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Leng Rushuang stood with an air of quiet authority as the crowd buzzed around her. Her stats flashed with remarkable numbers: Zhenqi purity at S-tier; Quantity – 20… 200… 20,000; Physical strength – 10… 10… 10,000. Her potential evaluation was equally impressive – 9… 9… 90. The results left everyone stunned.
Long Xiwang felt dwarfed by the comparison. "And I was so proud of my 55," he muttered, disappointment evident as he looked at his own results.
Ye Xiao, leaning in with a grin, remarked, "Bro, she's kinda cute," trying to lighten the mood. Long Xiwang, frustrated, smacked him on the back of the head.
"Are you serious?!" Long Xiwang hissed. "Do you see how strong she is?"
Ye Xiao shrugged, still smiling. "I've got a chance. I'm so handsome, flowers hide their petals when I look at them." His grin was unwavering.
Long Xiwang groaned, "Go do whatever you want," and turned away. At that moment, a cold voice cut through the crowd.
"The examination has ended," the voice announced.
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A bulky examiner stepped forward. "Those whose names are called, stay behind," he ordered.
Names were read, each one adding to the tension. "Chen Feng, Wang Tong, Ye Xiao…"
Ye Xiao's confidence vanished. His name being called shocked him, and he looked nervously at Long Xiwang. Around them, other kids shared anxious expressions.
Finally, the examiner called the last names: "Leng Rushuang, Xiao Zhan, and Long Xiwang."
Long Xiwang's heart raced. The significance of being called weighed heavily on him.
"The rest of you may leave," the examiner said, dismissing the crowd. The chosen ones remained, their minds buzzing with questions.
The 40 kids gathered as the examiner spoke. "You're the only ones who made it to the Azure Dragon Sect Final Evaluation," he said.
The news was overwhelming. Some kids cried, others stood in shock. One boy asked, "Why did I pass with a 56? Someone with 69 isn't here."
The examiner replied, "Did you think an orb could determine your strength? This was just a preliminary test. The real challenges are at the academy."
He continued, "You all have a physical strength of 5,000 or above, which is why you're here. Your friend probably didn't meet that threshold."
The boy nodded, understanding dawning on him.
The examiner handed out badges, marking the end of the examination. "Meet here tomorrow," the cold woman added. "You'll be taken to Sect City for your final exams."
With that, the examiners left, and the chosen ones were left to absorb their achievement.
When Long Xiwang returned home, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He shared the day's events with his parents, who helped him pack. Despite their reassurances, he couldn't sleep, his mind racing with thoughts of the future.
The next morning, Long Xiwang joined the other chosen kids at the square. They were all tired, their sleepless nights evident. Their journey to the train station was quiet, but the train ride was lively as some slept while others looked out at the passing scenery.
Arriving at Sect City, Long Xiwang's heart pounded. He took in the towering buildings and bustling streets.
"This is it," he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath as he stepped off the train, ready to face his new life.