Time passed quickly within the world of cultivation.
A full year went by in relentless training, battles, and breakthroughs.
The four had changed completely.
Their auras were no longer those of rising talents—but of established elites.
Each of them reached the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.
Li Hao's control over ice and lightning had become seamless, his attacks precise and devastating.
Wang Lei's speed evolved into near unpredictability, his dagger techniques refined to lethal perfection.
Su Ling achieved a perfect balance between combat and alchemy, sustaining herself even in prolonged battles.
Lin Xue's illusions became nearly indistinguishable from reality, capable of trapping even stronger opponents.
Within Azure Cloud Sect, their names carried weight.
Respect.
Fear.
Expectation.
They were no longer chasing the top.
They had become it.