World of Cultivation

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Chapter 45: Top Eight

"Though Murong Wuhen’s incident occurred, the final victors remain these eight."

Elder Lan scanned the eight new disciples including Ye Yun and nodded approvingly. "You’ve earned the right to represent our peak in the upcoming sect trials. This differs completely from ordinary Trial Hall missions – most Tian Zhu Peak disciples never get to join even Shadowless Peak’s unified trials in their lifetime, let alone the Heavenly Sword Sect’s grand trial. Perform well and you might gain extraordinary rewards that could propel your rise."

His words fell on varied ears. While Ye Yun remained impassive – knowing greater rewards meant greater risks – many veteran outer disciples winced in resentment. These newcomers had seized eight precious slots they themselves never attained through years of service.

"How dare these juniors take our spots!" shouted a yellow-robed disciple, breaking the tense silence. "They lack both cultivation and Battle Experience! Some haven’t even slain a single beast!"

"Potential means nothing in real trials!" another joined. "Strength decides survival! We beg the elders to reconsider!"

The dissent spread like wildfire until Elder Lan’s eyes snapped open, lightning-like gaze sweeping the square. "It seems we’ve been too tolerant."

Thunderous words shook the air as crushing pressure descended. Ye Yun felt his knees buckle instinctively under the seventh-level Qi refining stage’s spiritual might – a power enhanced by true fire realm’s soul-condensing flames. Beside him, a teal-robed disciple collapsed screaming, veins bulging.

Like dominoes, disciples fell kneeling until only two hundred remained standing – including all eight newcomers. Ye Yun’s black-and-white light tempered spirit and Elder Seven’s spiritual wine remnants anchored him despite the dual pressure from Elder Lan and Grand Elder Chunyu Yan now visible above.

After incense-time, the pressure lifted abruptly. "Shameful!" Elder Lan boomed. "Those who fell won’t compete this afternoon. Sect trials need mental fortitude, not just spiritual power grown from spirit stones!"

Grand Elder Chunyu Yan added, "Survivors of this dangerous trial will become black robe disciples with monthly resources." Excited murmurs erupted – black robes meant security and status.

As the defeated left grudgingly, Elder Lan addressed the eight: "The remaining matches determine your access to Zang Wu Pavilion’s techniques and spirit stones. Rules remain – life and death irrelevant."

"Excellent!" Duan Chenfeng grinned savagely. "Challenge me for first place and die!"

Qu Yiping’s eyes glinted coldly while Yu Minghong stood humbly beside stoic Ye Yun, whose lowered face hid swirling thoughts beneath calm exterior.