Prologue:
“Next! Number 54, Ye Min, please raise your hand.”
Startled, Ye Min quickly composed himself and raised his hand. “Ah, here. I’m sorry, just a moment.” He stepped forward, ignoring the crowd that barely registered his name.
Step... step... creak... shuffle... thud... pause...
Seconds later, Ye Min stood at the door. After taking a deep breath, he opened it respectfully and closed it quietly behind him, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.
The only reason he participated in this assessment was that it was private and confidential; many talented individuals had vanished after these tests. Without this special selection, he wouldn't have dared to take the risk.
Approaching the elder cautiously, he feigned nervousness.
“Place your hand on the tablet,” the elder instructed calmly.
Ye Min nodded and placed his hand on the massive stone tablet. Moments later, his details appeared.
| Name: Ye Min |
| Age: 17 |
| Potential: Three Star |
| Cultivation Level: None |
| Physique: Ordinary |
| Techniques: Muay Thai, Low |
| Charm: 7/10 |
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“Hmmm, not bad. Above average. You’ll likely reach at least the Elementary realm. Hahaha! A bright future awaits you!” The elder's excitement was palpable as he regarded Ye Min.
Despite the praise, disappointment flickered within him, masked by a polite smile.
“Thank you. I’m glad to finally begin my cultivation,” he replied, silently cursing his mediocre talent.
“Take this,” the elder said, handing him a wooden plaque. “Contact me if you need anything. Don’t waste your talent; your achievements will be great.”
“Thank you, Elder.” Ye Min accepted the plaque and exited the assessment area, step... step...
Rejoining his siblings, he found them waiting eagerly.
“Big brother, did you get amazing potential?” asked Ye Tian, the second-born, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Ye Min forced a smile. “Yes, Tian, I got three-star potential. If I cultivate, I can reach the Elementary realm and live without worries.”
“Wow! Three stars! I wonder what potential I’ll get when I turn fifteen!” Ye Lin, the youngest sister, exclaimed.
“I think you both will do just fine. I predict amazing potential for you,” Ye Min said warmly.
“Hmph! Big brother, don’t worry! I’ll surpass you and everyone else! Hahaha! Watch me humiliate the crowd and earn the privilege to join a sect and choose my own master!” Ye Tian laughed loudly, drawing glares from nearby passersby.
Step... step... thud.
“What a big mouth coming from a country bumpkin,” sneered a massive man.
“What? Who are you?” Ye Tian shot back defiantly.
“Heh, I’m Kang Zhou, from the Zhou family. Now beg for mercy if you want me to forget what you said,” Kang Zhou replied, chuckling as he attracted the attention of onlookers.
“You—” Ye Tian's anger flared, but Ye Min quickly intervened with a clap.
Clap...
Dropping to one knee, Ye Min gestured for Ye Lin to follow suit. “Young Master Zhou, please forgive my younger brother. He didn’t mean to be rude; it’s our first time here. I’ll have him bow as compensation.” He forced a contrite expression.
“Big brother,” Ye Lin said nervously.
Ye Min frowned, realizing Ye Min was trying to defuse the situation. Reluctantly, Ye Tian gritted his teeth and began to bow, but then another interruption came.
“Hey, what’s with the commotion?” An old man with a long beard appeared, holding a small tablet glowing with an eight-star symbol.
“Ahh! Woah, that’s the Sect Master of the Feng Sect! What is such a prominent figure doing here?” murmured the crowd.
Kang Zhou paled and respectfully replied, “Greetings, Sect Master.” Despite the Zhou family's influence, they were no match for the Fenghou Sect, the strongest in the Land of Heavenly Auspices.
“Hmmm, Kang Zhou, what are you doing here at the test assessment? You’re already a disciple of the sect, so what—” His gaze suddenly locked onto Ye Tian, eyes sparkling with interest. “Hoh, your talent is impressive. What’s your name?”
“Huh?” Ye Tian, surprised, raised his head. “My name is Ye Tian,” he said proudly.
“Hoh, I like your attitude, young man. Do you want to be my student?”
The crowd gasped. “What? The Sect Master is taking a country bumpkin as a disciple?”
“Shh! What are you saying? The Sect Master is still here! Do you want to lose your legs?” people whispered among themselves.
Stunned, Ye Tian quickly regained his composure. “Yes, Sect Master! Please accept me as a disciple.”
The old man smiled, excitement shining in his eyes. “Then kowtow and greet me as your master.”
Ye Tian nodded and began to kowtow. “Master, I humbly bow before you. With gratitude in my heart, I accept your guidance and wisdom. I am ready to learn and grow under your tutelage. Thank you for this sacred opportunity.”
Watching the scene unfold, Ye Min thought, "Thank goodness I have a younger brother with such luck. His fortune is truly remarkable."
After a moment of silence, the Sect Master said, “Okay, everyone disperse. My disciple and her siblings are feeling uncomfortable.”
With those words, the crowd quickly left, including Kang Zhou, who walked away feeling humiliated.
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