Even though Ryan is somewhat mischievous on ordinary days and shows a touch of indifference towards various matters, Leah is well - aware that he harbors an underlying tenacity. Once he makes up his mind about something, he won't abandon it easily.
"Mother, I'm quite apprehensive..." From Ryan's earlier reactions, Leah can readily discern that he is brimming with anticipation for cultivation. She fears that he might not be able to come to terms with the reality of having low talent.
"Don't be concerned. At a place like Notting College, anyone can gain admission as long as they possess the necessary funds. Most children from impoverished families who don't exhibit high - level talent in the tests will elect to give up. However, given our family's financial standing, even if one's talent is average, we won't readily forgo the opportunity. It wouldn't pose an issue even if there were ten or eight more of you seeking admission, not just the two of you."
"Your father has invested copious financial resources over the years and has only managed to reach the strength of a Grandmaster with great effort. Not everyone has the potential to become a powerhouse. This represents the most crucial step for Ryan to embrace the prospect of being an ordinary individual. It is far better than concealing the path of cultivation from him all along," the woman remarks in a leisurely tone.
Although Leah feels a tinge of indignation on her brother's behalf, she is powerless and can only acquiesce silently. Perhaps her parents' decision is the correct one.
The sole source of solace for Leah is that this marks the first occasion in all these years that she has learned of her father's true strength as a Grandmaster. In the entirety of Sweet Spring Town, Grandmaster - level powerhouses are scarce. Within the entire Notting College, only the dean boasts Grandmaster - level strength. In Leah's eyes, her father is truly remarkable, and an expression of admiration instinctively surfaces on her countenance.
The woman seems to penetrate her thoughts and, with a shift in tone, states sternly, "You must outshine your father. In terms of both talent and intelligence, you surpass him. Moreover, you possess a treasure like the pendant, which presents an opportunity. Thus, you must exceed him and strive to depart from Sweet Spring Town.
When considering the entire Purple Cloud Continent, your father's strength is scarcely worth mentioning. He can merely remain in this diminutive Sweet Spring Town, content with his seclusion. The future of this family hinges solely on your shoulders. Do you understand?"
At this moment, Leah suddenly grasps her mother's expectations of her and the significance of growing stronger. She then nods resolutely and declares, "I will!"
In this world where the strong dominate the weak, House Stark will require her to step forward and safeguard it in the days to come.
The woman, contented, gently caresses the girl's hair and says, "Three days hence, you shall accompany Ryan to the college to test his element attribute and subsequently complete the admission procedures forthwith. Your father invited the dean to dinner today precisely for the matter of Ryan's admission."
Leah pats her chest and assures, "Rest assured. Leave it to me. If there's nothing else, I'll go check on how that young lad is faring."
Leah finds it amusing to recall how astounded Ryan appeared earlier. She surmises that he must have numerous queries to pose to her at this moment. She might as well go and tease this young fellow.
The woman chides with a smile, "You mischievous lass. You merely desire to witness your brother making a spectacle of himself."
Leah protrudes her pink tongue and scampers out playfully...
Through the window, Ryan espies Leah approaching his chamber. He promptly opens the door and ushers her in. "Hehe... Sister, do take a seat. Allow me to pour you some water."
Leah gazes at the young scamp before her in a playful manner, smiles with her teeth bared, and responds, "No, I consumed an excessive amount of egg drop soup earlier and am unable to drink more."
Ryan discerns that Leah is mocking his disheveled state from earlier. He forces a smile and says, "Hehe... Indeed, that soup was truly scrumptious. I even had it splashed on my visage. How about partaking of some fruit?" Ryan casually places the fruit platter on the table before Leah.
"Cease the pretense. Come now, you wish to glean something from me, do you not?" Observing Ryan's demeanor, Leah cannot help but find it comical. Since their childhood, it is uncommon for Ryan to be so compliant, so she decides to refrain from causing him further difficulties.
Ryan nods without concealing his intent and states, "I wish to learn how to cultivate elements and become an Element Master."
Leah plucks a piece of fruit, deposits it into her mouth, and remarks, "Very well... Given how well - behaved you are, I shall impart the knowledge to you."
Upon hearing this, Ryan is overjoyed and seats himself beside her, listening intently to Leah's elucidation.
Leah apprises him that there exist numerous element attributes in this world. Everyone will spontaneously awaken their element perception ability upon reaching the age of ten. Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water constitute the four basic elements. Everyone has the capacity to sense one or two of these four basic elements. The potency of the perception ability determines an individual's accomplishments on the future cultivation trajectory. Of course, nothing is absolute. There are also those who ascend to great heights due to fortuitous encounters, yet they are, after all, the fortunate few.
Whenever the college commences the recruitment of new students, ten - year - old children will proceed to the college to undergo tests for their element perception ability and element attributes. These tests are conducted free of charge. After all, the college is also loath to overlook any geniuses with ordinary family backgrounds but extraordinary talent.
Hearing this, Ryan cannot refrain from interjecting, "Sister, did you only awaken the single water element?"
Upon hearing Ryan's query, Leah casts a sidelong glance at him and retorts, "Hmph! You underestimate me. I am capable of reducing the temperature of the water element. The dean has opined that I may transform the water element into the ice element and stand a good chance of cultivating two elements."
In the face of his sister's haughty demeanor, Ryan offers a non - committal dry laugh and says, "Yes, indeed, sister. You are peerless. You are a genius. So, how many varieties of elements exist in total?"
"Um," Leah deliberates for a moment...
"Besides the four basic elements, there are also Ice, Light, Dark, Lightning, and the like... These element attributes are not as prevalent as the basic elements.
The teacher has averred that individuals capable of sensing elements beyond the basic ones are all worthy of cultivation. I am unsure of the exact number of element varieties. The world is vast, and there are innumerable extraordinary individuals and curious happenings. That is what the teacher has stated."
Ryan ponders for a moment and continues to inquire, "Sister, which element is the most potent?"
Leah furrows her brow and reflects for a spell. "Well... I am not overly certain about that. The teacher has said that each element harbors its unique function and can be exceedingly powerful when pushed to its limits. Cultivation represents a process of progressing from perceiving to comprehending elements. Different individuals possess distinct understandings and, consequently, disparate applications of elements. For instance, water and fire are mutually restrictive. It is arduous to determine which is more potent. However, in a confrontation between the two elements, the one with a higher level of comprehension and superior application will undoubtedly emerge victorious."
Listening to Leah's response, Ryan nods repeatedly. He had not anticipated that his sister, who frequently engages in bickering with him on ordinary days, should possess such extensive knowledge!
"Sister, since you are so knowledgeable, why have you never alluded to it before? Are you concealing something from me?" Ryan queries shrewdly.
Based on his acquaintance with Leah, it is truly peculiar that she has not uttered a single word regarding cultivation throughout all these years.
Leah is slightly startled and explains, "W - what secrecy? One can only sense elements upon attaining the age of ten. You have just reached that age, so it is not belated to apprise you now. Moreover, had I informed you earlier, would you not have pestered me with incessant questions every day? How exasperating! Oh, if you have anything else to inquire about, do so promptly. If you pose any more inane questions and vex me, I shall disclose not a single word."
Leah wipes the cold sweat from her brow and hastily changes the topic, fearing that she might utter something amiss and arouse the young scamp's suspicion.
"Oh... I also wish to know how to test elements and perception ability." Presently, this is the matter that preoccupies Ryan the most. After all, three days from now, he will be undergoing tests for his elements and perception ability. Ryan harbors great expectations for this test.
"Ah... This is quite straightforward. You merely need to cradle a crystal ball with both hands, close your eyes, and engage in meditation. The element attribute is ascertained based on the color emitted by the crystal ball. The more intense the light of the crystal ball, the higher the level of perception ability. Perception ability is categorized into five levels: level one is sub - standard, level two is low, level three is medium, level four is high, and level five is super. When I underwent the test, I attained level four, high. Although it is not super, I can manipulate the temperature of the water element, so I am also a key - cultivated student within the college. After all, there is only one super - level student in the entire college. He is truly remarkable." As Leah utters these words, a blush instinctively suffuses her cheeks.
In the eyes of the inexperienced Ryan, Leah's behavior is merely an act of flaunting her prowess. He cannot help but say, "Sister, being a key - cultivated student is just that. What is there to blush about? Truly..."
Leah extends her petite hand and delivers a thump to Ryan's head. "You impudent rascal, what do you know? Hmph! I am ignoring you." She rises to her feet, wearing an expression of shame and indignation, and storms out of the door...
"Hey... Hey, sister, I have not concluded my inquiries yet. Why are you departing?"
"I am in a foul mood at present. You vexatious fellow, desist from bothering me any further..." By the time the voice reaches him, Leah has already hastened out of the door.
Within the chamber, only Ryan remains, sitting there dumbfounded, clutching his head, utterly bewildered.
At his tender age, regardless of how shrewd he might be, he is incapable of fathoming the heart of a young girl on the cusp of budding romance. It is no wonder he received a thump.
Three days elapse in the blink of an eye. Leah escorts Ryan in a luxurious carriage, making their way towards the college. Ryan is uncharacteristically quiet today. He sits within the carriage, silent, his hands tightly clenched, exuding an air of nervousness.
"Come now, look at your timorous demeanor. What are you nervous about? It is merely a test. Father has already made arrangements. Irrespective of the outcome, you can secure admission to the college for study. There is naught to fret about," Leah scolds, yet in reality, she is offering comfort to Ryan in an alternative manner.
"Since you were cognizant of my nervousness, why did you not disclose it earlier? You are insufferable..." Ryan's countenance gradually relaxes in response to Leah's words.
The amicable conversation between the brother and sister comes to an end. They ignore each other, and the journey proceeds harmoniously without further exchange. Alighting from the carriage, Ryan trails closely behind Leah as they enter the college.
Within the entire Sweet Spring Town, Notting College stands as a landmark edifice. It is situated at the heart of Sweet Spring Town and occupies a vast expanse. A wall exceeding two zhang in height encloses the college snugly. Were it not for the four golden characters "Notting College" emblazoned on the plaque at the main entrance, no one would associate such a structure with a college.
Entering the courtyard, one encounters a colossal square capable of accommodating ten thousand individuals. On either side of the square, two - story stone edifices stand gracefully. Although they pale in comparison to the five - story dean's and teachers' building at the center in terms of grandeur, they still exude an elegant scholarly ambiance. And the stone platform at the center of the square is where new students undergo their tests.
Numerous flowers, plants, and trees are cultivated within the college. The moment Ryan steps into the college, he is greeted by the fragrant aroma of blossoms.
The gentle chirping of birds reverberates in his ears. Merely standing there in stillness imparts a sense of being in a secluded haven.
The college opens its doors to the public twice annually, in September for student recruitment and in March for student competition reports. In essence, it involves selecting some students with commendable academic records to engage in competitions. The college will bestow rewards upon those who perform admirably. The primary objective is to invite luminaries from various walks of life and the general public to attend the ceremony, promote the college, and attract affluent children to seek admission and secure sponsorship from businesses.
It must be acknowledged that among the primary colleges in dozens of small towns encircling Sweet Spring Town, Notting College is truly preeminent. Many affluent merchants and luminaries are inclined to send their descendants hither to receive the enlightenment education of Element Masters.