C15 Nexus of Boundless Weight

The testing continued, but following Ye Xuan's impressive performance, the subsequent assessments failed to pique the interest of the two elders. Their gaze, reminiscent of ancient wells, remained fixed on Ye Xuan throughout. It was only at the conclusion of the testing that they seemed to reluctantly shift their attention away. Ye Xuan finally allowed himself to relax his taut expression.

Once the second round was complete, the elders announced the number of participants who had advanced. "The second round has concluded," Elder Longbrow addressed the assembled disciples with a gentle tone. "Those who have passed may proceed to the next round. Those who did not pass, please return to your training with determination to succeed in the future."

Following Elder Longbrow's announcement, a number of disciples exited the testing area and made their way to the plaza outside. Shortly thereafter, only those who had passed the second round remained, ready to face the third round. Ye Xuan scanned the group and estimated that around two hundred individuals remained—a stark reduction from the nearly five hundred who had started, indicating the rigorous nature of the second round.

"Cough, cough, cough. We will now begin the third round of testing. Take a short rest and prepare to continue," Elder Longbrow said after clearing his throat. The previous test had taken its toll on the disciples' vital force, so a period of rest was necessary for them to replenish their energy before facing the final challenge. Success would mean entry into the Inner Sect, while failure would relegate them to another year of training in the Outer Sect, awaiting the next assessment.

The difference in cultivation resources between the Inner and Outer Sects was well-known, and a year's gap could significantly widen the divide between disciples. Thus, no one could afford to make any mistakes that might lead to a lifetime of regret.

After Elder Longbrow finished speaking, he and Elder Chitong approached Ye Xuan, stopping about half a yard away. Their eyes, sharp and full of life, continued to focus intently on him.

Ye Xuan felt a bit uneasy due to their actions and couldn't help but speak up, "Elders, do you need me for something?"

Elder Chitong cleared his throat softly, signaling Elder Longbrow to take over. Elder Longbrow shot him a helpless look. Chitong's words could be as startling as thunder, and he didn't want to frighten Ye Xuan away.

Approaching Ye Xuan, Elder Longbrow gently patted his shoulder and said, "Ye Xuan, as per the testing guidelines, if you can light up both the black and red grooves, you're eligible to advance directly to Inner Sect disciple status without further testing. So, as of now, you are an Inner Sect disciple."

The room erupted into a frenzy at Elder Longbrow's announcement, like oil splashing in a sizzling pan, sending the disciples into an excited buzz. They gazed at Ye Xuan with a mix of envy and, for some, a hint of jealousy.

Ye Xuan was initially taken aback by Elder Longbrow's words but quickly regained his composure. Despite his joy, he responded, "Thank you for your generosity, Elders, but I would like to proceed with the next round of testing to complete the process."

Elder Longbrow was taken aback by Ye Xuan's poised response in the face of such an astonishing advantage, and his admiration for the young disciple grew.

"Are you sure?" Elder Longbrow asked once more.

"Yes, I've made up my mind. Thank you for your understanding, Elder," Ye Xuan replied, bowing respectfully to Elder Longbrow.

"Very well, we'll do as you wish," Elder Longbrow conceded, seeing Ye Xuan's firm resolve. He could have enforced an end to the testing, allowing Ye Xuan to become an Inner Sect disciple outright, which wouldn't have violated any rules. However, he was concerned that doing so might dampen Ye Xuan's drive, which could be detrimental to his future cultivation. So, Elder Longbrow chose not to intervene and instead respected Ye Xuan's wishes. Regardless of the outcome, success or failure, Ye Xuan would remain an Inner Sect disciple.

When they inquired with Murong Meng once more, she provided the same response as Ye Xuan had.

"The enthusiasm of today's youth is truly remarkable," Elder Longbrow remarked to Chitong. "Given their performance, they'll easily pass the upcoming test. Why the need for further testing? Ah, the ways of the young are truly baffling."

"Let's not speculate here. We need to get ready," Elder Longbrow urged Chitong, pressing him to begin preparations for the third round of testing.

Shortly thereafter, each elder retrieved a compass from their storage bags. The compasses were intricately etched with enigmatic patterns, with what appeared to be light coursing through them, casting an aura of mystery with their intermittent shimmer.

The elders started channeling vital force into the compasses, which absorbed the formidable energy they provided as if they were insatiable.

Elder Longbrow dabbed at the fine sweat on his forehead, while Chitong's breathing grew labored; the exertion had clearly taken its toll on them both.

"Why is it that every time, two capable elders are needed for this arduous task? Your luck is terrible, Chitong. Just our luck to be chosen," Elder Longbrow grumbled to Chitong with a hint of irritation.

Since they were paired, if one was selected, both were obligated to participate. "Blaming me now? Wasn't it you who suggested I draw?" retorted Chitong, clearly reluctant to shoulder the blame alone and quickly deflecting responsibility.

With a snort, both elders turned their heads away, neither conceding.

"Is everyone ready?" Elder Longbrow inquired, addressing the disciples who were meditating nearby.

"Elder, we are prepared," the disciples answered in chorus.

"Well then, let us commence the third round of testing," declared Elder Longbrow. He and Chitong simultaneously lifted the compasses, now brimming with vital force, into the air. The compasses buzzed to life, and Ye Xuan watched as two pale blue screens emerged from each compass. The screens detached and merged together in midair, forming a dome-shaped pale blue screen that gently descended onto the square, enveloping a circular area.

This marks your third round of testing. The semicircular light screen before you is the Nexus of Boundless Weight. True to its name, it's a Spirit Circle designed to amplify gravity."

"To pass, you must enter and traverse from the center to the other side. If you fail to emerge within the time it takes for four incense sticks to burn, you'll be deemed unsuccessful in the assessment."

"After the test, rankings will be assigned based on performance. The top ten will receive a reward of one hundred Spirit Values, the top three will additionally receive a storage bag, and the first-place winner will be granted an extra one hundred Spirit Values, fifty Spirit Beads, and a second-level top-grade cultivation method."

Elder Longbrow delivered these instructions with measured ease.

Whoosh!

His announcement hit the crowd like a boulder splashing into a still pond, sending waves of excitement throughout. The disciples, including Ye Xuan and Mu Hua, were visibly astounded by the lavish rewards, their eyes alight with fervor. Even Murong Meng, the girl whose demeanor was as serene as still water, showed a hint of eagerness on her delicate face.

Spirit Values are a form of currency used within the Inner Sect, essential for cultivation within the Aura Converger.

Elder Longbrow, pleased with the buzz he had created, nodded in approval. "Now that everyone is prepared, proceed into the Nexus of Boundless Weight."

His words acted as a spark to gunpowder, instantly setting the atmosphere ablaze with anticipation.

The disciples dashed toward the Nexus of Boundless Weight like a flock of birds descending into the woods, each vying to outpace the others in a race against time.

Exchanging a look that conveyed their mutual resolve, Ye Xuan and Mu Hua could see the intense combativeness in each other's gaze. "Let's see who can make it out faster, Ye Xuan," Mu Hua challenged. "You may have bested me in the second round, but this third round is anyone's game." With that, they both sped toward the Nexus. Ye Xuan was hot on his heels.

As they set off, Murong Meng, ever tranquil, also began to glide forward gracefully.

Who will emerge first, and who will claim the championship, hinges on the outcome of the battle within the Nexus of Boundless Weight!