In the heart of the Celestial Phoenix Institute, a vast open courtyard was encircled by towering, ancient trees. The students had assembled, their breaths gradually returning to normal after the demanding staircase ascent, and their gazes were alight with anticipation.
At the center of this gathering, Senior Zhang, their venerable guide, stood with an aura of wisdom and authority that demanded reverence. With a measured clearing of his throat, the students swiftly fell into a hushed silence, their eager eyes attentively fixed upon him.
"Congratulations on passing the first trial," he began, his eyes shimmering with pride. "Your unwavering determination and resolute spirit have been evident. However, please keep in mind that the road ahead is fraught with innumerable challenges, and it is through these trials that you will evolve into genuine cultivators."
Though his words were earnest and brimming with praise, a fatigue-born haze seemed to envelop many of the students, rendering them unable to offer anything more than weary, subdued cheers in response. The sincere compliment from their senior, while well-intentioned, fell upon ears and minds fatigued by the grueling first trial.
“This year, Celestial Phoenix Institute is embarking on a new approach," Senior Zhang proceeded, his voice steady and resolute. "Traditionally, the subsequent trials merely gauged your magical aptitude without impacting your admission. Yet, in light of the growing attrition over the years, we've reevaluated our process."
A collective murmur of dissatisfaction rippled through the crowd as the students seemed to voice their discontent. However, amid the unrest, Dylan observed with an air of amazement. The trials from the previous day had planted a seed of unwavering determination within his heart, and he now held the resolve to confront any daunting task set before him.
"This doesn't seem fair!" a student exclaimed, voicing the collective frustration. "Why change the rules just as it's our turn to face the trials?"
The sentiment quickly found resonance with other students who joined in. "Yeah, it's not right!"
"Especially after the exhausting staircase challenge, how are we supposed to muster the energy for an even more demanding trial?" another student protested vehemently. The courtyard buzzed with their complaints.
Senior Zhang stroked his chin, an apparent frown creasing his forehead. As the students believed he might reconsider, they grew hopeful, but their hope was short-lived. With a wave of his hand, a series of shimmering circles materialized beneath their feet.
In quick succession, the protesting students were enveloped by the circles and vanished into thin air, as if their protests were mere whispers scattered by the wind. The onlookers exchanged knowing glances, their guesses about the destination of these magical circles clear.
"We don't need students like that. Celestial Phoenix Institute will not waste its resources on the weak-willed and unambitious." The Senior in navy robes reprimanded the vanished students.
Dylan was impressed by the man's decisiveness. Having once been a leader himself, he understood how a single detrimental mentality could contaminate an entire group. By demonstrating zero tolerance, the students now comprehended the standards they had to meet.
"For your next trial," Senior Zhang continued, "students must select an element to which they have an affinity and unleash their most powerful elemental spell against a target. The magical energy released will be measured and assessed for its accuracy, strength, and control. Each student will receive an elemental proficiency rating based on their performance."
The students exchanged puzzled glances, unsure why the Senior made the trial sound so ominous, as it didn't seem particularly challenging at first.
"Any student who receives an elemental proficiency rating less than 6 will be sent home without any questions," Senior Zhang declared, clarifying the high stakes of the upcoming trial. The students now understood the gravity of the situation.
Dylan respectfully raised his hand to pose a question, seeking clarity. "Senior, if I may inquire, what if someone does not have an affinity with any element?"
Senior Zhang nodded in acknowledgment of the question and answered, "In that case, you can either select an element at random or choose to sit out of the trial. However, please be aware that those who fail to meet the requirements for Celestial Phoenix Institute will be sent home." He spoke with a firm tone, leaving the students aware of the consequences of their performance.
Dylan couldn't help but smile wryly to himself as he contemplated the upcoming trial. "This won't be easy," he thought, "I can't simply start using Scorch randomly; it would attract too much attention. Illusio is out of the question as well, given the nature of the spell. Besides, revealing my knowledge of it could anger Declan and make me a target." The young student found himself in a challenging predicament, with limited options at his disposal.
"Very well, students," Senior Zhang declared as he conjured a raised platform in the courtyard. The area surrounding it filled with enrolled students of The Institute who had come to spectate, their curiosity piqued. "I will announce the names of the first ten participants, so pay close attention. I will not repeat myself," the Senior's voice echoed across the courtyard.
The atmosphere brimmed with excitement and nervous energy as students eagerly anticipated their turns. Onlookers observed with mounting curiosity as the first group of students readied themselves for the elemental proficiency trial.
Among the initial participants was He Qian, a self-assured and fiery young man. He was the same arrogant youth who had attempted to take Dylan's steed before the trials began, and he was also the youngest heir of the Vermillion Crescent House.
He Qian, being a fire element user, made his choice of affinity without hesitation. With an air of confidence, he raised his hands, causing flames to flicker to life at his fingertips. A fierce determination burned in his eyes as he unleashed a relentless barrage of blazing fireballs upon the designated target. The intensity of the flames and the remarkable precision of his aim left the audience, both examinees and onlookers, in awe.
While all examinees were initially graded as Spirit Novices, the disparities in their magical abilities were evident. To be considered a Spirit Novice, one had to at least possess knowledge of basic magical fundamentals, often beginning their journey in the mystical arts. In this context, the term "Spirit Novice" was a testament to their budding magical prowess, a stepping stone on their path to mastering the arcane arts.
"Look at those flames! He's a true master of fire!" one student in the audience exclaimed, eyes wide in amazement.
"Wow, I can feel the heat from here," another remarked, a bead of sweat forming on their brow.
He Qian's fiery display earned him an almost perfect score of 9.5 for his elemental proficiency, and the audience erupted in thunderous applause, acknowledging his impressive command over the fire element.
Mystic Apprentice mages had progressed beyond Novice status due to their knowledge of several spells, but they were still in the process of mastering the basics of magic. He Qian appeared to be at this level, although he was yet to receive an official grade, indicating his proficiency in the arcane arts.
The courtyard hummed with anticipation as the trials continued. Students from a myriad of clans, their expressions ranging from confidence to trepidation, approached the platform one by one. Among them, both seasoned talents and newcomers stood ready to demonstrate their abilities, all eager to showcase their worth.
In each group, only a handful of students managed to pass, while the majority either displayed little to no magical prowess or exhibited weak proficiency. Regrettably, these students were subsequently teleported out of the institute, their dreams left in shambles.
In the following group of students, there was Rajan Das, the heir to the Golden Leaf Alliance, a determined young man who possessed an earth affinity. He was renowned for his unwavering resolve and the enigmatic scar etched across his cheek, a testament to the battles he had faced in the past.
As he neared the platform, his aura resonated with an earthy power. The ground beneath him quivered, and a sequence of earthen spikes erupted, weaving a protective barrier around the designated target. It was an impressive showcase of control, garnering nods of approval from the spectators.
Rajan was graded an 8, his stern countenance overlooked the crowd of spectators.
"Did you see Rajan Das's mastery over earth manipulation? A true natural talent!" someone exclaimed in awe.
"And his precision! Those spikes create an impenetrable fortress," another student added.
As more groups followed, with the majority struggling and failing the trial, a new set of ten students stepped onto the stage. Among them was Amani Mundo, the heir to the Obsidian Talon Clan. Amani had often been overlooked by her family due to her reserved nature, but her true power manifested in her mastery of the wind element.
With a gentle gesture, Amani summoned a miniature tornado that danced gracefully around the target. The audience marveled at the elegance of her wind manipulation, and some could even feel the gentle caress of the breeze.
"She's like a wind spirit. I've never witnessed such delicate control over the air," a spectator whispered.
Amani was rewarded with a score of 9, and her serene smile captivated the hearts of the audience.
Dimitri Petrov, a member of the Fengshroud Clan, faced his turn with trepidation. As he attempted to showcase his skills, he struggled to control the raging flames. Fireballs exploded in every direction, eliciting gasps and exclamations from the onlookers.
His family, belonging to the lower ranks in Shadow Peaks, had placed all their hopes and dreams on him. They finally had a member within their ranks who could control fire at the tender age of 10. Although they were still two years behind the higher-ranked families, this was unprecedented in the Fengshroud Clan's history.
"Someone stop him before he burns down the platform!" a worried student yelled.
"He's a firecracker himself!" another commented with a mix of concern and amusement.
Amid the fiery chaos, it was evident that the trials were not only a test of elemental proficiency but also a display of each student's character and determination. The audience watched with bated breath as they witnessed the various strengths and weaknesses of the participants.
Some would excel beyond their peers, while others would need to refine their abilities further. The onlookers' reactions provided a dynamic backdrop to this exciting spectacle of elemental magic.
Among the next group to be called out was Lianxia Tian, a graceful and poised girl with water element affinity. She took her place on the podium and looked back at Dylan with a smug smile; her motivation was evident after losing to him in the previous trial.
Her presence was poised and ethereal as she raised her hands towards the target. A serene expression graced her features. From her palms flowed a gentle stream of water, spiraling gracefully through the air with fluidity. The liquid danced around the target, weaving intricate patterns that seemed to tell a story of the elements.
As the water continued its mesmerizing dance, it molded itself into the form of a magnificent phoenix, every detail impeccably etched as if it were a living being. The crowd watched in rapt silence, awe-inspired by Lianxia Tian's mastery of water manipulation and her artistic prowess.
The water phoenix stood, its wings outstretched in grandeur, embodying the might of elemental magic. The girl's artistry transcended mere spells, and the crowd found themselves humbled by the exquisite display. In the world of cultivation, such mastery was revered, and the onlookers witnessed the seamless fusion of elemental power and artistic finesse, leaving them with a profound sense of wonder and admiration for Lianxia Tian's skills.
"Her water magic is so elegant," a spectator whispered in admiration.
"I've never seen water bend to someone's will like that," another replied.
Lianxia Tian received a perfect score of 10 for her elemental proficiency, and the audience's applause continued. She gave a smug and flirtatious look in Dylan's direction before coming off the podium.
The trials continued, with various students showcasing their elemental abilities. Some excelled, while others struggled to control their magic. The onlookers continued to react with gasps and comments, making it clear that the competition was fierce and the display of elemental magic was captivating.
Finally, it was time for the last group of the 70 remaining students to be called. Dylan was among the final group and walked up to the podium. As he looked to his left and right, he could see his peers selecting their chosen elements and hesitated.
After a moment of contemplation, Dylan chose a target and stood in front of it.
