With the first part of the entrance exam finally over, Lucius slowly looked around the hall. Many candidates were still seated. Not everyone had managed to break through within the time limit.
Elder Victor stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
"Those who did not break through to the first stage of Qi Refining will now be escorted to another section," he said. "There, you may choose to join the Clear Sky Sect as worker disciples."
A small wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.
"If you wish to become an outer disciple instead," Elder Victor continued, "you must prove your worth by taking a different examination."
He paused briefly, then added, "I wish you all the best of luck."
The middle-aged man who Lucius first met earlier stepped forward with several other examiners. They had overseen the preliminary test and now moved with quiet authority.
"Those who did not pass," the man said, "please follow me."
One by one, candidates began to stand and walk toward the examiners. Lucius counted them silently. Around ninety people had failed the first test.
As he watched them leave, Lucius felt no pride or satisfaction.
Instead, he wondered and hoped this setback would not break their spirits or push them onto darker paths. In his heart, he believed that anyone could rise again with the right effort and guidance. Failure did not mean the end, it was only a turning point.
But as that thought formed, Lucius felt a faint unease.
This world was different.
Most people here did not even know the name of Goddess Celestia. Without her guidance, without a voice to lead them back when they strayed, how many would lose their way?
Elder Victor turned back to the remaining candidates.
"Congratulations to everyone who passed the first test," he said. "This year, we have many outstanding talents."
His gaze settled on Lucius, and a proud smile appeared on his face.
"You, boy," Elder Victor said, his voice carrying across the hall, "have exceptional talent. Not only were you the first to pass the test, but you also reached the second stage of the Qi Refining Realm."
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.
"You are the first person in this sect to pass the first test with such outstanding results."
Lucius could feel dozens of eyes turning toward him. But he did not react and kept his gaze forward, and held an expression calm.
He did not expect to be called out by Elder Victor. But he hoped this would not cause any bad outcomes later.
Elder Victor stood before the group, his expression calm but firm as the noise in the hall slowly died down. Everyone sensed that what he was about to say mattered. He folded his hands behind his back and spoke clearly.
"The entrance exam is not over yet. There is one final test."
A wave of tension spread through the candidates, as they realized they still have not joined the Clear Sky Sect.
"Those who pass this test will be accepted into the main branch of the Clear Sky Sect," Elder Victor continued. "Those who fail will be assigned to a branch sect."
No one needed an explanation. The main branch was where true talents were nurtured, while the branch sects were meant for those who could not keep up. The difference between the two was like the gap between heaven and earth.
But everyone had the determination to join the Main Sect because cultivations resources are far greater in quality and abundance.
"Follow me," Elder Victor said, turning around.
The group moved after him, leaving the cultivation hall behind. They walked along a stone path that wound gently through the sect grounds. On both sides of the path, flowers bloomed in quiet beauty, their colors soft and soothing. A light breeze passed through, carrying a faint floral scent that eased some of the tension in the air.
Soon, a clear stream appeared beside the path, flowing calmly as sunlight reflected off its surface. The sound of running water was peaceful, almost comforting. The path led them over a stone bridge that arched gracefully over the stream. As they crossed it, many of the candidates slowed their steps, taking in the scenery, unaware that this calm was only temporary.
After the bridge, the path opened into a wide clearing. The group came to a halt.
Before them stood a massive staircase carved directly into the mountainside. The steps were wide and tall, stretching upward until they vanished into a thin layer of mist above. Each step looked ancient and heavy, as though it carried the weight of every disciple who had climbed before them.
Elder Victor turned back to face the group, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"The test is simple," he said. "Make it to the top of the stairs. There are one hundred steps."
Some candidates visibly relaxed, while others frowned, sensing there was more to it.
"And no," Elder Victor added, his smile deepening slightly, "it is not that simple."
He explained that as they climbed, an invisible pressure would descend upon them. The higher they went, the heavier it would become, pressing down on both body and mind. Strength alone would not be enough. Only those with strong will and perseverance would reach the top.
He let out a quiet chuckle. "It seems I have already given away the secret."
His gaze swept over the group. "You have two hour to complete the test. If you reach the top within that time, you pass."
With that, he stepped aside and gestured toward the staircase.
Lucius looked up the steps, he understood tehir most likely a formation or array, which manipulates gravity. But he wonder how heavy would it be.
The test was testing one's will. This was similar to when he was fighting demons, whose strength felt oppresive.
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The first is arc almost over. Now Lucius will get accustom to his new life and powers. He will venture through out the cultivation world and see whether this world needed his help.