Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1620 Celestial Forge Pavilion!

The following day dawned under a sky painted with brilliant violet light.

As the initial dawn rays stretched across the vast planet of Violet Star Palace, the entire guest sector bustled with activity. Doors creaked open, and disciples emerged, their robes crisp, weapons at their sides, and gazes sharp with eager expectation. Even the Elders, with their typically serene expressions, carried an understated air of gravity today.

This was the fated commencement of the Smelting Trial.

Inside the Black Dragon Clan's domain, Max emerged after a night dedicated to cultivation. He exuded an aura of profound calmness and composure. Lucia and Isabella soon joined him, both appearing refreshed and equally composed.

Lady Virelia was the last to appear.

Her gaze briefly surveyed the assembled younger generation before she uttered a single, concise command:

"Do your best out there."

With that, she turned, signaling their departure.

Throughout the guest sector, mirroring scenes unfolded within every residence. Delegations from a multitude of third-rate forces began to emerge, directing their steps toward the central grounds of Violet Star Palace. Some moved in disciplined phalanxes, exuding an imposing presence.

Others chattered noisily, radiating an unshakeable confidence. A select few proceeded in quiet contemplation, their auras deliberately suppressed to a degree that rendered them more formidable than those who openly displayed their strength.

As the Black Dragon Clan contingent advanced, Max absorbed every detail with keen observation.

He noted disciples clad in crimson robes adorned with fiery sun emblems. Others were clad in gleaming silver armor, intricately etched with symbols of powerful beasts. Some bore colossal sabers, while a few effortlessly glided above the ground, foregoing the need to walk. Bloodlines, unique physiques, arcane energies, and latent killing intent could be sensed emanating from all directions.

This grand assembly far surpassed the scope of any ordinary competition.

Before long, their destination arrived: the central square.

Max's eyes subtly narrowed.

The scale of the square was staggering, so immense that entire cities from the mortal realms could seemingly be encompassed within its boundaries. The ground itself was meticulously paved with jade tiles bearing intricate star patterns, which shimmered with a faint luminescence under the sun's direct gaze.

Colossal statues of ancient, revered experts stood sentinel around the perimeter, each radiating a palpable pressure that compelled lesser cultivators to instinctively bow their heads.

At the furthest expanse of the square, a colossal platform was suspended in mid-air, clearly designated for the esteemed Elders and overseers of the Violet Star Palace during the trial.

And the square was already thronged with people.

Countless thousands of the most promising young geniuses from diverse third-rate forces had congregated, forming distinct clusters according to their respective affiliations. Every vantage point was occupied by youthful talent at its zenith, each individual radiating pride, ambition, and an unyielding desire for preeminence.

The very atmosphere crackled with tension.

Ethereal clashes of spiritual aura constantly rippled through the assembled masses as disciples engaged in silent assessments of one another. Some wore expressions of overt arrogance. Others maintained a facade of calm. A few were visibly eager for an imminent conflict. Still others remained concealed, like predatory beasts coiled and awaiting the opportune moment to strike.

The younger generation stood united at the very heart of the vast square.

Meanwhile, the collective Elders from each respective force convened at a respectful distance behind their disciples, separating themselves from the main body of the crowd. They formed their own ordered ranks, engaged in quiet discussions amongst themselves while observing the burgeoning talents with judicious, appraising eyes.

Lady Virelia took her position alongside the Black Dragon Clan Elders, her arms crossed, her gaze intently fixed upon Max and the others.

Max, Lucia, and Isabella assumed their designated places within the ranks of the Black Dragon Clan's chosen geniuses.

It was at this precise moment that Max truly comprehended the magnitude of the event.

This was no mere regional contest.

This was a convergence of innumerable stars.

And each and every one of them harbored the fervent aspiration to blaze brighter than all the rest.

Just then, an immense platform materialized in the air. Its sheer immensity was breathtaking.

The colossal square gradually descended into an absolute silence as every single gaze was drawn inexorably toward the hovering platform above. The palpable, restless energy that had saturated the crowd moments before vanished almost instantaneously.

Thousands of gifted youths from various third-rate factions drew themselves to their full height, their expressions solemn and reverent, while even the Elders gathered at the rear visibly heightened their demeanor of respect.

A presence of immense power had arrived.

High above the platform, scores of figures descended from the heavens with measured, unhurried steps. Not a single one employed ostentatious movement techniques, yet with each deliberate stride, they traversed hundreds of meters as though the very fabric of space yielded, shortening the distance beneath their feet.

They were attired in deep azure robes, intricately embroidered with threads of pure gold. Pinned to the chest of each robe was an identical insignia: a celestial furnace encircled by nine gracefully revolving stars.

The instant they alighted upon the platform, the atmosphere of the entire square underwent a profound transformation.

Max's eyes immediately sharpened. These individuals were operating on an entirely different stratum compared to the experts he had previously sensed since his arrival at Violet Star Palace. Their auras were suppressed to an extraordinary degree, and it was precisely this imposed restraint that rendered them exponentially more dangerous.

An aged man with silver hair cascading down his back was positioned at the heart of the assembly. Though his countenance bore the marks of time, his bearing remained as erect as a spear. His eyes, profound and tranquil, held the solemnity of ages. He emanated no overt pressure, yet merely his presence commanded the rapt attention of all gathered below.

He moved forward.

His voice, though not raised in volume, resonated with perfect clarity across the expansive plaza.

"A warm welcome to all you juniors from the various powers, and greetings to the esteemed elders who have accompanied them."

"I am Elder Cael Varion, representing the Celestial Forge Pavilion."

The utterance of his name sent visible waves through the assembled throng. Younger disciples emitted hushed gasps, while several elders inclined their heads in a gesture of respect.

The Celestial Forge Pavilion was a power leagues beyond ordinary regional forces; it was a true second-rate entity whose reach spanned numerous star realms. Its dominion encompassed vital trade routes, ancient inheritance grounds, specialized forging territories, and a multitude of affiliated factions.

The Violet Star Palace itself, so imposing in the perception of many, was but one of its prominent third-rate affiliates operating within its vast sphere of influence.

Elder Cael permitted the undulating murmurs to subside before resuming his address.

"This Smelting Trial is an event orchestrated by the Violet Star Palace, conducted under the watchful supervision of our Celestial Forge Pavilion. Its purpose is to forge promising young talents, unearth latent abilities, and prepare the most worthy candidates for the arduous journey that lies ahead."

His placid gaze traversed the immense gathering of young cultivators below.

"Some among you are driven by the pursuit of renown. Others seek valuable resources. A number aim to measure their strength against formidable rivals from distant star systems. Still others harbor aspirations of securing advantageous rankings for the impending Cosmic Ascension Conference."

His tone intensified, gaining a sharper edge.

"Regardless of your individual motivations, only those who demonstrate their mettle within this trial will be granted the opportunity to advance."

The plaza fell into an even deeper silence following his pronouncement.