Azure Crest City had many sects, but only a few held true influence. Among them, the Verdant Sky Sect reigned supreme.
They controlled vast resources, trained elite cultivators, and served as a stepping stone for those seeking entry into the greater immortal sects.
This year, their annual sect recruitment was underway.
But none expected that history itself would change today.
Hundreds of young cultivators gathered outside the Verdant Sky Sect's outer gates, eager to prove themselves.
Some came from noble families, wielding high-grade techniques and elite bloodlines.
Others were commoners, hoping to change their fate through sheer determination.
And then there was him.
A young man in simple black robes, golden eyes concealed beneath a hood.
He did not stand in line.
He did not announce his presence.
He simply waited.
And yet, without even trying, he drew the attention of many.
---
The Test of Entry
A sect elder, Elder Huang, stood at the front. His expression was indifferent.
"Only those who pass the trials may enter the Verdant Sky Sect."
Before him stood three great stone monoliths, each testing different qualities:
1. The Stone of Potential – Measuring one's talent.
2. The Stone of Strength – Testing physical might.
3. The Stone of Will – Examining the soul's resilience.
The first test was simple: touch the Stone of Potential.
One by one, hopeful disciples stepped forward.
A young noble from the Greythorn Clan touched the stone—
A brilliant silver light flared.
The crowd gasped.
"Peak Heaven-Grade Talent!"
Elder Huang nodded approvingly.
Next, a commoner prodigy stepped up. His talent was Earth-Grade, still good but not exceptional.
And then, Alexander stepped forward.
The moment his fingers touched the stone—
BOOM.
The entire monolith trembled.
Golden and violet flames surged out—so intense that even the elder stumbled back.
The surrounding disciples were blinded by the radiance.
The stone, which had measured countless talents over centuries, began to crack.
And then—it shattered into dust.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
The elder's face turned pale. "…Impossible."
Even the Sect Master, watching from above, stood up abruptly.
Who… was this boy?
---
Rivals and Hidden Forces Stir
Elias Greythorn, the noble who had been praised moments ago, was now completely ignored.
His hands shook with rage.
"Who the hell is he?!"
Beside him, another noble, Lysara Blackthorne, smiled in amusement.
"Now things are interesting."
Another figure, standing in the shadows, observed the scene with calculating eyes.
This was Xian Wu, the number one genius of the Verdant Sky Sect's outer disciples.
Unlike Elias, he did not react with anger. Instead, he smiled coldly.
"A monster has arrived… let's see if he can survive."
---
Assassins in the Dark
Far above, concealed within the clouds, a figure hidden in black robes whispered into a jade talisman.
"Target identified. Potential threat beyond calculation."
A distant voice replied:
"Proceed with the mission. Eliminate him before he grows."
---
A Sect Elder's Suspicion
In the main hall, Elder Yun, one of the Verdant Sky Sect's oldest figures, watched the event unfold.
His sharp eyes narrowed.
"…That aura… it feels familiar."
Then, realization struck.
His entire body trembled.
"It can't be… the bloodline of the Tyrannos Clan?!"
---
The Tournament Awaits
With his entry secured, Alexander's next step was clear—
The Verdant Sky Tournament, a grand event where disciples fought for supremacy.
Little did they know…
This year's tournament would change everything.