Main Chapter: Qing Ruo Dai Tian.

It had taken a bit more time than planned but the Fivefold Argent Qi Stone formation had finally activated. The Qing Ruo Evaluation could finally begin.

The Leaders of Qing Ruo all took their seat. Except for the Elder on the left. On the banner behind him was an image of the Qing Ruo sacred treasure, a gunbai, and a scroll containing information on the Clan Rites, the public ones.

The image of the Second Elder, Qing Ruo Neng Zhi, flickered and he appeared floating above the Qi pool. Near its northern end.

"It is time, ambitious youths. Step forward, when you are called, learn your worth."

Neng Zhi did not try to influence those before him. His voice was naturally melancholic and drawling, but it was not low. Instead, it seemed to grate into one's bones. Forcing them to focus on him. An innate talent.

"Dai Tian, step forward."

Dai Tian's expression grew worse and it looked as if he was ready to murder the Elder who called him forth.

Of course, he did not do this, walking forward in a straight line. His back straight, his bearing noble. And a light bead of sweat trickled down his forehead. The only slight to his refinement. However, he was the first to go up after all. He was understandably nervous.

Dai Tian stood in front of the Qi Spring. And as he stared deeply into it he saw images of himself, reflected. The image was never the same it showed him as a baby, a child, as he was now, an adult, an old man, a common mortal, an animal, a rock and an immortal. He knew they were all variations of him.

His nervousness made him close his eyes, but he was a member of the Dai Family. So, he collected himself. Swallowed his fear and focused his gaze. An action that made him look even eviler.

"Scared? Don't worry if you fall. We will catch you. It's too early for you to learn to what happens to mortals that fall into Qi."

'The excess life causes growths inside their body. Their form becomes twisted. It doesn't just end at something like growing a new arm. But if one submerged a mortal hand into it. They could find a new eco-system growing on the arm. Small trees, insects, strange creatures. Their hand swelling to a size so big they would be unable to move. Of course, it wouldn't just end there the Qi would have long spread throughout the body. And would quickly find themselves becoming an amalgamation.

And this would all take about… three breaths.'

'Full marks.'

Qi Amalgamations were important, Xuan Yu couldn't help but check his knowledge.

Just like him, Dai Tian was fully aware of Qi Amalgamations. His Big Sister often warned him of the threats in the world.

But he wasn't scared for this reason, he was scared because he was from one of the Major Families.

He knew that this evaluation would dictate his treatment in the Clan. That more than blood relations. Qing Ruo valued power. Dai Tian knew this mountain had its twisted tales. Knew his family had a part in quite a few of them. So, he was scared. His heart ran in his ears.

"Take as many steps as you can."

Dai Tian did not hesitate. He stepped onto the first stone easily. Though it was barely big enough to stand on it did not shake under him.

More confident he moved to take the second step, but an invisible pressure weighed down on him. He struggled to move forward, and his foot inched forward slightly. Eventually, his foot landed on the second step and he brought forth his other with ease. Standing on the second stone he was exhausted but happy.

"I don't know if I can make it to the third." Dai Tian thought to himself. "But if this is all I can do, I would be better off falling into the Spring."

Gritting his teeth, clenching his fist Dai Tian pressed forward and struggled with all his might. When he felt he could go no further by stretching his legs. He slammed his fists into the invisible pressure. Pushing on, a deep, low roar came from him and he found himself on the third.

As he quickly steadied himself hope began to fill his heart.

"Not here, further."

Dai Tian no longer hesitated he jumped, and the invisible pressure made it seem as if he was caught in a net. But Dai Tian ignored it and pushed with all his might. Sweat pouring from him as he strained. And then finally he made it to the fourth.

Landing he fell to his knees, exhausted but elated.

"One more, just one more."

Dai Tian looked at the fifth stone, confident. And he stepped forward. But he was hit by an invisible force so hard, he couldn't breathe. He crumpled and fell to one knee. Falling back on the fourth stone. Gasping hard for what little air he could take.

"Damn it," Dai Tian knew he couldn't make it. But, "How, can I, how the hell can I accept giving up when the last step is right there?"

Dai Tian righted himself his gaze resolute and fixed on the fifth stone.

"I will make it, I will make it, or I will die."

Gasps started to flow out through the procession. Yet Dai Tian ignored them. His hands clenched, his breath slow and heavy. He changed his position. Setting himself like a spring a leg behind the other.

Unbeknownst to him, the violet lights had begun to gather around him. Vibrating as they drifted upwards around him. His black hair being lifted along with the violet lights.

"I will make it or die."

His body relaxed and then with the violet crackling lights he leaped forth. The force that hit him was as hard as before. But Dai Tian was unrelenting he struggled and fought, The violet lights by his side. Inch by inch he fought his way forward. A roar escaped his lips as he reached the half-way point.

"I am not done yet!"

But that was his limit. The pressure intensified, almost doubling. And Dai Tian fell unconscious. His body falling towards the Qi Well.

The image of Neng Zhi caught him. And then a breeze picked him up from his arms and Dai Tian was carried softly onto the grass beneath the Elders sitting area. The violet lights followed him for a while longer before returning to float over the pool of Qi.

"Dai Tian, four steps, second-class talent. Affinity, lightning, innate."

The procession was filled with chatter and there was praise for Dai Tian and there were a few whispers of lines alongside; "how unsightly" or "how heroic."

Like the procession, the Elders were commenting on it and Xuan Yu was reading their messages.

"Congratulations to Brother Dai, you've produced a good son and a capable daughter."

"He still needs guidance."

"Indeed, the Cultivation World isn't for 'good' people."

'Ah, but it is for the "righteous" according to you lot.'