Then Elder Cael raised his right hand slowly.
Space behind him trembled. A mont later, dozens of enormous stone gates erged from the air itself and settled above the platform. Each gate bore the carved image of a different weapon, and ancient martial intent seeped from every surface.
There was a sword gate sharp enough to make onlookers feel cut by sight alone. A spear gate stood tall and domineering like a battlefield general. A sabre gate radiated savage ferocity. There were gates for bows, daggers, staffs, hamrs, axes, chains, and many other weapon paths.
The sight alone stirred the blood of the gathered disciples.
"The first trial," Elder Cael declared, "is the Weapon Master Trial."
A wave of anticipation spread through the younger generation.
"This is not a trial of brute force. It is a trial of perception, affinity, comprehension, and martial foundation."
He extended his hand toward the floating gates.
"Within each gate lies a Weapon Hall. Every disciple present may choose the weapon path most suited to them. Once inside, you will encounter remnants, inheritances, and imprints left behind by masters who once walked that path."
The expressions of many geniuses changed imdiately.
Even obtaining a glimpse of advanced weapon techniques was a rare blessing for disciples from third-rate forces. To receive direct exposure to remnants left by true masters was an opportunity that might never co twice in a lifeti.
Elder Cael continued in an even tone.
"How much you gain will depend entirely on yourselves. If your talent is lacking, you may erge having learned nothing. If your foundation is steady, you may deepen your understanding significantly. If your perception is extraordinary, one day inside may change the direction of your weapon path forever."
His final sentence struck the hearts of many like thunder.
Lucia's eyes sharpened instantly.
Isabella's expression grew more serious than before.
Even Lady Virelia, standing among the elders, revealed surprise she did not bother to hide.
Max fixed his gaze on the sword gate.
Elder Cael spoke once more.
"You will have one full day within the Weapon Master Trial. When the gates close, your gains shall be assessed through your performance and resonance."
He slowly lowered his hand, and the gates emitted a low ancient hum.
"Now step forward."
"Choose your path and show whether you are worthy of being called geniuses."
The mont Elder Cael lowered his hand, the dozens of ancient gates suspended above the platform began to tremble.
Deep rumbling sounds echoed through the vast square as lines of light spread across their surfaces like awakening veins. Ancient runes that had remained dormant for who knew how many years suddenly ignited one after another.
Sword intent, spear montum, sabre ferocity, hamr weight, bow precision, and countless other martial auras surged outward from the gates, causing the air itself to feel heavy.
Then, with a thunderous vibration that shook the square, the gates opened.
What lay beyond them was not visible clearly from the outside. Each entrance was covered by a swirling layer of light that concealed the internal world within. Yet the aura spilling from every passage was enough to make hearts race wildly.
The gathered geniuses no longer remained calm.
One after another, disciples from the various third-rate forces rushed forward according to the weapon paths they cultivated. So moved with excitent, while others advanced with asured confidence. Many carried expressions of fierce determination, knowing this opportunity might decide their future.
A tall young man wearing crimson armor laughed loudly as he charged toward the sabre gate with several companions behind him. A graceful woman in silver robes floated toward the bow gate, her long fingers already resting on the string of her spirit bow.
Two burly disciples carrying giant hamrs strode toward the hamr gate like walking mountains. Everywhere one looked, talented youths were choosing the road most suited to them.
The square that had been packed with people monts ago quickly beca a flowing tide of movent.
Among the Black Dragon Clan group, Lucia glanced toward Max and Isabella.
Her usually calm face carried a faint smile.
"It seems we part here for now."
She looked first at Max.
"Do not embarrass yourself inside."
Then she turned toward Isabella.
"And do not beco too arrogant if you gain more than others."
Isabella gave a soft snort, though the corner of her lips lifted slightly.
Lucia then gave them a nod.
"Good luck to both of you."
Without waiting for a reply, her figure flashed forward.
She moved with clean and powerful steps, weaving through the crowd before arriving at the spear gate. The ancient gate seed to react faintly to her presence, emitting a low hum. Then Lucia stepped through the curtain of light and disappeared within.
Max watched her vanish before shifting his gaze toward the sword gate in the distance.
"She is uses a spear?" He was surprised a bit seeing her entering the spear gate. He certainly didn't see her using any weapon so far.
Beside him, Isabella was already looking in the sa direction.
For a mont, neither spoke.
The sword gate towered high above the others nearby, carved with countless overlapping blade marks that seed to contain the history of endless battles. A chilling yet noble sword intent drifted from within, making many sword cultivators instinctively straighten their backs.
Isabella finally spoke, her voice calm and proud.
"Try not to fall too far behind once inside."
Max smiled faintly.
"You should worry about yourself."
A spark of challenge flashed in Isabella's eyes.
Then the two moved at the sa ti.
They crossed the square side by side, drawing glances from nearby disciples who could sense both their unusual presence. One carried the regal aura of the Imperial Bloodline. The other possessed a quiet sharpness that made others uneasy.
When they reached the entrance, the sword gate trembled subtly as though acknowledging new arrivals.
Max looked once at the swirling light beyond the threshold.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward.
Isabella entered at the sa instant beside him.
Their figures vanished into the sword gate as the light swallowed them whole.
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