The day of the entrance test of the Verdant Dragon Academy had finally come, and Isshin was brimming with excitement and anticipation. He had worked for hours on end to prepare for this day, and now it was time to show his worth.
When Isshin reached the Academy gate, he couldn't help but stand in awe at the sheer number of individuals present there. The crowd numbered a minimum of 20,000 applicants, and all of them were vying for a prestigious place in the prestigious academy. Testing such a huge number of individuals at the same time was no cakewalk, and thus the Academy had devised a pretty basic but effective initial test.
The test was straightforward: one's qi flowed into a magic crystal. It was a test of a cultivator's core abilities, and only candidates who reached at least the Body Refinement Realm 4th Stage would pass this first test. Already, over 7,000 individuals had flunked this prerequisite.
When finally it was Isshin's turn, he wavered. He stood before the magic crystal, gazing out over the ocean of faces, his heart racing. He did not want to be seen, did not want to make a spectacle, but part of him knew he needed to try his best. Would the others disapprove of him if he showed them too much of what he could do? It was a strange thing to consider, but one that lingered. But, for one moment of hesitancy, Isshin tucked his fists, made up his mind, and stepped forward.
Isshin took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He felt the lessons of Raijin in his head. "Be brave," his master had instructed him. "It is your nature to hold back, but bravery is not in hiding your power—it is in releasing it when the moment is decisive." With this thought, Isshin channeled all his qi into the crystal of magic without holding back.
The crystal began to shine, its radiance blinding, and the people around him became silent in shock. The illumination within the crystal throbbed, showing just how much power Isshin possessed. The words "Golden Core Realm 1st Stage" appeared in glowing script, and gasps of shock ran through the masses.
It was an amazing accomplishment that left individuals around him speechless. But as the audience turned their gaze to the board, it was immediately clear that Isshin wasn't the sole individual with incredible results. There were ten other participants who had similar results, though none exactly the same as his. Their strengths were similar—45,000 to 47,000 kilograms—showing their own incredible abilities. One player scored 46,900 kilograms, another 46,500 kilograms, and several more had scores of 45,200 and 45,500 kilograms. Although nowhere near as stunning as Isshin's 47,000 kilograms, these competitors were still near the top of the rungs, which elicited whispers of awe and nods of respect from the people around them.
Even with the identical performance, Isshin's was at the head, but he was aware that he now had the watchful eyes of people around him focused on him. He had already gained attention, but the contest itself was barely beginning.
The second test at the Verdant Dragon Academy was a true test of physical prowess. 13,000 applicants remained after the first round, and now it was time to cut the numbers down further.
During this test, the farmers had to prove their physical strength by hitting a huge stone using their magic or brute force. The enchanted stone would show the force of the impact in kilograms. In order to pass this difficult test, at least a score of 1,000 kilograms was required.
When Isshin went forward to attack the stone, he knew full well Raijin's teachings echoing inside his mind: "Somebody's cultivation realm does not show their actual strength." He was always far greater than a regular Golden Core 1st Stage cultivator thanks to Raijin's unique training.
Isshin summoned his Thunder-qi fist, concentrating the energy of thunder into his punch. With a crash like thunder, he pounded the giant rock, sending shockwaves through the air. The rock shook and groaned under the force of his attack, its surface marred by the blow. When the dust had settled, the result was witnessed by a shocked onlookers.
The display had an unbelievable 98,000 kilograms, and all were left tongue-tied in shock at Isshin's incredible strength. The observers and testers were equally shocked. It was evidence that an individual's cultivation realm would never be able to show their actual powers.
The remaining 3,000 competitors waited for the third and final test, their faces set and nervous. The air was tense as they anxiously waited for their instructions.
Standing before the candidates were a team of stern-looking instructors, all projecting an aura of stern authority. At the center of the field stood a colossal, centuries-old tree, its spreading branches out like a canopy. This tree was known as the "Verdant Guardian," a living relic of the academy's history.
A hushed silence fell on the crowd as one of the instructors stepped forward, his voice echoing in the air like a clarion. "Welcome to the third and final test of the Verdant Dragon Academy. You've demonstrated your worth in cultivation and strength. Now, it's time to test your wisdom and adaptability."
He indicated towards the Verdant Guardian. "Your task is easy to comprehend but hard to accomplish. All of you will have to climb to the summit of the Verdant Guardian and obtain a leaf from the highest branch. These leaves have been charged with strong ancient magic, and they will seal your triumph for this test."
Gasps and shocked whispers ran among the candidates. Climbing the massive tree would not be simple, especially with so many gifted cultivators vying for the same goal.
The teacher continued, "But there is a catch. The Verdant Guardian is not just some ordinary tree. It possesses its own will and will test your resolve. It can create challenges and obstacles that are special to each and every one of you depending on your strengths and weaknesses. You need to overcome these challenges and reach the summit."
As he concluded his sentences, a gust of wind shook the leaves of the Verdant Guardian, as if the tree itself was acknowledging the trial. The candidates locked determined gazes, ready to withstand whatever they were about to face.
"Remember," the instructor emphasized, "it's not necessarily the strongest who win but those who can adapt and hang in there. The first 250 people to return with a leaf will be able to get into the academy. Your clock starts now."
And so, the applicants set off, each of them determined to make a name for themselves and to earn the honor of being welcomed into the prestigious Verdant Dragon Academy. The final test had begun, and the Verdant Guardian waited in anticipation for those who were bold enough to climb it.
The Verdant Guardian, a gargantuan embodiment of nature's fury, unleashed its vines with ruthless intensity. Each tendril struck out like a serpent, trying to dislodge the climbers from its enormous trunk. But Isshin, aided by his lightning-fast reflexes and the ominous visions granted by the system, was one step ahead.
When the deadly vines exploded into action, Isshin mastered the anticipation of their attacks. His body, now in harmony with the clairvoyant power of the system, evaded every assault with ghostly precision. His legs charged with the dynamism of thunder-qi gave him swiftness, making it seem as if he were never there to begin with.
Around him, the other unfortunate applicants were less fortunate. Some screamed as they plunged from the gigantic tree, their dreams of being accepted by the Verdant Dragon Academy shattered in an instant.
Isshin's ascent continued unabated. His determination to ascend to the summit of the tree was comparable to the brutality of the Verdant Guardian's strike. Leaves and branches overhead seemed impossibly distant, yet he would not abandon his attempt, knowing the magical leaf to be at the apex.
With sheer willpower and relentless determination, Isshin held out against the Guardian's intense attack. At last, after climbing so relentlessly, he reached the top of the gargantuan tree, gazing down at the adventurers who were still stranded halfway in their perilous climb.
Isshin descended cautiously down the gargantuan tree, pride swelling within his weary heart. In his clenched fist was the sacred leaf, testifying to the triumph of his obstinacy and prowess.
However, as he reached the base of the tree and made his way toward the crowd area, he saw that there were still five more before him. They were all visibly exhausted, yet they were all victorious with their leaves held high. Isshin had come in sixth place, an achievement given the strong competition.
Behind him, a crowd of other dedicated cultivators followed steadily. They were not normal individuals; they had succeeded in spite of the constant barrage of the Verdant Guardian. All of them had made it to the top of the tree successfully, and now they descended with their own precious leaves in determined fists.
With the day's ordeal at an end and the 250 successful applicants leaving the test field of the academy, a sense of camaraderie was about them. They congratulated one another, aware that all of them had struggled with insurmountable issues and emerged victorious. Fatigued eyes lolled on their shoulders, but the jubilation of victory lifted them up.
Isshin went back to his room, the seriousness of what had transpired that day standing heavy on his mind. He wasn't only excited but was also relieved to have gotten the opportunity to be at the academy. He had wondered if the competition would be fiercer, but Raijin confirmed that the real challenges were yet to begin, as the seniors at the Verdant Dragon Academy were a completely different level.
All this in mind, Isshin fell asleep peacefully, anticipating facing the adventures and lessons in store for him on his first day of school at the prestigious academy.