Battle in the Origin Realm, Officially Begins

As these words were spoken, the expressions of many examinees below the stage subtly shifted, clearly grasping the gravity of the situation.

The staff began distributing wristbands to each candidate.

Liu Yuan extended her hand and received her own wristband.

It felt cool to the touch, unnaturally smooth, devoid of any text or patterns—only a faint, shimmering glow that drifted lazily across its surface.

Curious, she turned it over in her hands several times.

The craftsmanship was far superior to the pair of pink handcuffs and the black thigh strap tucked away in her drawer.

When her fingertips lightly brushed against the wristband, the glow seemed to brighten ever so slightly.

Gradually, a faint warmth emanated from it.

An intangible presence was forming a peculiar connection with her—subtle yet undeniably real.

"Once activated, the wristband will only last twelve hours. It will record your performance within the Source Realm," the Jiangxia Guardian continued explaining the rules.

"The objective of this Martial Arts College Entrance Exam is simple: eliminate Source Realm creatures. Different creatures yield varying scores based on their tier, species, and threat level. Upon death, the sub-ring will absorb the dissipating life force and feed it to the master ring as sustenance."

"Using this mechanism, we can calculate and accumulate your scores."

Admittedly, repurposing such a card’s ability into an exam tool was rather ingenious.

"To err on the side of caution, the exam duration is set at eight hours. During this time, you may freely explore the Source Realm, hunt and eliminate its creatures. Once time is up, scoring ceases, and all must retreat to the exit point."

"You’ll have four additional hours to evacuate, with staff on standby to assist."

"Failure to comply means you bear the consequences—life or death."

"Your final scores will determine your admission into various academies. As for other details, staff will have you sign a 'liability waiver' with further explanations."

The Jiangxia Guardian’s gaze swept across the crowd, and every examinee who met his eyes instinctively straightened their posture.

His tone grew heavier. "The Source Realm is fraught with unknown dangers. Even with the wristband’s protective mechanisms, exercise extreme caution. Act within your limits. Do not recklessly chase glory or meddle with entities beyond your comprehension."

"This year, I estimate roughly two hundred of you four thousand will remain in the Source Realm forever—nourishing its soil."

"If any of you falter, quietly mark 'I refuse' on the waiver."

"We will not disclose the names of those who withdraw, nor will we share their list with the academies."

"However, I can only assign them a randomly low score."

He paused briefly, as if weighing his next words—or perhaps withholding critical information.

A flicker of resignation crossed the Jiangxia Guardian’s mind.

The wristband’s materials emitted a faint, persistent allure to Source Realm creatures.

Due to the unique card’s ability, the sub-rings were designed to hunt life force to sustain the master ring.

This attraction couldn’t be disabled.

While the range was limited—and sheer bad luck was the only real concern—it did marginally increase the examinees’ latent risks.

Still, the seventh-tier defenses in place made the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Naturally, such core details couldn’t be disclosed publicly.

As the face of Jiangxia’s authority, his actions were prone to being sensationalized by 'self-media' and 'clickbait accounts,' risking unnecessary panic.

It sounded irresponsible.

But…

Who had time to coddle greenhouse flowers anymore?

If every excursion into the Source Realm was smooth sailing, how could true strength be forged?

Back in the day, did greenhorns on the battlefield expect generals to assign veterans just to guarantee their survival?

They were all adults now.

Accountability fell on their own shoulders.

"Before entering the Source Realm, there’s one final step," the Jiangxia Guardian announced, raising his voice to recapture everyone’s attention.

"Per the Martial Exam regulations set by higher authorities, all examinees must surrender prohibited items. This includes but is not limited to: single-use consumables with power exceeding your tier, cultivator talismans with mass-destructive or uncontrollable effects, and any pills that trade self-harm for temporary strength."

"Comply with proctors during inspections. Anyone caught smuggling prohibited items into the Source Realm will be disqualified immediately and have it noted in their records."

No sooner had he spoken than a line of uniformed proctors stepped forward, fanning out to inspect each examinee.

Every year, a few tried to game the system…

As if acing the Martial Exam meant winning at life.

In truth, the exam was never the endpoint of one’s achievements—merely a branching path.

The inspection dragged on.

Minutes ticked by.

About half an hour later, a cold female voice rang out.

The Jiangxia Guardian seemed to have left abruptly for urgent matters.

"Five minutes until the Martial Arts College Entrance Exam begins!"

Some stretched their limbs; others shut their eyes in silent prayer; a few greedily inhaled what might be their last breaths outside the Source Realm.

"Three minutes!"

Muffled gasps rippled through the crowd.

"One minute!"

The final countdown pounded like a death knell.

"Ten, nine, eight…"

Each number hammered their heartbeats faster.

"Three, two, one!"

As the last syllable faded into the empty assembly ground—

Chaos erupted.

The mountainside exploded with radiant light without warning.

Thick beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping every examinee with precision.

Liu Yuan’s vision was instantly swallowed by blinding whiteness—so bright she couldn’t open her eyes.

Her body lost all weight, floating in boundless emptiness.

She didn’t even have time to process her surroundings.

Her entire being, even her thoughts, were devoured by the dazzling light.

Her vision spun. Consciousness blurred.

In the next moment, only the faint energy residue of the light beams remained on the scorched ground.

The assembly ground stood empty—every examinee had vanished without a trace.

And a single sigh lingered in the air.

"The slaughter in the Source Realm… begins now."