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Chapter 42: I Forgot How Poor The Talent In This Backward Realm Is
🕑 Added 2023-11-08 16:52:09 +0000 UTCFeeling the oppressive force of Grand Elder Darius's aura bear down on them, Amelia's face twisted into an angry scowl. "You won't be acting like this when my master arrives," she snapped defiantly. "Then you'll be on your knees begging for mercy."
Perched on Morvran's bald head, Val puffed out her tiny chest and hissed, "Mastew slap bad man, Val den eat bad man!" Her baby teeth, more adorable than intimidating, flashed in a display of dragonet bravado.
Watching the scene unfold, Fenlock held back a sigh. Val's behavior was excusable—she was just a baby, and a dragon at that; her pride was as vast as the heavens. But Amelia... why must she always provoke those stronger than us? He pondered the idea of giving her the title of Senior, just to avoid these headaches. Maybe as a senior, she will learn to hold her tongue…actually, come to think of it, she would just drag us down with her.
Hughie shifted uncomfortably at the prospect of the old man attacking them, with everything that has happened recently, it wouldn’t surprise him. He felt Li Fenghao stir within the ring. The ancient spirit's voice grumbled, "If that insect doesn't stop yapping, I will come out and slap him to death."
Hughie couldn't help but mentally question, "Do you still have the power to do that?"
Li Fenghao muttered begrudgingly, “I've got a bit left for life-threatening situations.” Then, as an afterthought, he added, “But for that buffoon, I might just make an exception.”
You'd think someone who's lived for hundreds of thousands of years would be more patient, Hughie thought with a shake of his head.
Grand Elder Wyatt observed Darius' increasingly erratic behaviour with a hint of disapproval. This isn't what we agreed on. We can't allow him to simply bully the Supreme Elder's disciples; the other Grand Elders will not ignore such conduct... And neither can I, reputation is still a thing to maintain after all.
With a discreet cough to regain control of the situation, Wyatt's face blossomed into a practiced smile, full of apologies. “Please excuse Grand Elder Darius' impatience."
Turning to Darius, Wyatt’s smile remained plastered as he counseled, "I'm sure the Supreme Elder will have a good explanation when he arrives."
Darius let out a derisive snort and flopped back into his seat. "If the Supreme Elder even bothers to turn up," he muttered.
Morvran's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. As if I would confront an Origin Realm Elder without a plan, he mused, already considering which of his underhanded schemes would best inconvenience Grand Elder Darius. Perhaps it's time to unleash that wily Dentos on him.
Dong!
The sound of the bell indicated the end of the first trial, all eyes — both the Elders' and the disciples' — shifted to the water screens. The images revealed that 250 participants had managed to reach the mountain's summit. At the forefront was the mysterious, white-robed figure, followed by the Rizarian young master. The Jexlarin trio secured the next three spots, with Ivor from the Zyrklon Clan taking the sixth.
"250... That's a bit higher than the last time," Grand Elder Tenzin remarked, his eyes skimming over the screens.
Grand Elder Wyatt gave a contemplative nod. "Indeed, but the real question remains — how many among them possess true talent?"
***
In the illusionary world, Nomed offered a hand to Dusty, whose large frame was splayed awkwardly on the ground. "I... told... you... I'd... make... it," Dusty panted out, his hand clenching Nomed's as he was hauled to his feet. His face glowed red, more from anger than the exertion. All that work and not a pound lighter, he lamented silently.
Nomed couldn't help but laugh. "Taking last place is a feat in itself; you've got everyone's attention," he joked, helping Dusty to his feet.
Dusty responded with a scowl, "Who'd have thought you, of all people, would barely make the cut. 125th place? I expected more."
Nomed's smile was one of someone who had everything going according to plan. Exactly in the middle, he mused silently. Aloud, he simply said, "What matters is we both passed."
Dusty nodded, catching his breath. "And I won’t have to face Grandma Sully again," he added with a shudder that was only half-feigned.
Nomed couldn't help but laugh at his friend's simple joys. If only life were as simple as escaping a scolding, he thought wistfully.
William expression darkened when he overheard the banter between the last-placed Dusty and the middle-ranker Nomed. To be content with such mediocrity... he thought disdainfully. I suppose village life dulls one’s ambitions.
His mind wandered to his own performance. Tenth place wasn’t shameful among the lot, but it wasn't first either. He felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of facing his clan after such a result. Being bested by other young masters is one thing, but that unknown swordsman...
As he was lost in thought, the sensation of his body dissolving jolted him back to reality. Panic briefly flickered across his face before settling into understanding; the trial was over, and they were returning to the real world. He materialized back in the valley, noting other participants materialising around him.
The Grand Elder's voice cut through the chatter and confusion, "Congratulations on passing the first trial," Grand Elder Wyatt announced. "You have all earned the right to join the outer sect of our Black Rose Sect."
A murmur of relief and triumph washed over the crowd, cut short by the Grand Elder's next statement.
"The next trial," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the young faces, "will decide whether you remain in the Outer Sect or advance to the Inner Sect."
The disciples straightened up at the mention of the Inner Sect. It was well known that the true privileges and resources of the Black Rose Sect were reserved for the inner disciples. Each of the four halls — the Disciplinary Hall led by Grand Elder Darius, the meticulous Medicine Hall under Grand Elder Lydia, the Martial Arts & Spiritual Hall that was Grand Elder Tenzin's domain, and the Treasure Pavilion, filled with artifacts and managed by Grand Elder Wyatt — represented a different path in cultivation.
“And as for those that perform exceptionally will, the Grand Elders may take you in as their personal disciple.”
As the Grand Elder’s words sank in, murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd, the notion of being a Grand Elder’s disciple was too great to ignore.
"I'd rather be Grand Elder Darius' disciple," one participant whispered ambitiously, only to be countered by another, "Are you mad? Grand Elder Lydia is far more composed. Grand Elder Darius is... well, too intense."
Laughter broke out among a small group. "Intense? We're in a demonic sect, friend. 'Intense' is a mild way of putting it."
A more wistful voice joined the conversation. "You all can squabble over the Grand Elders. My sights are set on the Supreme Elder."
"Yeah," someone scoffed, "like he'd notice any of us. He didn't even show up today."
Grand Elder Wyatt raised his hand hushing the crowd, the very earth itself to rose as though obeying his command. Five pillars surrounded a large stone that pulsed with a green light appeared in the centre of the valley.
"This stone," Grand Elder Wyatt began, "is a Luminaresce Quartz. Its glow will vary with the potential qi each of you can channel."
The Grand Elder continued to explain that the stone was tied to a formation that linked it to the five pillars. Those that lacked talent would not be able to light up a single pillar, whilst those that were destined to remain in the Outer Sect would only be able to light up one pillar. Being able to light up two pillars would ensure that the participant would be able to enter the inner sect.
Yet, it is only by lighting up three pillars would one be able to catch the eye of a Grand Elder and attain the title of Core Disciple. If a disciple was talented enough to light up four pillars, then that would be sufficient to draw the attention of an Ascendant cultivator.
Seeing the Grand Elder grow silent, one of the disciples from the village mustered the courage to ask, “W-what about five pillars?”
“Huh, if anyone of you were able to light up five pillars, then an Immortal from the higher realms will descend and whisk you away,” Grand Elder Wyatt let out a dismissive laugh, in the history of the Black Rose Sect, not a single disciple was able to light up five pillars simultaneously, Wyatt didn’t believe such a thing was possible.”
The aspiring disciples exchanged glances. Some wore expressions of confidence, while doubt shadowed others' faces.
I forgot just how poor the talent in this backward realm is. A small frown appeared on Kalin’s face.
Not too far away from him, Nomed’s eyes narrowed. Three pillars? It seems a bit too much, I should aim for two.
Sensing the shift in the crowd, Wyatt continued. "Each of you has passed our pre-selection process, it is more likely one of you will light up four pillars than fail to light up one."
A collective breath of relief swept through those that were worried they would embarrass themselves by not being able to light up a single pillar.
However, his words did little to console William, who had never considered the possibility that he, the young master of the Wick Clan, would do worse than a village bumpkin, no, he had his sights on something greater, something that even he was unsure of.
That man said it should trick the stone b-but would it be enough to light up four pillars? William felt his mouth dry up as the pill under his tongue grew heavy, the future of the Wick Clan depended on him. If I can’t catch the Supreme Elder’s eyes, t-then the Wick Clan…will be…
“The trial of talent will now commence.” The Grand Elder announced, snapping the participants out of their reverie.
Author's Note
Who is Slifer's next disciple, comment down below!
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