In a vast training field of the li sect,the floor made of an unknown black metal,which looks tough and was charred by scars of previous battles. Telling the tales of the many battles fought on it,by the li sect disciples. Each scar, each gash, each mark left behind speaks of the strength and determination of those who dueled here before, of clashes that tested both body and will, of young disciples who grew into powerful cultivators and elders who passed down the sect's legacy through combat and trial. The metal itself is cold to the touch, heavy and unyielding beneath the feet of all who gather here, a constant reminder of the weight of responsibility that comes with wearing the sect's robes.

On one portion of it,were youths,both male and female,clad in grey robes and in large numbers, about a few thousands,seems to be patiently waiting for something or someone. Without much noise as most minded their business,why some who seemed to know themselves,or were acquaintance whispered quietly. The grey fabric of their robes is plain and unadorned, marking them as unofficial disciples still proving their worth to the sect. Some stood with their backs straight and heads held high, faces set with determination; others fidget with their hands or glance nervously at their neighbors, unsure of what lies ahead. The quiet whispers pass between small groups – old friends from nearby villages who traveled to the sect together, or fellow recruits who bonded during the initial screening process – sharing rumors of what the first mission might entail, of the dangers that await beyond the sect's walls, of the rewards that come with becoming an official disciple.

Amidst of these youths,Sat Icaros,quietly on the bare floor with his eyes closed,and a battle axe attached to his back. He had acquired the axe,the previous day after the journey at the library, when he learnt from a fellow unofficial disciple, that they can get to chose a free weapon,although not something magical or for spirit realm cultivators, but just made of good material and of good quality, which is still relevant for those at the body refinement realm. Meaning it is useful against mortals and those in body refinement realm and useless against those in spirit realm level. As Icaros discovered from the library,the spirit realm,was the realm after body refinement,it was said to be the actual beginning of cultivation.

The axe head is broad and sharp, its handle wrapped in thick leather that fits snugly in his palm. The fellow disciple who told him of the weapon choosing had pointed out rows of swords, halberds, sabers, and more – all laid out in the sect's armory, each one crafted with care by the sect's smiths. He had explained that while these weapons could not compare to the the power of magical treasures wielded by spirit realm cultivators, they were reliable tools for those still building their foundation,that is,blood,bones and flesh,able to withstand the force of body refinement strikes and cut through mortal armor with ease.

After racking his brain on what weapon to choose out of many types there,swords,halberd,saber and many other,even a maze. It became extra difficult as he didn't use weapons,to fight during his previous life on earth, relying solely on his innate powers,in the end,he chose the battle axe,for the sole purpose of that it looks cool, a reason that makes Icaros chuckle, anytime he remembers it. He had spent a long while walking up and down the armory aisles, holding each weapon in turn to feel its weight and balance. Swords felt too light in his hands, halberds too cumbersome, sabers too familiar to the weapons used by warriors he had seen on Earth. Even the maze – heavy and blunt – had seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Then he had spotted the battle axe, leaning against a rack in the far corner, its steel head catching the light of the armory torches. The moment he picked it up, he knew it was the one – not for any practical reason, but simply because it suited him, because it looked impressive hanging at his back, because it made him feel like he belonged in this world of cultivators and weapons. The thought of his choice still brings a quiet smile to his face, a small reminder of the freedom he once had on Earth to make decisions based on nothing more than what felt right.

"Li Han is really taking long", Icaros couldn't help but think,as the orders from li Han was to be at the training ground early in the morning and prepared,that they will soon be shortly setting off,for their first mission and assessment,to see if they're worthy of becoming official disciple of the sect.

He had woken before dawn, as instructed, and made his way to the training field with plenty of time to spare. The sun has been slowly climbing the sky, painting the horizon in shades of orange and gold, and still there is no sign of Li Han or any other sect official to guide them. Icaros used the time to settle his mind, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing, letting the sounds of the crowd wash over him – the soft shuffle of feet on metal, the quiet murmur of voices, the distant cry of a bird in a far distance. He thinks of what he has learned from the library books, of the body refinement stages and the four great sects, of the spirit qi that flows through this world and gives its cultivators their power. He wonders what Li Han is doing, why he is late, if something has gone wrong with the mission preparations,and due to the knowledge he acquired from the library. A little question he had previously was solved in his mind,it turns out young master Deimos wasn't surnamed li,due to the fact,that all direct descendant of the li sect master,the wielder of the Nega bands,had no surnames,and the children,will fight against each other for the position of sect master after the passing of the current one. Although there wasn't much information on how they will fight against each other,but what Icaros was sure about,was that for an item,said to be one of the most powerful on the world,a huge amount of blood bath will be done for it,concluded from his past life experiences on earth,as people die for riches. He also found out,that due to the li sect being a sect,disciples weren't restricted to the li surname,meaning the "li" in the name,was more of a symbol of the first wielder of the Nega bands,and to honour his name,as so,you can still retain your surname after joining the li sect. Although you can still change your surname to "li", which will earn you more attention from the sect upper echelons, as it's considered as a sign of loyalty. But for the clans out there,only members of the family are part of it.

Just as Icaros was about to say something to one of the youths around him,who he had gotten acquainted to.

His enhanced sight,as he casually focused on the horizon,saw what he will basically consider a beauty.

Jade like skin, beautiful and well placed facial features, that will make any man not to ignore her, and a small red cherry like lips to top it all,her graceful curves can be seen from time to time,but staid hidden by the green robe she was wearing, and as she rode on what seem to be a large magical flying handkerchief,a thought couldn't help but appear in Icaros mind," an inner disciple,and a beauty at that",he soon snapped out of it and noticed the speed at which the flying handkerchief was moving.

Within the short time Icaros had seen it,with his enhanced sight,the others had already started to notice the flying projectile, but still couldn't see it clearly.

The woman is moving faster than any mortal could run, her flying handkerchief gliding through the air, leaving no trail behind it. Her skin is smooth and pale as polished jade, her eyes bright and clear. Her green robe flows around her as she moves, the fabric shifting with the wind to reveal the shape of her body beneath – curves that are capable of arousing the hidden desires of any man,Icaros knows immediately what she is: inner disciples wear green, and only spirit realm cultivators can use magical treasures,which grant cultivators many magical abilities, even the four greatest weapons can be considered as magical treasures.

Is that the ship,we are living in? Someone muttered,as many suggestions,flew around, but one of the guys,who just recently got acquainted to Icaros, couldn't help but ask him,as he felt he's different from their previous chit chat,"what do you think that is?",Icaros who suddenly had a small quirk to surprise him surprisingly answered with a smirk,"a flying beauty".

The crowd around them was already starting to stir, pointing at the sky and wondering aloud what the object could be. Some couldn't help but say it was a ship sent to carry them to the mission site, others thought it was a magical beast coming to test them,while some even though of it,as elders from other sect coming to witness the assessment.

Huh, the youth was about to respond with a stunned expression from Icaros answer,when he saw the flying beauty indeed,flying towards them. His jaw couldn't help but drop at the magical sight, maybe a little amplified by the lady's beauty. The other youths couldn't help but gasp at the sight,and many other reactions,which Icaros all took in. As the large magical handkerchief slowly flew downwards before stopping.

Gao's mouth opens and closes without making a sound, his face a picture of shock and awe. Around them, the crowd erupts – some cheering at the sight of the inner disciple, others gasp in wonder at the magical handkerchief, many stare with admiration at the woman's beauty. Icaros watches them all, noting how some of the male recruits straighten their robes and tried to look more impressive, how some of the female recruits narrow their eyes with determination or jealousy, how everyone's attention is now completely focused on the woman who has just arrived. The handkerchief descends slowly, its edges rippling like water in the wind, before coming to a steady stop a few feet above the ground. The woman steps off with a lightness that seems impossible for a human, landing on the metal floor without making a sound.

She motioned to the handkerchief, which rapidly reduced in size before returning to the size of a normal one,she gently wiped her face before looking up at the crowd. By now the crowd had already recognized her,as an inner disciple, due to her use of magical treasure (the flying handkerchief), which one can only acquire and use after entering the spirit realm.

Which is the requirement to be an inner disciple,and loyalty to the sect,but the obvious one was the green robe she wore,which was the sign of an inner disciple.

As such the crowd could be heard greeting,"Senior",with a gentle bow.

Even though they all looked to be about the same age group,young and youthful. It does not matter that many of them are the same age as the woman – in the cultivation world, age means nothing compared to strength and rank. Icaros couldn't help but bows with the rest,his eyes still watching her, noting the way she holds herself,the confidence in her movements. He can feel a faint pressure in the air around her, a hint of the spirit qi that flows through her body.

It is different from the cosmic energy his optic blast was made of,but it carries the same weight of power.

The lady in question, displayed no shyness,but spoke with an air of authority and icyness,"The li sect doesn't accept mediocrities,there is no space for mediocrities in the li sect" she paused for a while and looked around the crowd,as if to challenge them,before continuing.

"As such the sect's upper echelons has tasked me with the burden of making sure of that". Her voice is clear and strong, carrying across the field without needing to be raised. There is no warmth in her tone, no hint of friendliness – only the cold certainty of someone who knows their power and their purpose. She looks at each part of the crowd in turn, her eyes meeting those of the recruits as if to judge their worth on the spot. Icaros feels her gaze pass over him, and for a moment he feels as if she can see through his lies, as if she knows he is not just a mortal with unusual strength. Then she moves on, her eyes scanning the rest of the crowd, and the feeling passes.

She threw up the folders handkerchief again,as if,she didn't have any intent of leading them. The handkerchief expanded magically in the air as it floated steadily, then the lady with a gentle tap of her toes,ascended the handkerchief.

which sent questions spiraling into Icaros and the other unofficial disciples head,Icaros couldn't help but wonder,she clearly didn't fly, so how did that gentle tap,not seemingly containing much force launched her to the flying handkerchief. He himself was only able to do that in his past life,by utilizing his ability to fly and just quietly fly or float around,but just as he was about to grow a grey hair from thinking too hard,he remembered the requirement for an inner disciple, being a spirit realm cultivator,after a cultivator enters the spirit realm,they gain access to spirit qi. I guess the spirit qi have to take all the blame, Icaros thought as he chuckled quietly, but it only served to made him more interested in this mysterious spirit qi. And maybe somewhere in his heart,a hidden desire to possess it quietly appeared.

She said coldly, "I am going to fly back to the ship that we will depart in,you guys try to catch up,there will be a timer after I arrive at the ship,if it goes off and you're not there,you're officially eliminated". Her voice cuts through the quiet of the crowd, sharp and final. There is no room for argument, no chance to ask questions – her words are a command, and the recruits know they must obey. Icaros feels a flicker of excitement mixed with caution – this is the first real test of his ability to fit in,not that he needed to.

Contrary to his other abilities, Icaros running ability was actually same with normal human being,not anywhere like super speed,but fast enough.

With a wave of hand of the lady,the noisy crowd instantly grew silent. She said calmly but this time with a smirk on her face,"am going to lower my flight speed, enough for you guys to have a chance. Don't fail to impress me,the first challenge starts now!".

With her declaration, and her flying off as the igniter,the large crowd of thousands roared as they chased after the flying handkerchief. And as you can imagine, the chaos, some people getting trampled on, aggressive shoves, and insults flying everywhere.

And with the chaos, the once before closely together crowd spread out. In order to allow more people to run at once, but still the chaos didn't stop.

Amidst the chaos, As Icaros tried to run,"fuck!" he inwardly cursed as his instinct almost overtook him. He almost flew, instead of running like a normal body refinement realm cultivator. Although in reality he hadn't even cultivated before,but he was sure other people viewed him as a body refinement cultivator. Aside from Deimos and his company who witnessed his strength in the forest,and his father who is supposedly the sect leader. Taking note of all this,and the one armed elder commenting about his strength,Icaros already suspected that it was already spread out, among the upper echelons, this had made him,to gradually realize that he may not be able to conceal his power in the long run.

He couldn't help but ran awkwardly, as he mostly flew in his previous life, whenever he needed to get anywhere fast,and even during doing normal stuffs. That was mostly his means of movement aside from walking.

While everyone seems to be struggling or even trying, one person wasn't – Icaros. Or at least he was only trying not to mistakenly fly off. He focused his senses as he evaded people, while not quickly rushing forward. Even though he doesn't have super speed while running,he was still fast compared to mortals,and very fast if he really pushed very hard.

He was steadily making it out to the front, where people were actually running after the flying handkerchief, instead of getting trampled and fighting for a chance.

And soon enough,Icaros was already gaining attention. As people he passed,couldn't help but wonder about his speed,and the fact that he was still doing it casually, without looking like he was putting in much effort.

Icaros eyebrows raised at this,before he started copying the attitude of other participants, now appearing like he's trying and really putting in effort.

"I must not stop, I must keep running faster. This is my one in a three year chance of entering the great li sect,which i might not have again,due to the age limit. This is my chance of finally making my parents proud,my dad,my mom." This was the thought going on in the mind of one of the participants,Yang Kai.

After some time has passed while chasing the flying handkerchief,the crowd was already divided into three,one was clearly lagging at the back,with the least amount of participants. The ones in the middle,were doing better than the ones lagging and comprises of most of the participants. While the first group,was already evenly spread out,allowing clear running,and they were keeping a good pace with the flying beauty.

Icaros was in the middle of the first group,maintaining his act. As he no problem doing so,even the few times he did ran in his previous,on earth. He never ran out of breath,or got tired,not that it was special compared to his other powers.

While Yang kai,was in first group quite alright,but in the last if them. Not just that,he was clearly straining to keep up. His eyes locked on to the flying handkerchief,as if his life depended on it. Perhaps it actually did.

After running after the flying handkerchief for some time, it sharply turned to another corner, which was a vast plane of green field and continued flying.

As the participants at the forefront, who already has their stamina strained,made that turn.

They saw the most beautiful thing they had ever seen – no beauty could compare,a flying ship, half the size to the one young master Deimos used in his mission where he found Icaros. Which the flying handkerchief was quickly closing in to. Their ride to their first mission.

The first batch of participants at the forefront who saw it first,increased what ever they could to their max speed,determined to make it to the ship and stand out from the rest.

Meanwhile Icaros who just saw the ship,only felt determined to maintain his pace and appear more stressed.

Yang Kai finally made the turn and saw the ship,he realized his dreams were coming true gradually, "I just need to hold on till I reach it." He thought as he held on,while trying hard not to let his pace drop.

By this time, only a pitiful few thousand had made the turn to the ship, and those at the forefront were only in the hundreds.

The lady on the flying handkerchief looked back at the crowd behind her. Assessing the outcome with a cold and detached look on her face, before deciding on a timer. Just before she looked away, her eyes unknowingly paused on Icaros, just for a moment though as she turned, before descending to the ship.

There was another lady already there,and li Han,who they were waiting for in the training ground, all in green robes,showing there inner disciple status.

Seeing the lady drop down on the ship,li Han nodded at her,to acknowledge her,without greeting as they were both inner sect disciples and possibly of the same cultivation.

She nodded back at him,while saying coldly to him,which li Han didn't mind,"Start a count down to Ten,with a mid pace,when it's over,were setting of with the ones that made it"

Li Han nodded before bringing out a wine bag,with a swipe of his hand on an ordinary black ring on his fingers,clearly it was a magical item. He took a sip of the wine,swallowed it,with his movements appreciating the taste,before beginning the count down – Ten! His voice booming across the distance, enough for the far away participants to hear.

The effects were apparent as the participants intensified their struggle, but it was apparent that Icaros was just leisurely keeping up, while keeping up the appearance of struggling.

The lady who flied on the handkerchief, walked calmly to the other lady,as a smile slowly bloomed on her face,making her look heavenly,but just with more human features. The lady in return had a faint smile on her face,which was very pure,making her look like she'll not be able to cause any harm. She said warmly and softy, Su Yan, you're here. The girl who flied the handkerchief, clearly Su Yan,replied in a gentle and casual tone,which she never used before why interacting with the crowd,"Nelly,You really signed up for this mission because of me? Am so glad you're here " Nelly smiled warmly before saying with a small blush,while waving her hand shyly,"It's noting,besides I heard that the reason you signed up for this mission was because a certain person requested for it" Su Yan nodded gently, before whispering in Nelly's ear and they started to silently exchange banters. A warm attitude compared to what Su Yan put up with everyone else.

Nine!

Li Han shouted,but not without sipping some wine,from his wine bag. And so he continued,even shouting some words of encouragement to the participants sometimes.

Eight!

Seven!

Six!

Five!

Four!

Three!

With each count, thousands felt their dream of entering one of the four great superpowers flying away, just like the beauty earlier, while hundreds felt it drew closer with much effort, which they only managed to draw due to their body refinement realm cultivation, making them better than mortals physically.

Two!

Yang Kai heard this number, as he was almost at the massive ship, with some few already reaching it – just a little more, seeing his dream so close, he turned to his sides to see how other participants were faring, and his eyes widened when he saw Icaros, who was not struggling like everyone else. "How can a fellow body refinement realm cultivator run this fast, and long, without struggling" he wondered, but he could only focus as he heard the number one! Not that he needed to, as he quickly climbed onto the ship, with the help of the rail provided, as soon as his foot touched the floor of the ship, he collapsed from exhaustion, but not without turning slightly to see Icaros – also gasping for breath, but why did it seem so fake?

Zero!

The final verdict resounded, as the ship's mast closed, ending the dreams of thousands, while only beginning those of hundreds.

The thousands who failed could only collapse on the ground,from exhaustion and failure.It was clear to them,that they has failed as they saw the ship's mast close,different reactions was exhibited by many of them,but they had in common,was that they were all tired and spent from the tiring race they just had.

The lady Su Yan,has already returned to her ice cold appearance, with Nelly standing behind her,and li Han standing in one corner of the ship.

She said coldly to the participants, but albeit with what the participants thought to be a little warmth in her voice,"congratulations, you just passed your first initial trial."

"It's not really that much of a trial though,just weeding out the trash." She said with a chuckle, as it dawned at the participants how ruthless the cultivation world is.

As if waiting for her words to simmer, she continued. "In your life as a cultivator,even they we all want to get strong enough to crush our opponents. But it's simply unrealistic to think you'll win every battle,and that's why you have to be adapt at escaping. The test I just gave you,tested that part of you."

While she was saying this,the participants couldn't help but listen keenly, as they were aware how much the advice of a senior could impact their lives. But Icaros couldn't help but wonder with a rare proud smirk on his face,"why do I need to run? when I can just defeat them."

Am not going to say much again or interfere. The one who will be taking over is li Han. You might have known him before or might not,but one thing is clear,he represents the authority of the li sect in this mission,and we are here to help him enforce it,so don't slight him.

She said the last part with a bit of a cold glint in her eyes,before coldly striding inside the ship's interior building with the other female cultivator,but what the other participants didn't notice was that after just entering the ship,just before her figure disappears, her shoulder slumped down a bit. Icaros couldn't help but smirk a bit from this observation, as he thought in his heart, "maybe she isn't that much of a leader"

Icaros found himself in one out of the many rooms in the ship,which have flew off from the li sect.

After Su Yan departed. li Han gave a short speech to the participants, congratulating them on their performance, and instilling the danger of the new mission,which he said was to be in the azure forest. A place Icaros remembered, as where young master Deimos found him,and it was said to be one of the most dangerous zones in the world,although the danger levels increases the more deeper one goes. Which means the mission will likely be in the peripheral area.

This was also properly explained by li Han,when he saw that panic was arising after he revealed the location. He explained that they will only complete their mission in the outer zones,where they can survive with their body refinement realm cultivation, and with the aid of him,li Han,Su Yan with Nelly,who are all spirit realm cultivators, no accidents will occur.

Li Han couldn't help but smile at the thought of accidents occurring,from the knowledge he acquired, other sects and clans where very much wary of the four great superpowers and won't risk any attacks,for any reasons."Well maybe the demon beasts and other hazards",li Han couldn't help but become interested when he remembered that there were bandits in this world,albeit,they were certainly more dangerous, and more ruthless.

He was about to dwell in it more,when he remembered the conversation he has with li Han before he went inside the interior of the ship. After the little competition, the participants were allowed to enter inside the interior of the ship,while taking numbers for easy management. As Icaros made his way to the cue,he noticed a hand signal from li Han to stay back. He couldn't help but stay behind with nothing to do,but caught in the awkward moment,of not staying in the cue,just standing to the side,with li Han. Who doesn't seem to mind,as he cheerfully drank from a small wine bottle,which Icaros doesn't know where he brought it out from and when.

After all the participants has entered the ship interior,and only li Han and Icaros was left on the bow. Li Han said with a huge smile plastered on his face,which wasn't there before,when he was addressing the participants,"you made it!".

"Why wouldn't I?" Icaros said after deciding to be a little more friendly to li Han,after considering the warmth and friendliness he had shown him.

Looks like someone is getting too proud of killing a grade C beast,I've killed worse,li Han said with a chuckle before taking a big gulp from his wine bottle.

Icaros didn't seem provoked at all,as he laughed at it for a moment before saying,"I know grade E beasts are equivalent to body refinement real cultivators. With grade D beast being equivalent to elite body refinement realm cultivators and,should I say"he hesitated slightly before saying,weaker spirit real cultivators,and spirit realm cultivators equivalent to grade C beast,but what's above grade C beasts considering, you just said you've killed worse.

Li Han who was listening intently,as he asked his question,suddenly started laughing,the kind one will use to mock someone foolish.

Contrary to li Han's expectation,Icaros did not get nervous or awkward at all from the laugh. Instead he looked at li Han,as if he was waiting for his answer.

Li Han who was supposedly an old fox himself,laughed some more,without being embarrassed, before suddenly being mean and saying in a strict manner. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Which Icaros raised an eyebrow at,but he wasn't done as he continued explaining,there's a reason the Library is divided depending based on disciples levels. So it is in the cultivation world,biting of more than you can chew,trying to know and poke your nose in what's beyond you,don't usually end well. Take it from me,try to focus on the present things and what you have,and stop chasing clouds. You may think you're strong and you are,but the river is much more deeper than it appears,so be careful not to sink.

Listening to li Han's words and advice,Icaros brows furrowed in thoughts and wonders,but it soon relaxed. As he said with a relaxed expression as if the previous event hadn't occurred at all. He said flatly,I guess you didn't signal for me to wait,all for this?

Li Han smiled before saying with a joyful tone,yeah! Actually, before switching to a flat tone,the young master and the sect upper echelons has decided on your matters,as you're different from the other participants and new intakes this batch.

Icaros eyes focused on li Han as he listened with rapt attention. Who took a deep breath, I can't tell you the details, but the sect has a better offer for you,than a normal disciple, which will be discussed with you after the mission. And speaking of missions,yours will be different and special.

"Special, what do you mean?", Icaros couldn't help but ask. You're much stronger than a body refinement cultivator,and according to the strength you previously shown in the azure forest,you will have no problem taking down a spirit realm cultivator. Which makes you superior to the other participants, so the sect has decided to use this opportunity for a better mission.

What mission? Icaros couldn't help but ask as his brow lightly furrowed. Li Han laughed lightly before saying with a look of someone divulging a very important secret in a gossip. Although the other spirit realm cultivators are here for the safety of the participants,they are actually here for the special mission.

Nelly will overlook the normal mission,why Su Yan,you and I will do something more interesting. Li Han explained, but seeing as Icaros was about to say something, he waved his hands lightly and signalled for Icaros to stop,before saying," Don't worry about the special mission for now,we will fill you in on the details,when the time is right".

Icaros couldn't help but swallow his words with a smile, after some compliments and thanking li Han for the information. Li Han turned to enter the interior,but couldn't hold back his curiosity,he asked."Where did you get that round big wine bottle from,I didn't see it on you earlier"

Li Han revealed a wide smile as he said,with the wind blowing against his green robes,"A magician never reveals his tricks"

Icaros could only roll his eyes at Li Han's silliness, before heading inside.

Seeing Icaros figure disappear,Li Han couldn't help but think, "how much will he affect the storm"

While Icaros was trying to find the room assigned to him,and managing the new information.

Icaros couldn't help but review all this in his room in the ship,he could already guess,that the ship should be at full speed now,tearing through the air.

Just as he was about to consciously decide on and analyze everything he's considered today. A massive tremor hit the ship,sending Icaros rolling on the floor,a thought couldn't help but hit him,"is it the bandits?"