Soul Emperor Awakening

Watching Cyan Cloud Peak’s performance, Lin Xuan sneered inwardly. ’If I hadn’t already known,’ he thought, ’how could I have ever imagined that this kind-faced old man was a murderer?’

Cyan Cloud Peak’s speech touched many of the onlookers. The other Elders, in particular, shook their heads and sighed. It was a true shame to lose such an incredible genius. Had nothing happened, he would have become the Mansion Master of Qingcheng Mansion. A younger Mansion Master would have brought much-needed vitality to the Qingcheng Mansion.

"But let’s not dwell on that. After all, he has a successor now. You have mastered the essence of the Cyan Cloud Step; I’m sure the Grand Elder would be very pleased in the spirit world. I hope you can achieve a good result in this competition!" Cyan Cloud Peak encouraged.

"I will not disappoint the Elders!" Lin Xuan declared, his expression turning solemn. Inwardly, however, he despised Cyan Cloud Peak. ’What an act,’ he thought. ’Who could possibly guess that this very Elder was Qing Liuyun’s murderer?’

Cyan Cloud Peak nodded, then turned to the other contestants. "You all must strive just as hard," he announced. "Any of you who perform exceptionally during the trials will also be considered for the Core Disciple assessment!"

In Qingcheng Mansion, the title of Core Disciple was synonymous with high status. Those who achieved it were all but guaranteed to become future Elders—they were effectively Elders-in-training. That was why the selection process was so stringent. Accepting a disciple of mediocre talent would be a disservice to the entire Qingcheng Mansion.

"Next, I will explain the events for the top-ten finals. The overall process is the same as always. First, you’ll undergo a series of trials testing various skills. The top four performers will then advance to the final showdown!" Qing Piaoyun stepped forward to explain. "The first trial is simple: cross Hurricane Valley and reach the destination. The first to arrive gets the highest score!"

Lin Xuan was quite familiar with the top-ten finals. Qing Liuyun had been an Elder here and had organized these finals numerous times, so Lin Xuan knew the process inside and out. It hadn’t changed over the years, so even though this was his first time participating, he felt no fear.

The competition was structured just as Qing Liuyun had said. Points were awarded based on a series of trials designed to test one’s overall aptitude, rather than just throwing everyone into a fight from the get-go. That approach was for the other ninety contestants; the top ten faced a much different challenge.

The trials were designed to assess a disciple’s comprehensive abilities, not just their skill in combat. Naturally, combat was still the most important trial, but only the top four would have the chance to participate. The six who were eliminated along the way could only watch from the sidelines. Therefore, every one of the preceding trials was also critically important.

If their scores weren’t high enough, they’d lose any chance of reaching the top four. For this reason, every disciple wore a grave expression, approaching the trial with the utmost caution.

"For this first trial, the Fourth Elder and I will accompany you to observe your progress. Should any accidents occur, we will be there to intervene!" Qing Piaoyun signaled for the top ten to get ready. The entire trial was to be supervised by him and Fourth Elder Qingyu, not only to evaluate each disciple’s performance but, more importantly, to guard against any mishaps.

Hurricane Valley was no joke. Even an expert at the Essence Pill Stage could be injured there, to say nothing of these disciples who were only at the Spirit Refining Stage.

Lin Xuan scanned the crowd, noting that the Third Elder wasn’t there. The Third Elder was the one looking after Lin Xue, so if he was absent, she surely would be too. A pang of disappointment hit him, but he quickly shook it off. ’Once I become a Core Disciple,’ he thought, ’we’ll be able to meet anytime.’

The rest of the spectators weren’t present. They had already taken a separate, safer path to the finish line at the other end of Hurricane Valley, a route where they wouldn’t be affected by its dangers.

Lin Xuan glanced at the other disciples. He recognized all of them by face, and though he had never spoken to them, he knew their names. It would be disrespectful not to know one’s rivals, especially those who had made it to the top ten. He had made sure to remember each one.

Of course, remembering their names was of little use at the moment. The first few trials were solo challenges; the true face-to-face confrontations would come later.

Seeing that everyone was ready, Qing Piaoyun announced, "The first trial now officially begins!"

The words had barely left his lips when Ling Tian shot forward like an arrow loosed from its bow, charging into Hurricane Valley. Having gone through this trial several times before, most of them were seasoned veterans who knew which areas were the most perilous.

Before taking off, he shot a provocative glance at Lin Xuan. In fact, it wasn’t just Ling Tian; the other disciples also gave him challenging stares. They were all curious to see if this newcomer, Lin Xuan, could actually outperform them. ’No matter how talented he is, there’s no way he can just breeze through this on his first attempt, right?’

A small smile played on Lin Xuan’s lips. He took a single, light step forward, unleashing his Micro Level Cyan Cloud Step. A cyan wisp seemed to trail him as he swept into the valley, his speed not only constant but faster than everyone else’s!

Seeing this, the two Elders following behind both shook their heads. Faster wasn’t necessarily better. If one moved too recklessly, they could easily be blown off course by the winds.

"This Lin Xuan is a bit reckless," Qingyu said, shaking his head. "Entering at such a speed is asking for trouble. A true newcomer..." He was clearly not optimistic about Lin Xuan’s chances in this trial.

"I wouldn’t be so sure," Qing Piaoyun said with a slight smile. "With his skills, he might just surprise us." With that, he too floated into the valley.

As the Elders entered Hurricane Valley, a savage gale assaulted them. Rocks were periodically swept up by the wind, and anyone with a subpar Body Technique would be easily struck. The sheer force of the wind was enough to lift a man from his feet. The surrounding ground was completely barren; in the face of such gales, almost nothing could survive intact.

When they were finally able to get a clear look at the scene ahead, they were utterly dumbfounded, frozen in place. There, amidst the howling gales, Lin Xuan had seemingly transformed into a literal cyan cloud. He swayed effortlessly in the air, passing by with a light tap of his toes, riding the wind forward as if it were a gentle stream.

When a huge boulder hurtled toward him, his body would shift just enough to dodge it by a hair’s breadth. Then, with a light slap of his palm, the boulder would not only fail to hinder him but would actually serve to boost his forward momentum!

This wasn’t a novice; he was a seasoned master, skilled enough to be compared to the Elders themselves. It wasn’t just the two Elders who were stunned—the other disciples were speechless as well. They had been hoping to watch Lin Xuan make a fool of himself, as they had all struggled pathetically when they first entered, their movements clumsy and anything but smooth.

But who could have known that Lin Xuan would handle it all with such ease from the moment he entered? He looked as if he’d been through this trial a dozen times before.

"Now this is getting interesting!" Ling Tian laughed. With a rapid tapping of his feet, he accelerated again, charging ahead. No longer daring to hold anything back, the others surged forward as well.

The two Elders exchanged a look. Lin Xuan had really set a powerful precedent. Thanks to him, it seemed everyone’s performance in this trial was likely to improve significantly.