Path of the Eternal Dao

Morning mist cloaked Frost Valley Academy's examination grounds as thousands of aspiring disciples gathered. Ancient formation arrays hummed beneath the stone platforms, ready to test each candidate's potential. Lin Kai stood among them, the azure pendant cool against his chest.

"The examination has three stages," announced Elder Wei from his elevated position. His Core Formation realm presence made the air itself feel heavy. "First, qi sensitivity. Second, combat aptitude. And finally, comprehensive evaluation."

Behind him, other elders sat in formation, their combined power maintaining the massive testing arrays. Even the weakest among them, at late Foundation Establishment, could level mountains with casual gestures. Their presence served as a stark reminder of the path that lay ahead.

"Begin!" Elder Wei commanded.

The first stage was straightforward - contestants had to sense and gather natural qi. Circular formations beneath each participant lit up, measuring both quantity and quality of energy gathered. Most candidates managed to collect cloudy spheres of qi, their control crude but functional.

Lin Kai observed the natural flow of energy before making his attempt. Where others forcefully grabbed at qi, he let it gather naturally, like morning dew collecting on leaves. His sphere formed slower than others, but its quality was evident - pure and crystalline where others were murky.

"Interesting approach," murmured an examiner nearby. "Most try to gather as much qi as possible, but this one focuses on purity."

The second stage proved more challenging. Combat platforms rose from the ground, each carrying ancient arrays designed to test fighting capability. Candidates faced combat puppets, their difficulty adjusting based on the participant's performance.

Lin Kai's opponent was a basic wooden puppet, enhanced by formation arrays to move with crude but effective patterns. Most candidates relied on brute force or memorized techniques. He chose a different approach.

Observing the puppet's movement patterns, Lin Kai noticed how its formation arrays created predictable energy flows. Rather than meeting force with force, he disrupted these patterns with minimal movements, each action precisely calculated.

"Look at that control," one elder commented. "At the third level of Qi Gathering, he's reading and countering formation patterns that most Foundation Establishment disciples overlook."

The final stage caused the most eliminations. Comprehensive evaluation tested everything from cultivation theory to practical application. Questions ranged from basic qi circulation to complex formation principles.

"Explain the relationship between natural qi flow and meridian development," the testing formation projected.

Lin Kai's answer drew from his observations of nature rather than standard texts. He described how rivers carved paths through mountains, relating it to how qi naturally sought efficient channels through the body.

As the examination concluded, tension filled the air. Only one in ten candidates would be accepted, and among those, only the top hundred would receive special resources and opportunities.

The results appeared on a massive light screen:

Lin KaiYu MeiChen Liu ...

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Most first-ranked disciples came from prestigious backgrounds or showed overwhelming power. Lin Kai had displayed neither, yet his scores in comprehension and practical application had surpassed even late-stage Qi Gathering disciples.

"The true measure of a cultivator," Elder Wei announced, "is not just power, but understanding. Some grasp this principle earlier than others."

Later, as accepted disciples received their jade identification tokens, Yu Mei approached Lin Kai. Her qi signature showed late-stage Qi Gathering, yet she had placed second to his seemingly inferior cultivation level.

"Your combat method," she said without preamble, "it wasn't just technique. You were reading the formation arrays themselves, weren't you?"

Lin Kai nodded slightly. "Every technique leaves traces in natural qi flow. Understanding these patterns makes countering them simpler."

"Interesting." Her eyes showed genuine curiosity rather than the usual competitive hostility. "Perhaps we could exchange insights sometime."

The azure pendant warmed slightly against his chest as Lin Kai considered her offer. Building connections wasn't his priority, but different perspectives could provide valuable understanding.

As disciples dispersed to their assigned dormitories, Elder Wei's voice cut through the crowd. "Lin Kai, remain behind. There are matters we must discuss."

The sun had fully risen now, burning away the morning mist. Below the examination grounds, ancient formation arrays slowly powered down, their purpose fulfilled for another year. Above, the peaks of Frost Valley Academy reached into the clouds, a reminder of the heights that lay ahead.