Chapter 3: Turning the Tide in the Assessment and Unleashing Brilliance

On the day of the assessment, Yun Yao arrived at the testing grounds. The sun was already high in the sky, yet her heart felt as dark as the night. She glanced around, met with the mocking and curious gazes of her fellow disciples. Their eyes were like sharp blades, piercing her until she found it hard to breathe.

A wave of nervousness washed over her; her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably, and she could almost hear it pounding in her ears. The examiners stood in a row, Elder Qingfeng’s expression graver than usual, his stern eyes seeming to see through everything. The silence around the testing area was eerie—so still that even the rustling of grass by the wind was clearly audible.

Yun Yao took a deep breath, striving to calm herself. She told herself she must succeed; she could not allow those people to laugh at her. Yet a trace of unease lingered deep within, fearing unforeseen events might arise.

The assessment began swiftly. Lin Wan deliberately positioned herself before Yun Yao. She stepped into the center of the testing ground, casting a disdainful glance at Yun Yao. Then, she unleashed a series of intricate spells. Her hands moved swiftly, beams of magical light radiating as every blade of grass and leaf around her transformed. The examiners nodded repeatedly, and even Elder Qingfeng rarely showed a hint of approval.

Lin Wan’s face brimmed with pride, casting a provocative look at Yun Yao, a cold sneer curling her lips. Inside, she reveled in the thought that Yun Yao would surely lose all face this time.

Yun Yao clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She bit her lip and told herself not to be intimidated by these snobbish people. Her eyes hardened with resolve, a newfound determination surging within her like never before.

As her turn approached, Yun Yao inhaled deeply and slowly stepped onto the testing ground. Her eyes glittered with unwavering resolve, as if fully prepared for what lay ahead. She knew this battle demanded her utmost effort; she could not let those people succeed in undermining her.

Standing firm, she took a deep breath, lowered her gaze to the magical artifact in her hands, silently reciting incantations in her mind, ready to unleash her own spell. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes remained steadfast. She understood that at this moment, there was no room for hesitation.

“Yun Yao, are you ready?” Elder Qingfeng’s voice suddenly broke the silence.

Yun Yao nodded lightly, her fingertips brushing the artifact, channeling spiritual energy through her meridians into it.

The air around seemed to freeze into silence.

Slowly, she lifted her hands, whispering incantations that sounded like ancient ballads, their mysterious power resonating through the air. The artifact glowed faintly at first, then the light grew brighter, illuminating the entire testing ground.

The artifact in her hands began to spin, stirring gentle breezes scented faintly with the aroma of grass and wood. Yun Yao closed her eyes, attuned to the ebb and flow of spiritual energy around her. Every movement was fluid and natural, as if she had become one with heaven and earth.

She skillfully cast her spells, her fingertips tracing elegant arcs, each magical seal precise and flawless.

The fellow disciples who had intended to mock her were left dumbfounded. Lin Wan and Li Yang stared wide-eyed in disbelief, as if witnessing something impossible. Even the usually stern Elder Qingfeng nodded slightly in approval.

As Yun Yao completed her final seal, the artifact burst forth a dazzling light, shooting skyward.

When the light faded, a strange sight appeared at the center of the once empty testing ground: a towering tree stood there, its branches adorned with vibrant, multicolored blossoms, emitting waves of refreshing fragrance.

The crowd murmured in amazement, buzzing with excited discussion.

Yun Yao slowly opened her eyes, hearing the astonished whispers, her heart swelling with pride. She knew she had succeeded.

Yet, this was only the beginning.

During the spellcasting, Yun Yao unexpectedly discovered a hidden minor incantation. With a thought, she summoned her spiritual energy once more.

Her fingertips gently tapped, and a golden light shot forth, landing upon the newly grown tree. The tree instantly transformed—the flowers began to fall like sparkling stars, dancing in the air before converging into a massive luminous sphere hovering above Yun Yao’s head.

The entire audience fell silent, utterly stunned by this miraculous sight.

Even Elder Qingfeng had never seen such a spell. He fixed his gaze intently on Yun Yao.

Standing in the center, radiant and commanding, she seemed to have conquered all challenges beneath her feet. A faint, confident smile touched her lips.

“What… what kind of spell is this?” Elder Qingfeng’s voice shattered the silence.

When the assessment concluded, Yun Yao received an exceptionally high score.

The examiners nodded approvingly, and Elder Qingfeng displayed a rare expression of praise.

Lin Wan and Li Yang slunk away from the testing ground, no longer daring to meet Yun Yao’s gaze. Their faces bore expressions of unwillingness and shock, as if they had just witnessed an incredible upheaval.

Yun Yao stood at the center, radiating light, as her fellow disciples cast her looks of awe. Some began to flatter her, offering words of praise.

Though somewhat unaccustomed to this sudden reversal, a deep, indescribable sense of accomplishment welled within her heart.

Elder Qingfeng stepped forward, holding a simple, ancient booklet, which he handed to Yun Yao.

This was a spell manual left behind by a reclusive master, its cover etched with intricate runes, emanating a faint spiritual energy.

She took the manual, feeling its warm and potent energy, her heart filled with joy. Her fingers gently brushed the pages, as though touching a glimmer of hope and strength.

“This is a precious legacy left by our predecessors. I hope you will make good use of it,” Elder Qingfeng said, his voice carrying a rare warmth tinged with surprise.

Yun Yao bowed deeply, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Elder!”

Nearby, Jun Mohan stood quietly in the shadows, his gaze more complex than ever before.

Yun Yao sensed his stare but paid it no mind, her thoughts still wrapped in the success she had just achieved.

She knew this was only the beginning; many challenges still awaited.

The attitudes of her fellow disciples had clearly shifted. Those who once sneered coldly now treated her with reverence; some even approached her, attempting to strike up conversation.

Yun Yao smiled faintly, responding politely, yet she understood that beneath these changes lay intricate emotions and tangled interests.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Yun Yao felt a wave of relief. Standing on the testing ground, gazing at the towering tree and the falling petals, her heart brimmed with hope for the future.

She knew she had taken a solid step on the immortal path, but the road ahead remained long and arduous.

Just then, Jun Mohan finally stepped forward, his gaze deep, his face thoughtful.

“Yun Yao, congratulations on passing the assessment. Next, you will be assigned to guard the Spirit Herb Garden,” he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable firmness.

Yun Yao was momentarily taken aback but quickly nodded in response. “Yes, Senior Brother.”

Jun Mohan’s eyes lingered on her as if he had more to say, but in the end, he only said softly, “Be careful in the Spirit Herb Garden.”

Composing herself, Yun Yao stepped forward toward her new journey, unaware that an even harsher trial awaited her beyond.