C2 The Test

The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, bringing a hush over the once noisy crowd. All eyes were drawn to Shen Mengxian, and everyone was momentarily spellbound by her presence.

The young woman gracefully approached Chu Tian, her exquisite face breaking into a breathtaking smile. "Tian, I wish to join you in this examination!" she exclaimed.

A softness flickered in Chu Tian's steady gaze. In his past life, he was consumed by martial arts, but in his final moments, he realized that the true essence of martial arts is rooted in humanity itself.

With seven emotions and six desires, humans are inherently flawed. How could the martial path be complete without embracing these?

In this life, Chu Tian embraced the emotions he once shunned, with Shen Mengxian as his chosen companion. "Mount up, let's head out," he said with a smile, taking the young woman's hand. A gust of wind swept around them as she nestled into his embrace, and with a powerful leap, they rode off on the snowy unicorn, leaving nothing but a trail of dust behind.

As the dust settled, the onlookers snapped out of their trance, only to find the pair had vanished. After a moment of reflection, they sighed in unison, "Truly, a match made in heaven!"

The sound of hoofbeats startled the crowd, drawing their attention to a procession of ten riders speeding by. The golden figure shone brightly, and the black cavalry moved like a shadowy gale.

"Tian, isn't that the Black Wind Cavalry of the Yan Empire? What brings them to Ogeigh?" someone asked, puzzled.

"You don't know? That must be Yan Nanfeng, the First Prince of the Yan Kingdom leading them," another replied.

Recognition dawned on the faces of those who had been confused. Yan Nanfeng was renowned among the young women of Yizera for his passionate nature.

Having fallen for Shen Mengxian at first sight, Yan Nanfeng was utterly captivated by her. Despite his relentless efforts and clever schemes to win her affection, she had already given her heart to another. Yet, Yan Nanfeng's pursuit remained undeterred. His arrival in Ogeigh was undoubtedly another attempt to capture the favor of the woman he adored.

The Rising Dragon Pavilion towered with its five majestic levels, dwarfing even the grandeur of the Chu Mansion, which paled in comparison.

From a distance, crowds could be seen gathering at the pavilion's base, while the intricately carved pavilion behind them radiated a unique and captivating charm.

Today marked the day of the sect's examination, held within this very structure. Members of the sect sat poised on each level, surveying the throngs below. They shook their heads in disapproval more often than not, sparing nods of satisfaction for only a select few.

Atop the pavilion, a mere five individuals held court. Three hailed from the Coldtalons Sect, while the other two represented the Frigid Sword Sect, a rival of equal standing. The last figure, shrouded in a black robe, was an enigma, his presence betrayed only by the faint outline of a long blade embroidered on his garment.

"To be honest, this year's crop of talent is underwhelming. I can't help but feel disappointed," Lei Hongyuan remarked, setting his gaze aside as he sipped his tea leisurely.

"True, but the young master from the Chu Family is exceptionally gifted. I'm hopeful he'll bring us a pleasant surprise this time," Chang Qianyu agreed, his eyes narrowing with anticipation as he peered into the distance.

"He's arrived!"

Even the typically silent trio turned their attention in the same direction. A snow-white unicorn, its single horn gleaming, charged into view. Atop its back, a striking couple nestled close, the picture of romance and envy.

"This kid never changes... Shen Long would have a fit if he saw this, probably skin him alive," Lei Hongyuan mused with a shake of his head. Rising to his feet, he leaped down from the pavilion, the other two Coldtalons elders in tow.

"Elder Shuo, I shall take my leave," announced Wan Tiangang of the Frigid Sword Sect, bowing slightly before descending the pavilion steps. The vast space was now left to the solitary figure in black.

He approached the window, his gaze fixed on Chu Tian, who commanded the attention of all on his unicorn steed. A spark of interest flickered in his otherwise dull eyes as he whispered to himself, "Is it a calamity, a connection, or a prodigy? Fascinating... truly fascinating..."

The elderly man descended at a leisurely pace, his body stooped and exuding an air of lifelessness.

Boom, boom, boom!

The resonant toll of the bell echoed, prompting the expectant crowd to adopt a more solemn demeanor. The Coldtalons sect examination was underway!

Lei Hongyuan, accompanied by two others, made his way to the center of the area, surveying the gathered individuals. He spoke deliberately, "I trust you are all well-versed in the rules by now. You may choose freely between the second and third tests. But remember, if you fail even once, you forfeit your chance..."

Turning to Chang Qianyu, he continued, "Elder Qianyu, I entrust the proceedings to you."

As the group reclaimed their seats, Chang Qianyu, looking down upon the assembly, called out, "Bring forth the Martial Tablet!"

With a rumbling sound, the earth parted to reveal an ancient stone tablet that rose slowly into view.

The tablet stood roughly thirty feet tall and was six feet wide, its surface densely inscribed with enigmatic, profound, and weighty ancient script.

"First up, Li Xiao from the Li Family..."

Chang Qianyu, composed as ever, announced a name, and a young man, his face alight with excitement, stepped forward from the crowd.

"Sit before the Martial Tablet and clear your mind."

Li Xiao nodded emphatically and promptly seated himself cross-legged, endeavoring to relax as instructed. Moments later, a soft white glow emanated from the tablet, followed by an almost imperceptible mark forming at its apex.

"Mediocre Martial Talent, one vein in the foundation. Not qualified."

"How can this be... I am the Li Family's prodigy. The Martial Tablet must be malfunctioning," Li Xiao protested, his voice tinged with hysteria.

Years of martial training had all been for this moment, yet the words 'not qualified' crushed every illusion he held.

"Silence!" Chang Qianyu's gaze struck like lightning, and Li Xiao was sent reeling, spitting blood and collapsing to the ground as lifeless as a fallen dog.

"Worthless!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Chang Qianyu disdainfully flipped him aside.

"Next, Zhao Yifeng from the Zhao Family."

"Average Martial Talent, foundation of four veins. You are qualified."

"Fantastic, fantastic! I, Zhao Yifeng, have made it!"

Joy radiated from those who succeeded, while the unsuccessful ones were visibly disheartened—a scene all too familiar. The Coldtalons Sect's examinations were notoriously rigorous, with only one in ten candidates making the cut.

"Tian, Xianxian is eagerly awaiting your turn!" Shen Mengxian stood next to Chu Tian, her eyes brimming with affection.

Chu Tian gazed at the Martial Monument, intrigued, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

"...Not qualified!"

Chang Qianyu shook his head, a look of dejection on his face. A brief scan had told him that there weren't many promising candidates in this batch, but the reality was even more disappointing than he had anticipated. As he read the name on the jade cylinder, his spirits lifted, "Next up, Chu Tian of the Chu family!"

"It's finally Young Master Chu's turn. With his exceptional talent, he's sure to be outstanding."

"Indeed, our Ogeigh City hasn't seen someone of Young Master Chu's remarkable abilities in a millennium."

"It's not just the Chu family that will thrive—our entire Ogeigh City is set for greatness!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement, all eyes fixed on Chu Tian.

Chu Tian offered a carefree smile, exuding grace with every move. He strode confidently to the Martial Monument and casually seated himself on the ground.

In this moment, he held the undivided attention of the masses.

In this instant, you could hear a pin drop.

In this brief pause, the world seemed to stand still.

Young Master Chu of the Chu family was on the verge of taking flight!