The entire training ground gradually fell silent as Shaurya stepped forward toward the Heaven Measuring Monument.
Not forced silence.
Natural silence.
The kind that appeared when every person present instinctively understood something important was about to happen.
The mountain wind swept across the sect grounds, causing the black-and-gold coat behind him to flutter sharply while golden patterns embroidered across the fabric shimmered beneath the sunlight.
Five deep violet-black spirit rings rotated slowly behind him.
Heavy.
Ancient.
Oppressive.
Golden spiritual energy flowed around Shaurya's body like rising flames, dense aura spreading outward in unstable waves powerful enough to distort the surrounding air itself.
The difference became obvious immediately.
Everyone else until now had controlled their power.
Compressed it.
Refined it.
Shaurya did none of that.
