The vast reception hall buzzed with quiet conversations as candidates from every corner of the region gathered beneath the towering crystal ceiling.
Some stood proudly in luxurious robes embroidered with the insignias of powerful clans. Others carried expensive weapons that radiated faint Origin Essence, while a handful of attendants followed behind them carrying luggage and supplies.
Among them were also ordinary youths dressed in simple clothing.
Zion, Mira and Kellan belonged to the latter.
To many of the noble-born candidates, they were hardly worth a second glance.
Captain Roran looked toward the three of them.
"Stay close."
"The assessment hall isn't difficult to navigate..."
"...but getting lost inside the Origin Tower is easier than you think."
Kellan looked around at the floating staircases connecting countless levels of the building and swallowed.
"I believe that."
The group followed one of the silver-robed officials through a broad corridor lined with polished black stone.
Every few dozen meters, intricate formations glowed faintly beneath the floor, filling the air with a gentle warmth.
Along the way, Zion noticed people constantly entering and leaving rooms on both sides of the corridor.
One chamber released waves of intense heat before the heavy doors closed again.
Another echoed with the rhythmic ringing of metal striking metal.
Elsewhere, fragrant medicinal aromas drifted through the hallway.
Captain Roran noticed Zion's curiosity.
"The forging halls."
"The alchemy chambers."
"The Formation Division."
"They're all inside this tower."
He smiled faintly.
"The Origin Tower never truly sleeps."
Zion nodded silently.
The deeper they walked...
The more he realized this place wasn't simply an administrative center.
It was a gathering place for the greatest talents in the entire region.
Several minutes later, the corridor widened into an enormous circular chamber.
Rows upon rows of stone seats surrounded a massive platform at its center.
Hundreds of young cultivators had already gathered.
Some quietly meditated.
Others sized up the competition.
A few powerful youths stood confidently at the front, clearly accustomed to being the center of attention.
As Zion's group entered, several curious gazes briefly swept over them before quickly losing interest.
Blue Star Village...
The name carried little weight here.
Captain Roran stopped near one section of seats.
"This is where your journey begins."
He turned to face the three of them.
"From here onward..."
"...I can no longer help you."
Kellan forced a grin.
"So this is goodbye?"
Captain Roran chuckled.
"Not quite."
"I'll remain in Stone River City until the recruitment concludes."
"If all goes well..."
"...I'll see you again after you've passed."
His words carried quiet confidence.
Not hope.
Confidence.
Mira took a slow breath before bowing respectfully.
"Thank you for bringing us here safely."
Captain Roran smiled warmly.
"You earned your places."
"I merely drove the carriage."
Even Zion lowered his head.
"...Thank you."
Captain Roran placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The road ahead belongs to you now."
Without another word, he turned and quietly left the chamber.
The three watched him disappear through the entrance before taking their seats among the countless candidates.
Silence gradually settled over the hall.
One after another...
More silver-robed officials entered from different passages.
Their calm expressions and disciplined movements immediately quieted the remaining conversations.
Then...
The lights filling the chamber dimmed.
Every glowing crystal embedded within the walls slowly lost its brilliance until only the enormous platform remained illuminated.
Footsteps echoed through the silent hall.
An elderly man wearing robes embroidered with a silver constellation slowly walked onto the platform.
His white hair flowed to his waist.
His expression was calm.
Yet the moment he appeared...
The entire hall instinctively fell silent.
No pressure radiated from him.
No overwhelming aura could be felt.
Yet somehow...
Everyone knew.
This was someone whose strength far surpassed their understanding.
The old man calmly surveyed the hundreds of candidates before speaking.
"Welcome..."
"...to the Regional Recruitment Examination of Star Realm Academy."
His voice wasn't loud.
Yet every word reached every corner of the enormous hall as though spoken directly beside each listener.
"No matter your background..."
"No matter your birthplace..."
"Once you enter this hall..."
"You are all simply candidates."
His sharp gaze slowly swept across the crowd.
"The Academy recognizes only ability."
"It cares nothing for noble titles."
"It values neither wealth nor influence."
"It values only potential."
For the first time...
The excitement inside the hall disappeared completely.
Every candidate understood.
The examination...
Was about to begin.
---
The old man's gaze slowly swept across the hundreds of young cultivators gathered inside the enormous hall.
No one dared meet his eyes for long.
After several moments of silence, he spoke again.
"Before the assessment begins..."
"...there are a few things every candidate must understand."
With a gentle wave of his sleeve, Origin Essence gathered above the platform.
The surrounding air shimmered.
Moments later...
Four enormous pillars of light materialized above the hall.
Each pillar radiated a different color.
Golden.
Crimson.
Azure.
Silver.
Gasps echoed throughout the audience.
Even Zion couldn't hide the surprise in his eyes.
Formation Masters...
Their methods truly seemed miraculous.
The old man's calm voice rang out once more.
"Every cultivator's future is determined by four pillars."
He pointed toward the golden pillar.
"This..."
"...is Cultivation Talent."
The words appeared upon the pillar in radiant golden light.
"Cultivation Talent determines how quickly one absorbs Origin Essence."
"How easily one comprehends cultivation techniques."
"And how rapidly one advances through the realms."
"It is the foundation of cultivation."
He paused before continuing.
"It is graded from Low Rank..."
"...to Common Rank."
"...Rare Rank."
"...Epic Rank."
"...Legendary Rank."
"...Saint Rank."
"...Supreme Rank."
"...and finally..."
"...Crown Rank."
A wave of whispers spread across the hall.
Many candidates had heard of these grades before.
Others listened with complete attention.
The old man allowed the murmurs to settle before speaking again.
"A cultivator blessed with Crown Rank talent may accomplish in a few decades what others require centuries to achieve."
"But..."
His voice became firmer.
"Do not mistake speed for destiny."
"Cultivation Talent determines how quickly you grow."
"It does not determine how high you can ultimately stand."
The golden pillar slowly dimmed.
His hand moved toward the crimson pillar.
"This..."
"...is Bloodline Talent."
Immediately, countless phantoms appeared within the crimson light.
A colossal dragon.
A towering titan.
A blazing phoenix.
A graceful nine-tailed fox.
An angel with radiant wings.
A demon shrouded in darkness.
Several strange races no one present could recognize.
The entire hall stared in fascination.
"A Bloodline grants innate advantages."
"Some strengthen the body."
"Some grant unmatched elemental affinity."
"Others awaken unique abilities passed down through ancient races."
"They are graded using the same ranking system."
"Low Rank..."
"...through Crown Rank."
He slowly looked across the crowd.
"However..."
"Possessing a powerful bloodline does not guarantee greatness."
"A foolish genius..."
"...is still a fool."
Several candidates lowered their heads.
Others clenched their fists.
The crimson pillar faded.
The azure pillar shone brilliantly.
"This..."
"...is Eye Ability."
At once, dozens of mysterious eyes appeared within the blue light.
Some contained spinning stars.
Others resembled flowing rivers.
One seemed to contain endless darkness.
Another reflected countless illusions.
The hall became completely silent.
"Eye Abilities are among the rarest gifts in existence."
"They possess powers beyond ordinary cultivation."
"Some command space."
"Some perceive time."
"Some weave illusions."
"Some gaze upon fate."
"Some perceive truth hidden from ordinary eyes."
"They are likewise divided into the same talent grades."
The old man's expression remained calm.
"In exceedingly rare cases..."
"...an individual may awaken both a Bloodline and an Eye Ability."
The hall erupted into loud whispers.
"What?"
"I thought that was impossible!"
"I've never heard of that before!"
The old man made no attempt to stop the discussion.
Instead...
He calmly waited.
Only after silence gradually returned did he continue.
"Such individuals are born with advantages beyond ordinary cultivators."
"But remember this."
His gaze sharpened.
"Advantages..."
"...are not victories."
The azure pillar slowly dissolved.
Finally...
The silver pillar illuminated the hall.
Unlike the previous three...
It appeared simple.
Almost plain.
Yet the old man's expression became noticeably more serious.
"This..."
"...is Battle Talent."
No magnificent phantoms appeared.
No dazzling display followed.
Only a single silver flame quietly burned within the pillar.
"It cannot be inherited."
"It cannot be awakened."
"It cannot be bought."
"It is forged."
His voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Battle Talent is your instinct."
"Your courage."
"Your adaptability."
"Your ability to remain calm when death stands before you."
"It is your capacity to transform experience into victory."
He slowly looked at every candidate.
"A cultivator with no Bloodline or Eye Ability..."
"...may still defeat one blessed with extraordinary gifts."
"If his Battle Talent surpasses his opponent's."
The entire hall fell silent.
Many noble youths frowned.
Several ordinary candidates slowly straightened their backs.
Hope flickered within their eyes.
The old man nodded slightly.
"Star Realm Academy values all four pillars."
"No single pillar determines your future."
"No single talent guarantees your success."
He waved his sleeve.
The four towering pillars dissolved into countless particles of light that drifted through the air before disappearing completely.
His eyes swept across the hundreds of hopeful faces.
"Now..."
"...let us discover what kind of talents have gathered here today."
Zion frowned slightly.
Something didn't feel right.
Bloodlines... Eye Abilities... Battle Talent...
Then...
What about Soul Abilities?
Granny Iya had never explained much about the strange power sleeping within him. She had only warned him never to reveal it unless his life depended on it.
Yet listening to the examiner...
It was as though Soul Abilities had never existed.
Zion's gaze swept across the hall.
None of the other candidates appeared confused.
Their expressions remained perfectly normal, as if everything the examiner had said was common knowledge.
His brows knitted together.
Then... why was Soul Ability never mentioned?
Was it a forgotten path...
Or was it something the world itself wasn't supposed to know?
Zion silently buried the question deep within his heart.
One day...
When he became strong enough...
He would uncover the truth himself.
A deep bell echoed through the hall.
The first assessment...
Was about to begin.
The deep toll of the bell echoed throughout the enormous hall.
One...
Two...
Three...
Its sound lingered in the air before gradually fading into silence.
The elderly examiner clasped his hands behind his back.
"The first assessment..."
"...is the Cultivation Talent Test."
With another gentle wave of his sleeve, the floor of the central platform trembled faintly.
Low rumbling sounds echoed beneath everyone's feet.
Then...
Columns of white light rose from the platform one after another.
The light gradually faded, revealing ten crystal pillars standing in a perfect line.
Each pillar was nearly three meters tall and as clear as flawless glass.
Countless golden runes floated lazily within them like tiny stars suspended in water.
The moment they appeared...
A faint pressure spread throughout the hall.
Mira stared in amazement.
"...Formation artifacts..."
Captain Roran had spoken about them during their journey.
But seeing one in person...
Was completely different.
The elderly examiner looked toward the ten pillars.
"These are Spirit Origin Monoliths."
"They have measured the talents of countless cultivators for over three thousand years."
"They cannot be deceived."
"They cannot be influenced."
"They reveal only truth."
The hall became completely silent.
Several noble youths who had been smiling confidently moments ago suddenly looked much more serious.
The old man continued.
"When your name is called..."
"Place one hand upon the crystal."
"Release your Origin Essence."
"The formation will do the rest."
He raised one finger.
"The crystal will judge only your Cultivation Talent."
"It will not reveal your Bloodline."
"It will not reveal your Eye Ability."
"It will not reveal your cultivation realm."
A noticeable sigh of relief escaped several candidates.
Many clans treated their Bloodlines as closely guarded secrets.
The examiner noticed.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"The Academy has no interest in exposing your secrets before the proper time."
"The remaining assessments..."
"...will come later."
With another wave of his sleeve, hundreds of glowing names suddenly appeared in the air.
The names continuously shifted before separating into ten long lists.
"You have already been divided into groups."
"Proceed to your assigned Spirit Origin Monolith."
The floating names slowly descended.
Each candidate quickly searched for their own.
"There!"
Kellan pointed excitedly.
"I'm in Group Seven!"
Mira quickly found hers.
"Group Three."
Zion looked calmly at the glowing characters before him.
Group One.
Just then...
A young man standing nearby laughed loudly.
"What rotten luck."
Everyone nearby instinctively turned toward him.
He wore luxurious crimson robes embroidered with golden flames, while an ornate sword hung casually at his waist.
Behind him stood several youths who were clearly his followers.
The young man looked toward Zion before smiling arrogantly.
"It seems country boys really have poor fortune."
"We'll be taking the test together."
His companions immediately chuckled.
"Blue Star Village?"
"I've never even heard of it."
"Probably some forgotten farming village."
One of them looked Zion up and down before shaking his head.
"These days..."
"The Academy accepts anyone."
Several candidates laughed quietly.
Kellan's expression darkened.
"What did you say?"
The noble youth merely glanced at him dismissively.
"I wasn't talking to you."
Before Kellan could step forward...
Zion gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's not worth it."
Kellan gritted his teeth.
"But..."
Zion calmly shook his head.
"If words could decide the assessment..."
"...there would be no need for the test."
For a brief moment...
The noble youth's smile stiffened.
Then he laughed coldly.
"Interesting."
"I hope your talent is as impressive as your mouth."
He turned and walked toward the first crystal pillar, his followers close behind.
Mira quietly exhaled.
"You handled that well."
Zion's gaze remained fixed on the Spirit Origin Monolith.
"There'll be plenty of opportunities to speak later."
"...Without words."
Just then...
One of the silver-robed officials stepped onto the platform.
"Group One..."
"...step forward."
Nearly thirty candidates began walking toward the first Spirit Origin Monolith.
Among them...
Was Zion.
The first test...
Had finally begun.
Nearly thirty candidates stepped onto the broad platform.
The Spirit Origin Monoliths glowed softly before them, their interiors filled with drifting golden runes.
A silver-robed official walked to the front.
"The assessment will proceed one candidate at a time."
"When your name is called, step forward."
"Place your hand upon the Spirit Origin Monolith."
"Inject a thread of Origin Essence."
"Do not resist the formation."
He looked across the group.
"Begin."
The first candidate hurried toward the nearest crystal.
He placed his palm against its smooth surface.
For a brief moment...
Nothing happened.
Then, a pale white glow spread through the crystal.
Several runes slowly ignited.
The official glanced at the result.
"Common Rank Cultivation Talent."
"You may step down."
The young man sighed in disappointment before returning to the group.
One after another...
Candidates continued stepping forward.
"Low Rank."
"Common Rank."
"Common Rank."
"Rare Rank."
The reactions throughout the hall varied greatly.
Those who received Common Rank breathed sighs of relief.
Those with Low Rank lowered their heads in frustration.
Rare Rank talents earned approving nods from the officials.
After nearly twenty candidates...
A confident voice echoed across the platform.
"Flamecrest Clan."
"Darius Flamecrest."
The crimson-robed youth who had mocked Zion earlier stepped forward with a faint smile.
His followers immediately straightened.
"Young Master Darius is finally up."
"He'll definitely amaze everyone."
Darius casually placed one hand upon the crystal.
Origin Essence flowed into the Spirit Origin Monolith.
For a heartbeat...
Nothing happened.
Then...
Boom!
Scarlet light erupted throughout the crystal.
The runes inside spun rapidly before converging into a brilliant crimson pillar that shot several meters into the air.
The entire hall gasped.
The official's eyes widened slightly.
"Legendary Rank Cultivation Talent."
A wave of excitement swept through the audience.
"Legendary?"
"So young?"
"As expected of the Flamecrest Clan!"
Even several officials exchanged approving looks.
Darius slowly withdrew his hand, unable to hide the pride on his face.
Before stepping down, he deliberately glanced toward Zion.
A smug smile appeared on his lips.
As if asking...
Can a village boy compare to this?
Kellan clenched his fists.
"What an arrogant fool."
Mira quietly sighed.
"He does have the talent to be arrogant."
Zion simply remained silent.
His expression never changed.
The assessment continued.
Several more candidates were tested.
Most achieved Common or Rare Rank.
Only one other youth reached Epic Rank, earning a round of applause from the crowd.
Finally...
The official looked toward the final candidate remaining in Group One.
"Blue Star Village."
"...Zion."
The hall grew quiet.
Several candidates looked over curiously.
"So he's the village boy."
"I wonder what he'll get."
"Probably Common Rank."
Darius folded his arms, watching with amusement.
"Let's see if confidence alone can impress a Spirit Origin Monolith."
Ignoring the whispers around him, Zion calmly walked toward the crystal.
His footsteps were steady.
Neither hurried...
Nor hesitant.
He stopped before the Spirit Origin Monolith.
The crystal reflected his calm expression.
The silver-robed official nodded.
"Place your hand upon the crystal."
Zion slowly raised his right hand.
The instant his palm touched the smooth surface...
The entire Spirit Origin Monolith trembled.
A deep hum echoed through the hall.
The golden runes inside the crystal began spinning wildly.
Once.
Twice.
Then...
The crystal's light suddenly vanished.
Complete darkness filled its interior.
The smiles on the officials' faces disappeared.
"...What's happening?"
One official frowned.
"The formation has never reacted like this."
Across the hall...
The old man with the broom quietly lifted his head.
His cloudy eyes instantly transformed.
Deep within them...
A pair of silver irises appeared.
Countless invisible threads of fate stretched across the hall.
Every thread was ordinary...
Except one.
It blazed like a newborn sun.
Connected...
To Zion.
The old man's breathing stopped for a single heartbeat.
"...The prophecy..."
"...has finally begun."
Before anyone else could react...
His finger moved almost imperceptibly.
An invisible ripple spread through the hall.
The violently trembling Spirit Origin Monolith suddenly became calm once more.
The darkness disappeared.
Golden light returned.
The official blinked in confusion.
He looked toward the crystal.
The result slowly emerged.
Epic Rank Cultivation Talent.
A murmur spread through the audience.
"Epic Rank?"
"So the village boy is actually a genius."
"Not bad."
"It still falls short of Young Master Darius."
Darius merely snorted.
"I expected no less after all that drama."
Only the old man remained silent.
His gaze never left Zion.
Epic Rank?
He almost laughed.
No...
The Spirit Origin Monolith had never finished its judgment.
He had interrupted it.
Because if it had...
The result would have shaken not merely Stone River City...
But the entire star system.
The old man lowered his eyes and quietly resumed sweeping the floor.
"...Not yet, child."
"...The world is not ready for you."
______
Author's Note
Chapter 18 is finally complete! 🎉
We've officially reached the beginning of Zion's journey into the wider world. Stone River City is only the first step. From here onward, the scale of the story will continue to grow, introducing powerful geniuses, influential factions, hidden mysteries, and ancient secrets that have remained buried for countless years.
Some of you may have noticed that not everything in this chapter is as straightforward as it seems. Certain reactions, certain characters, and one mysterious old man all have deeper meanings. Their stories will be revealed when the time is right.
Thank you all for reading, commenting, voting, and supporting The Chaos Ruler. Every Power Stone, Golden Ticket, comment, review, and even your theories motivate me to keep writing and improving.
Keep sharing your thoughts. I genuinely enjoy reading your theories, and sometimes they're so creative that they make me stop and smile.
See you all in Chapter 19!
As my mentor used to say:
"Love you all to the moon and back." ❤️