The second and third test

The Zhang family has many powerful cultivators working for them. The family head is even at the golden core realm! This high cultivation attracted numerous cultivators to work under them, allowing their family to establish their own city. Naturally in such a powerful family, talented members, such as Zhang Xiu, are taught how to cultivate by at least pre-connate realm cultivators.

This is why Zhang Xiu knows that the difference between prerequisite, and foundation establishment realms is very small. The ability to defeat 30 prerequisite realm cultivators so easily is truly unthinkable. Even more shocking, is the fact that this is far from the most talented disciple of the Moon Palace.

As a high class family living under the Moon Palace, it's normal to have a lot of information about the disciple acceptance ceremony. After all, the best way to solidify, and improve the status of the Zhang family, is to join, and follow the Moon Palace. So the Zhang family is aware that the disciple that fights people for a "second chance" is always a randomly chosen first stage foundation establishment outer court disciple.

As the group of challenges rested, they made small talk. Although still nervous, they at least got through the most absurd test. People talked about a variety of things. Mostly about the scene that just happened, or what they plan to do after becoming a disciple of the sect.

Just as the sect leader said, 1 hour after the first test ended the second test began. An outer court elder announced loudly, "You've had enough rest! The second test is about to begin! This will be an affinity, and cultivation talent test! There will be no eliminations this round!" As he spoke, outer court disciples brought out ten stone slabs, with runes all over them.

This test is not taken when someone is registered because this test is very expensive, and the results of the first test are considered very important. Naturally the sect won't waste money on a large number of people that can't even make it past the first test.

After the results of the second test were recorded, the third test quickly began. The testing devices were brought into the tower as the runes on the ground began drawing in qi.

The sect leader announced in a monotone voice, "The rules of the third test are as follows. A beast will spawn in front of you, and you will be closed off from others. Fight the beast, regardless of your ability to win. The sect assures your safety. After finishing come to the base of the tower, and show your knowledge on the various professions." He then turned to Su Ming and kindly explained, "This test is made for us to see their experience. That includes both fighting experience and professional experience. The results will be looked at, and if they preformed poorly in the second and third round, they will be eliminated."

As he spoke barriers went up around a third of the challengers as creatures appeared. Some were wild birds, other were snakes and wolves. The battles soon began.

It wasn't long before accidents occurred. Thankfully, before anything fatal happened, an elder would intervene. By using their qi, the runes would reactivate and the beast would be teleported away. The elder would then give out a decent healing pill, and make sure the challenger was alright.

Zhang Xiu was one of the first to have a battle. The nearest people were pushed away by the barrier. She couldn't focus on them though, because a meter tall, gray bird just appeared.

She wasted no time and lunged towards it with her sword. The bird responded in kind with its talons. She met its talons with her blade, and pushed it away with her strength. She then lunged towards it with her blade, hoping to quickly pierce it. Although stupid, the beast was still fast, and quickly flapped it wings to dodge.

Zhang Xiu wasn't panicked, and continued to chase it. She believe that for an opponent like this, giving them a chance is foolish. Unfortunately a minute passed, and she had nothing to show for it. Instead of chasing a battle of endurance, she stopped and watched the beast carefully.

Seeing the human's new strategy, the bird also stopped, and simply flew in a slower circle. The moment was tense. Their eyes were looked, as they watched the opponents every move. A cold sweat slowly flowed down Zhang Xiu's back.

Suddenly the bird flew towards Zhang Xiu's side. It gray feathers spread, as it flew with all its might. Just as it was about to pierce her, she stepped back, with her sword raised. Without hesitation she swung down.

The bird was cut clean in half, right in front of her. Blood spewed everywhere.

In the tower, none of the elders were greatly impressed. To them this performance was simply mediocre. After all, despite the short time that passed, over 50 people from this batch alone killed their beast. Yet, despite many others doing far better than her, Su Ming watched her carefully. He could've sworn, he felt an odd sensation from her body. Just for a moment. It was almost as though the world itself reacted to her swing…

Soon the third test ended. After the eliminations, a total of 321 people remained. The challengers rested, and the test would continue in half an hour. All the elders looked through the results, Su Ming included.

The girl was named Zhang Xiu. The most notable thing about her is she is from a cultivator family. She was taught in swordsmanship at a young age, as well as the basics of cultivation. As long as she makes it through the next few test she'll likely join the sect, and enter the inner court.

Yet, Su Ming still had a lingering feeling that she isn't simple. That final strike was special. He couldn't tell how. But given that Zhang Xiu came from an ordinary family, then that means it wasn't the swordsmanship itself that was special, but what she did with it. What about her could possibly be so special, that she could male the world follow her sword? If he knew, could he bring that advantage out?

After finishing reading, Su Ming quietly contemplated. His eyes couldn't help but follow Zhang Xiu as he wondered what else she'll do.