As for "striking before conscious intent," as the name suggests, it means making a move before your mind even forms the intention—responding instantly to any stimulus, and doing so in the most optimal and effective way in combat.

In short, while you're still thinking about how to make your move, your opponent's blade is already at your throat.

And today's martial trial at Tianzhu Mountain is precisely to test the disciples' combat talent.

"That's David Bolton, but maybe I was mistaken."

William Thompson only withdrew his gaze slowly after the person on platform seventy-five stepped down from the ring: "But by the third match, we'll know for sure."

"David Bolton?"

Olivia Carter, recalling how David Bolton had struggled up the Spirit Ladder not long ago, shook his head slightly, feeling doubtful.

"Impossible, isn't it? That one has wasted at least three years!"

But he knew William Thompson had a keen eye and rarely made mistakes, and he had already noticed that the first match on platform seventy-five had ended, with the loser being a rising star from Jiulipo.

This greatly piqued Olivia Carter's interest, and he casually flipped through the roster: "The third match on platform seventy-five—is it Mason Hall? David Bolton really has bad luck. Unless he can synchronize intent and action, he has little chance of winning—"

Shaking his head, Olivia Carter rolled up the roster: "Honestly, this Tianzhu Mountain entrance trial has truly gathered heroes from all sides: Olivia Hall, Mason Hall, Charles Morgan, Edward Thompson, John Baker, Brian Harris, Ethan Reed, Sophie Scott, Emily Clark, and so on—all outstanding talents of their time. If David Bolton can really achieve synchronization of intent and action, that would be truly remarkable. That would be our good fortune!"

It really was luck. For these examiners, every time they promoted an outstanding disciple, the sect would grant a certain reward. And if these people performed well in the once-a-decade grand competition, or were selected as true disciples within ten years, there would be even greater rewards from the sect.

"But as for David Foster, that's truly a pity. I had high hopes for him."

"If you feel it's a pity, Senior Brother, you can use your special selection privilege to let him try again in the losers' bracket."

William Thompson still looked calm: "I actually think his temperament is not yet settled. Letting him hone himself in the Spirit Gathering Class is just right, and it won't delay anything."

...

David Bolton had no idea he had already caught the attention of two examiners. Not long after stepping down from the ring, he was greeted by a hug from Emily Clark.

This girl was usually quite shy, but perhaps she was just too happy at this moment and couldn't care about anything else, still keeping her habit from three years ago.

"That's great! Now I can be with Brother David again."

Emily Clark wrapped both hands around David Bolton's arm, her expression excited: "After passing the entrance trial, we'll be 'same year' disciples. But I think, Brother David, you'll have to call me Senior Sister."

At this, she couldn't help but let out a smug "hehe" laugh.

According to the rules of the Sun and Moon Profound Sect, spirit masters call each other Senior or Junior Brother, and address divine masters as Law Seat or Uncle/Master.

Disciples who enter in the same year often have especially close relationships, regarding each other as "same year" and supporting one another within the sect. Additionally, the order of address among senior and junior brothers and sisters is determined by the ranking in the entrance trial.

But seeing Emily Clark acting so sweet and clingy, not only did Matthew Cooper's eyes blaze with jealousy, even Robert Carter felt a bit envious.

"You're happy too soon!"

Matthew Cooper snorted lightly: "I checked the match list. That Mason Hall is also on platform seventy-five—he's David Bolton's opponent in the third round."

"Mason Hall?"

Robert Carter, though a bit jealous, frowned deeply at this: "That's trouble! I heard he can already project spiritual energy?"

Projecting spiritual energy is the threshold for a spirit master, one of the keys to becoming a true spirit master. Once someone reaches this level, ordinary martial techniques are hard to deal with.

"Three months ago, Mason Hall could already do it. In these three months, he might have even mastered a spell."

Matthew Cooper looked worried, clearly not optimistic: "Brother Bolton facing him—it's not looking good."

But Emily Clark wasn't worried: "What's there to be afraid of? Even David Foster was a sure win—would Brother David really be eliminated? Even if he enters the losers' bracket, he can still make it through."

Matthew Cooper was speechless at this, thinking David Bolton would probably pass the martial trial. Since he could defeat David Foster in a single strike, his martial skills must have reached the peak of the mortal world.

The only ones who could surpass him would be those in the Spirit Gathering Class. But his classmates all had special arrangements to avoid each other, so they were unlikely to meet in the first three rounds, making it unlikely for him to enter the losers' bracket.

Shaking his head, Matthew Cooper said with a wry smile: "But Emily, don't forget, after this there are still two major exams, and only three hundred will be admitted in the end. I think Brother Bolton's spirit master talent isn't great—he might still be at risk of being eliminated."

David Bolton could hear the sourness in his tone but couldn't be bothered to respond. He thought, this guy is still young and doesn't understand Emily's temperament. Saying that will only have the opposite effect.

Sure enough, Emily Clark's brows furrowed slightly, and she started to worry again. But then she hugged David Bolton's arm even tighter, her tone resolute: "There will definitely be a way! I still have some pills saved up—they should help Brother David. If that's not enough, I can borrow more."