Main Chapter: … and the Moon rises.

Xuan Yu's expression was cold and uncaring. Causing the gaze others held on him to become even harsher.

And he took it all in. Those from the lower Mortal Ring were indifferent, pitying or irritated with his arrogance. Those from the Higher Mortal Ring were mocking and laughing. Those from the Minor Cultivating Ring were either disappointed, irritated or mocking. The girl from the Fan family was pitying him. And Xuan Yi was in shock. Tan Cui was sleeping, and Dan Tian was still unconscious.

He wasn't looking at them to hold a grudge. Just taking in what he did not notice before.

Neng Zhi brought forth the amethyst walkway once more. Leading over the formation to the seating area where Dan Tian and Tan Cui was.

Xuan Yu ignored it however and walked back over the pool. Walking towards Xuan Yi.

'Long ago, foolish little brother, after failing at the first step. I did not know what to do. I stood there like a fool. My long fall had just begun, and I was truly at a loss.

Even after Neng Zhi called my name. I just stood there. Finally, fed up with me. He used his spell and threw me over to the side.

Next, it was your turn, you were scared, and the crowd was laughing. And after being called, you hesitated, then fell over yourself. Being scolded, mocked and laughed at you made your way to the pool. And took only one step. You did not believe you could move anymore. But Deng Shui spoke, cajoling you with Qi and your results… well, let us change that.'

The image of Neng Zhi shook his head at Xuan Yu. He couldn't recall any juniors who had outright ignore his actions in a while.

"Xuan Yi, step forward."

Xuan Yi wanted to say something, but he heard his name and froze up.

"Xuan Yi."

The irritation in the second call was clear. Xuan Yi stepped forward and tripped over himself. Laughter broke out. As well as a cry of, "A waste and a fool."

Before Xuan Yi fell completely. Xuan Yu caught him. After helping Xuan Yi right himself. He dusted off the latter and then began to mess with his hair.

More laughter and mockery broke out in the procession. However, the Elders were silent. Xuan Yu was changing Xuan Yi's hairstyle to resemble the 4th Elder.

"Big brother." Xuan Yi said his cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

Finished Xuan Yu, turned Xuan Yi toward the pool and pushed him forward.

"Go on, don't think of anything else just walk forward."

After stumbling forward. Xuan Yi turned back after hearing his brother's words. Seeing the same indifferent expression, he felt reassured. Turning back to the Qi Spring. He walked forward his gaze was calm. But a very different type of calm than the one Xuan Yu showed.

Neng Zhi and the other leaders were silent. Looking at Xuan Yi some of them glanced at the Fourth Elder's seat.

"Xuan Yi, take as many steps as you can."

The first step the Dao essences began to gather around Xuan Yu. The second step the Qi Spring rippled slightly. The third step it rippled again. The fourth step the Qi Spring churned. The fifth its stirring was audible. The Qi Spring rippled continuously and the Dao essences flickered around restlessly.

Xuan Yi didn't notice this and tried to take another step. The shocking scene had left people silent. So, when Xuan Yi had taken another step and was about to fall in the Qi Spring. No one reacted immediately.

Neng Zhi however, caught him before he fell. Standing on the fifth stone Xuan Yi finally realized what was going on around him. He like many others looked dazedly at the Qi Well and the Dao essences.

"Choose one."

None of those on the Peak realized that it was Xuan Yu who had said that. Nor that his eyes had been closed since Xuan Yi began walking until then.

Xuan Yi looked at the 10 lights before him. And stretched out his hand instinctively. The clear blue lights came to him. Flickering around him, drifting and playing around him.

The other Dao essences retreated and the Qi Spring finally settled.

Up on the platform, Deng Shui's image was smiling. Inclining his head toward the 4th Elder Seat.

"Thanks to brother-in-law for gifting Qing Ruo with this good seed."

"Indeed, if we groom him well. Qing Ruo will have nothing to fear."

"A youth with great potential who can be trained. Truly the Xuans were a blessing to Qing Ruo."

"Since I'm his uncle. I trust the Elders of Qing Ruo will allow me to care for him."

"Ah, if being uncle is all it takes for one to compete. Then, me and Brother Zhi can compete two."

Laughter broke out among the Elders. The procession, however, had no laughter but discussions and sounds of awe and envy were plentiful.

"Xuan Yi, five steps, first-class talent. Affinity; water, selected."

The amethyst walkway appeared. But instead of going immediately on it. Xuan Yi looked for Xuan Yu. Not finding him among the procession. He saw him in the resting area. Despite being the fourth to go up he was the first to actually use the walkway.

Making his way to his brother he wanted to say something. But couldn't find the words. So instead he stood to his brother's side. Away from his shadow.