Main Chapter: Reflecting Moon Evaluation Exam.

As the procession gathered on The Peak. Noises of surprise and awe broke out towards the back. And towards the front, all the youths but Xuan Yu was showing some bit of interest.

The thing that had grasped their interest was a beautiful pool of aquamarine fluid. And as the dawn's light touched it, it seemed to flicker with countless stars.

They could see it breathe, they could see that it was alive. They could feel their fears, their anxiousness seeping away. It was comforting, calming, relaxing.

The youths who looked on felt a pure peace settle within them. Well, all but Xuan Yu who had not only seen multiple pools of Qi like this. Purer more beautiful pools but had even seen it crystallized. And the fine craftsmanship that could be made from it.

The Elders who were watching on had deep smiles on their face. They themselves remembered their first interaction with Qi. While others were just infected with the delight the young members of the Clan felt. And as Xuan Yu's reminiscing expression made him seem transfixed albeit still cold. The Elders were satisfied. And so, they allowed the youths to remain in uninterrupted awe.

When Dawn was over, and the Sun had fully risen. It was time for the spell to be broken.

The Lord of Mount Ruo. The Leader of both the Qing Ruo Clan and the former mid, now low-ranked Sect, the Reflecting Moon.

Qing Ruo Deng Shui. Stood at the center of an upper platform of a half ring structure built around the pool. On his right were five seats and five Elders in front of them. On his left were five seats and four Elders in front of them. The second on his left was empty.

Behind Deng Shui was a white banner with the Qing Ruo Mountain emblazoned on it. Behind each Elder and the empty spot was a banner with the symbol of their responsibility on it.

Further down on both sides of the ring were places for other seating but when an event has occurred 14,570 times since it first started. It doesn't bring the same size crowds that it did on its first tenure.

A gentle burst of Qi, invisible to the youths, flowed out from Deng Shui.

And a new round of awe and surprise-filled the crowd. Under the lights of the newly risen sun. Several motes of colors seemed to fade into existence. Drifting around the Qi Spring like leaves in the wind. However, as sometimes they would dart about some may liken them to fireflies instead.

Silver, orange, deep yellow, clear blue, green, grey, violet, clear green, deep black and bright white. These ten colors floated around the pool. Some lively others merely drifting while others simply bobbed in place.

Many of the youths were transfixed once more. However, most of those from cultivator families already knew what exactly those were. But the sight was still pretty enough and rare enough to draw almost all of them in.

Xuan Yu, however, had a different focus; his eyes were on the Qi Spring. An idea forming in his mind.

'I wonder if they would strike me down immediately if I drained the pool. If they don't immediately strike I could probably snatch the Dao Essences, as well.

Maybe, if there was only one half-baked Elder I could do something. But though this pool only seems half-guarded. Every sect guards their Qi Well with as much as they can spare. And though The Reflecting Moon is a low-tier Sect it is old and probably has its own share of troublesome traps.'

'Mm, pretty accurate but those traps aren't anything you can't handle. Though with your current state, you would bloat up like a pig ready for slaughter.'

Xuan Yu laughed at the idea, but most wouldn't notice not even Xuan Yi did.

Believing that the youths had looked enough. Deng Shui moved his hand and five, smooth, flat stones fell into the Qi pool. Evenly spread the first fell in the middle and the last fell near the edge.

"Youths of Mt. Ruo, every one of you has already been tested. Without a doubt, you all may one day call yourself Cultivators. And you may one day call yourself Immortal. Being known throughout the land as a Grand Sage. Living a life unaffected by time. A life where no common method could threaten your existence. A life where your equals would number just thirteen.

Today is the day you'll see how smooth that journey will be. The moment you'll learn the most important thing about you, your talent."

Deng Shui's Qi infused voice boomed throughout the Ruo Mountain. And though many of the youths seemed to disagree with Deng Shui's last words. Youths like Xuan Yu who knew the cruelty others were capable of. Knew that power was the most important thing in the cultivation word. And knew that talent was what dictated how fast that power came and how much of it came, knew there was truth to those words.

The air seemed to shiver in the eyes of the youth after Deng Shui's word. However, it was just the lingering Qi.

"Relax, feel free to sit on the grass. The land here cannot be easily dirtied. Sleep if you wish, I know some of you young lords are up earlier than you are comfy with.

Once it is time, we will call your name when it is your turn to come forth. Until then, relax."

Deng Shui's voice stilled laced in Qi but of a different tune. Was heard this time only on the Peak. His voice was now soft and gentle. The Qi in it made one liken him to a kindly and admirable grandfather. And as he told the youths to relax many of them subconsciously did.

'The hypocrisy of the Righteous Sects is truly vast. A technique that they claim to have banned. Swearing never to use on children. Is used so openly and freely. Under the name of, "exceptions." Their oaths and laws are filled with more loopholes then substance.'

'Is that why you chose to have everyone die, instead of joining up with the Righteous Sects?'

Hearing the question, Xuan Yu quieted for a moment.

Many of those present did as Deng Shui said and relaxed. Sitting on the ground and gathering by their friends. Some of those who were near the back of the procession had chosen to sleep. The Peak was cool, the grass was soft and seemingly unstainable and the ground beneath them radiated a comfy warmth.

Xuan Yi did not know what to do and seeing his brother just standing there. Cold and arrogant as always. He defaulted to what he was used to, standing in his brother shadow. Though now that they were ten and thirteen respectively, their heights were almost the same. So, Xuan Yi didn't exactly fit in Xuan Yu's shadow anymore.

The girl from the Fan family sat on the grass her chin on her knees. Her eyes transfixed on the Qi Well before her.

The boy from the Dai family, however, stood stock still. His expression was more wrathful than before. His fierce gaze on the Dao Essences.

While the girl from the Tan family was sleeping sloppily in the grass. Her drool making a mess on her purple robes.