Chapter 656: Start of the Assessment

In truth, almost all top-tier forces in the Middle Domain had such sacred places—mysterious domains that allowed their disciples to touch the edge of deeper truths and ascend further on the path of cultivation.

But even among them, the Myriad Conceptual Cave was viewed as one of the best. Perhaps even the best.

That was why this recruitment assessment attracted such overwhelming attention. For the chance to enter that cave—even if it was just a sliver of a chance—countless geniuses came forward, even knowing that only one among them would claim that reward.

Yet no one backed down. After all, what genius didn’t think they could be number one? Some harbored secret hopes. Others, sheer belief. And even for those who weren’t aiming for the top prize, there was still immense benefit in participating.

The assessment granted a rare opportunity: the top 50 would become official members of the Great Ruler Empire. Just entering the empire was considered a leap in status, resources, and future potential. And with the criteria expanded this year, even more young talents saw this as the opening they had long dreamed of.

One should know—access to the Myriad Conceptual Cave wasn’t something just anyone could dream of. Even within the Great Ruler Empire itself, only the most elite—those recognized as 3-star geniuses—were permitted to step foot into that sacred place.

These were individuals who had already proven themselves on countless battlefields, in endless trials, and through the mastery of profound concepts. And yet, here was a rare exception: the winner of the recruitment assessment, someone who hadn’t even officially become a member of the empire yet, would be granted the right to enter the Myriad Conceptual Cave.

Just by becoming number one—by standing above 442 other geniuses in this grand competition—a newcomer could step into the very grounds walked by the empire’s most treasured talents.

That one fact alone sent shockwaves through the Middle Domain.

Why wouldn’t every proud, confident genius rush to take part?

This wasn’t just about joining a great force. It was about potentially skipping countless steps on their path. The kind of breakthrough one might achieve in the cave could push their concept mastery by an entire level—or perhaps awaken a dormant law altogether.

For a genius, that could mean the difference between mediocrity and legend. And so, from every corner of the Middle Domain—sects hidden in the mountains, clans guarding ancient bloodlines, academies grooming the next prodigies—they came. Each one determined to test their fate, gamble their strength, and grasp that slim but shining chance to step into the realm of legends.

After all... opportunities like this came once in a lifetime.

There was no downside. No penalty for failure. Only rewards for success.

So why wouldn’t every proud genius across the Middle Domain come to stake their claim?

And now, as the arena brimmed with momentum and tension, the reward that sat at the peak—entry into the Myriad Conceptual Cave—was the prize that sharpened every sword, ignited every bloodline, and pushed every contender beyond their limits.

Max had also heard about the generous rewards promised for the top ranks of the recruitment assessment, but he didn’t let it get to his head. While others might be brimming with ambition and dreams of standing at the top, Max remained calm and indifferent.

At this moment, he stood with four other young cultivators, each one radiating an aura of talent and strength. They were the seed participants—handpicked individuals granted the privilege to skip the initial elimination rounds and participate directly in the final stage of the assessment.

Compared to the hundreds who had to fight tooth and nail from the very beginning, their path was smoother, but that also meant expectations upon them were higher.

Lyra stood a few steps ahead of them, regal as ever in her bearing. Her long violet hair flowed gently in the breeze, and her expression held the usual calm authority she was known for.

Beside her were five elders of the Great Ruler Empire, each one a powerful presence in their own right. The one with the sharp moustache, known as Elder Kian, took a step forward, his brows furrowed in mild determination.

"I should go and begin the assessment," Elder Kian said, his voice steady.

Lyra nodded with a small smile on her lips, her gaze sweeping across the vast arena below. "Hmm... this time, a total of 443 geniuses have taken part. That’s nearly double compared to the last few times." Her tone held a trace of satisfaction. "This is good. It seems increasing the rewards this time was a good thing."

She then turned her eyes to Elder Kian again and spoke in a serious tone, "Please ensure that no geniuses suffer any casualties. Injuries are expected. Death is not."

Elder Kian gave a firm nod. "I understand." With those words, he lightly tapped his foot and soared into the air before landing at the very center of the arena atop a tall platform meant for the assessment judge.

A hush fell over the massive coliseum, filled with thousands of spectators both within and outside watching through massive floating screens. Elder Kian’s voice rang out with clarity, amplified through the array formations woven into the arena.

"Everyone," he began, sweeping his gaze across the young faces in the arena. "I will be hosting the assessment this time."

His eyes grew stern. "Let me make the rules clear for the first five rounds of the assessment. They are simple—brutally so. If you are defeated, you are eliminated. There will be no second chances. No exceptions. If you win, you advance to the next round."

The gathered participants—some calm and composed, others radiating fiery resolve—nodded in understanding, gripping their weapons or adjusting their robes in silent anticipation. The battle for the top fifty—and the coveted number one spot—was about to begin.

"Jay Rider and Gillian Morey," Elder Kian’s voice rang across the grand arena like a judge delivering fate.

At once, two young men stepped out from opposite sides of the waiting area and descended into the battle platform at the center of the coliseum. The crowd stirred with whispers and murmurs—both names were known among circles of Middle Domain geniuses.

Jay Rider was said to have mastered the first level of the Flame Concept while Gillian Morey was reputed for his Wind Concept mastery. Each carried a reputation sharp enough to leave an impression, but now was the moment to see who truly had the edge.

Jay gripped the hilt of his broadsword, its body lined with crimson runes that pulsed faintly as if alive with fire. His black cloak fluttered behind him as his aura burst forth—warm and oppressive like the breath of a volcano.

Across from him, Gillian unsheathed two sleek, silver short swords, each curved slightly like the wings of a falcon. His energy danced around him, airy and light, causing strands of his long blue hair to whip around his sharp eyes. The tension between the two was electric.

The moment Elder Kian waved his hand, signaling the start of the battle, the two clashed like lightning and thunder.

Gillian vanished first, using the swiftness of the Wind Concept to circle around Jay in a blur. Jay didn’t panic—he swung his broadsword in wide, arcing slashes that left trails of fire behind. Each time Gillian’s blade came close to his body, the wave of heat would push him back just slightly, denying him a clean strike.

Gillian moved like a storm, his wind-based footwork keeping him elusive, while Jay stood like an unshakable fortress, responding to every movement with a powerful counter.

Metal clanged and sparks flew as blade met blade. Gillian darted in, slashing horizontally, then ducked low with a twisting sweep of both swords, but Jay blocked with his flaming broadsword, the impact sending flames in all directions.

Jay retaliated with a downward strike laced in flame, scorching the platform and forcing Gillian to leap back. But Gillian spun mid-air, gathering wind beneath his feet to launch back in even faster. Their battle raged across the platform, leaving scorched and slashed marks wherever they went.

Their Concepts clashed directly—Jay’s fire would burn away Gillian’s wind strikes, but Gillian’s agility and unpredictability allowed him to avoid the full force of Jay’s power.

For a while, the battle seemed even. Gillian’s dual swords slashed in seamless rhythm, cutting through flames with skillful precision, but Jay’s relentless strength kept forcing him into a reactive stance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay