As the elder's voice faded into the still air, the great testing hall began to dim, the light from the ancient runes receding like waves returning to the sea. Only a faint luminescence lingered—residual energy from Tian Lei's perfect formation, still humming softly in defiance of time.

The elder paused once more at the base of the staircase, his expression unreadable. "Three pieces…" he murmured again, fingers brushing the edge of his sleeve as though tracing a forgotten sigil. "Then the seals have truly begun to stir."

With that, he vanished—his figure dissolving into strands of light that were carried away by the still-active formation lines.

Meanwhile, Tian Lei stood at the threshold of the Harmony Heaven Peak, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight before him. The spiritual density here was suffocating to ordinary mortals—each breath heavy with essence so pure it shimmered.

Several disciples around him struggled to adapt, their breathing uneven. Some fell to one knee, forcing their bodies to stabilize their internal flow.

But for Tian Lei, the pressure was… welcoming. His blood responded instinctively, his meridians opening wider as though drinking in the overflowing energy. The faint patterns of runes flickered beneath his skin, echoing the pulse of the world around him.

From the mist ahead, an aged voice echoed—ancient yet vibrant."So… the new initiates have arrived."

An elderly man in white robes emerged from the shimmering haze. His presence wasn't forceful, yet every strand of qi around him bent respectfully, as though recognizing a master's authority. Floating at his side were seven revolving disks—each an independent formation, alive and resonant.

"I am Elder Huyan, Formation Master of the Third Hall," the man said. "From this day forward, you will call this peak your forge, your trial, and your teacher."

His eyes swept across the new arrivals—measuring, weighing. They flickered briefly when they landed on Tian Lei. For an instant, the old man's composure wavered, as if he had glimpsed something he could not fully perceive.

"You will each be assigned your own formation room," he continued, masking his momentary hesitation. "There, you will meditate, refine, and record your comprehension. Your first long-term trial—construct a Tier III formation entirely from scratch. You have five years. Within that time, you must not only complete the array, but also evolve it—make it your own. Success means ascension into the Inner Sect. Failure…"

He smiled faintly. "Means the mountain itself will decide your worth."

A ripple of unease spread through the group. Five years sounded long, yet to build and master a Tier III formation from nothing—while surviving the ever-shifting spiritual pressure of the peak—was an ordeal few could endure.

But Tian Lei's eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. Five years? he thought. Then I'll build more than one.

Elder Huyan clapped his hands once, and lines of light emerged beneath their feet—each a personal teleportation rune.

"Go now," he said. "The mountain will guide you to your chambers. Let the rhythm of the heavens shape your path."

As the disciples vanished one by one, Tian Lei remained still for a heartbeat longer. His gaze turned upward, toward the highest spire of Harmony Heaven Peak, where the air shimmered faintly with a golden glow.

From that distant light came a whisper—so soft it barely touched his mind, yet unmistakably ancient.

"The inheritor walks once more…"

Tian Lei froze, his eyes scanning the mist-covered surroundings. "What was that?" he murmured, his tone low but alert. After a few breaths, when no further sound followed, he exhaled and shook his head. "Probably just the mountain's spirit… or something else."

He turned and began walking toward the pathway of light that led to his assigned quarters. The glowing trail shifted with his steps, adapting to his qi signature as if recognizing him.

Moments later, he arrived before a modest yet intricately carved stone residence. The door opened with a soft chime the moment he approached, revealing a spacious chamber within.

Inside, the air shimmered faintly with layered spiritual energy. Runes glowed softly across the walls, forming an ever-shifting matrix that circulated essence through the room. A meditation platform rested at the center, surrounded by stacks of jade slips, scrolls, and aged tomes on formations—some etched with ancient characters that pulsed faintly when touched by light.

Tian Lei stepped in, his gaze sweeping the chamber. "Not bad," he muttered. "Looks like the sect isn't holding back on resources."

A crystalline orb embedded in the far wall flickered to life as he entered. A calm, neutral voice echoed from it:

"Welcome, disciple. This is your designated formation chamber, Room Seventeen, Third Division. The peak's main instructor, Elder Huyan, holds lectures every five days at dawn. Attendance is mandatory for the first three years."

The voice paused briefly, then continued:

"Sparring and discussion sessions occur twice a month. The Formation Exchange Pavilion opens on the last day of each cycle. Disciples may trade formation diagrams, spirit stones, or recorded insights. Those who demonstrate exceptional comprehension will receive direct instruction from the Inner Elders."

"Additionally," the voice added, "tests of progress will be conducted annually. Failure to meet minimal standards for two consecutive years will result in dismissal from the peak."

The orb dimmed, and the voice faded.

Tian Lei nodded slightly. "Lectures, exchanges, and annual trials… seems structured." He walked to the table and placed his hand over one of the jade slips. Instantly, a stream of information flooded his mind—basic schematics for Tier II to Tier III formations, detailed notes on energy nodes, and spatial harmonics.

He smirked faintly. "Foundations, huh? Good. I'll need to rebuild mine anyway before advancing."

Sitting cross-legged on the meditation platform, Tian Lei took a deep breath. The mountain's qi surged toward him like an incoming tide, condensing around his form.

Outside, the first faint glow of dawn illuminated the peaks of Harmony Heaven Mountain. The disciples were already stirring, preparing for their first lecture under Elder Huyan.

Tian Lei, however, kept his eyes closed, his spiritual sense diving deep into the jade slip's contents. His thoughts sharpened. Five years to master Tier III… and beyond.

His hands moved subtly, tracing invisible runes in the air.

And as the sun rose fully, his chamber glowed faintly with interlacing lines of blue and gold—his first step toward the art that could rewrite the very laws of the heavens.

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