The morning sun bathed the peaks of the Kulu Capital in a soft, golden glow.
Kent stood outside the Combat Peak Hall, his spirit ring packed with everything he needed. His black robe fluttered in the fresh breeze, and his heart raced with excitement and anticipation. Today, his journey toward the Golden Heir Tournament truly began.
Standing ahead, Master Lei Zhen, tall and imposing with his hands behind his back, was already waiting.
Beside him, two young figures stood silently—a beautiful young woman in light armor and a cold-looking boy with sword-like eyebrows and a sharp gaze.
As Kent approached, Master Lei Zhen gave a small nod of approval.
“Good. You are here,” Master Lei Zhen said, his deep voice carrying easily through the air.
He looked at the three of them, his eyes stern and commanding.
“Listen carefully,” Lei Zhen said. “I am taking you three to the Immortal Living Pool. There, you will be tested along with another 1800 disciples from all over Kulu Nation.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
“If any one of you passes the test and gains entry into the Immortal Living Pool, you will officially be selected as a contender for the Golden Heir Tournament representing Kulu Nation.”
A faint murmur of excitement rippled between Kent and the other two youths.
Master Lei Zhen’s gaze sharpened.
“But remember, it won’t be easy. If you are careless, you will lose your chance forever.”
Without wasting any more time, Master Lei Zhen summoned a massive flying treasure boat, sleek and grand, glowing with soft inscriptions.
The three boarded behind him, and the treasure boat rose swiftly into the sky, soaring across the vast expanse toward their destiny.
Inside the boat, the air was filled with silent tension.
The young woman occasionally glanced at Kent with curiosity, while the boy simply closed his eyes, conserving his strength.
Kent couldn’t hold back his curiosity. After a while, he walked up to Master Lei Zhen, who stood near the prow, his robes fluttering like a flag in the strong winds.
“Master, can you tell us more about the Immortal Living Pool?” Kent asked respectfully.
Master Lei Zhen turned his head slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile.
“You should know,” he began, his voice like a rumbling storm, “the Immortal Living Pool is not an ordinary place. It is a sacred training ground built by the founders of the Kulu Nation. Every century, it opens only for one year.”
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the endless sky ahead.
“There, among 1800 geniuses, only 900 are selected. These 900 will receive the sacred nurturing of the pool’s natural living energy, strengthening both their bodies and their souls.”
Kent listened intently, his heart beating faster.
“Natural living energy?” he asked, confused. “What exactly is that?”
Master Lei Zhen laughed lightly.
“The natural living energy is the purest form of life force. It comes from heaven and earth, condensed into the pool by ancient arrays. It can heal wounds, enhance cultivation, and even strengthen one’s soul if used properly.” he explained.
“But,” Master Lei Zhen added, his tone turning serious, “do not think entry alone guarantees anything.”
Kent frowned slightly. “What do you mean, Master?”
Lei Zhen looked over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming like sharp swords.
“Every month,” he said, “the 900 selected must prove their worth through challenges, competitions, and battles.”
“If you do not prove yourself,” he continued, his voice growing cold, “you will lose your right to drink from the Immortal Pool that month. Fail again, and you might be expelled from the pool entirely.”
Kent clenched his fists, feeling the gravity of the situation.
In the Immortal Living Pool, survival and growth were earned, not given.
It was a forge for the strong—and the weak would be mercilessly discarded.
“I understand,” Kent said seriously, bowing slightly. “Thank you, Master Lei Zhen.”
Master Lei Zhen nodded in approval, his eyes full of expectation.
“Good, Remember this—only the strong can grasp destiny with their own hands. And you…”
He let the words hang for a moment before finishing,
“…must prove to the heavens that you deserve to climb higher.”
Kent’s heart burned with determination.
He looked out at the endless sky, the clouds rushing past, and clenched his hands tightly.
This was not just about joining the Golden Heir Tournament anymore.
This was about forging himself into someone worthy of standing at the peak of the world!
Their journey continued, the treasure boat slicing through the sky like a comet, carrying the hopes of three young warriors toward an unknown, glorious fate.
—
Night Peace Inn…
After three days of non-stop travel, the flying treasure boat finally came to a gentle stop over a quiet forest valley.
The night was dark, the sky filled with a thousand twinkling stars, and below them stood a grand roadside inn, its windows glowing warmly like little fireflies.
Stepping off the boat, Master Lei Zhen turned to the three disciples.
“You have traveled hard,” he said calmly, “rest here for a few hours. We still have three more days before we reach the Immortal Living Pool.”
The serious-looking young woman and the cold-faced boy, both visibly tired, immediately rented rooms inside the inn. Their faces showed no expression as they vanished upstairs, eager for rest.
Kent, however, was wide awake.
He strolled leisurely through the cozy hall of the inn, his black robes brushing softly against the wooden floors. His sharp eyes caught a sight that made him chuckle softly.
At one corner of the hall, a beautiful lady was sitting behind a wooden counter, pouring wine into jars and passing them to the busy servants who bustled around serving the customers.
Her hair was tied loosely behind her, and a mischievous smile played at the corners of her lips as she worked.
Feeling playful, Kent walked over and sat down casually in front of her.
“Miss,” he said, a teasing glint in his eyes, “you seem to be working too hard tonight. Shouldn’t someone be offering you a drink instead?”
The lady chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“And are you that someone, handsome?” she replied with a raised eyebrow. “Or are you just another traveler trying to charm a poor working girl?”
Kent laughed and, without answering, pulled out a small gourd from his spirit ring. He uncorked it, and a rich, heavenly fragrance of wine spread through the air.
He poured a glass and slid it toward her across the table.
“Why not find out?” Kent said with a wink.
The woman laughed again, clearly amused, and picked up the glass. She sniffed the wine delicately, her eyes widening slightly.
“This smell…” she murmured, “this wine is extraordinary!”
She took a small sip, and her entire face lit up with pleasure.
“This is heavenly!” she exclaimed, setting the glass down gently. “Where did you get something like this?”
Kent smiled mysteriously.
“That, my lady, is a secret,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “But maybe if you share a few secrets of your own, I might be generous.”
The woman laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the exchange.
“Alright then, mister secretive traveler,” she said. “What do you want to know?”
Kent’s eyes twinkled as he rested his chin on his hand.
“Tell me about this place,” he said casually. “And also… what do you know about the Immortal Living Pool?”
The woman nodded, refilling her own glass with a little more of Kent’s wine.
“You’re still three days away from the Immortal Living Pool,” she began, her voice lowering slightly as if sharing a precious secret. “Already, many disciples from all corners of Kulu Nation have gathered near the entrance.”
Kent nodded thoughtfully, listening carefully.
“The entrance test,” she continued, counting on her slender fingers, “has three stages.”
“First,” she said, “they check the personality and ability of the mage. Not just strength… they also test your heart, your intentions, and your character.”
“Second,” she said, “comes the Fate Reading. A special elder will read the strands of your fate. If you have an ordinary fate… you might be eliminated on the spot.”
Kent’s eyes sharpened slightly. This was a serious test.
“And the third?” Kent asked.
The woman smiled playfully.
“The third phase,” she said, “is a battle. You must fight one of the elders guarding the pool. They won’t go all out, of course… but they will test if you have the courage, skills, and foundation to survive the brutal training that awaits inside.”
Kent whistled softly.
“Sounds like they aren’t joking around.”
The woman nodded seriously.
“Only those who can stand tall even when crushed will be allowed to enter,” she said. “It’s brutal… but those who succeed will have a future few can even dream of.”
Kent smiled and raised his glass slightly.
“Thanks for the valuable information,” he said warmly.
The woman leaned forward, her smile turning a little playful.
“If you really want to thank me…” she said, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper, “why not spend the night here? I promise, I won’t charge you.”
Kent laughed heartily and stood up, fixing his robe with a smooth motion.
“I’m honored by the offer,” he said with a playful wink, “but I must humbly refuse. I am a loyal husband after all.”
The woman giggled, clearly not offended by his rejection.
“Such a pity,” she said teasingly. “I rarely find men with such good wine and good manners.”
Kent smiled, gave her a small bow, and turned to leave.
As he walked away, he could feel her gaze lingering on him, but he didn’t look back.
There were greater things awaiting him—and he had no intention of losing himself before reaching the peak he sought.
Outside, the cool night air welcomed him as he made his way back toward his room.
He glanced up at the sky, where the stars gleamed brightly.
“Three more days,” Kent whispered to himself, his heart filled with excitement and quiet anticipation. “Just three more days.”
The road to destiny was long—but Kent Hall was ready to walk it with unshakable determination.