Chapter 6: High Heaven Thundercloud Sect

Huang Longtian and Leng Huangnu walked in calmly, their purpose evident as they approached the massive courtyard of the High Heaven Thundercloud Sect. 

Yu and the others had to stay outside the courtyard, as only participants were allowed to enter.

The courtyard was like a bustling sea of hopeful cultivators, all eagerly awaiting their chance to demonstrate their talent. In the center stood a giant black pillar inscribed with strange silver runes.

To the left of the pillar stood a grandiose structure; a colossal battle arena that attracted people's attention with its sheer proportions. 

The arena's surface was a pristine, polished expanse of stone, meticulously maintained to ensure a flawless battleground. The tall, imposing red walls encircled the area, appearing majestic.

Huang Longtian and Leng Huangnu approached the massive black pillar.

Leng Huangnu glanced at the pillar and then at Huang Longtian. "Do you see that pillar?" she asked, pointing to the massive pillar. "It's the mechanism for evaluating one's Origin Root rank. It's one of the critical steps in the disciple selection process."

Huang Longtian raised an eyebrow. "Are Origin Roots divided?" Of course he knew it, he read about it in the Primordial Origin Library, he just wanted to confirm if it was the same according to his knowledge. Although, it would make him look like an ignorant country bumpkin, he didn't care about it.

Leng Huangnu's brow furrowed in disbelief. He had no common sense, did he grow up in the wild? But she explained. "Of course they are," she flicked her hair. "There are four categories: Mortal, Human, Earth, and Heaven, each divided into nine levels. The higher your rank, the greater your potential and  cultivation realm you could achieve in the future."

Huang Longtian nodded thoughtfully. It's really the same as the one he had read on the Primordial Origin Library, but that one had more categories… It's possible that he's in a lower world? 

In these cultivation novels he had read, the protagonist when achieving a certain cultivation realm, he had to ascend to a higher world. It was cliché, but worked very well.

"I see. So, how does it work?"

Leng Huangnu gestured toward the silver runes. "You place your hand on the pillar, and the runes will measure and display your Origin Root rank based on the colours: white, red, yellow and blue. Stars would also appear to differentiate its level. 

"It's a crucial test because it determines your foundational potential and where you might stand in the sect. It's pretty intense as it's the most important test and elders take it very seriously."

Huang Longtian glanced at the elder presiding over the test. "And who's that old man suspended in the air?"

The old man presiding over the test was wearing robes from the High Heaven Thundercloud Sect. His presence commanded respect, and his gaze was sharp as he oversaw the tests.

"That's Elder Zhong," Leng Huangnu replied. "He's a renowned elder from the High Heaven Thundercloud Sect, known for his strictness and fairness. He always oversees the disciple test selection to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Huang Longtian looked back at Leng Huangnu. "What happens if someone fails the test?"

Leng Huangnu shook her head. "Failure means you won't be accepted into the sect. It's harsh, but the sect only wants the best. Your Origin Root rank reflects your innate ability to cultivate, and the sect invests in those with the most potential."

"So, it's a make-or-break moment," Huang Longtian said, understanding. It wasn't somewhat fair, but that's just how a cultivation world worked. Cold and merciless.

Leng Huangnu smiled beautifully. "Exactly. But you don't have to worry. As a Spell Master you will certainly not have the need to pass these tests."

As Huang Longtian, Leng Huangnu, approached, they attracted a fair amount of attention. The duo was composed of a strikingly handsome man and beautiful woman, of course it would attract attention from the neighbours cultivators.

Huang Longtian stood out with his shining and beautiful blue eyes, long and silky black hair, and high-quality black and red robes. His attire and bearing spoke of elegance and confidence. Leng Huangnu, with her ethereal beauty and graceful demeanor, made many turning their heads.

Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they passed.

"Who are they?"

"They look important."

"Such attractive people… must have a powerful background."

However, not all comments were positive. 

Some noticed that Huang Longtian had no cultivation and began to mock him.

"What's a mortal doing here?"

"He must be delusional. Did he thought he could pass the sect's tests?"

"This isn't a place for weaklings."

Huang Longtian was quiet and ignored the provocations. How cliché; their mocking phrases. He had read plenty of them in his last world. He grew numb to them.

A grin formed on Leng Huangnu's beautiful face. Hmph! Just wait for be shocked! Brother Longtian is sure calm. He is like my sister, cool and confident…

However, Elder Zhong in charge of the test noticed the stir and decided to intervene. 

Bang!

His aura flared, silencing the crowd with its sheer force.

The surrounding chattering disciples instantly fell silent. Their faces turning purple from the strong pressure. 

Huang Longtian and Leng Huangnu felt the air grow heavy. Barely breathing under the pressure of Elder Zhong's aura.

The air seemed to crackle with power. This Elder Zhong was an extraordinary expert. His cultivation surpassed the Spiritual Foundation Realm.

Elder Zhong's eyes swept over Huang Longtian and Leng Huangnu, noting their great attire and aura. 

They weren't ordinary cultivators. They had a significant background. This intrigued him. He would to pay close attention them.

"Silence!" Elder Zhong commanded, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "We are here to conduct the tests. Any further disruptions will be dealt with severely."

The crowd fell silent, cowed by the Elder Zhong's aura. Elder Zhong turned his attention back to the pillar to resume where he had left off. 

However, Leng Huangnu stepped forward, her cold voice clear.

"Elder Zhong, apologies for the trouble. I would like to introduce Huang Longtian, a legendary Spell Master."

The crowd gasped, and a wave of disbelief washed over them. Spell Masters were rare, and there wasn't a single one in the entire Eastern Domain. 

Some cultivators looked at Huang Longtian with doubt and disdain. Some clicking their tongues.

"Tsk, a mortal, a Spell Master? Impossible!"

"He must be lying. A mortal could never be a legendary Spell Master!"

Yu, standing slightly far away from the duo, smirked at the insults directed at Huang Longtian. 

He seemed to relish the scorn that Huang Longtian was receiving.

Lu Bing noticed this and stepped forward hesitantly. "Young Master Yu, we should reconsider. Huang Longtian is a Spell Master. We cannot afford to offend him."

Yu's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you suggesting that I shouldn't offend him, Lu Bing? Have you forgotten your place?"

Dong Jiang and his sister, Dong Cai Hong, traded uneasy glances before stepping in. 

Dong Jiang spoke first, his tone polite yet firm. "Young Master Yu, Lu Bing is right. Spell Masters are greatly valued. Now, that he's about to enter the sect, it would be unwise to continue seeing him as an enemy."

Dong Cai Hong nodded in agreement. "Yes, Young Master Yu. Huang Longtian's influence would grow and provoking him could bring disaster upon us."

Yu's fury erupted, his voice a harsh bark. "Disaster? Offend him? He's the one offending me by being so chummy with Huangnu!" 

Yu's smirk vanished, replaced by a snarl. "Enough! I will not be lectured by you! If anyone dares side with that country bumpkin, they will face my wrath."

Lu Bing and the others fell silent. In the end they shock their heads. They only hope that he doesn't do something crazy…

At the courtyard, Elder Zhong's brows furrowed as he addressed Leng Huangnu. 

"Young lady, do not make such bold claims lightly. The title of Spell Master is not one to be thrown around carelessly."

He didn't know of any Spell Master in the Eastern Domain, much less one so young. Of course, Huang Longtian could be a  disciple of a hidden Spell Master. 

It was just that Spell Masters were extremely rare, that it was difficult to believe when someone said that he was one.

Leng Huangnu just smiled, still appearing composed. "Elder Zhong, I understand your concern. I assure you, that Huang Longtian is indeed a Spell Master. Please let him to prove it."

Elder Zhong hesitated seeing how composed she looked. 

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, with some openly mocking the idea. However, the mocking smiles and sound vanished in an instant. Huang Longtian's finger had moved!