C3 The Test

Wang Tianxia had only one son, Wang Shan, and his greatest fear was that harm might befall him. "If Zhang Bao challenges you and you can't beat him, just concede defeat. That way, at least you'll stay alive."

The feud between the Wang and Zhang families dated back to Wang Shan's grandfather's time. The animosity ran so deep that reconciliation was unthinkable. Should Zhang Bao ever engage Wang Shan in a duel to the death, he would undoubtedly do everything in his power to kill him.

"Don't worry," Wang Shan reassured. "My life isn't so easily taken. Not just anyone can claim it." He kept to himself the fact that he had awakened his bloodline.

Wang Tianxia was deeply concerned for his son, but he also knew Wang Shan was clever. If Wang Shan found himself outmatched by Zhang Bao, he certainly wouldn't recklessly engage in battle.

"Alright, I'll be at the testing point waiting for you," Wang Tianxia said before departing, his affection and concern for his son evident. Wang Shan watched his father leave, silently vowing, "Dad, rest assured. I'm not the weakling I once was. If Zhang Bao thinks he can get the better of me, I'll leave him crippled!"

Afterward, Wang Shan summoned five women to bathe and enjoy a massage. An hour later, prompted by Jiaxia, he arrived punctually at Cloud City's testing point with the five stunning women in tow.

Wang Shan's arrival sparked a flurry of whispers among the onlookers. It was common knowledge that without any real skills, Wang Shan had only come this far because of his father, Wang Tianxia. Many saw him as a contemptible man, fond of beautiful women, indulgent in drink, and exceedingly greedy—a man utterly devoid of Cultivation Talent. Without Wang Tianxia's influence, Wang Shan would likely have been destitute.

But in a world that revered the art of cultivation, there was no place for the likes of Wang Shan to thrive unchecked. Unconcerned with the crowd's judgment, Wang Shan took his seat and waited.

The Test Officer began calling out the names of the participants. One after another, fifteen-year-old boys approached the platform and placed their right hands on the Divine Stone. Their Cultivation Talents were indicated by colors: purple for the highest, followed by blue, and then white.

Purple signifies individuals with extraordinary talent.

Blue signifies those with average talent, yet capable of entering the world of cultivation to become a cultivator. They may not bring honor to their ancestors, but they won't have to worry about sustenance for the rest of their lives.

White indicates a lack of any talent, with a life destined for mediocrity.

Most youths are blue. Despite their average talent, they have the potential to delve into the realm of cultivation.

Unfortunately, two or three individuals are less fortunate, possessing white talents, signifying they cannot become cultivators and must find other ways to earn a living.

"Zhang Bao!"

The Test Officer called out the name, causing a stir among the crowd.

It was common knowledge that Zhang Bao was the most gifted individual in Cloud City this year.

Insider information from the Zhang family revealed that fifteen-year-old Zhang Bao had already mastered the first level of the Human Rank Water Condensing Arts!

Clearly, Zhang Bao was a person of exceptional talent.

He approached the Divine Stone amid the focused attention of many onlookers.

Numerous prominent families in Cloud City were eager to forge a strong relationship with Zhang Bao, anxiously awaiting the outcome of his test.

Zhang Bao placed his right hand on the Divine Stone.

Quickly, the stone's color brightened, shifting from white to blue, and finally to the most brilliant purple.

Though the purple hue lasted only a brief moment, it was enough to astonish everyone there and earn their acclaim.

Zhang Bao possessed the Purple Tiger Talent, with a speed and understanding beyond that of ordinary people.

However, such talent couldn't compare to those with true bloodlines. Legend has it that only those with the bloodlines of mythical creatures like the flood dragon or the Fire Phoenix are the true chosen ones, with unmatched cultivation speed and insight.

Yet, in a modest place like Cloud City, Zhang Bao's awakening of the Purple Tiger Talent already marked him as a prodigy. The Test Officer was thoroughly impressed.

"Next, Wang Shan!" The Test Officer read the name with a sense of resignation.

Despite the young heir of the Wang family having no talent, he would soon have to rig the test to elicit a blue response from the stone, as Wang Tianxia was his mentor.