The following days were filled with training. Bo Rei was very skilled and step by step she would personally instruct her son which left a few of the family, especially his siblings, green with envy. In truth, after Bo Gu, the 1st uncle and Ning’s father were the strongest but the 3rd uncle wasn’t the fourth strongest and instead it was Bo Rei who held that title.
She was a Qi cultivator at the peak of the Houtian stage. The only reason that she can’t beat the first and second son is because they are magic users. Unlike Qi which refines the body, mana doesn’t need that, you need to gather it and through great perseverance you make gas into liquid and liquid into solid before causing that ball the explode once enough mana is gathered.
Bo Gu already underwent 3 small core nova. He was even reverted to his youth under the second nova but even so that was several hundred years ago. His talent wasn’t enough to go beyond the third nova. The 1st uncle on the other hand is a Qi refiner and is at the Xiantian stage while Bo Rei’s husband has formed the Small Solid Core. The universal gravity rune is the best kind of foundation he could obtain for that since Bo Gu has some history and helped a few large sect people once gaining that little bit of guidance.
As for Infernal energy, that is something restricted to Demon Sects where only the demon race and maybe some humans of the devil path would actually go. Clans that use infernal energy in this massive region are too small in number and only near a large source of this energy because it would be too taxing to do it anywhere else.
In school, the Jing brothers didn’t come to school for several days and when they did they were glaring daggers at Ning but no one understood why and the Jing family didn’t openly say it. How much humiliation would come from the news, ‘two young masters were beaten by trash.’, bring. The top also didn’t want to expose this so they simply held back allowing Ning to get quality quiet time to train.
No one actually dared to bully Ning. Although countless people didn’t believe the rumors that Ning was strong now, seeing the prime bully, Jing Ran, avoiding the boy cause them to be curious and go into a wait and see state.
Like this the first extremely calm month passed. Half way through Tora rose to the level of Large Success and the burst of Qi caused two massive changes. First it refined Ning’s body even further and his own body strength took a step forward. The second change was that when Ning connected to Tora he would grow to almost a meter long and the wings were sharp like blades. Ning tried to see of sitting on it would let him fly but the Flying Fish lacked strength and size for that for now.
Still it would always remain in its smallest size giving the appearance of a weak little beast. As for Ning, in one month, he was already in Low Success with his ‘Flowing Wind Martial arts’. He also learned one of the clans movement techniques. Martial arts and techniques are broken down into the ranks, Common, Mortal, Earth, Sky, Heaven. This, of course, is only for items related to Qi. Magic has ranking using, Copper, Bronze, Iron, Silver, Gold. Within this region Infernal energy has no ranking since demon treasures are too rare and only found in demon lands protected by demon sects.
As for the martial arts and movement technique that Ning learned, it was all High Grade common rank. In other words the lowest of the lowest trash when compared to big sects. Ranking of all types are broken into Ungraded, Low Grade, High Grade, Peak Grade.
For a clan this is a good martial arts and movement ability and for one of the Bo Clan status it is a very high ranking technique.
Finally at the end of the month the tests arrived. The common classes had their own tests but the strength tests also included a fighting competition between students of the same grade.
Unfortunately Ning had forgotten one very critical fact about the simester ranking test and that the school provided clothing and nothing else besides that can be used. In the first few challenges he was able to wind because his body speed was quite good but he couldn’t use Qi to use his movement technique so he was impaired. When he reached the Quarterfinals he had to fight and dodged a great deal of attacks that kept pushing him back. By then his title of Trash had been washed away but even so he was still taunted. Many people wanted to see how strong he was and his body strength was indeed impressive reaching the strength of a Large Success with only body strength but without Qi it would end up reaching a limit eventually.
He eventually reached the end of his limit at the semi finals against another Low Success Qi refiner who could use Qi normally. He knew one of his clan's movement techniques and Ning couldn’t keep up with them and half way he gave up and returned pouting to the seat with his family.
“This didn’t count.” He said pouting as he sat with his family.
“Ning, are you going back on your promise?” Bo Rei asked.
“... No…” He said and let his body be pulled into a warm hug,
“Don’t worry, it’s better to get out of the limelight and train properly. This isn’t a normal sect after all. Its one of the Royal family army recruits. If my little baby can get into the army or into the inner circle then you can have a bright future. Do you know that a Rider is an honorary title anyone wears with pride. They are as high ranking as Barons.” She said.
“How does mother know?” He asked her.
“Mama has traveled and met your father during travels. I fell in love, my family did not want me to marry him, I broke my cultivate to be with him and even so I rebuilt it back to where I am.” She said.
“How did mother fall for someone like father?” He asked with disgust not lowering the volume since the man himself was a few seats away with his grandfather. The man's face turned bright red in rage.
“I was young, he was charming, he saved my life when I was injured so like many young maiden I thought of him as my knight in shining armor.” She said.
“So is mother's family strong?” He asked.
“I’ll tell you another time.” She poked his nose and he nodded.
In the end, the ranking came out and Ning was within the top 50 shocking everyone. As for Jing Ran, he was able to get to top 10 because his magic control and level was much higher than the others.
The following day Bo Gu and Bo Rei came and withdrew him from school leading to many people being confused but they neither of the Bo clan members spoke a word as to why they wanted to remove him and simply took him out against the attempts to persuade them against them. Of course besides just getting him out they wanted to remove him from this wretched school he has no fond memories of or any friends in.
In the school, the following morning, the students of Ning’s class slowly walked in and as the Bell was about to ring Jing Ran and as an almost instinctive action now, he glared at Ning but as soon as the saw the empty chair he was a bit startled. He looked around but didn’t find Ning so he just sat down.
When the bell rang, miss Dai Bing entered, “Alright everyone get ready for class. Before that I will just announce that Bo Ning isn’t coming to class anymore.” She said.
The students were a bit confused and someone asked why. “Because of the bullying towards him of course. It's not like they can’t spare a maid or a someone to teach him what he needs to learn anyway. Still top 50, even when I saw his strength I never expected he would be that high. Maybe they are going to have him train in some special manner. Anyway he will no longer be coming to this school. Now everyone get your notebooks out because Literature class shall be starting.” Dai Bing said.
In his seat, Jing Ran was beet red, “50th place your grandmother! That idiot beat up my big brother and even broke his nose! I also felt a large amount of Qi from him. There is no way he is 50th place in the ranking! There is something up with this.” Jing Ran said in his mind.
He wanted to investigate the Bo Family so when he left school he found Bo Ning’s family but all of them just sneered and said, “Who cares about that trash anyway. Only 2nd aunt and grandfather are trying to make him stronger not like they can do much except body training. At least now I don’t need to worry about being embarrassed by being part of his family since he will be gone from school now.” Then turned away getting into their carriage.
Even paying a few maids and stewards got vague answers with similar results, the clan head and his mother were training him.
What they didn’t know was that Bo Rei and Bo Gu had taken the boy into the Canyon for training, leaving the 1st uncle to manage the clan for a while Bo Gu went to guarantee the safety of the two. Without the eyes of the clan or the classmates, Bo Ning could finally train in earnest with Tora and for two years he and his mother remained inside the canyon to do just that while Bo Rei herself taught him school subjects like literature, math, science and all that but it was more advanced than what the schools provided.
***
Two quiet years passed before news of the Geo Royal family sect and army recruitment began to circulate. On the south east area of the city a large enclosure stood and slowly it was being filled with servants who were managing the place but no one could enter. It was scheduled to open in only 1 hour so no one could enter but there was a crowd. Many clans and commoners had come forth to have their children join the army.
The Geo Royal family is the monarchy ruling over Deo city and several dozen city and hundreds of smaller villages. Within the power of the Geo Royal family are the Duke houses and the nobles houses which are all under their direct control. The most powerful is the Geo Royal Family army and the Royal Sect. The Royal family formed their own sect to teach genius who appear within their nation while they made the army to train the commoners as well as to allow the genius to get training in strategic thinking.
Those genius after a certain age, will be put into the army to field training to bring out their potential. It is a very good balance and the army has another purpose which is to find hidden talents among lower ranked talents whose innate talent are low but their perseverance is high. Such people would be more worthy to train as they fight for their power and although it will be lower than a genius they will come from a background similar to their comrade in arms making it easier to lead a large number of people.
As more and more people gathered, the Bo clan would obviously not miss this chance. The 10 young masters, 4 from the 1st branch, 2 from the second branch and 4 from the third branch, were here. Bo Ning still had yet to arrive but the family had long forgotten the boy who had vanished.
At this moment Bo Gu came flying and landed with a very wide smile and landed in front of them. The family bowed to him.
“Father, you seem quite happy?” Ning’s father, Bo Nan, said.
“Heh, it’s been almost a year since I last saw little Rei and Ning. I wonder how strong that boy got.” He smiled.
The smile on Bo Nan and the families face turned darker hearing the name of the family trash.
SWISH!
A suddenly sound was heard and when others looked up they saw a two and a half meters long Flying Tiger Fish fly overhead and circle around before moving over head and finally arriving near the clan before dipping down and stopping just over the clan before two figures jumped off and the large Fish shrank down to the size of a few dozen cm and flew down.
The two that fell down, and landed gently without a sound, were Bo Rei and Bo Ning. Ning was now much taller at the age of 12, his hair was now long and tied in a ponytail behind his head. His childish charm was gone and had an appealing boyish charm now. His brown hair and dark eyes were quite appealing to the girls around and they began to ask who that was in whispers. He was dressed in a simple robe with an old cloak over his body that allowed him to train easily. His figure was now very lean as well.
As for Bo Rei she was the same as before, graceful like a butterfly, with her hair in a bun giving her a mature motherly warmth. She wore long robes that seem a bit festive and was incredibly beautiful mesmerizing the young men who were still inexperienced.
She gave only a single glance at the Bo Family, including her husband, and turned to Bo Gu. “Father in law, we have finally returned.” She bowed.
“Grandfather, I have returned.” Bo Ning said.
“Yes, it is good to see you both. Ning, you have grown strong.” He said. At this time the little flying fish landed on his shoulder and the aura began to come off the two of them as if it were one being. “Half step into Houtian! Ahahah! That’s my genius grandson!” He roared.
His roar attracted some attention and some were amazed at the boy’s talent and wanted to know who it was.
Slowly the aura faded without a trace and he seemed like the same trash without a cultivation.
“BO NING YOU TRASH!” A roar from the crowd came and Ning turned to find someone he somewhat knew.
“Young master Ran, it has been a while.” Ning said without any real emotion and just out of courtesy since they were in a public place.
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“Trash! Don’t you dare speak with this young master! You are lucky I couldn’t find you or else I would have rung your neck like a chicken.” He said.
“Oh? Young master is quite colorful with his speech. I should ask mother and grandfather to hire the same master of noble etiquette so I can have such a colorful vocabulary as young master. I’m sure all the friends of the young master Rei are as ‘educated’ as young master Ran.” Ning said in a very ‘polite’ manner which followed the etiquette of nobles.
That said, his manner of speaking was incredibly infuriating.
“Once I enter the royal family sect, I will form some connections in that high ranking place, when that happens, it will be simple to send some low ranking trash to finish off you Bo family. Two years ago you took me by surprise but now I am already forming Liquid mana on the 3rd level. My power is so large that I can fight Houtian experts to standstill.” He said.
“Oh?” Ning said bored. “We shall see young master. If young master could be so generous as to leave so that this Bo can meditate and be at his peak condition I would be grateful.” he said without a hint of caring for the face of the other and quietly sat down to begin meditating.
Before Jing Ran could say anything, the piercing glare from Bo Gu hit him, “Boy, did you not hear my grandson? Scram.” He said.
The words held an unprecedented power which caused the boy to take several steps back and glare at the old man. “Just you wait.” He said and ran away.
Only after he was gone the old man snorted, “Little monkey jumping around because he has a slightly bigger name.” He said.
“Father in law, it isn’t good for an elder to bully the younger generation.” Bo Rei said but there was no feeling in her words.
“Hmph, I don’t care, all who dare bully my Bo Family will be punished.” He said crossing his arms.
Like that time slowly passed and soon the doors finally opened and before anyone could take a step forward an unbearable aura gushed out and made everyone weak to the knees. More than half the people bent over and were forced to kneel. Those who could remain standing were the heads of the family and some upper ranked members but most of the family members were down. At this time Bo Ning stood up naturally and beside him was his mother and grandfather who were standing firm.
Who knew how many powerful creatures he had fought and killed with Tora, let's not even mention he felt the aura of the Wind Dragon who allowed some to leak and even than it was powerful. The level he would truly fear would only be something above the Wind Dragon. This aura was only half as strong so who was he to kneel to this.
“Only those participating enter. One adult family member come forth with each group.” The voice echoed but it also seemed to be spoken right next to their ear.
With the words the pressure eased up and the adults looked at one another, “I shall go.” Bo Rei said.
“That is fine but be careful little Rei.” Bo Gu said.
With a nod she turned to the family, “All of you, follow me and we shall head inside.” She said and took a step.
Like the Bo Family all the others choose one adult to go and most were the clan heads.
The many hundreds of people walked forward and poured into the tall structure and eventually the line came to a stop. Through a second door, which became an exit, soon people began to leave, some happy some sad.
For the Bo family they waited for hours. As they entered the structure they found that there were several stages, several elders each stage, and a large pillar. The colors changed when the child would push forth mana into the pillar. The pillar would show different images, when one was liquid mana stage, a thick blue liquid appeared within the pillar and the pillar itself changed to a certain color.
The color represented the innate potential of the person. They were, from lowest to highest, White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Black.
Most people commoners were either white or red. As for most clan members it was between Red and yellow. Those above orange the elders would discuss and usually push to join the army. Below that they were rejected.
“Mother, when will it be our turn?” A young boy asked.
This was Ning’s second older brother. His first eldest brother was 18 and stood with the other oldest cousins talking. This one was 15 and Ning was 12.
“When we arrive at the stage I believe.” She said.
“You!” A shout from a young man came. He was dressed in blue robes and in his hand was a book. “Which clan?” He asked.
“We are the Bo Clan, I am Bo Rei who represents the clan and we have 11 children to test today.” She said.
“Names?” He asked.
She named each by order of age. Once it was down the man sent them to stage 3. By some kind of fate, the Jing Clan was on stage 4 just next to them and Jing Ran poked the elder and whispered in his ear. The old man sneered and looked over at them
The Bo clan was watching how the test was done.
In short the test is very simple. They ask the participant to release their aura to the limit without holding back. There is no point in holding back since the sect wants the genius and hiding to go to the army is a waste. After that they test the innate talent which is by touching the pillar.
The Bo Clan watch and soon it was their turn and the first uncles first child went up and released his aura of 11th level Liquid mana. For someone at 19 years old to have such high level was indeed impressive and when he touched the pillar it turned to Yellow. Following that was Bo Ning’s eldest brother. He shocked the people at for being at the peak low success Houtian and his talent was shockingly Blue green, more green than blue.
Instantly it drew the attention of some people. The elders began to talk and some of these people that came over also talked it over. It was a mix between wanting to test him in the army while some wanting to send him directly to the outer sect.
In the end they sent him to test him in the army, due to his age, but if all went well he would enter the outer sect of the Royal family.
After that the 3rd uncle's son went and ended up entering the army with a yellow innate talent and initial houtain.
Afterwards was two more of the 1st uncles children and 1 of the 3rd uncle before Ning’s second brother walked up. He had peak initial houtian but when he touched the pillar it instantly flared to Blue and caused Ning’s brow to twitch. He then looked at his mother and sensing his look she looked back and smiled.
“As they say, good genes are already an unfair advantage from the heavens.” Ning thought.
Finally the few members of the family went with Ning going last. He walked up slowly.
“Alright young man, release your aura at its max, then touch the pillar while injecting your energy.” One of the elders said a bit expectant. Both his second brother instantly went into the sect while his eldest brother went into the army to test. Seeing such a talented group they guessed that it was due to family, in other words the family line with the strongest blood.
With a nod he looked at Tora who took flight and did a turn around him and stopped as he touched its head. His Meridians quickly spread out and as soon as they connected, the little flying fish hissed. Instantly it turned into a roar like a tiger as the body of the little Flying Tiger Fish expanded to two and a half meters long and half a meter wide and released an aura of intimidation. The aura of half step into Houtain came from both the boy and the beast.
All the elder’s eyes turned wide as they stood up, “Dao Beast!” one of them shouted.
The event startled many people and the shout shook the elders testing the other stages as they turned to verify the shout.
Without minding Bo Ning kept his hand on the head of Tora and touched the Pillar while his aura was exploding. As soon as his hand touched the pillar the entire pillar turned black like an abyss. There was nothing that could be seen within even the sign that he was half step houtian. Just a pure black pillar.
The entire place turned silent. Even a pin could be heard but soon a voice roared.
“THIS IS A JOKE! HOW CAN TRASH LIKE YOU HAVE MORE TALENT THEN I! JING RAN!?”
Jing Ran had tested at the same time and his hand was currently on the pillar revealing a green light and liquid mana was flowing yet Bo Ning’s pillar was so black that it was like light was sucked away from it and it was even hard to see the edges of the crystal pillar.
“Someone! Quickly! CALL MASTER LU!” one of the men at the stage roared. One of the men that helped manage the flow of participants ran very quickly deeper into the structure. As for the men on the stage they quickly walked over and surrounded Bo Ning as if protecting him. “Young man, it is a pleasure to meet you, I am deacon Xiao Chen.” He said eccentric as he bowed. Why wouldn’t he, this boy has such a profound innate talent, the elders of the inner court will definitely fight for such a disciple. To be able to speak with him before he reached that place and leave a lasting impression was a dream for these old men.
They each introduced themselves but suddenly they heard another roar coming from Jing Ran who had jumped over.
“You trash! What did you do!? I know you’re trash so you must have cheated! There is no way in heaven or hell that you possess more talent than me!” he said furious.
The face of the elders scrunched.
“Are you saying that the tests from my Geo Royal families sect is rigged? Do not kid yourself boy. Young hero, it was Bo Ning correct? What is your relation to this clown?” Deacon Chen asked.
Bo Ning smiled, “Two years ago he was my classmate and one of the people who most bullied me. He once got his brother to throw me down a cliff to the east into the Ning Fall Canyon.” Bo Ning said viciously.
“LIES! Where is your proof! Do not dare slander my Jing Families people!” The elder from the Jing family roared.
“Hmph, of course there will be a bigger fool to teach a smaller fool his tricks.” Ning said making the face of the elder turned red. “You little bastard!” He said as his aura flared but instantly the several elders around Ning and blocked the aura and suddenly an ocean like aura burst onto the old man from Deacon Chen and the others. Each of them was the level of a clan head. Xiantian or Small Solid Core stage. Not only that but the foundation was several dozen times higher than a common clan member. It made breathing incredibly hard for the old man.
“Old clown, we are in a good mood at this time, take this little frog with you before we decide to kill you and your family for your disrespect.” One of the deacons said.
“I… I will not admit it!” Jing Ran said standing up but was starting to bleed from his lips. “He is trash!” he said.
“If this young man is considered trash then in this world there is no such thing as Talent but I probably understand your ignorant claims. This young man is possesses a unique constitution where he does not possess a dantian but his body can still live because of a unique capability. The exact opposite can be said for the beast beside him. It contains only a Dantian and once these two form a pair the power of the beast is released and they can cultivate as a pair. As for his innate talent, of course it is beyond trash like you. With just one glance I can tell this Flying Tiger Fish isn’t beyond 3 years because it has yet to form its first stripes on its whispers and the tail spikes are still soft. To go from trash to half step houtain within 3 years you call that trash?” Deacon Chen spit on the ground, “Frog in a well, go learn about the world before preaching to this old man.” he said and waved his hand.
An powerful burst of wind flew out and slammed into Jing Ran causing him to be thrown several meters and land on the ground as the crowd below made way.
“This is your final warning, do not try and cause trouble for this boy, he will surely enter the inner sect easily.”
“That is correct old Deacon.” A vigorous voice said from behind them.
When the voice came out the body of the Deacon’s stiffened and quickly they turned and bowed quickly, “We greet master Lu!” They said.
“You may stand. Is this the young man? A Rider is indeed rare in these parts. It is great luck to our Royal family that such a youth appear.” The old man said.
His appearance was that of a grandfather. He had snow white hair and his expression was warm. He wore a white robe with black trims while he his body expelled a powerful aura. What was interesting was the small white crow on his shoulder and the tips of the tail and wings were white. It stood there looking down on the world.
“Junior greets master Lu.” Bo Ning said quickly after withdrawing his meridians from Tora who flew to his shoulder and amazingly bowed his head towards the old man.
“Good junior, humble and strong. You will fit within my Rider’s hall without a problem.” the old man said.
The old man’s eyes turn towards the family. “Is this your family? How many can enter the sect and how many enter the army?” the old master said
“One is of Blue green Innate talent and shall be tested in the army, one is blue innate talent and shall go to the sects outer sect and the rest possess talent that is average and can go to the army.” Deacon Chen said.
“Hmm… allow the one with blue green to enter the sect directly.”
“Sir…” Ning said. “Does master Lu wish to benefit my family for me?” Ning asked.
“It is a small gift for a talent.” he said.
“Then master Lu need not do so. Only my grandfather and Mother have treated me with love and affection, for the rest of my family I was treated similarly to what the Jing family was shouted. This included my own father.” Ning said.
The faces of the Bo Clan turned deathly pale upon his words be said.
“If that is so than it is okay to leave it as is. I shall not presuit it as this is a family matter. Deacon, please proceed with how it was before.” Master Lu said.
As soon as his words were said, Ning could feel the piercing glare coming from his eldest brother who the matter pertained to.
The old man looked at his family and smiled as he saw the young woman leading the group and nodded.
“Hey old pervert, stop staring at the beautiful miss and let's get going.” A high pitched voice said which made the entire area freeze as the words sank in.
“Gara, don’t say such things in the open.” the old man said turning to the white crow on his shoulder.
“Hmph, old leecher, stop wasting time. As for you little boy, from today until we leave you shall remain with us. Just from one glance we can tell you have many idiots after your head.” the crow said.
Bo Ning wasn’t able to keep up with what was happening and blacked out.
“Gara, you know you will always startle someone when you suddenly talk. Forgive this old fool, Little Ning, come, it is as this old bird said you need to remain with this old man because of the royal family heard that I lost a Rider after finding him they would surely not forgive this old man.” He said and turned to Bo Rei, “The family of all sect disciples can move into the outer sect section of the clan. This is a rule so it is not a benefit as it is more of a requirement to allow the disciples to contact family faster and be more at ease with the protection of the sect. Inform your clan of this and report to here in 2 days. The same is for all those who were accepted as Sect disciples directly.” he said out loud for the entire crowd.
With that he simply gripped Bo Ning’s arm and started to fly bringing the boy with him and vanishing into the building.
Anyone resentful had to swallow it up and those of the Jing Clan were in the worst stage but similar to the Bo clan they had two members join the outer sect allowing them to also go and get payback but they weren’t sure of how long that would be.
After the events have finished the Deacons stood once more and shouted to get things back on track while the Bo clan returned outside and informed what happened. The jaws of the 3 sons of the clan head were on the ground but the old man was laughing and shouting at them all saying, “Did I not tell you his talent wasn’t even all of yours combined?” The return to the clan was filled with only his laughter and when Ning’s eldest brother complained all he got was a scolding with Bo Gu saying, “Would you be any different? No self respecting person would repay evil with kindness! You are lucky that there are still others that got into the sect or else you would have been left as an army grunt.” He snorted.
Like that the Bo and a few others packed their things completely and reported to the structure 2 days later where they boarded, much to the fear of them all, a massive Profound beast that was one of Master Lu’s Dao beasts as the man himself was a Rider.
The Jing clan as well boarded.
For Deo city, only in 20 to 30 years would there be any more recruitment efforts because the number of clans would decrease drastically otherwise.
As for Ning, he sat next to Master Lu on the head of the massive snake like flying beast as they traveled through the air towards the Geo Royal family teleport gate.