The final trial was upon them—the Trial of Elements. The air in the arena felt charged, alive with raw power. Around the circular platform stood towering obelisks, each humming with a distinct elemental energy. Fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, and others.
Jin stepped forward alongside dozens of other hopefuls. Unlike the previous tests, the Elemental Trial was the one that truly separated the gifted from the ordinary. Cultivators with low talent often faltered here, while the elite showed sparks of brilliance.
Jin's heart was steady but not racing. So far, he had been average—nothing to attract notice or derision.
The crimson-robed examiner's voice echoed. "Step into the circle and reach into your core. Let your true element reveal itself."
Jin inhaled deeply, centering his focus. The stone beneath his feet vibrated softly as his spirit brushed against the elemental energies around him.
A warm, vivid flame blossomed suddenly at the fire obelisk, its crimson light flickering in response to Jin's touch.
The crowd stirred. Fire was common, yes, but what mattered was the grade.
The examiner's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Mid-grade fire talent."
A low murmur swept through the spectators. Mid-grade—the mark of an elite few. It was the level of prodigies, those destined for greatness.
Jin's lips curved slightly—not pride, but quiet acknowledgment.
Despite the significance of this awakening, his overall performance on the elemental trial was measured. Other candidates showed dual or rare elements, their displays sometimes more spectacular.
But Jin's fire burned steadily, confidently. It was not wild or chaotic, but controlled—an ember that promised greater power if nurtured.
He stepped from the circle, calm as before.
Whispers followed him—some admiring, some speculative.
Yet Jin remained composed. Fire was only one part of his hidden potential, and the day was not over.
Others continued their attempts, some striking rare elemental bonds, others struggling with weak or unstable affinities.
As the sun set and the final names were called, Jin's name earned a quiet spotlight.
Not for brilliance across all tests, but for the singular, rare strength of his elemental core.
The ember within him was just the beginning.