The morning air was crisp as Elder Wei gathered us in front of the vast stone arena carved into the mountainside. Rows of stone seats surrounded the pit, where countless outer disciples had once fought their first battles.
The elder's gaze swept across us like a sharp blade.
> "In the Iron Wind Pavilion, strength is your foundation. Without it, you are nothing more than a stray leaf in the storm. Today, you will face your first trial in the Beast Arena. One beast, one disciple. If you win, you will earn a Body Tempering Pill—a rare treasure that will accelerate your path. If you lose… walk away with your life, if you can."
His words settled over us like a mountain.
No one spoke.
> "The beasts you will face are carefully selected to match your current stage. Do not expect an easy victory. No one can help you. Once you enter the arena, you stand alone."
I clenched my fists. My heart hammered in my chest, but I wasn't afraid. I was… excited.
The first disciple was called. He trembled as he stepped into the pit, facing a snarling beast—a lean Shadow Wolf. The fight was brutal. He barely scraped through, bleeding and limping, but Elder Wei nodded and handed him the precious pill.
One by one, the others followed.
Some triumphed. Some were dragged out, unconscious and bruised.
When Li Shen's name was called, I watched him intently. His opponent was a Broadback Lizard with rock-hard scales. Li Shen fought with desperation, narrowly dodging its crushing tail before finally slamming a stone into its head.
When he emerged victorious, our eyes met briefly, and I could see his relief. I smiled back.
Then, Yue Han was called. He strolled into the arena like he was going for a casual walk. His beast was a Raging Horned Deer, but Yue Han moved like he'd already won. His fists struck with terrifying precision, and in just three moves, the beast collapsed.
He walked out of the arena with a smirk, his eyes lingering on me.
> "Let's see how long your village courage lasts," he sneered.
Finally, my name was called.
I stepped forward, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on my back.
The gate opposite me opened with a deep creak, and a Fierce-Tusk Boar lumbered out, its red eyes glinting with violence. Its thick hide was covered in scars, and its tusks gleamed like polished daggers.
It roared and charged without hesitation.
I dove to the side, barely avoiding its first attack. Dust exploded where its tusk scraped the ground.
I struck its side with my fist, but my attack barely left a mark. It was like punching a boulder.
Pain flared in my arm.
I jumped back, my breathing ragged.
> "Too shallow…" I muttered, remembering Elder Wei's words. I hadn't tempered my body enough. I wasn't strong enough.
The boar charged again.
Desperation flooded me.
It was then that something deep within me stirred—a faint pulse from the technique sealed in my soul. The Heaven Conquering Law.
My body moved on instinct.
I tightened my stance, focusing the remnants of the technique into my fist. A strange warmth wrapped around my arm—a fragment of the martial art revealing itself.
I struck again.
This time, the boar stumbled, a crack forming across its ribs.
It screamed, thrashing wildly.
I didn't hesitate. I pressed the advantage, evading its desperate charges, landing focused strikes.
With one final punch, I shattered its skull.
The arena fell silent.
I was panting, my arms trembling, but I was standing.
Elder Wei's lips twitched in the smallest hint of approval as he tossed me the Body Tempering Pill.
> "Not bad. You barely touched the surface of your technique, but you adapted. There may be hope for you after all."
I clutched the pill tightly.
I glanced at Yue Han, who stared back with narrowed eyes, his earlier smirk gone.
I didn't care.
All I could feel was the fire in my chest—the start of something far greater than I had ever imagined.