The Azure Clan's main hall felt imposing as Elder Ming stood before the five young cultivators, his Core Formation aura radiating authority. Behind him, ten pedestals displayed the artifacts available for selection, each covered with silk cloth in varying colors—deep purple for Grade 3, blue for Grade 2, and white for Grade 1. "Before we begin," Elder Ming announced, "understand that these artifacts range from Grade 1 to Grade 3. The selection order will be determined by seniority and cultivation level." His gaze swept across the five participants. "Celeste, you will choose first. Then Darvin. Followed by Valen and Aria from the branch families. Darwin, you will choose last." Darwin kept his expression neutral. Last pick meant he'd get whatever everyone else didn't want. But that was fine—with his system, even a Grade 1 artifact could become something extraordinary. Elder Ming removed the silk cloths with practiced ceremony, revealing the ten artifacts: **Grade 3 Artifacts:** - S

Two days had passed in intense cultivation and preparation. Darwin sat in his chambers, the morning sun filtering through the window as he reviewed his extraordinary progress. In just forty-eight hours, he'd transformed from Foundation Establishment Stage 2 into something far more formidable. He pulled out another Foundation Establishment Pill from the jade bottle—his sixth pill total. Only four remained now. The pill dissolved on his tongue, releasing concentrated qi that flooded through his Elite Meridian. The familiar sensation of breakthrough approached as his qi sea churned with storm energy. [Foundation Establishment Stage 3 → Foundation Establishment Stage 4] Darwin's eyes snapped open, electricity crackling briefly in his irises. Stage 4 already. At this rate, he'd reach Stage 6 or even Stage 7 before the trial began. But cultivation wasn't his only focus over the past two days. ----- **Day One - Weapon Upgrade** The previous morning, Darwin had made a critical decisi

One day remained until the Crimson Vale Trial. Darwin sat cross-legged in his chambers as dawn light filtered through the window. The past three days had been a whirlwind of cultivation and system rewards. Four daily gift boxes. Eight upgrade points accumulated. And countless breakthroughs. But today would be different. Today, he would transform completely. He pulled out the Ancestral Blood Awakening Chalice from his inventory—the Grade 5 epic artifact he'd received days ago. The crimson chalice pulsed with an ancient rhythm, as if recognizing its purpose. Darwin had researched the Azure Clan's bloodline history over the past days. The clan possessed wind-element heritage, but nothing particularly remarkable. Most members had diluted, barely-active bloodlines that provided minor cultivation speed bonuses. But the chalice didn't just awaken existing bloodlines—it could reveal suppressed, fragmented, or incomplete bloodline legacies buried deep within one's ancestry. According to

Darvin stood to the side, his Foundation Establishment Stage 1 cultivation feeling weak compared to the other main family member. But his eyes burned with intensity when he looked at Darwin, and Darwin noticed his twin brother's hand unconsciously touching a jade tablet in his robes. The Blood Shadow Mark. Darwin's divine bloodline had completely severed the blood connection Darvin tried to establish with his forbidden technique, but Darvin didn't know that yet. He thought his tracking method was still active. Let him think that. It would make his inevitable betrayal attempt easier to counter. The two branch family members—Valen at Foundation Establishment Stage 2 and Aria at Foundation Establishment Stage 1—stood nervously, clearly intimidated by the gathered talent. Fifteen participants total. Three clans, five from each. Patriarch Aldric stood from his seat on the platform, his nascent soul cultivation radiating authority that silenced the courtyard instantly. "Welcome,"

Darwin's gaze locked onto his attacker. A cat-like creature, built like a cheetah but larger—about the size of a tiger. Its fur was deep crimson, patterns of flame dancing across its body. Eyes like molten gold stared at him with predatory focus. Darwin activated Appraisal. [Target: Flame Cheetah] [Classification: peak-Level Spirit Beast] [Cultivation: Equivalent to Foundation Establishment Stage 3-5] [Description: A peak-level spirit beast famous for incredible acceleration—can reach 100 meters per second within three seconds. Typically travels in packs. Absorbs ambient fire qi to fuel its attacks.] [Signature Technique: Fire Qi Blast] ∙ Supercharged sphere of flame reaching 900°C ∙ Explodes on impact with devastating force ∙ Lethal to anyone below Foundation Establishment Stage 3 [Threat Assessment:] ∙ Solo: Can be handled by four peak Qi Refining cultivators or one low Foundation Establishment cultivator ∙ Pack (4+): Can overwhelm even mid Core Formation cultivato