At that moment—
Leading at the front of the group, Recruiter Xia Hang easily heard all the whispered conversations behind him thanks to his powerful cultivation.
However, he said nothing.
With a calm and indifferent expression, he continued walking until the winding stone path ended at a large, barren circular stone platform.
He came to a stop.
"We've arrived."
His quiet voice echoed around them.
The students looked up—and realized they had unknowingly entered an open area with an enormous, smooth, stone ring at the center.
The platform glowed faintly with strange hues, its surface polished like a mirror. As their gazes swept over it, many felt as though their very souls were being drawn in.
Several hurriedly withdrew their eyes in alarm.
Before anyone could ask questions, Xia Hang turned, swept his eyes across the crowd, and spoke with icy clarity:
"All of you, step onto the platform. You'll have one incense stick of time to prepare. After that, the Advancement Assessment—the test of Martial Will—will officially begin."
With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and departed without further explanation.
The students glanced at one another.
Then, one after another, they leapt onto the stone platform—some sitting cross-legged to meditate, others trembling with excitement, eager for the challenge to start.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
In a lavish inner hall of Yunmeng Martial Institute—
More than a dozen elegantly dressed men and women stood in silence, exuding strong auras. These were none other than the recruiters for this year's selection.
At that moment, on the wall in front of them, an ancient formation was active. It projected a glowing light screen, displaying the very scene from the assessment platform—every student visible, preparing to enter the trial.
Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed.
Xia Hang walked into the grand hall, calm and composed.
"Looks like everyone's here," he said casually, glancing around.
"Xia Hang, thanks for your work. We were waiting on you."
A tall, blue-haired middle-aged man gave him a smirk that didn't reach his eyes.
Qu Tai.
Among the recruiters, he was Xia Hang's fiercest rival.
Xia Hang remained unfazed. As he approached, he said flatly,
"Not bad. I think I found a decent seedling this time—it should do pretty well."
"Oh? Sounds like you're aiming for top three, or maybe… first place?"
Qu Tai narrowed his eyes playfully.
"You probably haven't heard… One of the students I recruited just broke into Three-Star recently. A real prodigy."
"Hmph. Martial will and cultivation level are two completely different matters," Xia Hang retorted coldly.
"So what if they have talent? Doesn't mean their will is strong."
"We'll see, Xia Hang," Qu Tai chuckled smugly.
He was quite confident. The prodigy he brought in wasn't just talented—he also had outstanding willpower. This assessment would be his chance to shine.
If things went well, the rewards and recognition Qu Tai would receive from the institute would be significant.
"Enough gloating," Xia Hang said with a sidelong glance.
"It's about to begin."
He turned his full attention toward the glowing formation screen.
Only the subtle clench of his fist betrayed the nerves hidden beneath his stoic exterior.
Ever since the selection—
Ever since Su Ba had refused all bribes and temptations—
Ever since Su Ba had said those bold, unwavering words…
Xia Hang had known this youth possessed an exceptionally resolute martial will.
Passing the assessment wouldn't be a problem.
But just how dazzling would Su Ba's performance be?
That, even he couldn't predict.
Now, it was finally time to see.