The Results and New Beginnings

The sun went below the horizon, casting long, golden shadows over the Azure Lotus Sect's testing grounds. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the candidates gathered to hear the results of the Mental Aptitude Assessment. Lucas, along with his fellow candidates, stood in silence, their eyes were fixed on the grand stage where Eris and 2 other elders with other sect members were assembled. every participant was nervous other than Lucas as he was sure that he would pass the exam due to the help of the system.

Eris stepped forward, his demeanour still calm and composed. "Thank you all for your patience. We have completed the evaluation of the Mental Aptitude Assessment. The candidates who have demonstrated the required proficiency and understanding will now be announced."

Lucas glanced at Baldwin and Daphne, noting their equally tense expressions. As Eris began to call out names, the tension in the air grew palpable.

"Elaria Thorne," Eris announced, followed by a relieved cheer from the crowd as Elaria stepped forward with a smile.

"Lucas Yadav," Eris continued. Lucas stepped forward with a sense of accomplishment, nodding to his fellow candidates. 

"Daphne Roth," came next, and Daphne moved forward gracefully.

As Eris continued with the list, Lucas noticed that Elara, Daphne, and several others, including a few previously unknown candidates, were called. He noticed that Baldwin was not selected and could see his depressed face. Many people like Baldwin were not selected out of 50 people who passed the Qi absorption exam only 15 passed the exam. Those who passed on the other hand were too excited and exchanged smiles and congratulations.

With the announcement concluded, Eris addressed the candidates who had passed. "Congratulations to all of you who have made it through the entrance exams. You have shown remarkable skill and aptitude. As the next step, our outer sect elder will say something to you now"

then an elderly man came to the stage and said "Hello I am Rin at mid-stage Qi Condensation an outer sect elder of the sect. The Azure Lotus sect is not in Brackenwood town as you know, we will take you to Azure Lotus City where our main sect is located tomorrow morning there you will be accepted as outer disciples of the sect. the journey from here to the sect will take 1 week by foot with all of your speed as your cultivation level is too low and you can't go alone outside due to demonic beasts roaming in the wildness outside. our sect exam is held everywhere in the Thaloria Kingdom at the same time every 6 months with the other two sects so there will be tough competition waiting for you guys in the sect as what you think is talent here in this town may not be seen as talent in the azure lotus sect. when you reach the sect you will be given more information about the sect and now everyone can say goodbye to anyone they want to stay with before tomorrow or you can come with us to stay at sect quarters till tomorrow."

As Elder Rin concluded his announcement, the crowd buzzed with a mix of excitement and apprehension. After listening to the sect elder I decided to go with the sect to stay at their place as I didn't have any place to stay. from there the senior Eris took us with other seniors to sect temporary residence. the sect's temporary residence was an inn owned by the sect in the town. the sect has many such businesses everywhere in the kingdom providing financial support for the sect. only 2 guys decided to stay with the sect whom I didn't know so, I didn't decide to talk with them. senior Eris took me to a room inside the room, where I found a simple bed, a desk, and a window overlooking the garden at the back of the inn. The rooms were meant to be temporary. 

Lucas settled into his temporary room at the sect's inn, feeling a sense of calm wash over him after the day's intense events. The simple, yet comfortable space provided a much-needed respite before the next phase of my journey began. With a quick glance out the window at the serene garden below, Lucas decided it was time to absorb the source points he had accumulated and focus on his cultivation.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Lucas activated the source absorption technique to absorb the day's source points. after absorbing today's source point he had accumulated 13542.6 source points.

Once he had absorbed the source points, Lucas turned his attention to his cultivation. He focused on the Lotus Body Cultivation technique as he felt in the morning that he was going to break through to the next realm of Flesh and Muscle Tempering.

Lucas began the cultivation process passing Qi to his skin. after some time he could feel the same burning sensation when he cultivated but this time it was ten times more painful. As he continued, Lucas sensed a pivotal moment approaching—the brink of breaking through to the Flesh and Muscle Tempering realm. The process was delicate, requiring focus. Lucas maintained his concentration, channelling the Qi with precision.

Minutes turned into hours as Lucas pushed through the last stages of the breakthrough. The sensation of his body transforming was both exhilarating and taxing. Finally, with a surge of energy and a burst of light he felt that his skin had transformed and become very tough, Lucas felt the breakthrough complete. He had successfully advanced to the Flesh and Muscle Tempering realm from Skin Refinement.

Panting slightly, Lucas opened his eyes, feeling a newfound strength and vitality. His body felt more robust, and his senses sharper. The breakthrough had enhanced his physical prowess. However, as he examined himself, he noticed a black, semi-solid substance oozing from his skin. The smell was overpowering and unpleasant.

Worried that there might be a problem with his cultivation, Lucas quickly consulted the system.

Lucas took a deep breath, reassured by the system's explanation. He decided to wash himself in the bathroom as the smell was very disgusting.