Divine Talent Exam

"Divine Talent Exam? No, I've never heard of it. I don't even know much about sects in the first place!"

Chen Shang looked surprised. "Really? But everyone knows about Sects!"

"Like I told you, Uncle, this place is very remote. Even the simplest information is rare and valuable here. I know that Sects are schools for cultivators and where most of them gather, but I don't understand anything about how they operate or why they exist."

"Well, it's not exactly accurate to call it a school. Sects are like gangs, libraries, martial arts halls and treasure hordes all rolled together. Some sects don't even actively teach, they simply give disciples access to scrolls and books for a fee. But ultimately, the reason why they exist is simple."

The merchant shook his money pouch, making it jingle.

"It's because of resources, of course. A single cultivator out in the world, no matter how talented, will never grow as fast or progress as far. There are many treasures in the world and many resources that cultivators covet, but if a single man decided to hoard them he would quickly be overrun by groups of like-minded people. There is also the accumulated knowledge of generations of cultivators, of treasures passed down from senior to junior."

"... Why say it's like a gang, though?" His most recent experience with a gang did not instill much good-will.

Chen Shang laughed. "It's only the truth! Gangs rule through force and take liberties with all those weaker then themselves, and so do Sects. In fact, there are many Sects that make even the worst of gangs look like perfect citizens! A gang may rape, kill or steal but they could never take control of your mind and make you an undead slave, nor burn down entire cities just to gather Qi or spirit energy for their rituals!"

Wei felt an uncomfortable feeling settle in his stomach. "... Are there really sects like that?"

"Don't worry, don't worry! Those types of sects are in the minority. In fact, most sects perform a valuable service to non-cultivators. They kill wild beasts, provide otherworldly-healing abilities and craft items that make our everyday lives far easier. Did you have a look inside my caravan when you brought it here?"

Ding Wei shook his head. "No, that would have been an invasion of privacy. I would never do such a thing."

"You're a very honorable young man..." The merchant said, impressed. "Well, if you had you would have noticed something strange. The inside of my caravan is three times larger than the outside!"

"Really?!"

The merchant nodded. "Yes, in fact there's even a toilet inside! One that flushes and has a warm seat! That toilet is my greatest treasure..."

'Uncle... Your priorities...' he thought to himself, mentally shaking his head.

"H-how is that possible?"

Cheng Shang waved a hand, shrugging his shoulders. "I have no idea how it's done. But it took a young apprentice just a single day to do and he said his master could have made it ten times bigger, or even more! He called himself a seal-something-or-other. I didn't pay too much attention."

"Incredible..."

"The world of cultivation is full of mysteries, isn't it? Well, those are some of the secrets they teach in those sects. So don't be afraid of joining one! In fact, I dare say you should join one at your earliest opportunity!"

Ding Wei thought it over. It did sound interesting, maybe he should actually try to join one? "Uncle, do you know how I can join a sect?"

"Different sects have different entrance methods, usually an exam of some type. But there's actually a special event coming up soon, one where you'll be able to join the best sects in the nation if you possess enough talent. It's a once-in-a-decade opportunity!"

"What is it?"

"It's the Divine Talent Exam, of course! The event where the greatest talents gather, hoping to get into the best sect. Many Sects gather there, hoping to find the most talented students. And everyone who wants to join a sect visits there because if their talents are great enough they will have many Sects fighting to get them to join. They may get twice or thrice the benefits that way, or even get special privileges! And the participants are watched by tens of thousands and become household names! If you wish for fame and power, then there is no greater place to gather!"

That may have interested most people, but the thought of being watched by so many and scrutinized so closely was difficult for someone like him. Even when he had been the 'young master' of the Ding Clan there had never been any great expectations put on him. Guangzhu was a very small place, you didn't need much to excel here. To be put in the spotlight so soon was unappealing to him.

"I think I'll pass on that then, Uncle." After all, he had his book. And even though it was being rather difficult at the moment he felt certain that it contained techniques no less powerful than what he could find in a Sect. He didn't need all that attention.

"Wait, wait, wait! Don't be so hasty. I don't think you truly understand the magnitude of this, young man. I can tell that you're a very talented and humble figure, I'm sure you would do very well at the Tournament. You could even make it into the Top 100! This is the chance of a lifetime for you!"

"Uncle, why are you so interested in me joining a sect? Though I don't know you very well, it seems out of character for you."

Chen Shang was a bit embarrassed. "You've found me out... Please don't think badly of me. Though I wasn't lying when I said that it would be a tremendous opportunity and one that you could benefit from greatly, I did have an ulterior motive in mind. Truthfully, I'd like to offer you a job guarding my caravan to Fenghua Town. It's on route to Qiyan, so if you decided to join the Divine Talent Exam it wouldn't be out of your way. I'm not comfortable heading out again alone and having someone as strong as you guarding me on the way would be a tremendous relief. I'd pay you fairly for your time, of course!"

"I'll have to decline." Ding Wei said "I'm not really interested in leaving Guangzhu right now."

"Think it over. I still have some business with an elder of the Liu Family so I'll be here for a few more weeks at least. If you change you mind let me know, I'd be happy to have you along. Now, please wait a moment while I retrieve a small gift for your work."

"Uncle, it's really not-"

Ding Wei tried to ward off any reward, but Chen Shang had already scarpered away in a hurry. He came back minutes later, holding a neatly wrapped package.

"This is a small gift from me. The finest silk robes from Hawthorn and a leather cuirass. I think it will serve you well."

He took the package, feeling thankful.

"Thank you, uncle."

A slight smile came to Chen Shang's face. It was very slight, hardly noticeable, but genuine. "Maybe wait until after you've had a good bath before putting it on, alright?"