C11 The Main Point

In the morning, sunlight illuminated the world, casting a golden glow over everything that quickened the pulse with its brilliance. The Training Hall of the Chu Family buzzed with activity, a testament to their status as the Marquis Mansion. The hall was vast, a thousand steps in length and width, ample space for ten thousand to train amidst an array of weapons and training equipment.

The Chu Family's key figures included the patriarch, Chu Qingyong, his three sons, Chu Yunxing, Chu Yuexing, and Chu Yangxing, along with The Great Elder and the leaders of the four Profound Warrior Groups. They sat with dignity on the elevated platform.

Below them, over a thousand Profound Warriors of the Chu Family stood, not counting those unable to leave their jobs or the bodyguards who had ventured far from home. To the west, a crowd of two to three hundred people gathered. These were the candidates and their families, hopefuls aiming to pass the Chu Family's Profound Warrior assessment.

Parents and grandparents alike had come to witness the event, all sharing the same dream: for their children to excel and elevate the family to a better life. To them, joining the Chu Family was a significant step toward an ideal existence, and the importance of this opportunity was not lost on anyone.

Before the thirteen prominent members of the Chu Family, two jade instruments were prominently displayed: one to measure Profound Power and another to assess talent.

Chu Qingyong rose to his feet, his tall and robust frame and dark complexion exuding the presence of a long-standing leader. He cleared his throat and addressed the assembly, "Today marks the day when new blood will join the ranks of our Profound Warriors. Two centuries ago, our forebears supported the Emperor in his conquests, quelling rebellious lords and earning illustrious honors, for which we were granted the title of Zhenhai Marquis."

"As descendants of the Marquis, we must embody our ancestors' spirit. The Emperor has proclaimed that if the Chu Family's youth can secure a top-three rank in the Martial Subjects exam in two years, we shall reclaim our ancestral glory. The title of Zhenhai Marquis will be bestowed upon us once more, enduring for seven generations."

"Despite the Nine States Empire's clear rule that participants in the Martial Subjects examination must be under eighteen, you must all intensify your training to strive for the Chu Family's return to glory."

The crowd at the Training Hall was visibly moved by these words.

"The Emperor has decreed that if the People of Chu Family can secure a place in the top three, they will be reinstated as the Zhenhai Marquis. It could very well be within our reach."

"We need to give it our all."

"The Chu Family must secure a top three ranking and reclaim the title of Zhenhai Marquis."

"The resurgence of the Chu Family affects the future of our descendants and is tied to the interests of us all."

Chu Qingyong allowed the discussions to continue unabated, understanding that they would bolster the morale of The Profound Warriors of the Chu Family and ignite a fervent passion for rigorous training.

After fifteen minutes, the chatter subsided, and Chu Qingyong addressed the crowd: "Profound Warriors of the Chu Family, the moment to alter our destiny is upon us. Whether the Chu Family rises to greatness or falls into decline is in your hands. If you grasp this opportunity, the Chu Family will flourish; if you let it slip, our decline will only hasten."

Chu Qingyong's words were far from alarmist. Since the demise of the last Zhenhai Marquis a century ago, the Chu Family's standing had suffered a steep decline. In Xuanwu County, there were five Marquis Mansions: the Yue Family to the north, the Tong Family, the Yuhai Marquis, the Gun Family, and the Pan Family to the south. The Chu Family had become the weakest among them.

Both the Tong Family to the north and the Yuhai Marquis to the south harbored ambitions to absorb the Chu Family, and they were methodically advancing their schemes.

Should they seize control of the Zhenhai City's commerce, which the Chu Family currently oversees, securing the necessary resources for sustenance and cultivation would become an immediate and grave concern, potentially leading to the Chu Family's rapid disintegration.

Chu Zhongxiang rose to his feet, his face alight with determination: "Patriarch, rest assured, we will spare no effort in our cultivation to bring honor to our Chu Family."

Chu Zhongxiang's declaration stirred the hearts of many, binding their fates even closer to that of the Chu Family. Together, they echoed his sentiment with fervor: "We will fight for the honor of our Chu Family."

In six months, the Chu Family will host a grand Family Competition, open to all Profound Warriors under the age of sixteen. We will select the top ten from this competition and provide them with focused training. A year from now, they will be eligible to compete in the Xuanwu County's martial examination. Every Profound Warrior is a pillar and guardian of the Chu Family, and each one should strive with all their might."

"Today marks the selection of a new cohort of Profound Warriors. I'm eager to see how much vitality you will bring to the Chu Family."

"I hereby announce the commencement of the test."

A resounding burst of applause filled the air, as Mater Chu's words resonated deeply with everyone present. For the Chu Family, for themselves, and for the future of their own families, everyone was united in their support for Mater Chu.

The Fifth Elder, exuding an air of grace, took his place beside the Profound Power Test Device, while The Third Elder stood by the Talent Test Device. The Third Elder was strikingly handsome, with a beard that unfortunately couldn't distract from the less favorable impression made by his eyes.

Chu Yangxing rose to his feet and declared, "Chu Zhongxiang, you're up first for the test, followed by Chu Xiangda. Chu Xiangfei, prepare yourself."

Chu Zhongxiang, a twelve-year-old boy, approached the Profound Power Test Device and pressed his hand against its palm imprint. As the black stone device activated, a red line slowly ascended, soon followed by a second.

"Profound Power is satisfactory!" announced The Fifth Elder.

Following the announcement, Chu Zhongxiang's parents looked on with pride and uncontainable excitement. Their hard days of labor were over; a new chapter was beginning.

Tears streamed down their faces, marking the end of years of hardship.

Chu Xiangda, a fourteen-year-old boy, stepped up to the Profound Power Test Device, and watched as three red lines gradually climbed.

"Talent Test passed."

The crowd erupted in another round of thunderous applause.

"Chu Zhongxiang, your talent test is Grade 1, showing potential for steady advancement," commented The Third Elder.

He had indeed passed.

The family would allocate half of the Cultivation Resources to them, allowing for another opportunity to test next year. And of course, there was the upcoming challenge event, which might just open the doors to the family for them.

Chu Yangxing announced, "The last participant for the test, Chu Yangxiang, please enter."

All the Profound Warriors fixed their gaze on Chu Yangxiang, aware of his remarkable talent. From the day his abilities were first assessed, the family head had confined Chu Xiaoxiang and his brother Chu Tixiang for his sake. He had nearly crippled Chu Huixiang's hands without facing any repercussions from the family. He had also bested Chu Mingxiang and agreed to a duel with Chu Huixiang's brother, Chu Guangxiang, following today's test.

Chu Yangxiang was clearly not to be underestimated.

Chu Xiaoxiang, with a skeptical twist of his mouth, remarked, "Whether he'll pass the test is still up in the air."

"Exactly. It'll be quite the joke if he fails."

"And even if he passes, he's no match for Chu Guangxiang."

Unperturbed by the murmurs around him, Chu Yangxiang offered a slight smile.

He calmly positioned his arm on the palm rest of the Profound Power Test Device, channeling his Profound Power into the machine.

One red line crept up, followed by another, and then another.

The onlookers watched in amazement as the young man on the platform triggered line after line. Their eyes were wide with surprise.

The Fifth Elder's kindly face was alight with barely contained excitement; Chu Yangxiang was on the verge of reaching the Profound Warrior Two-star level.

The Fifth Elder was inwardly astounded.

Chu Qingyong watched Chu Yangxiang with joy, stroking his beard and saying with a smile, "The Chu Family must prioritize his development."