The exam was finally over.
The wide platform was filled with murmurs. Many of the participants were breathing heavily, some sitting on the ground, or even lying on their back.
Now when compared to the hundreds who had entered the Clear Sky Sect's gates that morning, only a small group remained.
Around thirty people passed the entrance exam and were eligible to join the main branch of the Clear Sky sect.
Elder Victor stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back as his sharp gaze swept over the group. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Congratulations to everyone here," he said calmly. "You have passed the entrance exam of the Clear Sky Sect."
Relief spread across the faces of the participants. Some smiled and clenched their fists in excitement because there were no more tests.
"With the exam finished," Victor continued, "inner disciples will guide you to the registration area. There, you will receive your identification badge and your first allotment of spirit stones."
Everyone began to murmur softly at the mention of spirit stones.
"You will each receive thirty spirit stones every month."
"If you wish to earn more, you may take missions from the Mission Hall once you are settled."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"You are dismissed."
Inner disciples in light-blue robes stepped forward, signaling for the new disciples to follow. The group began to move, talking quietly among themselves.
Lucius as well who was walking with Raveena and Damian. But as he was about to step forward a voice stopped him.
"Lucius."
He turned around and Elder Victor was looking directly at him.
"Come here."
Lucius paused slightly, he really did not know what Elder Victor wanted. But he walked over and stopped in front of the elder, giving a respectful bow.
Victor reached into his robe and took out a badge. But this one seemed to be finely crafted, with clearer markings and a faint glow around its edges.
"Here," Victor said, handing it to him. "This badge marks you as the first-place holder of this entrance exam."
Lucius accepted it carefully, appreciating the good will the Clear Sky sect was showing towards him.
"Because of your performance," Victor continued, "you will receive one hundred spirit stones every month. You also have permission to choose one Earth-grade technique from the sect's library."
Lucius's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly bowed again.
"Thank you, Elder Victor."
Victor nodded, clearly satisfied—not only with Lucius's actions, but with his character as well. He knew exactly how Lucius had passed the second exam, and how he had helped both Damian and Raveena along the way.
Lucius had shown no arrogance. He had no obligation to share his body-strengthening method, yet he did so without hesitation. To Victor, this spoke volumes. Talent alone could take someone far, but paired with humility and concern for others, it marked the potential of a true leader. Someone fit to hold a high position in the cultivation world one day.
Lucius hesitated briefly, then spoke. "Elder Victor… may I ask something?"
"Go on," Victor replied.
Lucius chose his words with care. "Ever since I was young, I've always wanted to help others. Especially those weaker than me." He paused, then continued, "Is there any branch in the sect where I could do that?"
Victor studied him in silence for a moment. Then he smiled, more warmly than before.
"There is," he said. "The Discipline and Enforcement Division exist for that purpose. They maintain order within the sect, deal with rogue cultivators, and protect mortal settlements when needed."
Lucius's eyes widened.
This was exactly what he had been hoping for.
"How can I join them, Elder Victor?" he asked, bowing slightly as he spoke.
"Ah, how good it is to be young," Elder Victor said with a light chuckle, remembing the old days.
"I know the leaders of the Discipline and Enforcement Division," he continued. "I can speak to them about you. But that does not mean you will be accepted."
He looked at Lucius seriously.
"You will have to prove yourself."
Elder Victor fell silent for a moment before speaking again.
"That division is the strongest in the Clear Sky Sect. They handle matters that concern all other branches. Internal disputes, dangerous cultivators, and threats from outside the sect all fall under their responsibility."
His tone grew firm to emphasize how difficult the requirements to join them were.
"Only the most talented and capable disciples are allowed to join."
"While you do have talent," Victor went on, "me putting in a good word will only help a little. In the end, they only care about results."
"You will need to catch their attention yourself if you truly wish to join."
Lucius listened carefully, his expression was calm and nodded. He was not worried because he did not expect to join immediately anyway. This was a new world, and for once, he wanted to move at his own pace. He still intended to follow the teachings of Goddess Celestia, but he did not feel the need to rush back into endless conflict.
Elder Victor's eyes brightened slightly after thinking of an idea.
"How about this," he said. "In eight months, there will be an Inner Sect Competition."
Lucius looked up, pondering Elder Victor's words. While he was not worried about an examination, he needed to know the requirements just to enter the competition. Even though he possessed cultivation talent, there was still a vast disparity in strength between each realm.
"If you can win," Victor continued, "or at least put on an impressive performance, you will earn the attention of the division leaders."
He smiled faintly. "That will be your chance. To enter the competition, you must reach the Foundation Establishment stage."
Lucius bowed lightly. "Thank you, Elder Victor."
A new goal had formed in his mind.
The Inner Sect Competition.
He could already tell it would be a challenge centered on combat, something he was deeply confident in. Now, all he needed was time. Time to cultivate, to make full use of the spirit stones in his possession, and to push his cultivation forward.
And, of course, he hoped that Goddess Celestia would continue to bless him on this journey. Just as she had in the beginning, making his cultivation smooth and effortless once more.
A/N: Sorry for not uploading consistently last week. I just had my first week back at uni, so life was pretty hectic getting started again. That said, I've made sure to expand my stockpile of chapters for you all, so expect consistent uploads once again—around 7–10 chapters a week.