The Primordial Vessel System

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over Qinghe Village. The air was thick with excitement as people gathered in the village square, where a massive open-air arena had been set up. This was the day of the Qinghe Village Martial Trials, an event held once every two years to test the strength and potential of young cultivators.

Long Haochen made his way through the crowd, his expression calm despite the many eyes turning toward him. He could hear the whispers.

"Why is Long Haochen here?"

"Didn't he fail to awaken his spirit veins years ago?"

"I heard he's started cultivating, but that must be a joke."

He ignored them. He had expected skepticism. Today, he would answer with his strength.

A large stone platform stood at the center of the trial grounds, surrounded by wooden seating for spectators. At the highest point, a row of elders sat, observing the participants. Among them was Elder Li, one of the most respected figures in the village.

The old man stood up, his voice carrying across the arena.

"The Qinghe Village Martial Trials will now begin. Each match will be one-on-one. Victory is determined by knockout, surrender, or if a participant is unable to continue fighting. If you step out of the ring, you lose."

The crowd quieted as Elder Li's gaze swept over the young cultivators.

"Fight with all you have. The strong will advance, and the weak will step aside. Now—begin!"

---

Pairs of names were called, and one by one, the fights began.

The battles were fast-paced, with competitors displaying their martial skills. Some fights ended in a few moves, while others dragged on as both sides struggled to overpower each other.

Haochen watched carefully, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of different fighters. Most of them used techniques from the Qinghe Martial Hall, relying on basic footwork and physical strikes. None of them had the refined control over energy that he had been developing.

After several matches, the referee finally called out:

"Long Haochen versus Zhao Liang!"

A stir ran through the crowd.

Haochen calmly stepped onto the platform, facing Zhao Liang, a tall and muscular youth with a smirk on his face.

"I don't know how you tricked your way into this trial, but I'm going to send you back where you belong." Zhao Liang cracked his knuckles.

Haochen didn't reply.

Elder Li raised his hand. "Begin!"

Zhao Liang moved first, lunging forward with a powerful punch aimed at Haochen's chest.

Whoosh!

Haochen sidestepped with Void Step, vanishing from his original position.

Zhao Liang's fist struck nothing but air.

Before he could react, Haochen reappeared behind him. He clenched his fist, channeling energy into his palm.

Boom!

A burst of golden energy shot forward, striking Zhao Liang squarely in the back.

He stumbled forward, his balance completely thrown off. The force of the attack sent him tumbling out of the ring, landing heavily on the ground.

A brief silence fell over the crowd. Then—

"Winner: Long Haochen!"

Whispers spread through the spectators.

"Did he just defeat Zhao Liang in one move?"

"That technique—was that the Void Step? How did he learn such an advanced movement skill?"

Haochen ignored the chatter and stepped off the platform.

From the side, he noticed Li Xueyan watching him with narrowed eyes.

She hadn't expected this outcome.

---

More matches continued as the first round came to a close. The weaker cultivators were gradually eliminated, while the strongest fighters advanced to the next stage.

As the second round began, Haochen's name was called again.

"Long Haochen versus Lin Meng!"

Lin Meng was a smaller girl with sharp eyes and a confident stance. Unlike Zhao Liang, she didn't underestimate him.

She gave a small smile. "You're fast. Let's see if you can keep up."

Elder Li raised his hand. "Begin!"

The moment the fight started, Lin Meng disappeared.

Haochen's eyes flickered. She's fast.

Before he could react, she reappeared beside him, launching a rapid kick at his side.

He twisted his body, barely avoiding the strike, but she was already following up with another attack.

Haochen activated Void Step, moving away in an instant.

Lin Meng smirked. "Not bad."

She blurred toward him again.

This time, Haochen didn't dodge.

Instead, he waited until she was just within range—then abruptly shifted his weight and vanished again.

"What—?" Lin Meng's kick hit nothing but air.

She turned, but it was too late.

Haochen reappeared behind her, energy crackling around his palm.

Boom!

A blast of spiritual energy struck her side, sending her skidding across the platform. She tried to push herself up but staggered.

She sighed. "I surrender."

Elder Li nodded. "Winner: Long Haochen!"

More murmurs spread through the crowd.

"He won again."

"That wasn't just strength—he outplayed her."

Haochen stepped off the platform. He could feel eyes lingering on him, some filled with curiosity, others with disbelief.

This was only the beginning.

The next round would be tougher.

And he would be ready.