Page 19: Shocking the Crowd

"Failed! Another Failure! Failed! Unsuccessful!"

One after another, listening to the announcement of numbers of failed attempts became a monotonous sound to the audience. However, to the participants who are still waiting for their turn, it was dispiriting. Being at the bottom feeder, with limited to no resources at all would just make the body unhealthy both in flesh and affinity to essence. To change such lifestyle with a small hope in their hearts was held for a long time but looking at the results of the first ones, it makes one stop holding unto such dreams.

Long Bai and company were still waiting at the near end of the queue, separated to different lanes. Ling Tian was on the first lane, Ah Mu on the second lane and Yue on the third. When the time comes, they would be attempting the awakening at the same time. Long Bai on the other hand would be having his turn after the three will be done.

While waiting, Long Bai counted the number of participants and found it to be 45 kids. He was the 43rd participant who would be the last batch to attempt the awakening. Now, six batches has already passed and yet no one has been successful. The looks on the people around shows boredom and some of irritation already. Even the disciples of the sect seemed to have stopped being passionate about their work. Maybe this was something like watching something you know the outcome already.

On the seventh batch, a change of the status quo happened. Two of the three who was attempting the ritual successfully developed an essence core. The uninterested people a while ago avert their gazes towards the testing site. There the two who was successful, touched the crystal ball but then the result was not astonishing at all. The glow in the crystal ball changed but its brightness was not that of an average. This triggered the people to entirely loose their interest. On the other hand, the kid who was on the stage feels joyful. In his case, although it was an ordinary grade, he can still become stronger.

Until the 13th batch, there was three more ordinary and and one average. Finally it is the 14th batch. Ling Tian, Ah Mu, and Yue nervously approached the array platform. The three made one look back at Long Bai before activating the platform.

No one was watching the three being bathed by the array's lights except Long Bai who was on standby. As moment passes by, above the heads of the three, the projection showed a successful creation of essence core. This alarmed the people around. There wasn't a time during the first batches who managed to create a show where all three candidates successfully develop an essence core. It was an unpresidented event. Due to this, many started to watch what was going on.

Long Bai on the other hand had scanned the three before they can touch the crystal ball. Reading the results gave him a wide smile and at the same time, a surprise. He never expected such results. All the training and resources they acquired from the forest was worth it.

[Ling Tian

Age: 10

Cultivation lvl: none

Core grade: High. ]

[Ah Mu

Age: 10

Cultivation lvl: none

Core grade: High. ]

[Yue

Age:8

Cultivation lvl: none

Core grade: Superior. ]

These results will guarantee them to enter the sect and at the same time, they might become personal disciples of elders. Although there might be some discrimination against a person without a background, Long Bai was hoping that the sect was not that kind, or at least the elders and the leaders who manages it aren't.

On the platform, the three approached the crystal ball. The people who got interested with the events watched expectantly. Little by little, the three crystal orbs began to shine a bright light simultaneously.

#4

"Huh? No way! The crystal orbs are shining brightly. Does this mean that all three of them got an average grade?"

#5

"No, watch. Its still changing. A halo! A halo is forming in each crystal!"

Because of the ruckus made by the ones who were watching, this called the attention of all others. On the central area, even the elder who was silently watching stood up with shock.

The thing that is happening in front of them was unexpected so much that everyone on their seats stood to see what was happening clearly. Witnessing a commoner having an average core was already considered lucky but to have a high grade was like a miracle but it didn't stopped there. The loud noises from the audience erupted like they were on speakers as they witness the color of the third crystal orb.

#2

A golden halo! Heavens! This is a miracle. Two superior grade essence core today! This moment will be etched in history!"

The people, especially from the commoner's side were the ones who were happiest the most. It was an instinctive reaction as a fellow commoner. Someone from them even started calling Yue their goddess. On the other hand, the members of the households were surprised and quiet. In their eyes, jealousy and contempt can be seen in their eyes. To be overshadowed by a commoner is something that they can't accept. The animosity from them might invite dangers in the future. People side by side started asking questions, even some of the household members approached some commoners to ask their names, origins and such.

The elder who was motionless a while ago began to walk towards the three. His eyes were fixed on the three, most likely to Yue who was the today's limelight.

"This elder wants to know your names. Introduce yourselves."

The three were so nervous that it took them a few seconds before making a reply. Ling Tian was the first to recover and made a gesture.

"Senior, this commoner is called Ling Tian, my brother here is called Ah Mu and our little sister is named Yue. Please forgive for not replying immediately." Ling Tian who replied didn't dare to look at the elder's eyes.

The elder on the other hand did not mind and approached Yue.

"So your name is Yue. I personally congratulate you for having a superior grade. Since you are the second one today, you will become the sect leader's third disciple."

Yue looked at Ling Tian who replied with a nod. This was an opportunity the three never dreamt of. To receive beyond what they asked for was something they can't deny.

"Yue is thankful."

Yue's reply was short but the elder didn't mind. Knowing that she's just a child in front of a powerful person, it is inevitable to feel what she's feeling right now.

"Hmm. This is for the best. You will receive the best treatment in the sect so you don't need to worry."

The elder left Yue's area and approached the other two.

"Ling Tian and Ah Mu, this elder will take you as disciples. Do you have anything against it?"

Ling Tian and Ah Mu looked at each other trying to confirm what they've heard. They can't believe what they heard so they continued to look at each other. The elder who was watching understood what was going on and repeated his words. Immediately, Ling Tian and Ah Mu greeted their master.

The three then took the badges they were assigned, two silver and one golden badge. After receiving the badges, the elder instructed the three to stand beside him. On the elder's perspective, returning on their area will just create a commotion.

"We will have the last batch for today. After everyone is done, those who received a badge may return with us to the sect." Announced by the presiding disciple.

Long Bai stood and was followed by the last two candidates behind him. He looked at Ling Tian and the others who were giving him silent encouragements. It was as if he can read their thoughts saying "You can do it!"

As Long Bai let go of the shard in his hand, the array started to light up. He can feel the warm energy permeating into his body. Just as the feeling of warmth flooded his body, the system began to give alerts.

[System alert: Essence core development is in progress. External energy is being utilized.

Progress: 1%...5%... 9%...17%...21%...]

[System alert: Essence source is not enough to continue the development. Current progress: 25%]

Long Bai who was startled by the notice panicked. Things were running wild in his thoughts

'Wait, does this mean I don't have core? Oh wait, let me see my status.'

[STATUS

Cultivation: Flesh Tempering Stage (initial- 2nd)

Core grade: Average

Skills....]

Seeing that there was a developed core, Long Bai let out an air of relief. He then approached the crystal orb to have his core grade be confirmed.

Above the platform, the elder was was watching Long Bai curiously. He then asked his Ling Tian if he was their companion. Seeing the confirmation, the elder started to have interest in their background.