Disappointment

Ben's anxiety rose as each child near him went ahead. Most of the spirits announced were tier 3 or 4, as was expected. Then, Derek's name was called out. He walked up confidently, no nervousness or anxiety seen on his face. He placed his left hand on the Tablet and his right in the Master's waiting hands. Few moments later, and blinding light emitted from the Tablet, a dazzling sword, about a metre long, with a blue hilt could be seen in it. The Master took more than minute before announcing, " Eminent Skyfall Sword, tier 9, peak Profound tier martial spirit." There was a stunned silence following the announcement, all the individuals on the stage were on their feet. Derek, with proud smile on his face swaggered back to the group.

The brilliance of Derek's spirit outshone the next few spirits that were awoken, until Riya. When her name was called, Riya quietly moved forward, then same cold, indifferent expression on her face. After the channeling was done, another weapon spirit was formed, wreathed in flames , "The Eternal Flame Halberd, tier 9, fire affinity", the Master announced. Another stunned silence followed, after which the loud clamoring began. Two tier 9 spirits, peak Profound tier spirits were formed today, near legendary spirits. Prosperous times were ahead for the Silvester Family. Again, the clamour took sometime to die down. The number remaining children, dwindled. When Ben's name was called, there were only 3 remaining.

He had to concentrate, not to stumble, as he approached the tablet. He placed one hand on the tablet's cold surface while he offered the other to the waiting Master. The old man grabbed his hand, and lowered his head in concentration. A few moments later, he could feel some warmth in his hand, which quickly turned into a burning sensation. As the pain increased, he looked at the tablet for any reaction. A few minutes passed,and the pain intensified, when black coloured gas started to appear and it slowly began to form a tornado. The tornado started to get bigger and the black gas got more thicker. Both the Masters frowned. The wait continued for a few more moments still, when two horned reptilian heads appeared out of the tornado. Slowly, the tornado receded a bit so that more of the body of the creature was visible. It seemed to be like a two headed snake, one head bright yellow while other pitch black, it body long and sleek, extending into the black gas of the tornado. Ben looked at the Appraisal Master to see him still frowning. Another minute passed before he declared " Two Headed Horned Python, variant of the Horned Python, tier 6, peak earth tier."

As he dropped his hand from the stone, the first thing Ben felt was relief, he had awakened a spirit at least. Then came disappointment, tier 6 spirit, was not too bad, but it was not excellent either. He would have to work very hard to even have any hope of catching up to Derek or Riya. He stood with the rest of the children as the last 2 kids were called and their spirits announced.

After the ceremony was finished, the Appraisal Master announced that the kids could collect their certificates recording their martial spirits the next day and then both of them left. The Patriarch the stood up, "Congratulations to all the young ones here who have taken their first step on the road of cultivation today." , with that he left the hall. Ben stood still, as he watched the family members of the children approach them, some comforting the kids while others sharing their joy. Ramon approached his son and gave a pat on his shoulder, beaming proudly before leaving. Rupert on the other hand gave his daughter a hug, before leading her out of the hall, she held the same cold, indifferent expression on her face. He saw Richard trying make his way over to him. He was in no mood to talk, so slipped into the crowd and out of the hall avoiding his uncle.

He returned to his residence and sat in the courtyard thinking. As per his knowledge, a cultivator with a tier 6 spirit would take at least 3 to 4 years before he would he reach higher stages of Body Tempering that too with a good cultivation technique, while someone like Derek or Riya, with a peak Profound tier spirit may reach Qi Condensation in a year and half. He had no hope of getting the Vibrant Swallow Art of the Silvester Clan, with such a low tier spirit.

" Young Master", Oram approached. " I hope I'm not intruding, but Master Richard was here, hoping to talk to you, I informed him that you don't want meet anyone today. He left.", " Thanks Oram", Ben sighed.

"What are you thinking about Young Master", Oram inquired. " Our next move, Oram. With a tier 6 martial spirit, I would never be able to catch to the likes of Derek. We won't be having this house for too long I'm sure. Our allowance may also decrease further, so a new income source will be needed. Lots of things to consider Oram." "Young Master, I have something for you", he extended a sealed letter to Ben, " Master Raymond left it with me, to give you on the day you awoke your martial spirit." Ben took the letter from Oram. After delivering it, Oram went back inside the house.

When Ben opened it, he found a silver medallion and a note inside. The medallion was the size of a chicken egg, with intricate markings on it's edge, it had an 'A' engraved on one side while the other side showed a dragon's head. It did not weigh much. It seemed be worth a few silvers, if he wanted to sell it. He then turned his attention to the note.