Main Chapter: Reveal of a hidden talent.

"Fan Hua, step forward."

Getting up, Fan Hua dusted off herself and walked forward. Her bearing prideful but not arrogant, a natural confidence.

Taking her position, she waited. The Elders would be discussing her briefly, just like they did the four before her. A fact she knew so she waited patiently.

"Fan Hua take as many steps as you can."

After hearing that Fan Hua jumped forward. Not in the directions of the Argent Stones but towards the Qi Spring.

Neng Zhi's was shocked but he reacted quickly. But soon he realized it wasn't necessary.

Fan Hua did a second movement in mid-air and landed on the first stone without issue.

"Thanking, Elder for his concern."

Fan Hua bowed in the direction of Neng Zhi's image as she spoke. Receiving a slight grunt in response. Fan Hua continued.

Jumping forth once more she felt the pressure come down on her hard. Using that very pressure she moved back landing on the previous stone. The idea that the pressure could sustain aerial movement came to her when she saw Dan Tian.

So, she moved from the stone to the pressure. At different angles feeling it out. Whenever the resistance felt easy she would push on when it hardened she moved back.

After doing this back and forth movement several times. She chose an angle and pushed through to the second stone.

Then she fell deep into her own thoughts. Next, she copied Xuan Yu, kicking forward. Using her feet to feel the pressure. Made her choice and pushed through to the third stone.

'Smart but pointless, there are indeed weak points. As a result of the lacking skill of those who set the formation. But exploiting those weak points isn't enough to cheat it. Well, as you currently are.'

As if she heard what Xuan Yu thought. She entered a stance and slowed her breathing. Next, she leaped forward with her eyes closed. Crashing into the pressure.

But where Dan Tian fought with a brute will. Fan Hua was maneuvering. Breaking through without a sweat. Landing on the fourth stone.

'An innate heightened sense to Qi. Yet, another similar change. Not bad, still that's not how you should be using it to break through.'

Fan Hua leaped forward once more. Maneuvering once more but she couldn't push forward. Stepping back, she tried again until she was soaked in sweat.

Jumping back weakly, she muttered a soft "sorry." In the direction of her parents.

"Fan Hua, four steps, second class talent. Affinity, none."

Taking the amethyst walkway, she joined the prior four. Sitting near the Xuan Brothers.

"Sister, you kept such a secret from us."

"I hope my brothers do not take offense. I merely wanted to surprise you."

"Surprised us you have."

"Congratulations Sister Ya, on your daughter who shares the talent that only 2 others in this land currently possess."

With those five youths having finished the evaluation. The other 8 leaders turned their attention from the evaluation. Discussing a variety of things among themselves.

While Neng Zhi called forth the rest of the procession one by one. Following the example of the first five many youths tried a variety of things.

At first, Neng Zhi handled it calmly. But as the youths' action grew more ridiculous. He reached his limits and yelled at the entire procession, "just walk."

When a youth mentioned "fairness," Neng Zhi casted a spell and threw him up and down. As he lectured the procession on fairness.

Eventually, by evening, the examinations were done and the procession descended the hill, the higher families at the head.

***

In the Deng Estate, in the Study of Stars, Deng Shui leaned back in a posh crystal made chair.

The study was a mix of stone like background, silver fixtures and a soft nearly translucent crystal material for the furnishing.

Though it was known as the Study of Stars. It was a room that was better described as a library. A great number of bookshelves lined the first-floor rooms and the second-floor rooms. In the center of all these seated behind an ornamented crystal desk, was Deng Shui. His gaze fixed on the ceiling. Showing a view of the moon and stars from when the founder of Qing Ruo, Qing Ruo Deng, slew the beast that resided at the top of this very mountain.

"If we can guard the sprouts our future will be secure. Afterall 4% of our youths turned out to be capable of cultivating. A meager result worthy of a Sect that stands at the top of the bottom."

On Deng Shui's table sat a myriad of things. Fresh papers, reports, requests, items related to cultivation, writing equipment and among all these miscellaneous things. A glass that held a bubbling silver liquid. A "wine" that if drunk by a mortal would allow them to enjoy the experience of being unable to feel their legs. In a cultivator, it would cause "pleasant" tingling sensations throughout the body as it relaxed the mind. The empty bottle by the glass was an indicator that Deng Shi was slightly drunk.

"But we have those four, five if Xuan Yu's affinity turns out to be useful. And if Xuan Yi can reach his father's level. Then we'll be a mid-tier sect again. And if Tan Cui does as well. We could be a high tier sect in the future."

Deng Shui's amethyst eyes flickered to the glass and drained it. Looking at the empty bottle he couldn't bother to throw it away. So, with a chant, the bottle began to dissolve.

Reaching under the desk he grabbed another bottle. Uncorking it he drank from the glass but at the rate he imbibed. He would've been better off drinking straight from the bottle.

His eyes flickered as the door to the study opened and Neng Zhi in a sober grey robe, walked in. Not bothering to close the door he dropped another stack of folders onto the desk. Taking a seat, he grabbed onto the wine bottle Deng Shui held.

"Payment."

Neng Zhi grunted out and with a sigh, Deng Shui released it and took out another bottle. While Neng Zhi reclined in the chair crossing his long legs as he drank.

"Is this all of them."

"Mm, the data card for all 4,350 applicants."

"4,350 and only 2 have any real value."

Deng Shui swirled the liquid in his glass as he said that. Neng Zhi was silent, he wasn't in the mood to play Deng Shui's paranoid games. Seeing Neng Zhi didn't contradict him Deng Shui drained the glass before continuing.

"Whether or not the Elders agree, I will be guiding Xuan Yi later. And we can let our big brother handle Tan Cui. They have some affinity after all. A Disciplinary Elder and a troublemaker."

"As Lord Ruo wishes."

Neng Zhi rose his bottle. First, Deng Shui thought it was some mocking salute but then realized Neng Zhi was asking for another.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be."

"No."

Hearing the blunt response Deng Shui sighed. Reaching under the table he took out the last two bottles from his hidden stash. Then pulling out a bag from the desk. He unveiled a bag. Taking out a pair of bowls he laid them out. Then poured out some crunchy sweet and salty snacks.

"You treat your adoptive brother well."

"There is no adoptive about it you've always been my brother."

The corner of Neng Zhi's lips curled up and he truly let his guard down. Multi-tasking eating and drinking Deng Shui poured over the new report.

"2,353 untalented, 1,245 subpar, 717 third-class talents, no second-class talents, no first-class talents, and no affinities. This pitiful result is the best Qing Ruo has seen in generations."

With a sigh, Deng Shui began to rub the bridge of his nose. He had not included the results of two groups.

"You didn't count the outsiders. 3 third-class, 14 subpar, and the rest are untalented. With no signs of affinities."

Deng Shui laughed tiredly.

"Now that sounds more like our old results. And 2 of those 3 have backgrounds that need further investigation."

"So, you approve of the other class assignments, teachers and public supporters. You know you got to stamp each data card you approve of."

"Tch."

Deng Shui took out the Reflecting Moon Sect stamp and stamped the folder, glaring at Neng Zhi the whole process. The latter ignored the glare and opened the folder revealing the first data card, Dai Tian.

"Over here."

Neng Zhi said as he placed his finger on the right corner of the data card.

The air stirred, a bang erupted and then rustling. In a breath, Deng Shui had infused Qi into the stamp and thrown it. Neng Zhi dispersed it then caught the stamp and as if nothing had happened he was holding out the stamp to Deng Shui.

Looking at the folder and the rest of the work he had to return to Deng Shui sighed. Opening the folder, he began stamping.

"Go, bring some good stuff. Better yet go tell a servant to bring the usual late-night stuff and then don't come back."