Morning sunlight bathed the vast training grounds of the Sacred Sword Sect, mist drifting like thin silk between the stone slabs. The air was filled with a faint aura of spiritual energy.
Chen Tianji stood at the entrance of the trial arena, the jade pendant in his hand emitting a faint glow. His eyes were resolute as he took a deep breath, feeling the subtle surge of sword intent within him—a prelude to the challenges ahead.
"Chen Tianji, you're participating in the trials too?" A youth in azure robes approached, a sneer on his face.
"Yes," Chen Tianji replied calmly, his gaze steady and unyielding.
The trials were divided into three parts: swordsmanship, array manipulation, and spiritual energy control. Each stage tested a disciple's comprehensive abilities.
The first round was a swordsmanship duel. Facing a strong fellow disciple, Chen Tianji relied on his blind senses and internal sword intent to dodge each attack precisely. Then, with a single unique strike, he countered his opponent. The stone ground trembled slightly under the force of his sword intent, drawing approving nods from the observing elders.
The second round involved array manipulation. Chen Tianji entered a field dotted with array nodes. Closing his eyes, he relied on instinct and memory to arrange the formations, trapping his opponent in inescapable nodes. The arrays glowed and shimmered, eliciting gasps and applause from the audience.
The third round tested spiritual energy control. Chen Tianji harmonized his internal energy with his sword intent, greatly amplifying the power of his attacks. He successfully completed all three stages of the trials, becoming one of the few disciples promoted to full disciple status that day.
Standing in the center of the plaza after the trials, Chen Tianji knew this was only the beginning. Ahead lay stronger opponents, more dangerous missions, and Feng Li, who still relentlessly pursued him.
"No matter what, I have to become stronger," Chen Tianji whispered, his gaze piercing through the morning mist, as if he could see the endless path of cultivation stretching out before him.