Quantum Immortal

The vast expanse of Silverbrook City stretched before Wuji as the caravan rolled toward the colossal city walls. He had seen many cities during his travels, but nothing compared to this. The towering walls, each stone block seemingly the size of a small house, loomed over him, casting a long shadow that swallowed the surrounding landscape. Silverbrook City spanned an immense 50,000 square li, its grandness unparalleled by any place he had visited before. The sheer size of the city and the density of the Qi within its walls left him speechless. It was said that the Qi here was enhanced by powerful formations, the likes of which he had only heard of from Master Zhang.

As the caravan passed through the massive city gates, Wuji felt the shift in the air, the thick, palpable presence of Qi swirling around him. His breath caught in his throat as he took it all in. This city was not just a hub for trade and politics—it was a place where powerful cultivators gathered, where the strong came to hone their skills and rise to greater heights.

"This place… it's unlike anything I've ever seen," he muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the bustling streets as they passed.

Merchants, travelers, and cultivators moved in all directions, their robes swishing as they went about their business. Vendors shouted from stalls that lined the streets, offering everything from rare herbs to fine weapons. The city was alive, filled with an energy that seemed to pulse through every corner.

But Wuji's thoughts drifted to something—or rather, someone—else. Two years had passed since he had made a promise to his friends. They had all agreed to meet here, in Silverbrook City, before the sect exams. It felt like a lifetime ago. So much had changed since then. He was no longer the naive scholar from Green Willow City, fresh to the ways of the world. He had grown—both in strength and understanding. Now, they were going to meet again. He wondered how much his friends had changed in the time since they last saw each other.

They had promised to meet at the most famous restaurant in the capital, just before the exams began. A pang of nostalgia hit him as he remembered the lighthearted conversation they had shared two years ago. Back then, their future in cultivation had seemed so far away, just a distant dream. Now, that dream was within reach, and the weight of it sat heavily on his shoulders.

Wuji knew he still had about a month before the sect exams. His first order of business was to find a place to stay. The city was enormous, and he couldn't afford to wander aimlessly. After asking around, he managed to locate a decent inn. The inn was clean, and while it was nothing grand, it would suit him well for the time he would spend in Silverbrook. The innkeeper, a stout middle-aged man, gave him a friendly smile as Wuji approached the counter.

"Room for a month?" Wuji asked, sliding a pouch of coins across the counter.

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, eyeing the pouch before nodding. "Your room is on the 3rd floor,1st room on the left", and he passed the keys.

After settling into his room and placing his belongings in order, Wuji took a moment to rest. The exhaustion of travel weighed heavily on him, but there was no time to relax just yet. He needed more information about the sect exams. After asking around, he discovered some valuable details.

The exams were to be conducted by the top fifty sects in the empire. Each sect had its own criteria for admitting disciples, but the essential test was the same for all. The exams wouldn't be held in the city itself, but 50 li north, at an arena built specifically for this event. The exams drew thousands of participants, and the arena could hold up to half a million people, a testament to the scale of the event.

The registration for the exams had already begun, and hearing this, Wuji decided it would be wise to register early. If he waited too long, the crowds would grow overwhelming. After confirming directions, he made his way to the caravan heading north to the exam grounds. The journey wasn't long, and soon, the imposing sight of the arena came into view.

The structure was made of a sleek, black material that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. It was an intimidating sight, standing like a monument to the strength of the participants who would soon gather here. Around the arena, registration desks had been set up, each with long lines of hopeful candidates waiting their turn.

Wuji joined the shortest line he could find, his gaze shifting from the arena to the people around him. The air was filled with tension and anticipation, each participant knowing that this was their chance to carve out their future in the world of cultivation. After some time, murmurs spread through the crowd, and Wuji turned to see what had caused the commotion.

A beautiful young woman, her long hair flowing behind her, walked gracefully toward the arena. She wore a red hanfu embroidered with intricate patterns, her elegance undeniable. By her side was a young man in a white hanfu, the golden thread designs on his robe glinting in the sunlight. He held a fan in his right hand, his posture relaxed, exuding an aura of wealth and confidence.

Wuji's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched them bypass the lines entirely, heading straight for a large tent set up near the arena. He overheard whispers from the people around him.

"That's Qin Yulan, from the Qin family. And the boy with her, Zhao Shan of the Zhao family. They're both from the Four Great Noble Families," someone muttered.

Wuji remained silent but took note of the names. The Four Great Noble Families held immense power and influence in this region, their members often received special treatment. While he didn't begrudge them their status, it was a stark reminder of the social divide that existed in this world. Cultivation might grant power, but wealth and family could still open doors that others would never see.

After a while, Wuji's turn finally came. The young man handling registration wore a grey robe emblazoned with the emblem of the Silent Moon Sect, ranked ninth among the top ten sects. He was likely a junior disciple sent to manage the influx of applicants.

"Name?" the young man asked, his tone brisk as he scribbled on a scroll.

"Wuji," he replied.

"Age?"

"Fourteen in two months."

The young man jotted down the information and then asked a few more questions about Wuji's background before handing him a small token. The token was made of a dark metal, inscribed with a number and the emblem of the arena.

"Keep this safe. You'll need it to participate in the exams," the man instructed without looking up from his work.

Wuji nodded, tucking the token into his robe. He gave a polite bow to the man and turned to leave, making his way back toward the caravan that would take him to the city. As he walked, his thoughts raced. The exams were drawing closer, and soon, his future would be decided.

But just as he was about to step onto the caravan, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Brother Wuji!"