all my faith in our beloved prince Yu Sui. May he win this trial and become heir to the throne."
From the sea of red-robed disciples, Yu Sui stepped forward. Calm, confident, with a slight smirk playing on his lips. Without hesitation, he walked up and stood right beside Mo Yan.
The crowd stirred. The forest echoed with the voices of hundreds cheers, whispers, tension. All eyes were on the two young heirs.
Mo Yan gave Yu Sui a sideways glance and spoke with a faint scoff:
"So… you showed up.
Do you even know what kind of trial this is?"
Yu Sui tilted his head and smirked, his tone dripping with mockery:
"Know it better than you ever will.
I've been trained for this very day… unlike you, dry leaf."
Mo Yan's eyes twitched.
"What…? You dare!"
The First Trial Begins
Before the tension between the two princes could escalate further, a thunderous voice echoed through the forest, silencing the crowd.
"Enough…!"
Master Fung Shu Ri stepped forward, his presence heavy and commanding. The entire field went quiet.
"This is no mere rivalry," he said, his voice like a rolling storm.
"This is not just about pride or clan loyalty.
Whoever wins this trial will not take the throne immediately.
The victor will first undergo eight years of cultivation, learning, and discipline inside the Royal Lineage Gurukul. Only then shall he be worthy of ruling this land!"
The words struck like lightning. Even the clan leaders bowed their heads in respect.
Then, with a sharp motion, Master Fung raised his hand toward the misty hills.