The wind howled through the mountain paths as hundreds of hopeful youths stood before the majestic gates of Sky Abyss Sect, one of the Eight Great Sects in the Eastern Continent. It was said that even the weakest outer sect disciple from Sky Abyss could crush a city guard captain. For commoners, this was a chance to rewrite fate. For An Yun, it was only the first step in his path of revenge.
At just 14 years old, he stood calm, eyes deep like the void. No one knew this youth had the soul of a trillion-dollar scammer and the heart of a vengeful beast.
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The Three Tests of Sky Abyss Sect
Test 1: Bone Age and Potential Assessment (The Mirror of Heaven)
A large, ancient bronze mirror stood in the center of the square. Each candidate had to place their hand on the mirror, which would reveal three things:
- True Bone Age
- Spiritual Root Grade
- Potential Path Affinity (e.g., fire, sword, illusion, poison, etc.)
If you were over 18 or had a mortal-grade root, you'd be instantly rejected.
When it was An Yun's turn, the crowd hushed.
> "Bone Age: 14. Spiritual Root: Unknown. Affinity: ???"
The mirror glowed dark gold, then flashed violently, shaking the ground.
The elders raised their eyebrows. "This… this is not even a Heaven-Grade root. It's... it's something beyond!"
They noted him down, trying to hide their excitement—and fear.
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Test 2: Combat Evaluation (The Battle Platform)
Candidates were paired randomly and fought under supervision. Winning wasn't necessary—but performance, instincts, courage, and adaptability were judged.
An Yun was paired with a burly 16-year-old with low-tier Qi Condensation strength. An Yun, with no cultivation base, dodged, redirected, and countered every strike using strange footwork and sly tricks, eventually knocking his opponent out with a sharp kick between the legs.
The crowd laughed. The elder judges frowned. "Cunning and deceptive. Hmph… reminds me of someone from the inner court."
He bowed, smiling innocently. "Victory is victory, elder."
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Test 3: Heart Trial (Illusory Soul Domain)
A large stone array placed everyone in a mental illusion, testing their spiritual willpower and heart. Illusions varied, targeting inner fears, guilt, or memories.
An Yun's illusion?
—His family, burning in flames.
—His father's last words.
—His wife standing beside the killers, smiling coldly.
The examiner watched his body tremble—but he didn't break. He clenched his fists in the illusion, muttering:
> "I will return. I'll make you kneel, all of you."
The illusion shattered violently. The stone cracked. Blood leaked from An Yun's lip, but his eyes gleamed sharper than swords.
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By sundown, he stood among the 38 who passed.
"Welcome to Sky Abyss Sect, Outer Disciple."
The elder handed him the outer disciple robes. He bowed low—but inside, An Yun thought:
> *This is just the beginning. First the sect, then the power… then, vengeance.*
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