Chapter Thirty Six - I see an old foe

"Confirmed, seventeen years of age, tertiary stage."

The Teacher That Pike introduced them too was named Reece. There were two tests that Jin Li was required to perform; the bone test, which calculated his age and the spirit test, which calculated his cultivation level. These two tests were the minimal required tests, however if the person had no cultivation, but the potential for it, then they could still take the latter entry tests.

The Teacher was polite to Jin Li seeing as he had somehow earned Pike's approval, however, he was not expecting much of the man, who from his posture, was clearly an arrogant young master. His eyebrows raised slightly, even more so when the youth appeared dissatisfied with his results. Why? He could not fathom. Breaking through to tertiary level at his young age, what sort of pills and teachings had he had to be able to reach this level. Was he not concerned that his cultivation might be unstable?

"Y-you r-really are s-seventeen?" The small youth beside the young master questioned.

"I just told you so, did I not?" Jin Li scowled.

"D-didn't think y-you were younger th-than m-me," the boy muttered.

"Oh?" Came the response.

"W-well y-your s-s-so m-much b-bigger than m-me!" There was a hint of complaint behind his worlds.

"You are just small," Jin Li stated, causing the boy to pout a little, his arms crossed about his chest. Pike muffled a chuckle with his fist. As always, this country bumpkin amused him.

"And would this young boy also be applying today," the Teacher interrupted them, causing Pike to chuckle just a little more.

"I'm a-a-already e-enrolled, s-sir," Leon replied with a slight squeak. "Um.. a-a-alchem-mist s-school."

"I see," the Teacher gave him a long stare, which caused him to flush under the scrutiny. He turned back to his companion. "Well, there are nothing wrong with your initial tests. Pike, would you show this young man where the secondary tests take place."

"Yes, Teacher Reese," Pike agreed and indicated that Jin Li ought to follow him.

"I-I sh-should go then?" Leon turned around, thinking in some dismay that the crowd about them had thickened. Jin Li grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him back to his side. Pike raised an eyebrow at this, but moved to the rear of the plaza, away from the crowd and towards a number of tents that had been set up.

They entered the tents, only to find that the internal space had been distorted and was very much larger on the inside, like the interspacial bag but on a bigger scale, came Leon's first thought. Five areas had been formed within the tent representing the five schools of the institute. The martial arts school had set up a fair sized platform where potential warriors could challenge their seniors and display their skills. Currently, one senior had just finished knocking the some of the arrogance out of his opponent, who was now attempting to bluster with excuses.

"I wasn't ready!" The young master complained.

"Oh?" Came the response. "Well perhaps you ought to return once you are." Anyone who was listening could hear the implication of his words. The young master bowed his head to one side and allowed his servants to attend him.

The beast-taming school had a number of minor beasts with them, not strong enough to cause too much harm to new students, but not tame enough to be considered pets. One young girl had already made the mistake of thinking otherwise and her elaborate braids were ruined as the 'cute kitty' swiped its golden claws through them. She was screaming to an attendant to 'get it off', but the girl servant looked more terrified than her mistress.

The magic school had set a barrier around their area and youths were attempting to use whatever ability to produce something wonderous. One young man in silken robes produced a handful of blue flames, while the nervous youth next to him accidentally produced a small geyser of water and put out the fire. There were muffled laughs, but the victim simply brushed it off and kindly congratulated the other on his talent.

The scholars were quieter, a smattering of books and parchment about them, cheap inks and brushes. The few students that they had attracted were testing their hand at scribing or attempting to impress the seniors with their knowledge.

And then there was the alchemist school.

Unlike Leon, who stepped quickly into the shadow of Jin Li, Caprian could not hide his obese form and sour face. He clearly did not want to be here attempting to encourage youths to their school. He sat beside an unlit cauldron, with a smattering of various herbs, perhaps preparing for a demonstration. He was not the only alchemist student there, but Leon couldn't help but wonder how his pill would come out, considering, if rumours were true, he rarely produced pills by himself.

Jin Li did not know about Caprian, not that he would care either, so simply questioned the boy trying to hide using his taller form. "What are you doing?" He scowled, looking down at him.

"N-nothing," Leon replied, nervously.

Pike did not notice Leon's behaviour and instead suggested that Jin Li's skills be analysed.