Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

They followed the now-familiar path to the hidden viewing gallery where they'd watched yesterday's initial trials. The space was already filled with other disciples, all eager to observe this phase of testing. As inner disciples, Li Wei and Li Hua were able to secure positions near the front, where they could clearly see the testing grounds below.

The atmosphere was different from yesterday's straightforward essence evaluations. Today, a heavy spiritual pressure hung in the air, and formation arrays glowed ominously around the testing area. Li Hua noticed that only about half of yesterday's candidates remained—the first round of testing had already eliminated many hopefuls.

Below, Elder Sun stood at the center of an intricate formation array, its patterns shifting like living things beneath his feet. The first ten candidates approached, their steps hesitant but determined. As they entered the testing area, the formations blazed to life, weaving illusory scenes around them.

"Look at the array structure," Li Wei whispered, his scholarly interest evident. "See how it adapts to each candidate's spiritual signature? It's designed to pierce through their mental defenses and find their true fears."

Li Hua glanced at her brother with a knowing smile. "You've been studying up on everything about these exams, haven't you? Not just the formations, but the entire selection process."

Li Wei's eyes lit up at being caught. "Three scrolls on formation theory, an old manual on mental cultivation tests, and I persuaded one of the Senior Chen to share the previous five years' examination records." He adjusted his sleeves with pride. "Did you know they modify the Heart-Demon Test every three years? This year's version is supposedly the most stringent yet."

Turning back to the scene below, Li Hua watched intently as the candidates began to react to visions only they could see. Some handled the illusions well, maintaining their composure even as the formations probed deeper. Others broke down, their fears manifesting in visible tremors and cold sweats.

From their vantage point, they could see Elder Sun making careful notes, assessing not just how well candidates resisted the illusions, but how they recovered from them. Those who showed resilience, who could acknowledge their fears without being consumed by them, seemed to receive higher marks.

"The sect values mental fortitude as much as raw power," Li Wei observed. "Makes sense, given how dangerous some spirit beasts can be. You can't let fear control you when forming a bond."

Li Hua watched as another group of ten candidates entered the formation circle, each taking their place in a cross-legged position within the glowing array. One young woman's confidence faltered as the illusions took hold, her face paling as she confronted whatever vision the arrays had pulled from her deepest fears. Yet she remained seated, her hands trembling in her lap but her posture firm.

"Different from the tests yesterday," Li Wei murmured, carefully keeping his voice low. "The crystal measured their affinity, but this..." he gestured to the complex formations below, "this measures their spirit."

They watched as more groups faced their trials. Some emerged triumphant, rising steadily to their feet when the test concluded. Others had to be helped up by waiting disciples, their legs too weak from the mental strain. Each reaction revealed something about the potential cultivator's character—their resilience, their determination, their ability to face their own shadows while maintaining their meditation stance.

Li Hua was surprised to notice the sun's position had shifted dramatically—they had been so absorbed in watching the tests that most of the day had passed without her realizing it. The afternoon light cast long shadows across the testing grounds as Elder Sun raised his hand, signaling a shift in the formations. The glowing arrays beneath the testing area rippled and reformed, creating new patterns that seemed more intricate, more refined.

"The Heart-Demon Tests," Li Wei explained softly, leaning forward with interest. "They say these formations can detect not just a person's current state of mind, but their deeper nature—how they might act when faced with true power or temptation.

Below, the first group of ten took their positions, settling into meditation poses. Instead of the harsh, probing light of the illusion arrays, these formations emitted a gentle luminescence that seemed to seep into the candidates' very cores. Some of the light threads turned golden, others remained silver, and a few darkened to concerning shades.

"The sect isn't just looking for power," Li Hua observed, understanding dawning as she watched the various reactions. "They want to ensure their disciples won't abuse their connections with spirit beasts."

Li Wei nodded. "After all, a beast tamer with poor character could cause devastating harm. Spirit beasts aren't tools to be exploited—they're partners who share their power willingly."

Below, one candidate's light thread suddenly darkened to an ominous shade, causing Elder Sun to make a quick notation. Another's remained pure silver, while a third's light fluctuated between colors, suggesting an internal struggle.

"Look at their expressions," Li Wei whispered. "The Heart-Demon Test shows them visions of power, wealth, authority—everything they might gain through spirit beast mastery. It reveals how they would use that power."

Li Hua watched as one candidate's face twisted with barely concealed greed before their light thread darkened completely. Another maintained a serene expression as their thread glowed steadily golden, even as the formations intensified their probe.

"Some say these tests are more crucial than the power evaluations," a nearby senior disciple commented quietly. "Last year, a candidate with exceptional spiritual strength was rejected because his Heart-Demon Test revealed a cruel nature. Better to turn away talent than risk the safety of our spirit beasts."

The testing continued, each group revealing different aspects of human nature under the pressure of potential power.

Li Hua found herself wondering if she would fail this exam. She looked down at her hands, remembering how often they had been covered in blood—sometimes to protect, sometimes to survive, sometimes to teach a lesson, a ruthless one. The memories of her past life as an assassin surfaced unbidden; the countless lives she'd ended without hesitation, the efficient brutality that had made her name feared. What would the Heart-Demon Test make of someone like her, whose core held such darkness? Someone who could kill without hesitation, whether to protect those she loved or simply because a contract demanded it? To protect her values? Her safety?

"Sister," Li Wei's voice drew her from her dark thoughts. "Should we head to dinner?"

The testing area below was beginning to clear as the day's evaluations concluded. Elder Sun's formations dimmed, their probing light fading with the setting sun. Around them, other observing disciples were already filing out, discussing what they'd witnessed in hushed tones.

Li Hua nodded, grateful for the interruption of her memories. As they made their way to the dining hall, she focused instead on the present—her new life, her brothers, and the path she'd chosen. The past was the past; what mattered now was how she used her abilities to protect what was precious to her.

When the siblings were finally seated, they began to eat. This time when they called Li Hao through the sound transmission, he was, thankfully, not in his bathroom. Together they shared their first day's experiences, Little Firefly secretly enjoying his large portion of desserts while they caught up with their energetic second brother. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

"Oh! Eldest brother, wait!" Li Hua called out after saying goodnight.

Li Wei turned around and looked at her, "What's wrong sister?"

Li Hua reached for his pendant and transferred the books. With a mischievous smile she whispered, "Check when you're in your room and don't say a word."

Li Wei chuckled, understanding the secrecy in her gesture. "Sure." He rubbed her head affectionately before they parted ways, each heading back to their respective rooms for the night.