Chapter 4: Entrance Examination
The morning was crisp and clear as Da Cai and Uncle Yun finished their modest breakfast. The air was filled with anticipation as they made their way to the City Square, the site of the Red Valley Sect's entrance examination. The streets leading to the square were teeming with life. Crowds had gathered, some cheering, others anxiously preparing to participate in the examination. Among the throng, elegant carriages adorned with intricate crests hinted at the presence of the wealthy and powerful.
"Hey, hey, hey, that's the Liang Clan, He Clan, and the Xu Clan!" a bystander exclaimed, pointing toward a procession of elaborately decorated carriages.
Da Cai turned to Uncle Yun, his curiosity piqued. "Uncle, are they famous?"
Uncle Yun nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed, they are. The Liang, He, and Xu Clans are the three major clans of Red City. Each of their patriarchs is in the Vein Expansion Realm, though it's unclear how strong they truly are. Rumor has it that each clan may have up to two cultivators in the Vein Expansion Realm. The clans maintain a delicate balance, but their rivalry is fierce. They compete in wealth, influence, and talent, particularly during events like this examination."
As they approached the City Square, Da Cai caught sight of the temporary structures erected by the Red Valley Sect for the examination. At the entrance stood several young cultivators clad in bright red robes, their presence exuding an air of authority and discipline.
The murmurs of the crowd grew hushed. "Those bright red robes belong to the sect's Outer Disciples," someone whispered. "Inside, you might see robes with one, two, or even three black stripes."
Da Cai's eyes widened. "What do the stripes mean?" he asked Uncle Yun.
Uncle Yun replied, "One black stripe signifies an Inner Disciple, two black stripes denote a Core Disciple, and three black stripes are reserved for the Elders of the sect. Each level represents a significant leap in power and prestige. The sect is highly hierarchical, and these distinctions remind everyone of their place."
As they reached the entrance, a disciple stepped forward, his gaze sharp as he collected the entrance fees. Uncle Yun handed over one gleaming gold coin for Da Cai's participation. The price was steep, a sum that could feed a family for months, but Uncle Yun's resolve never wavered.
"This is as far as I can go," Uncle Yun said, placing a firm hand on Da Cai's shoulder. His voice was steady, but his eyes held a mixture of pride and worry. "I wish you luck, Da Cai. Whatever happens, remember that you've already made me proud."
Da Cai felt a lump form in his throat but managed to nod. "Thank you, Uncle Yun. I'll do my best."
With those parting words, Da Cai stepped forward, joining the line of participants. The noise of the crowd faded behind him as the weight of the moment settled in. Ahead lay the examination that could change his life forever.