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As spring drew to a close and summer began, Song City was usually alive with activity. Its beautiful beaches, thanks to their prime location by the sea, were a magnet for tourists from around the world, making it a top spot for vacations. But today, the usually packed beach was strangely deserted. The only sounds were the distant cries of seagulls and the gentle lapping of waves on the shore.
The reason for this quiet was the Empire's Azure Dragon Sect enrollment exam. To get into this prestigious Sect, young candidates had to pass a tough series of tests that measured their physical strength, Zhenqi purity, and mental toughness. These tests were crucial as they determined not just their scores, but their future as cultivators.
A score above 70 was considered exceptional, with the average requirement set at 50. For sixteen-year-olds, this exam was a big deal—it could shape their entire future.
"Alright, listen up, everyone. Form a line," the female instructor said, her voice stern and no-nonsense. The kids, a mix of nerves and excitement, quickly formed a neat line. Next to her, a burly man with a cigarette added an extra layer of intimidation to the scene.
The instructor explained the process. "You'll place your hands on this orb, which will show your results. Red indicates your Zhenqi purity, and green shows your Zhenqi quantity. Scores range from F tier to S tier for quality, and from 100 to 10,000 for quantity."
She then pointed to another machine. "After that, you'll test your physical strength by punching this machine. The rankings are the same as for Zhenqi quantity."
As the kids started their turns, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and nerves. Two boys, however, stood out due to their striking looks. One had flowing black hair and dark eyes, while the other had gleaming silver hair and bright blue eyes.
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"I'm definitely going to become a cultivator," said the silver-haired boy, Ye Xiao, with a confident grin.
"Me too. I'm going to transcend the Nine Heavens. You'll see," said the black-haired boy, Long Xiwang, with equal determination.
Ye Xiao laughed. "Yeah, right. Keep dreaming. When I become the strongest, I'll have a harem." He flashed a cheeky smile.
"How did you get such perverted thoughts?" Long Xiwang asked, giving Ye Xiao a playful shove. They continued to joke around until it was Ye Xiao's turn.
Ye Xiao approached the orb and machine with excitement. The results were announced by the woman:
"Zhenqi purity: B tier; Quantity: 5000; Physical strength: 3000. Potential evaluation: 57."
"Yes! I made it!" Ye Xiao cheered, giving a triumphant fist pump. He turned to Long Xiwang. "Good luck, Xiwang!"
Next was Long Xiwang. He stepped up with a mix of nervousness and determination. When the results came out, the woman's voice was matter-of-fact:
"Zhenqi purity: C tier; Quantity: 2000; Physical strength: 10,000. Potential evaluation: 49."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"It's a shame," someone said sympathetically.
"But did you see his physical strength?" another person commented. "It's incredible that a kid his age has that much power."
"Seriously, with that strength, he could probably take down a pack of wolves with just his fists," someone else added.
The bulky man, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Exactly. With that kind of strength, he could become a body tempering cultivator. His Zhenqi might not be great, but his physical strength is off the charts."
The woman, clearly annoyed, shot back, "What's your point?"
The bulky man grinned. "You're not the only one who can evaluate these kids," he said, clearly enjoying the moment.
The woman's eyes widened in realization. "You don't mean—"
"I'm reevaluating his potential," the bulky man said with a smile. He turned to Long Xiwang and announced, "Potential evaluation: 55."
The woman's frustration was evident as she stomped her foot. "You—urgh!"
Long Xiwang, who had been celebrating with Ye Xiao, caught the tail end of the announcement about the final candidate.
"And lastly, Leng Rushuang: Zhenqi purity – S tier; Quantity – 20...200...20,000; Physical strength – 10...10...10,000. Potential evaluation – 9...9...90."
The crowd fell silent, stunned by the extraordinary results.
Long Xiwang, still buzzing from his own results, couldn't help but mutter to Ye Xiao, "Wow, and I was so happy with a 55."
The difference was staggering, and it left everyone in awe of Leng Rushuang's almost unbelievable potential.