Just outside the Ye Clan's main hall lay the martial training grounds.
This was where both inner and outer disciples trained daily.
But today—
It was packed.
Every member of the Ye Clan had gathered.
Because today was the Heaven's Blessing Test.
This test was used to determine one's aptitude for cultivation.
But more importantly—
It revealed how far one could go on the path of power.
Each year, the heavens would respond.
Each year, geniuses would rise.
And each year—
Fates would change.
For many, this was their only chance to be noticed by a sect.
Joining a sect meant resources, protection, and status.
Joining a powerful sect?
That could elevate the entire clan.
Naturally, the Ye Clan spared no effort in nurturing those with talent.
"Who do you think will get the most chimes this year?" one outer disciple whispered.
"Obviously the Second Young Master, Ye Han," another replied confidently."He got three chimes last year. This time? At least five… maybe even six."
"Wrong," a third voice cut in.
"It'll be Ye Lan."
"She also got three chimes last year—but her growth is faster. I bet she hits seven."
The others nodded.
Ye Lan was well known.
The daughter of an elder.
Cold.
Distant.
Completely devoted to cultivation.
Suddenly—
"…Why is he here?"
A disciple frowned.
All eyes turned.
A figure walked calmly into the training grounds.
It was Ye Ji.
Confusion spread instantly.
Everyone in the clan knew one thing—
He had no aptitude for cultivation.
So why was he here?
"Hahaha! Look at him!"
"He actually came to take the test!"
"What a joke!"
"That trash really thinks he has a chance?"
Laughter erupted across the field.
Mockery.
Disdain.
No one tried to hide it.
To them, Ye Ji didn't belong here.
He was an embarrassment.
Yama ignored everything.
Their words meant nothing.
Ants don't deserve attention.
Then—
Silence.
The Patriarch had arrived.
Alongside the elders.
All conversations instantly died.
Ye Xiang stepped forward.
"Today," he said calmly, his voice echoing across the grounds,"is a chance to change your fate."
"Some of you will rise."
"Some of you will remain where you are."
"But only those who persist will walk further."
He paused.
Then—
"I now declare… the Heaven's Blessing Test begins."
One hundred and twenty-five disciples stepped forward.
They formed a long queue.
Yama stood quietly in the middle.
Expression calm.
Unbothered.
The first to step forward—
Was Ye Lan.
Her blue robes flowed gently as she walked onto the stage.
Her beauty was undeniable.
But no one dared approach her.
She was known as the Ice Beauty.
At the center of the stage stood a massive stone.
Ancient.
Unbreakable.
The Heaven's Blessing Stone.
It was said that even the strongest expert in the continent could not destroy it.
It was also absurdly expensive—
Worth nearly a quarter of the clan's total wealth.
Ye Lan placed her hand on the lightning mark engraved into the stone.
Silence fell.
Seconds passed.
Then—
BOOM!
Lightning surged from the stone into the sky.
Dark clouds gathered instantly.
A golden light broke through the heavens.
Then—
DING…DING…DING…
The sound echoed like a bell from the heavens.
One.
Two.
Three.
The chimes continued.
Each one louder than the last.
The entire training ground held its breath.
DING… DING… DING…
Nine.
The ninth chime rang out.
Then—
Silence.
The sky cleared.
Everything returned to normal.
No one spoke.
They couldn't.
They were stunned.
Then—
"Oh my god… NINE CHIMES?!"
"She's a genius!"
"She'll definitely enter a top sect!"
The crowd exploded.
At the elders' section, Ye Xiang smiled faintly.
"Congratulations, Ye Zhong."
"You've raised an exceptional daughter."
Ye Zhong laughed proudly.
"I expected her to surprise me… but not like this."
"Nine out of twelve chimes… she has a bright future."
The other elders quickly joined in with their congratulations.
Even Ye Han's father nodded in acknowledgment.
Then—
The air shifted.
Three figures appeared.
Just like that.
No warning.
No sound.
Everyone froze.
They could instantly feel it—
These people were far stronger than anyone present.
Before panic could spread—
One of them stepped forward.
"Elders, there's no need to worry."
"We're not here to cause trouble."
He smiled.
"I am Bi Da of the True Sword Sect."
"I am Fu Peng of the One Saber Sect."
"I am Qi Qing of the Golden Sword Sect."
The moment they finished—
The entire training ground erupted internally.
Sect recruiters.
They had come.
Every disciple's heart began racing.
This is our chance.
But before the excitement could settle—
A voice descended from the sky.
"Apologies for my late arrival."
A graceful figure appeared.
"I am Mo Chou… disciple of the Heaven Layer Sect."
The crowd exploded.
"The Heaven Layer Sect?!"
"That's one of the strongest sects!"
"And it's all female…"
"She's definitely here for Ye Lan!"
Mo Chou landed lightly before the elders.
Her beauty was overwhelming.
Even Ye Lan's cold elegance couldn't compare.
She looked like a celestial being.
The disciples were mesmerized.
All except one.
Yama.
He didn't even glance at her.
Why would he?
He had seen countless celestial beings in the Heavens.
Compared to them—
This was nothing.
Mo Chou noticed.
Her eyes flickered with curiosity.
Someone didn't react?
She scanned him.
Then—
Her interest vanished instantly.
No cultivation.
Worthless.
She turned away.
Not worth a second thought.
She walked toward Ye Lan.
"Ye Lan."
"I invite you to join the Heaven Layer Sect."
"Are you willing?"
Ye Lan bowed immediately.
"I am willing, Senior Sister."
"Good."
"We leave tomorrow. Prepare yourself."
"Yes."
The decision was immediate.
No hesitation.
The crowd could only watch with envy.
That was the difference between them and a genius.
Their paths had already diverged.
Mo Chou returned to her seat.
The test continued.
Ye Xiang stepped forward again.
"Next—"
His voice echoed clearly across the training grounds.
"Ye Han."