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?"

Quickly rising to his feet, Icaros scanned his room, confirming there were no signs of intrusion yet. Before he could even think too much about it. A light of resolve flashed in his eyes. He had made his decision.

Carefully opening his door, he strained his ears, listening intently for any sound. But there was nothing-dead silence. Not even a pin drop could be heard. This eerie quiet sent chills down Icaros' spine.

He analyzed the situation rapidly. The only thing I felt was that massive tremor shaking the entire ship. Nothing else. Could I be wrong? Was it really an attack? Or perhaps something else? Regardless, a tremor of that magnitude cannot be caused by something trivial. I have to check it out.

Making up his mind, he stepped quietly into the corridor. It was empty. Not a single guard was in sight. Icaros knew this ship was vast, with many corridor and rooms, yet there should have been guards stationed here. The emptiness of the corridor was unnatural.

Maybe they were stationed elsewhere, he told himself, trying to push away the dread creeping into his mind.

I have two choices now. Search the other corridors, or even leave the ship entirely to find others... or check the rooms along this corridor first for the other participants.

After brief consideration, Icaros chose the latter. He walked toward the door directly opposite his own.

He knocked gently. "Is anyone there?" he asked, his voice flat and steady.

Silence. He knocked again, ready to call out once more, when his ears caught a faint, weak groan coming from the room next to his.

BOOM!

Icaros burst through the door. He barely suppressed his instinct to use his flying ability to float, which would have made his movement even faster.

The sight that greeted him made his hair stand on end.

On the bed lay a participant, the sheets soaked crimson with blood. Towering over them was a figure-an enormous humanoid creature, nearly eight feet tall. Its skin was the color of bark, yet possessed the slippery, unsettling texture of a snake. It was rough and uneven, clearly not human.

The moment Icaros entered, the creature turned with terrifying confidence. As it shifted, Icaros caught sight of a female body beneath it, blood pouring from gaping wounds in her torso and throat as she gasped for air.

The creature's face was disturbingly human-like, yet twisted and rough like wood.

Icaros had no intention of talking to a murderer. He was ready to strike-when suddenly, the creature's head shifted and morphed, transforming into the face of a fair-skinned young man wearing an arrogant, malicious smirk.

Icaros raised an eyebrow, his muscles coiling tight like springs, his eyes locked onto the enemy.

"You have surprised me," the hybrid said, the smirk never leaving his face. "To make such bold decisions at your age and experience level... you are quite sharp."

Icaros frowned. How could he know what I did in the corridor? Unless...

"With your talent, you could have become an outstanding disciple of the Li Sect after your first mission," the creature continued. "It is merely by chance that you were in the last room. I was just about to pay you a surprise visit before you interrupted me."

"I only have two questions," Icaros interrupted calmly, cutting off the monologue. "What are you? And what do you want here?"

The creature chuckled, then his face swiftly twisted into pure rage. "Impudent!"

His massive arms split open, erupting into countless writhing tentacles that slithered like snakes. His legs dissolved into wood splinters and viscous fluid, allowing his body to undulate like a serpent.

"There is an old saying: A dead genius is no genius at all," he hissed coldly. "You were never meant to leave here alive. And now... for your insolence, I will tear you to pieces! Nothing will remain!"

By now, his head nearly touched the ceiling, towering over Icaros like a living disaster. Yet Icaros stood his ground, his fear gone, replaced by unshakable confidence.

The creature's face reverted to its bark-like form, fangs bared as it roared.

Icaros moved to strike-but instantly, the floor shattered. Countless tentacles burst forth, seemingly having been hidden there all along. They lashed out, coiling around his limbs and lifting him into the air, spreading him wide and immobilizing him.

The monster wore a ghastly grin. It was confused for a second as to why Icaros hadn't tried to dodge, but the thrill of victory clouded its judgment.

It drew closer, looming over Icaros like impending doom. The tips of its tentacles hardened into sharp spears. Its murderous intent was undeniable.

Just a foot away, it slammed its other limbs into the wall and launched itself forward at blinding speed, aiming to impale Icaros.

It streaked across the room, weapons poised to strike.

But in that split second before impact, a smirk appeared on Icaros' face.

CRACK!

The tentacles binding his right arm were ripped apart as if they were paper. Icaros drove his hand forward, shaped like a sharp blade, straight into the creature's incoming abdomen. The monster was moving too fast to stop.

Their bodies collided. The creature's sharp weapons failed to pierce Icaros, but Icaros' hand sank deep into its body.

Shocked, the monster realized Icaros had struck directly where he had moved his heart, using a special technique to protect it. It was futile. Icaros gripped the organ tightly and ripped it out violently.

Hot blood sprayed across Icaros' grey robes.

"H-How...?" the creature gasped weakly before its body went limp, crashing to the floor.

Icaros stood there, drenched in red, holding a still-beating heart in his open palm.