In the middle of the night, Ling was still awake, reading a book about the Soul Aptitude Test which would be held at the Royal Academy.
Pages later, he somewhat understands the basic principle of the Soul Aptitude which in general could be translated as measurement to gauge someone's potential at an early age.
"Weed out the weak and chose the strongest in the litter. Huh, the society is ruthless as always."
From this simple information, Ling already could tell what kind of environment he's going into for the next day.
***
When the sun rises in the eastern sky, the sound of horses clip-clopping on the courtyard.
Ho Rong and his henchmen were ready to escort Ling to the Royal Academy. Xiao Wu and Mei Lin tagged along to accompany him.
It took him about thirty minutes to arrive at the Royal Academy by using the carriage.
Situated atop the hill at the city outskirts, this magnificent building towering over the land. The academy block covers hundreds, if not thousands of square meters.
Not only served as the place for people to study here, this place also used as a tourist attraction and permitting them to explore the designated tourism area.
The real entrance of the academy was well hidden from the public and only the invited were able to see the secret passage.
Ling used this opportunity to familiarize himself with the new environtment.
The Four Pagoda stood hundred meters tall, watching over the Royal Academy.
Each Pagoda represents the houses of the academy which was established by founders of the Royal Academy.
If you point them clockwise, there would be;
House of *Qinglong in the east.
House of *Zhūquè in the south.
House of *Baihu in the West.
And lastly, House of *Xuanwu in the north.
Each house holds their own value which resembles the founders.
House of *Qinglong was renowned for their Virtue, Valor and Braviness.
Meanwhile, the House of Zhūquè upholds the Hard work, Patience, and resembles the unyielding spirit of its disciples.
House of *Baihu was famous for their values such as Intelligence, Wittines, Wisdom and cunningness.
On the other hand, House of *Xuanwu was renowned for upholding True Strength, Unyielding determination, Rightfulness, loyalty and helping others in need.
[TL Note: Qinglong, Zhūquè, Baihu, and Xuanwu are the Four Symbols of ancient beasts; Azure Dragon, Vermillion Bird, White Tiger and Black Tortoise.]
Accompanied by his entourage, Little Ling walked towards the entrance of the academy while reading the well-illustrated pamphlets that were handed out by the staff at the front gate.
"Woah… this school is even bigger than the bastard's palace!" Ling referred to the Aegis Kingdom's palace where he was executed unjustly and without an honor.
"Young Master, please mind where you are going before you bump into someone." Xiao Wu warned him while keeping the same walking pace with him.
"Tch! It's fine… I can read these pamphlets without running into someone!"
He might still be five years old and seemed very frail from the outside.
However, with just a simple footwork, Ling threaded his way through the crowd. In fact, none of them realized that Ling was there passing through them like a wind through the winding roads.
Before long, they arrived at the grand hall where the Soul Aptitude test would be held.
There were hundreds of kids like him who attended this Soul Aptitude test. From their looks alone, Ling could tell that these kids were from wealthy families and renowned sects.
The parents stood with their kids. Ling was the only one who came without being accompanied by his parents.
Soonly after, a male Royal Academy's staff approached him, carrying a book list.
"Good morning… May I inquire about your name and your affiliation, please?"
"My name is Ling Zhao, from Zhao Sect."
"Oh! The Young Master of Zhao Sect. Please do kind as to follow me. I will usher you to your seat."
"Yes please."
Ling nodded to Xiao Wu and Mei Lin and he followed the staff to his seat.
From this moment, Xiao Wu was aware that Ling wasn't her dearest little baby any longer.
Xiao Wu teared a little bit as she saw his little shoulders. Sadness and pride combined into one inside her.
"I hope he will get the best result." Mei Lin clasped her hands together.
"Indeed, for better or worse, Ling must thread his own path in order to pave out his own future."
Ling looked back, his eyes scanning the crowd. He was unconsciously searching for Cao Zhao.
"It seems like he won't come. Well, whatever. I don't need his validation anyway." he thought indwardly.
Looking at the stage, there was a stone altar, about one meter in height. A golden chalice perched atop of it.
Not long after, a female figure wearing a white robe strode her way onto the stage. Her sheer beauty captivated all men inside the hall.
She looks ethereal, elegant and exude a bewitching, soothing aura that would make any man lusting for her.
The wives pinched their husbands' cheeks to wake them up to reality.
Her jade-like eyes scanned the room, counting how many kids that attend this annual Soul Aptitude Test.
"Good morning everyone. My name is Li Bingbing. The conductor of the Soul Aptitude Test for the past hundred years. Please do listen carefully before we start."
She explained the procedure of the test. Each participant must shed a droplet of blood into the Golden Chalice, after that, the chalice absorbs the life essence.
Each crystal that's embedded on the chalice will enlighten after receiving the said life essence.
The brighter it gets, the higher the Soul Aptitude Level. Scaling from Level 1 upto Level 10.
Each level will determine how high one's could reach their cultivation stage.
Level 1 to Level 5 would grant them the opportunity to reach Sky Realm.
Level 6 to Level 9 would grant them the opportunity to reach the Emperor Realm.
And lastly, Level 10 Soul Aptitude was truly something else. Legend has it, the ones who had Level 10 Soul Aptitude were the only second beneath the heavens.
These individuals were very rare, only 1 amongst millions of people.
"I do believe all of you already understand my explanation. Henceforth, let's begin the Soul Aptitude Test, shall we?"