“The first round of assessment will test your affinity talent with the elemental force of heaven and earth, as well as the stellar force. Let’s begin, one by one.” Someone spoke up. These stone mirrors, called the Elemental Observation Mirror and the Star Observation Mirror, are possessed by certain major powers and are used to test disciples’ talents.

On the Nine Heavens Continent, everyone has at least a one-star affinity with the elemental force of heaven and earth, which can activate the lowest halo on the stone mirror. As long as one has a one-star affinity with the elemental force, it is enough to absorb the elemental energy of heaven and earth to cultivate martial arts. However, to become a Martial Fate cultivator and communicate with the stars in the sky, one needs a three-star affinity with the stellar force, lighting up three halos.

Therefore, everyone on the continent can cultivate martial arts, but becoming a Martial Fate cultivator is difficult.

As for the reason, many speculate that since people are born and live within this world, the elemental force of heaven and earth is everywhere and thus easier to absorb. The stellar force, however, is different—it exists above the Nine Heavens Star River.

Of course, affinity with either the elemental force or the stellar force can be improved through later cultivation, such as meditation and nourishing the spirit. The stronger the affinity, the greater the talent. Many people on the continent with strong stellar force affinity actually condense their star soul later, because they hope to further enhance this affinity through meditation and connect with higher Martial Fate stars.

At this moment, someone stepped up to the Elemental Observation Mirror on the left, placing their palm in the specially designed groove. Suddenly, light flared, and from bottom to top, three halos lit up in succession.

“Affinity with the elemental force of heaven and earth: three-star talent.”

This person then moved to the Star Observation Mirror and repeated the action, but this time, only two halos lit up, causing the representatives from the four great martial academies on the stage to shake their heads—not good enough.

“You, step down.” On the viewing platform, a person chosen by the four great martial academies said indifferently. The young man immediately showed a look of disappointment and unwillingly stepped down from the martial stage, failing the first round of assessment.

The second person: four-star affinity with the elemental force; two-star affinity with the stellar force. This means he might become a martial cultivator, but becoming a Martial Fate cultivator is nearly impossible—eliminated.

Very soon, four people in a row were eliminated, making the entire space tense. The pass rate for the first round was so low—worthy of being the renowned martial academies of Chu.

Chapter 12: The Chasm

“I’ll give it a try.” At this moment, a young figure stepped forward—it was Frank Newton of the Newton Family.

“Frank Newton, he should be able to pass, right?” The crowd’s eyes flickered. Frank Newton first approached the Elemental Observation Mirror on the left, placing his palm in the groove. Instantly, the bottom two halos lit up at the same time, then the third, the fourth, and soon, the sixth halo—six-star talent in affinity with the elemental force.

He then moved to the Star Observation Mirror on the right to test again. Four halos lit up—four-star talent, causing many to exclaim in admiration. Frank Newton of the Newton Family was one of the four most promising candidates to enter the martial academies today.

On the viewing platform, the representatives of the four great powers all nodded in approval. He passed and could proceed to the next round.

Frank Newton smiled proudly, a bit of youthful arrogance in his demeanor, and walked alone to the other side of the crowd.

Soon, people continued to step forward to be tested. Some managed to satisfy several of the four martial academies, while others only satisfied one. As long as not all rejected them, they qualified for the next round.

“Eric Brooks’s affinity with the elemental force is actually seven stars, even higher than Frank Newton. Although his stellar affinity is only three stars, he still got nods from three of the four powers except for Empyrean Star Academy. It seems entering Empyrean Star Academy is indeed difficult—they only accept Martial Fate cultivators.”

The crowd whispered among themselves. Entering Empyrean Star Academy was just too hard—it was a cradle for geniuses.

“Lily Wood is even more impressive—not only is she one of the four great beauties, but her talent is so outstanding. Her stellar affinity is actually six stars. No wonder she condensed her star soul at just thirteen—a beautiful genius indeed.”

“So what? Next, it’s up to Ashley Baker.” All eyes turned to the last two untested people on the martial stage: Ashley Baker and Ethan Carter. However, Ethan Carter was directly ignored.

“Ethan Carter, watch closely.” Ashley Baker turned her gaze, giving Ethan Carter a calm glance. Then she stepped forward to the Elemental Observation Mirror on the left, placing her slender jade hand in the groove. Three halos flashed instantly, and in a moment, seven halos lit up—seven-star talent.

“If not for meditation to enhance my affinity with the stellar force, my cultivation would have been much higher by now.” Ashley Baker said indifferently. She didn’t even glance at Ethan Carter, then moved to the right and repeated the action. In an instant, halos flashed one after another, dazzling like the stars.

“So dazzling.” The crowd felt their eyes sting. Soon, eight halos shone brightly, radiating the light of the stars, causing many on the viewing platform to stand up in excitement.

“Affinity with the elemental force: seven-star talent. Affinity with the stellar force: eight-star talent. A true monster.”

Silence—at this moment, the space became extremely quiet, and many people gasped in shock.