Main Chapter: A joke.

"Tan Cui, step forward."

The girl who was sleeping, of course, did not answer. Neng Zhi's image gave a low, grating laugh.

Forming a fist, he grabbed towards Tan Cui. The air around Tan Cui stirred, and she was lifted up by the transparent Qi hand Neng Zhi formed. His grip wasn't rough in the slightest and he brought Tan Cui over to where Dai Tian stood.

Then he shook her. Twisting his wrist left and right. Lifting his hand up and down. Then rotating it.

Tan Cui who was on the verge of vomiting was then dropped. Falling to her knees her head hung low as she considered losing her late-night or rather early morning snacks.

Laughter was breaking out from the group of youths. But Tan Cui ignored it. She got up, burped and then wiped the drool from her mouth.

Though people were laughing at her. Tan Cui didn't seem to care. She simply stood there with half-opened eyes.

"Tenth Elder, your daughter is… interesting."

"It is fine to say it. This old man knows his only child is greatly lacking in conduct."

Though much of Neng Zhi's appearance was obscured his smile from bullying a junior was evident.

"Tan Cui take as many steps as you can."

Tan Cui brushed her black hair out of her face then took a step forward and slipped.

Power burst out from Neng Zhi. A violent torrent of energy. Tan Cui who was righted before her slip was even obvious went pale. The energy from Neng Zhi pressed down on her, relentlessly.

"Qing Ruo Tan Cui, your arrogance can be forgiven as you are young. But thinking that all those around you are more ignorant than you. Is nothing but the thinking of a fool and Qing Ruo has no need of fools."

Tan Cui allowed the energy from Neng Zhi to force her to kneel and she did so gracefully as if she intended to all along.

"Elder Tan, your daughter is arrogant."

"Too arrogant."

"I know, I did warn my brothers and sister. I failed to teach her discipline."

Their private conversation finish. Their attention focused on Tan Cui. The pressure of the Nine Elders of Qing Ruo pressed down on Tan Cui. Her expression quickly turned to a grimace.

"Qing Ruo Tan Cui has made a fool of herself. Before family and friends. I ask for forgiveness for my attempted deception."

"Granted."

Deng Shui's word laid the matter to rest.

Hearing him speak the Peak quietened down. Those who were laughing went silent and so did all private conversations.

"Tan Cui, once more. And remember your joke was only funny once."

Neng Zhi's voice drawled out once more. And Tan Cui sighed as if she was an old man. Getting up from her kneel. Then stretching as if she had not moved in years.

She gave a mock salute to the place her father's image stood and then leaped forward.

Crossing the first, the second, the third, the fourth and landing on the fifth.

Silence, Tan Cui stood on the fifth stone yawning disgracefully. However, even after she showed everyone the inside of her mouth. There was still just silence on the peak.

A moment that should have been of great celebration in Qing Ruo. The last person to show such talent, outside of Xuan Shen who was an outsider and the man no longer talked about. Was from the Lord Ruo of four generations ago.

But looking at the behavior of the person who received such results. It was hard for a celebratory mood to sprout among the Elders.

In the procession, after Dai Tian's display those who did not know about the details of exam. Like those from the Lower Mortal Ring. Initially, thought the exam was fierce and difficult. But after seeing Tan Cui's display they could no longer tell.

Others in the procession who knew the difficulty of the test. Were simply dumbfounded, some even had their mouth agape. Xuan Yu, as expected, was wearing his one expression.

"Congratulations to Brother Tan, on your… daughter."

Tan Chu, however, didn't respond. He already knew once he saw that weird gesture. That his migraines would start acting up.

"Arrogant, strong, lazy and wishing to cut corners. Brother Yue your foresight is good. She will be well acquainted with our Punishment Elder."

The image of Tan Chu rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Apologies to Brother Fu, for future troubles."

"If Brother Yue, can't straighten her out. Then sure, I'll beat her up for you."

While the Elders were laughing. Neng Zhi and Tan Cui were having a standoff. Neng Zhi had already laid out an illusionary walkway for Tan Cui to return. However, the latter just stared at him with half-closed eyes.

Seeing as she had performed well. Neng Zhi gave in. Moving his hand, he performed the spell once more picking up Tan Cui and then placing her near Dai Tian.

Shaking his head after seeing Tan Cui curl up and fall asleep. Neng Zhi announced her results.

"Tan Cui, five steps, first-class talent. No affinity."