Chapter 6: Level Seven Spiritual Root
The examination hall was abuzz with tension as one participant after another approached the crystalline orb. Each time, the orb would glow, casting colors and symbols into the air that revealed their spiritual root level. As the process continued, the room was filled with murmurs and sighs as most of the participants were disqualified.
Eighty percent had already failed, their spiritual roots measured below the qualifying threshold of three. Those who managed to qualify fell within the range of three to five, indicating a normal aptitude for cultivation. Among the crowd, only three individuals had achieved the level of six, and two of them hailed from the major clans of the city.
Then, an uproar spread through the hall as the first level seven aptitude was revealed. Xu Xianliang of the Xu Clan placed his hand on the orb, and it erupted in a dazzling display of radiant light. The air seemed to hum with energy as the elder overseeing the test nodded in approval, his expression betraying a flicker of interest.
When it was Da Cai's turn, he stepped forward nervously, his palms sweaty. The crowd's gaze felt heavy, each pair of eyes waiting to see the result. He placed his hand on the orb, feeling its cold surface against his skin. A moment later, a soft glow emerged, forming the number four in shimmering light.
Da Cai's breath hitched, and for a moment, he was speechless. Though it was a mere average aptitude compared to the geniuses who had gone before him, for Da Cai, it was a symbol of hope—a foundation to change his destiny. A smile tugged at his lips, his heart swelling with determination. The whispers around him seemed distant now, drowned out by the sound of his own resolve.
The elder's voice rang out once more, cutting through the murmurs. "The first test is complete. Those who failed must leave now."
The disqualified participants left reluctantly, their faces a mixture of disappointment and resignation. The remaining group was significantly smaller, but the atmosphere grew more intense.
As Da Cai returned to his seat, he overheard hushed conversations. One participant whispered, "The elder conducting the test is said to be a Core Formation expert—far above the city's mayor in strength. Can you imagine how powerful the Red Valley Sect must be?"
Another replied, "It's no wonder their disciples are so revered. Inner Disciples are in the Vein Expansion Realm, and Core Disciples often peak at Vein Expansion or even reach the early Core Formation stage."
Da Cai's eyes widened. The more he learned about the sect, the more determined he became to succeed.
The elder at the front clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention once more. "We shall now proceed to the second test: comprehension."
He gestured, and an array disk appeared before him, glowing faintly with runes. "This test will measure your ability to comprehend cultivation techniques. Step forward, one at a time, and focus on the disk. It will project a basic cultivation pattern. Your task is to understand and replicate the pattern in your mind."
When Da Cai's turn came, he stepped forward, heart pounding. He stared at the array disk as it began to glow brighter, and intricate runes appeared, shifting and interlocking in mesmerizing patterns. He furrowed his brow, struggling to make sense of the shapes and their movements.
The experience was like trying to solve a puzzle in an unfamiliar language. Da Cai's mind strained as he tried to grasp the essence of the pattern, his thoughts tangling as the sequence grew more complex. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, but the elder's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Step back," the elder said, his tone neutral. Da Cai's result appeared above him: Mediocre.
Disappointment flickered in Da Cai's chest, but he quickly pushed it aside. He reminded himself that mediocrity was still a chance, a foothold to climb higher.
Among the participants, murmurs erupted as the results continued. Most scored between three and five, with no one surpassing six. Then, a surprising result emerged: a boy named Wu Qi, with only a level three spiritual root, scored an astonishing eight in comprehension. Gasps rippled through the hall.
The elder's expression changed subtly, a hint of approval crossing his face. "It seems we have found someone with exceptional comprehension."
Da Cai's eyes narrowed as he watched Wu Qi. The boy's calm demeanor and unexpected result served as a reminder that even those with average roots could rise through talent and hard work.
As the second test concluded, the elder announced, "Those who remain will proceed to the next stage tomorrow. Prepare yourselves well."
Da Cai clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. He knew his journey was only beginning, and he vowed to make the most of every opportunity.