"Carl Thomas! It's time for your awakening exam!"
A handsome silver haired boy wearing a long white robe ran out of the crowd of white robed cultivators soon after he heard his name being called.
His eyes were filled with fear and anxiety while the signs of weariness was seen on his face as he ran with all his might, almost tripping three times in a row.
He was the Celestial Sect's greatest disgrace Carl, the only member of his family who was unable to breakthrough the bottleneck of the 9th Mortal Grade.
His father, Thomas. The greatest sect master, and one of the top cultivators was genuinely ashamed of his son.
He was a dragon! How can a dragon birth a worm?
He had been practicing for months, hoping to breakthrough to the next level only to heartbreakingly discover that he was stuck at the bottleneck of the 9th Mortal Grade and was unable to advance to the next grade.
Dun Dun Dun...
The examiner was a tall man wearing flashy golden robes which was the signature dressing of the high positioned sect members.
He had his long black hair tied back in a ponytail with a short gold band, and had a long neatly trimmed white beard that reached the tip of his collarbone.
He had a stern expression on his fair angular face making him exude the aura of a strict highschool principal about to pass on judgement on a difficult case.
Before him was a large white box with a golden dragon engraved on the top. Various runic patterns were seen on the sides, pulsating with light as the box absorbs energy from the universal energy core.
The exquisite looking box was radiating with a calming aura that was able to instantly suppress the violent emotions of the living beings around it.
Soul Grading Tool!
It was a 4th Grade Soul Grading Tool that was able to tell one's cultivation level through the density of one's soul when it has been accepted by the said person.
"Kneel down, and place your hands on the top of the box. Then allow the energy of the box to flow into you." The golden robed man said with a nonchalant expression on his face as moved his gaze away from Carl, making sure to conceal the disgust about to surge out of his gaze.
He was Thomas's elder brother, Andrew and the one with the greatest potential next to his brother. Although he was about 32 years old and managed to reached 2nd Mortal Grade, he was completely overshadowed by his younger brother who managed to reach 9th Heavenly Grade at the age of 29!
In a world of demons and gods, strength meant everything!
He was reduced to nothing more than an examiner for his brother's sect, but nevertheless he continued to grow steadily while lurking in the shadows.
When he heard that the son of his brother had become a disgrace, he finally saw an opportunity to get revenge!
Why attack the overpowered father when you could destroy the runt of a son?
'I'd like to see how far this disgrace can go, heh heh.'
Carl on the other hand, had placed his shaking hands on the box. Allowing the cool and soothing energy to flow into his soul.
Carl closed his eyes in concentration as he focused his will on the box's energy.
Then he was able to see... Darkness!
His soul, he can see within his soul now! Carl almost jumped in joy as mental tears filled his eyes...
Within the darkness was a small bright red wisp which was dancing around aimlessly, until it noticed Carl's will and froze.
There! That's the power of a 9th Mortal Grade!
Suddenly the wisp began to flicker as a strange phenomenon began to occur before Carl's face... I-It was growing!
From a tiny finger sized wisp to a large red fireball, then it grew to a large comet, then- oh gods!
Meteor!
Carl watched at the power of his soul consumed the weak and frail box's energy, before locking on to Carl.
Gods! That was a 4th Grade Tool! My soul is supposed to be just at the 9th Grade!
Boom!
Carl was blasted into reality with a shocked expression on his face. He was about to exclaim in joy when he saw the disappointed looks of some of his so-called friends and acquaintances.
He stared at his clenched fist before muttering:
"What was wrong?"
"Carl Thomas, the celestial sect have finally decided to strip you off your rights as the sect's next master. Unless you can advance to the next stage in three more years, I suggest you pack up and leave the clan."
Carl was heartbroken as he looked up to his steel faced uncle... was he dreaming? He was able to consume the measly 4th Grade box with his will, wasn't that enough?
"Such a handsome fellow. Too bad, he's only at the 9th Mortal Grade."
"Look at his face, he must've been an aristocratic cultivator... tsk tsk. Such influence and resources wasted on trash."
What's wrong with them? Why didn't they see it? Why Why Why?!
It's either a 2nd or 3rd Mortal Grade Soul I possess, what trash are you all saying?!
"Carl, please get out of my sight or I'll be forced to let the guards throw you out themselves." Andrew said with a poker face as he released his aura, letting it run wild around the entire room as it destroyed some objects in the process.
Hum~ Crash Crash Crash!
'No, I'm not weak! I'm not-!' Carl began reassure himself in fear as he took a step back with fright evident on his face.
Seeing this Andrew couldn't help, but smirk. In did end, trash will still remain as trash.
Carl's face turned blank as he saw the smirk on his uncle's face... It was over for him and there was nothing he could do about it.
"I'll leave uncle, but I swear you'll regret this one day!" Carl said as he began to walk away with glistening eyes. He ignored everyone's mocking gaze and ran out of the hall.
"Hahahaha. We'll see about this, nephew." Andrew scoffed as he watched Carl run out of the hall.
And thus begins the journey of the world's greatest cultivator.