The room grew colder, their breaths forming mist in the air. Dark shadows crept from the corners of the temple, slowly but surely surrounding them.Ling Xue swung her sword, creating an icy wall around them. Yet, the ice began to crack the moment the shadows touched it."These shadows are devouring spiritual energy," Ling Xue exclaimed, her eyes narrowing. "We need to finish this trial quickly, or we'll be drained completely."Zhi Hao stood in the center of the Dipper’s light circle, staring at seven glowing star points on the floor. "Navigate the light and find the path to the North Star... But how?"Xiao Han examined the star formation closely. "The Dipper is a guiding constellation. In ancient astronomy, the end of the Dipper always points to the North Star."Zhi Hao nodded. "That means we have to connect these points to find the direction."He raised Qianlong, and the sword began to glow with golden light. As if understanding its master’s intent, Qianlong emitted a beam that conne

The next morning, the atmosphere at the New Disciple Tournament arena was tense and full of excitement. Thousands of participants gathered in the main square, their eyes fixed on the stage with anticipation and caution. They knew that this Preliminary Selection was the first step in determining their fate before the five great sects.Zhi Hao stood among the crowd, flanked by Xiao Han and Ling Xue. A silver badge with the number 27 was pinned to his chest. He took a deep breath, calming his mind before facing the first test.Xiao Han nudged his shoulder. "Don't be too tense. This Preliminary Selection usually tests your talent and basic abilities. As long as you show your potential, you’ll surely pass."Ling Xue added, "The key is to stay focused and not rush. You need to control your power wisely."Zhi Hao nodded confidently. "I understand. I won't waste this opportunity."Suddenly, a trumpet blast echoed throughout the square. An elderly man dressed in golden robes stood on the stage

After Zhi Hao and Huo Lang crossed the finish line, the crowd's cheers filled the arena. Yet, the rivalry was far from over. From behind a sudden mist of ice, Shui Lian stepped out calmly. Her body was surrounded by shimmering ice crystals that froze every last obstacle in her path. With an elegant movement, she raised her hand, creating an ice staircase that led her straight to the top of the final wall of thorns. As her feet touched the ground at the finish line, the ice shattered into fine particles that vanished into the air."Third participant: Shui Lian!" the Head of the Committee shouted, his face full of admiration. "Amazing! You three are truly exceptional!"Behind them, other participants struggled desperately. A large-built man collapsed before the fragile bridge, his hands scratched by poisonous thorns. "I... I can't..." his body trembled before passing out, dragged away by the medical team. Some other participants fought dirty, using hidden weapons to hinder their rivals,

The dust slowly settled, leaving destruction across the battlefield. The massive trees that once stood tall were now toppled, and parts of the earth were torn apart from the massive explosion that had just occurred. The wind and fire still raged, though their intensity began to wane. The rumble and explosion that shook the ground could still be heard, spreading throughout the forest. Huo Lang and Zhi Hao stood, each breathing heavily, yet their bodies were still full of determination."So, this is your limit?" Huo Lang said with a wide grin, despite the wounds on his body that were beginning to show. The fire surrounding him was almost fading, but his aura of power still felt intimidating, like a flame that refused to die out.Zhi Hao did not answer, only glaring sharply at Huo Lang. The star energy within his body grew denser, emitting a silver glow. Though exhaustion was becoming evident on his face, Zhi Hao knew this was the decisive battle—not only for him but for his team and the

"Do you all remember how Master once spoke about the Son of Fortune? Someone who, despite starting from hardship, can reach the pinnacle of power and reshape the world," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Zhi Hao, having achieved the Seventh-Star Earth King Realm at such a young age, is the true manifestation of what we have long suspected."The silver-haired old man, who had been silently listening, nodded slowly. "History has always recorded that every Son of Fortune walks a path filled with trials. However, what sets Zhi Hao apart is the technique he once used—a technique strikingly similar to the one Master wielded before his disappearance. This is no coincidence; it is fate, written long ago."The woman in a deep red veil cast a sharp gaze at the others. "We have two choices before us. First, we approach him as a mentor. By gradually guiding him, we can not only master his techniques but also use him to achieve our goals. Second, we capture him and seize the Heaven-Shattering Cod