As Aiden focused on beginning the process of awakening his physique, most of the other participants had also stopped advancing. They, too, were now concentrating on their awakening, aiming to channel the energy of the lake to forge their path forward. The awakening process wasn't just about acquiring a unique physique—it was also the gateway to entering the Physique Stage, the second realm of cultivation. The higher the grade of the physique, the stronger the cultivator's foundation would be, enabling faster progress in future realms.
The scene grew more intense as the participants, scattered across the lake, sat motionless in their respective positions. The once vibrant atmosphere of movement and noise had given way to a solemn and focused silence.
From their vantage point on the stage, the elders now floated above the cauldron, their gazes fixed on the lake. A ripple of surprise ran through them, their expressions betraying their astonishment as they scanned the scene—particularly the center of the lake.
No one had anticipated this turn of events. While the elders had expected a handful of talented individuals to approach the center, they hadn't foreseen three participants reaching within ten meters of it. This level of progress was rare and spoke volumes about the potential of these individuals.
Among the three, their presence near the lake's core was a testament to their exceptional talent and resilience. Though none had fully reached the center, being within such close proximity meant their physiques would awaken at a grade far superior to those of their peers. The elders exchanged glances, knowing that once these three completed their awakening, the future of the Flamecrest Clan could be profoundly impacted.
While the elders' attention remained on the three closest to the center, Aiden had reached his limit — and at last, the awakening of his physique had begun. Sitting cross-legged, his body gradually heated up, harmonizing with the searing temperature of the lake. As his body assimilated with the environment, the overwhelming pressure around him began to ease, and a strange sense of calm settled in.
But Aiden wasn't fooled. He knew this tranquility was a dangerous illusion. At this stage, even the slightest movement could cause his awakening to fail — or worse, result in death. For now, his body had entered a critical phase. The concoction created by the four elders — a medicinal mixture designed specifically to trigger the awakening — had already blended into the lake's waters. That very concoction was now circulating through his body along with the intense heat.
He understood that once the current sensation reached its peak, he would have to seize the moment — harness the explosive force of the heat and medicine to shatter the three hidden gates within his body. Only by doing so could he successfully awaken his physique.
While Aiden was gathering enough force to awaken his physique, the rest of the children around him had also reached their peaks and begun to sit down in the lake, preparing for their own awakening. Most of them had already stopped moving and were in position, focusing inward to trigger the awakening process. Only a handful still struggled toward the center of the lake, even though it was clear that reaching it was nearly impossible.
The logic behind reaching the center was simple: the medicinal concoction had been created in the cauldron placed at the very heart of the lake. As a result, the concentration of the concoction was highest there, and so was the temperature. It was believed that the closer one was to the center during awakening, the greater the chance of awakening a higher-grade physique.
Those still attempting to reach the center were visibly straining. The heat distorted the air around them, and their movements slowed to a crawl. Still, their determination was commendable. Among them, three children stood out — they had managed to get within 10 meters of the center.
The first stopped at eight meters, his body trembling under the pressure. The second halted at five meters, barely able to remain upright. The third — the one who drew the gaze of every elder present — managed to reach within just three meters of the center before collapsing into a seated position. While none had reached the exact center, their efforts spoke of tremendous potential.
As these three began their awakening, excitement stirred among the elders, though a few wore complex expressions — some filled with pride, others with what seemed like disappointment. The reasons for their reactions remained unclear.
By now, the concoction had fully diffused throughout the lake, reaching its peak potency — especially for those at the outer edge. Among them was Aiden. Feeling the surging heat and medicinal energy reach its climax within him, he didn't hesitate. He immediately began to assault the First Hidden Gate.
As the heat and medicinal force surged within his body, Aiden felt a thunderous vibration echoing from his core. Something ancient stirred deep inside — a sealed mechanism buried in his flesh, blood, and bones.
The First Gate, located in his lower dantian, began to tremble. Aiden focused his mind, directing the chaotic force toward it. A fiery pressure gathered — and with a sharp BOOM!, the first gate burst open. A blast of scorching energy erupted from his abdomen, causing the lake around him to ripple violently. His physical strength surged as the vitality within him exploded forth.
Next, the force climbed toward his spinal column — the Second Gate, responsible for the inner circulation of Vigor Qi. The energy coiled like a serpent of flame, wrapping around his spine. Sweat drenched his body as searing pain pierced through him. Then, with a resounding CRACK!, the second gate shattered. Qi flooded his meridians like molten lava, illuminating his entire body.
As Aiden completed this stage, several other children also began awakening their physiques. Some managed to break through the first and second gates, while others faltered. Cries of pain echoed from those who failed, their bodies overwhelmed by the heat and energy. Elders immediately swooped down, rescuing the injured before it was too late.
Aiden could hear the commotion around him, but he didn't allow it to shake his focus. He had passed the most painful stage — the middle gate — but the most dangerous still remained.
The Third Gate, the gate of willpower and perception, was the final test. Failure here was fatal — every single cultivator who had failed at this gate had died. The mortality rate was 100%.
Aiden took a deep breath and prepared himself. The force surged toward his mind, where the gate lay sealed. His consciousness trembled, assaulted by searing energy and illusionary chaos. It felt as if his very soul was being scorched.
But Aiden clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and held on. He anchored himself with unshakable will, pushing back against the overwhelming storm. With one final roar that echoed only within, a divine sound rang out:
KRAAANG!
The third gate shattered, like glass struck by a heavenly hammer.
In that moment, Aiden's body was engulfed in radiant heat. His meridians pulsed like rivers of fire, and a blazing crest emerged on his forehead — the unmistakable mark of his newly awakened physique.