Lucas Yadav stood at the edge of the bustling town center, the midday sun casting long shadows over the multitude of candidates and their families. The excitement in the air was palpable as people moved with a sense of urgency and purpose. The sect entrance exams were a critical juncture for many, and Lucas was no exception. After careful deliberation, he had chosen to apply to the Azure Lotus Sect.
He had spent the morning wandering through Brackenwood Town, gathering information about the three major sects and weighing his options. The Azure Lotus Sect stood out to him not only for its focus on elemental Qi but also for its reputation for producing powerful elemental cultivators. Lucas particularly liked the idea of the mastery of elemental techniques and their wide range of use.
In contrast, the Crimson Blade Sect had a reputation for its martial prowess and aggressive training, which Lucas found unappealing. He had heard tales of their members being almost fanatical about combat, which did not align with his personal goals. The Ethereal Veil Sect, while intriguing, seemed too isolated and mysterious. The notion of losing connection with the outer world and spending most of his time within the sect's own territory did not sit well with him.
The streets around the town center were packed with candidates and their families, all eager to see who would be a crowd of people, making their way to the registration area for the Azure Lotus Sect.
As he approached the registration area, he noticed a long line of candidates waiting to submit their tokens and register. The area was marked by a grand blue banner emblazoned with the sect's emblem—a delicate lotus flower surrounded by a vibrant azure aura.
Standing in line, Lucas overheard some of the conversation that piqued his interest. It seemed that the Azure Lotus Sect attracted a diverse group of applicants, ranging from ambitious local talents to children of prominent families. The variety of candidates was both inspiring and intimidating, each one vying for a place in the esteemed sect.
Among the crowd, Lucas spotted familiar faces: Baldwin and Daphne, who he had met earlier at the inn. Baldwin had an intense focus in his eyes, while Daphne exuded a calm and composed demeanor. It seems that they had also decided to apply to the Azure Lotus Sect.
When his turn finally arrived, Lucas approached the registration desk. A young man in traditional Azure Lotus robes greeted him. The man had an air of elegance and politeness with a calm confidence look.
"Welcome to the Azure Lotus Sect's entrance exam," the young man said with a warm smile. "I'm Eris. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to ask."
Lucas thanked him and inquired about the exam process. Eris obliged, explaining the particulars of what to expect.
"The entrance exam consists of two main stages," Eris began. "First, you'll undergo the Qi Absorption Test, where you'll demonstrate your ability to absorb and manipulate elemental Qi. This test is crucial, as it not only evaluates your innate talent but also your control over the elemental forces."
He continued, "The second stage is the Mental Aptitude Assessment. Here, you will be shown a part of a cultivation technique that you will need to replicate on paper. Your performance in this stage will reflect your comprehension and ability to understand complex cultivation concepts."
Lucas listened intently, absorbing every detail. He knew that because of the Lotus Body cultivation technique he had prepared well for the Qi Absorption Test. His current training level was at Skin Refinement, and he was on the brink of breaking through to Flesh and Muscle Tempering. This would undoubtedly give him an edge in the elemental absorption aspect of the test.
The time arrived for the Qi Absorption Test. Lucas moved to the testing area, where large orbs, each imbued with special properties, were set up for the candidates. The orbs were designed to enhance the detection and absorption of elemental Qi. These orbs made it easier for the participant to absorb the Qi and show which element the participant have most attraction toward them. Each orb would change color based on the type of Qi absorbed, providing a visual indicator of the candidate's control and proficiency.
Lucas observed the other candidates as they took their turns. The first candidate, Roran, approached with a confident stride. He placed his hands on the orb, and the room fell silent as the orb began to react. The color fluctuated between bright red and a deeper crimson before settling into a strong, steady red. Roran's affinity with fire Qi was evident, though the fluctuating intensity of the color suggested he struggled with control.
Next was Elara, a quiet and focused girl from a respected local family. She approached the orb with a calm demeanor, placing her hands with precision. The orb glowed with a soft, steady green light, indicating her strong command over earth Qi. The stable green hue revealed her adeptness in harnessing and stabilizing the elemental energy.
Cedric, a burly young man, took his turn with a somewhat hurried approach. His attempt resulted in a flickering, inconsistent orb color, showing his difficulty in controlling the Qi absorption process. The orb's dim, erratic glow indicated challenges in stabilizing the elemental Qi.
After Cedric, Baldwin and Daphne were up next. Baldwin had been waiting with an intense gaze, his demeanor showing both anticipation and pressure. He approached the orb, his hands hovering over it with deliberate care. The orb flickered between shades of blue and purple, revealing his struggle to harness and stabilize the Qi effectively. The orb's inconsistent glow suggested that while Baldwin had some innate talent, his control was still rough around the edges.
When Daphne's turn came, she approached the orb with a serene expression. As she placed her hands on it, the orb responded immediately, glowing with a brilliant, stable light that shifted between hues of soft blue and vibrant teal. The steady and bright glow demonstrated her excellent control over the elemental Qi, making her performance stand out.
Finally, it was Lucas's turn. He approached the orb with a composed expression, drawing upon his extensive training with the Lotus Body technique. As he made contact with the orb, he channeled his Qi with practiced precision. The orb responded immediately, glowing with a deep, vibrant azure light. The color grew more intense and stable as Lucas refined his technique, showcasing his advanced control and understanding of the elemental Qi.
Lucas's performance drew approving nods from the examiners. They took meticulous notes, observing the orb's consistent and vibrant azure glow. The results of the Qi Absorption Test were critical, as only those who excelled would move on to the Mental Aptitude Assessment.
As the Qi Absorption Test concluded, Eris returned to the stage to announce the results. "Candidates, thank you for your patience. We have completed the evaluation of the Qi Absorption Test. The following candidates have demonstrated exceptional proficiency and will proceed to the Mental Aptitude Assessment: Elara, Lucas Yadav, Daphne, and forty-seven others."