Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Examination

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at one another, as if trying to guess what kind of test Sun Yu was referring to. However, they soon realized that nobody knew any more than themselves, and all shook their heads in confusion.

Sun Yu could sense the crowd’s mounting curiosity, and without further suspense, continued, “Next, I ask those students who have successfully materialized their weapons to use them to attack the stele. You may use any method you like, as long as you can inflict damage upon it.”

The students below nodded thoughtfully, then someone asked, “Teacher, what is the exact standard for this test?”

Sun Yu clapped his hands and looked at the boy who spoke, replying, “That was my oversight, I should have clarified. Thank you for raising the question.”

The boy looked a bit embarrassed, scratching his head as he said, “I was just asking casually, Teacher, please go on.”

Sun Yu waved his hand, signaling there was no need for courtesy, and continued, “The assessment standard is this: as long as you leave a mark on the stele with your weapon, you pass.”

Upon hearing this, joy appeared on the faces of many, their minds recalling the scene when Sun Yu had twice shattered the stele into pieces with his own weapon. Even if none could match their teacher’s prowess, surely leaving a mere mark would not be too difficult?

Noticing their expressions, Sun Yu immediately understood what they were thinking, but he did not expose their assumptions; soon enough, they would experience the true difficulty of this test for themselves.

Ignoring their thoughts, Sun Yu went on, “Of course, since this is an assessment, there will be a ranking, and accordingly, there will be rewards.”

At this, the students’ eyes sparkled with surprise, as if to ask how the ranking would be determined and what rewards awaited them.

As if reading their minds, Sun Yu continued at just the right moment, “The ranking will be based on the size of the mark each of you leaves on the stele, as well as the time taken. The top five students will each receive a reward. As for what the rewards are—I’ll keep that a secret for now. You’ll find out once the test is over.”

At these words, the students rolled up their sleeves, determination flashing in their eyes. It was clear they had resolved to do their best for a good ranking, and for the rewards that Sun Yu had promised.

Seeing their confidence, Sun Yu said no more, only remarking symbolically, “Then everyone, please make your preparations. The assessment will begin shortly.”

With that, Sun Yu’s hands began to move rapidly, though it was unclear what he was doing. The students soon saw that the scattered steles around the field suddenly floated into the air as if under someone’s control. One after another, the massive steles drifted in an orderly fashion toward a more open space away from the crowd.

Each enormous stele seemed to grow wings, flying as nimbly as a flock of birds, and landed together in the spacious area.

Once every stele had landed in a neat arrangement, Sun Yu ceased his movements on the platform, making it clear he was responsible for the spectacle.

With everything arranged, Sun Yu clapped his hands, stretched, and addressed the students again, “Very well, the tools and venue for the assessment are ready. I wonder, are you all prepared?”

The students nodded in unison, replying as one, “We’re ready!”

“Good. Then let’s all head over there and begin today’s assessment,” said Sun Yu, rising and leading the way to the new location.

Naturally, the students followed at once. Ye Junze was no exception. From Sun Yu’s earlier explanation, he now understood the true nature of the test, and so he joined the others in moving toward the steles.

On the way, a lean boy beside Ye Junze struck up a conversation, “Hey classmate, is that a small cauldron you’re holding? It looks extraordinary.”

Ye Junze turned to see a sharp-looking boy speaking to him. Out of politeness, he replied, “Yes, it’s a small cauldron. It’s nothing special, just something that suits my own intent.”

“You’re too modest. The light from your cauldron is different from all the others—there’s no way it’s ordinary,” the boy insisted, then seemed to remember something, slapped his forehead, and said, “Oh, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Han Yang.”

“Hello, I’m—” Ye Junze began, about to introduce himself.

But before he could finish, Han Yang interjected, “Ye Junze, right? I already know.”

“Hm?” Ye Junze was puzzled. He hadn’t done anything particularly remarkable since joining the Dao Studies Department—how had Han Yang learned his name?

“Don’t you remember? On the registration day, you introduced yourself in front of everyone and the principal. Of course I remember. In fact, I bet there are only a handful of people in the whole class who don’t know your name by now.”

Ye Junze suddenly recalled that day. He hadn’t expected to leave such a strong impression on others, especially after so many days had passed. That Han Yang still remembered surprised him.

He could only reply, “I see. I must have made a fool of myself that day.”

“Not at all,” Han Yang replied, waving a hand. “Actually, I really admire your courage. And now, it’s clear you have more than just courage—your cultivation talent is impressive, too. I’m quite envious.”

Though Ye Junze had been praised since childhood, he still felt awkward receiving so much flattery from someone he barely knew. He could only reply modestly, “It’s nothing, really. I still have a long way to go.”

“Don’t be so humble, I understand,” Han Yang said, giving him a knowing look.

Ye Junze felt a shiver run down his spine at that look and involuntarily shrugged his shoulders.

Helplessly, he changed the subject, “It looks like we’ve arrived. Let’s go over.”

Han Yang was briefly distracted, but upon hearing Ye Junze, looked ahead and realized they had indeed reached the steles without even noticing. “Oh? You’re right. We got here before I knew it. Let’s focus on the assessment for now and talk later.”

Ye Junze agreed and turned his attention forward, focusing on the upcoming test.

Sun Yu led the group to the steles and stopped, turning to face the students. “Now that we’re here and you can all see the steles before you, I’ll get straight to the point and explain the rules. Just follow them.”

Everyone perked up, ready to listen intently, afraid to miss any detail.

Seeing this, Sun Yu nodded in slight satisfaction before continuing, “You will each choose a stele and use your weapon to attack it. There is no time limit for this assessment. If you succeed, you may leave for the day. If you do not succeed, you may choose to give up, but your assessment will remain until you feel ready to try again. For example, if you can’t pass today but feel confident tomorrow, you can come to me and take the test again. This continues as long as you wish, but with one condition: the current standard—leaving a mark on the stele—is set for those in the Qi Refining Stage. If you wait until you reach Foundation Establishment or a higher realm before attempting the test, the requirements will change and will be more difficult than simply leaving a mark. I hope you’ll all strive to pass the assessment while still in the Qi Refining Stage.”

After Sun Yu finished, everyone fell into deep thought, needing time to process all the information.

Sun Yu was in no hurry, patiently waiting as they digested his words.

After a while, the students finally nodded, indicating they had understood and remembered everything.

Seeing this, Sun Yu, who had been silent for some time, spoke again, “You all understand the rules now, right?”

They replied in chorus, “Yes, we understand.”

“Thank you for explaining so much, Teacher.”

Various voices echoed, mostly expressing gratitude to Sun Yu. From the start of the class until now, he had shown great responsibility, and the students were genuinely appreciative.

Hearing their thanks warmed Sun Yu’s heart, and he smiled, signaling for quiet.

Everyone fell silent in response.

Sun Yu then announced, “Now, I declare the assessment for the Weapon Forging class officially begins. Please prepare yourselves.”

As soon as Sun Yu finished, the students each found a stele and stood before it, ready to begin.

Ye Junze also found one, glanced at the others for a moment, then stood calmly in place, adjusting his state of mind in preparation for the test.