Gods Envy The Elite? . . .
In Cold Moon Palace, reaching a specific score on the pillar during the Heaven's Selection was a momentous milestone, an indicator of an individual's potential and future within the sect. The scores were set within a certain range, and each range had significant implications.
Forty was the qualifying mark to embark on one's cultivation journey within the sect. Sixty represented the norm, signifying regular prospects where success was modest. At seventy, a cultivator's potential was elevated, holding the promise of achieving greatness in the martial arts. Those who scored above eighty were considered brilliant, destined to excel in their chosen martial art and had the opportunity to push its boundaries. Anyone surpassing eighty was almost guaranteed to become esteemed elders of the sect.
Ninety was a rare pinnacle, as those who reached this level were deemed the most suitable for their respective martial art. It was at this point that the possibility of reaching the Human Realm Upon Heavens was recognized. Over the course of the sect's history, fewer than five hundred individuals had ever attained this status. Unfortunately, some had not lived long enough to realize their fullest potential, while the majority became pillars of the sect.
Yet, the pinnacle of ninety was not the ultimate goal. Some had gone beyond, achieving a score of ninety-five. They were considered perfection incarnate in the annals of history, and only seven individuals had ever reached this level.
However, history also boasted one figure who transcended the boundaries of perfection, scoring a ninety-eight. This achievement was exceptional and was appropriately termed 'super perfection.' In theory, if someone could reach ninety-eight, then achieving ninety-nine and even a perfect one hundred should be possible.
Yet, within the long history of Cold Moon Palace, no one had ever ascended to ninety-nine, let alone one hundred.
The disciples and elders in attendance gazed at Cha Eun Xiao, pondering his potential score. Speculation and bets ran rife as they anticipated the outcome.
"I wager he'll score over ninety," the eldest grandmaster confidently stated.
"Ninety is well within his reach. I'd even go as far as to predict ninety-five. I've never been wrong when assessing a young talent!" the second eldest grandmaster proclaimed.
"I'm willing to bet he'll reach ninety-eight," the youngest grandmaster declared with unwavering confidence.
"Can you please cease this incessant talk!" the other two exclaimed simultaneously. "Do you have any idea what our sect's founder achieved in this test? He scored ninety-eight! For thousands of years, he has been the only one to reach such heights! Not a single soul surpassed ninety-seven. We acknowledge this young man's exceptional talent, but it's impossible to expect a score of ninety-eight!"
The youngest grandmaster bristled with frustration. "I beg to differ. He possesses talents akin to a prodigy. I am confident he can attain a ninety-eight! Have either of you ever encountered someone like him before?"
The other two fell silent, recognizing the uniqueness of Cha Eun Xiao's abilities.
As the debate settled, all eyes were on Cha Eun Xiao. The Heaven's Selection had commenced. Twelve beams of moonlight illuminated him simultaneously, while an equal number of beams emanated from him, striking the twelve pillars.
In an intense moment, the pillars began to radiate with dazzling light, casting the future of the young man into the balance.
"This is it! The outcome of the young man's future is about to be decided!" an elder exclaimed with bated breath, recalling his own experiences during the Heaven's Selection.
The atmosphere was palpably tense as everyone watched in suspense. The oldest grandmaster sighed, tears welling up in his eyes. "Every time I come here... it brings back memories of our beloved master..."
The other two grandmasters shared the sentiment, their eyes misting over, and their emotions tugging at their hearts. "I remember receiving an eighty-five for my Sacred Glow of the Moon. Master was overjoyed, assuring me of a bright future... He was so delighted that he no longer had to be the sole practitioner of this martial art... Oh, Master..." The youngest grandmaster's voice quivered with emotion as he spoke.
The oldest grandmaster sat there, a deep, introspective look in his eyes. "Generation after generation, we began right here... I can't help but reminisce about the days of old. When I recall our fellow brothers... I am overwhelmed with sorrow. If only they could have achieved immortality..."
The three old men wore somber expressions, the weight of history and memories settling upon their shoulders.
"Oh, dear heavens! They're all illuminated!" someone cried out, his disbelief evident.
The three old men redirected their attention to the pillars, their faces etched with astonishment.
The hall was aglow with an intensity that felt otherworldly, as if it had harnessed the radiance of the entire cosmos at this very moment. The moonlight's brilliance had doubled, and starlight filled every corner.
The twelve pillars, each symbolizing a different martial art within the sect, were no longer dormant. They began to ascend, rising slowly but undeniably. The sight was profoundly astonishing, evoking shock and awe, yet it was a pleasant surprise.
In the heart of this radiant spectacle, Cha Eun Xiao stood in the center of the twelve pillars, basking in the combined starlight and moonlight. His eyes remained closed, and he maintained a serene presence. However, his body radiated an abundance of magnificent lights.
"Forty! He has achieved a score of forty on all twelve pillars!" Yue Changtian exclaimed, his astonishment palpable. "How is this even possible..."
"Perfect matches on all of them? This is incredible!" another individual marveled.
"Consistency across all twelve martial arts..." confirmed an elder with a nod.
"This is going to be quite the challenge," sighed another elder. They were concerned because they had never wanted a disciple to excel in multiple martial arts, no matter how gifted the individual might be. They believed that a young disciple excelling in various martial arts was not a positive development. To truly master one martial art, a disciple needed unwavering focus. However, to simultaneously cultivate multiple martial arts was to spread one's talents thin, never reaching the pinnacle of excellence in any.
Cha Eun Xiao's unique talent lay in the fact that he was perfectly suited for all twelve martial arts. However, this posed a problem for the elders; it meant he was not inclined toward any specific martial art.
It was a peculiar and somewhat challenging situation for the sect. While Cha Eun Xiao was undoubtedly gifted, his lack of specialization presented a conundrum. In the world of martial arts, he would be a true anomaly, excelling in everything but not achieving mastery in any single discipline.
"This is truly extraordinary..." one elder murmured.
"Cha Eun Xiao, the gods must be envious of your talents," another elder added, their voices filled with awe and wonder.