Chapter 9: Start of the trials
After the practical exam concluded, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air as the participants prepared for the physical examination. Amidst the confusion and disarray, a commanding voice resonated, cutting through the noise and demanding everyone's attention. "Silence! I am Li Jun, the Hall Master of General Studies Hall and Vice-Headmaster," he declared, his authoritative presence quieting the room. Alongside him stood the Hall Masters of each specialized hall — Liu Mei of Soul Seeking Hall, Liu Ming of Practice Hall, Huang Qiang of Refining Hall, and Chen Hui of Alchemy Hall. A beam of light radiated through the General Studies hall, illuminating the stage where these high-level cultivators stood.
The skilled beggar, Liang Meng, who had previously made rude remarks to Tang Jian, approached him with a genuine apology etched on his face. Tang Jian, discerning that Liang Meng harbored no ulterior motives this time, accepted the apology with a slight nod, signifying his willingness to let bygones be bygones. Though he chose not to associate too deeply with Liang Meng, Tang Jian acknowledged that the beggar possessed useful information about the hall masters and likely had the backing of a powerful figure.
With the apologies accepted, Liang Meng sensed Tang Jian's curiosity and decided to provide him with some background on the hall masters. He revealed that Li Jun, the Vice-Headmaster, hailed from the Imperial family and held the early-stage Nascent Soul cultivation. Being a cousin of the current Emperor, Li Jun commanded respect and wielded influence within the Azure Dragon Empire. Liu Mei, the Hall Master of Soul Seeking Hall, was a late-stage Core Formation cultivator and a beauty from the prestigious Liu family. Her younger brother, Liu Ming, shared her late-stage Core Formation cultivation and held the position of Hall Master in the Practice Hall. Huang Qiang, a cultivator from the renowned Huang family, led the Refining Hall, while Chen Hui, another captivating beauty, presided over the Alchemy Hall. These three families — Huang, Chen, and Liu — were considered the top cultivator families in the empire, second only to the esteemed Li Imperial family.
With the introductions complete, Vice-Headmaster Li Jun began detailing the specifics of the upcoming Physical Examination. He explained that the examination, conducted annually by the General Studies Hall, encompassed three trials designed to assess the participants' potential and aptitude for cultivation.
The Trial of Spiritual Roots, the first of the three trials, required participants to place their hands on the Origin Orb, a precious and vibrant green artifact. By doing so, they would unveil their inner spiritual roots. Those unable to detect their spiritual roots would be assigned a bronze badge, limiting their options to join any hall other than the General Studies Hall. On the other hand, participants who successfully discerned their spiritual roots would be granted the opportunity to join a specialized hall based on the elemental attribute of their spiritual roots.
Next came the Trial of Soul Seeking, a relatively straightforward examination. Participants would place their hands on the Soul Seeking Mirror, which would assess the stability of their souls. Those who passed this trial would receive a coveted silver badge, granting them access to the Soul Seeking Hall, known for its emphasis on soul refinement and mental cultivation.
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The final trial was the most daunting — the Trial of Spiritual Pressure. Participants would stand before a Qi Condensation stage cultivator, allowing themselves to be enveloped by the released spiritual pressure. While seemingly straightforward, this trial posed significant challenges, especially for those who had yet to enter the Body Forging stage or lacked high-level Spiritual Roots. Withstanding the overwhelming pressure required immense mental fortitude and a strong cultivation foundation. Success in this trial would be rewarded with a golden badge, symbolizing exceptional resilience and potential.
With the explanations concluded, the time for the physical exam had arrived. The General Studies hall instructor, entrusted with overseeing the examination, unveiled the highly sought-after Origin Orb. As the participants anxiously awaited their turn, the atmosphere crackled with nervous energy. The first to step forward was Li Bai, whose flawless performance in the previous exam had garnered attention and admiration.
Li Bai's heart pounded with anticipation as he extended his trembling hands, cautiously placing them on the surface of the Origin Orb. Instantly, a blinding white light erupted from the orb, illuminating the entire hall. Gasps of awe filled the air as the light gradually subsided, revealing the outcome of Li Bai's test. His eyes widened with incredulity and elation as he beheld the radiant glow surrounding him. The blinding white light signified his possession of high-level Thunder Spiritual Roots. Thunder, with its raw power and unpredictable nature, was a formidable elemental attribute to cultivate. A smile of triumph curved Li Bai's lips as he realized that his potential as a cultivator had been validated.
The Hall Master of Practice Hall, Liu Ming, couldn't contain his excitement at acquiring a student with such remarkable spiritual roots. Thunder elemental spiritual roots fell under the jurisdiction of the Practice Hall, which focused on combat-oriented cultivation techniques. Li Bai's success not only brought him joy but also elevated the reputation and status of the Practice Hall.
As Li Bai's test concluded, other participants followed suit, approaching the Origin Orb with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Some met success, their spirits uplifted as they discovered their spiritual roots, albeit mostly at the intermediate or low levels. However, there were a handful of individuals who faltered, unable to detect their spiritual roots, and were awarded bronze badges.
Now, it was Liang Meng's turn. Exuding unwavering confidence, he stepped forward and firmly pressed his palm onto the Origin Orb's surface. An intriguing development unfolded as the orb emitted a brilliant and unexpected brown glow. The room erupted into whispers and murmurs as the light gradually receded, revealing the astonishing result — Liang Meng possessed high-level Earth Elemental Spiritual Roots.
With these newfound spiritual roots, Liang Meng had the choice to join either the Practice Hall or the Refining Hall. His preference for combat led him to opt for the Practice Hall, where he could hone his skills and pursue his interest in martial prowess.
The revelation piqued Tang Jian's suspicions further. The beggar's confident demeanor during the trial indicated that he was already aware of his spiritual roots. However, only cultivators above the Nascent Soul realm possessed the ability to discern spiritual roots or it required Origin Orbs to discern the spiritual, but Origin Orbs were extremely expensive and only academy possessed it in whole of the Empire. Tang Jian's curiosity deepened as he pondered who could potentially be backing Liang Meng, allowing him to possess such knowledge and resources.
The physical examination, though ostensibly focused on assessing spiritual roots and soul stability, had become a stage where hidden talents and intricate connections were unveiled. For Tang Jian, this encounter with Liang Meng presented an opportunity to delve into the mystery surrounding the beggar and uncover the secrets that lay beneath the surface.