Chapter 33 - The Second Test

The number of applicants has been thoroughly sifted to only 115 people and many of the commoners began to worry about making it past the next test. Instructor Cheng directed the remaining applicants to another platform which had a black, crystal pillar in the center.

Instructor Cheng began, "This is the Soul Wave Pillar. This is used to test your talent level. Also, no one will be penalized in this test so you can be relieved."

The commoners were relieved indeed. If the second test did not eliminate people then they could have a chance of passing the opening examinations. All they would have to do is to pass the final test.

Talent was graded with five levels with White as the lowest, then Red, Green, Blue, and finally Black as the highest. Additionally, they were three sub-levels determined by the soul wave pillar that would differentiate people of the same talent level.

If the lights in the pillar glowed dimly then the person would be one of the worst talents in that talent level. If it glowed brightly, then they would be one of the best talents within the talent level. In the middle of that would be the average talents.

The average talent for commoners seemed to be the Dim Green Soul Talent level since the majority of the commoners would receive that score. Tian Longmeng even witnessed some commoners who would cry tears of joy when the Soul Wave Pillar displayed a bright green.

One noble was irritated that the commoners were rejoicing at only having a Bright Green Soul Talent, so he went and slammed his hand on the pillar. Soon after, the noble smiled wickedly after the pillar emitted a dim, blue light.

Seeing that their friend was successful, some other nobles took a shot of flaunting their talents in front of the commoners. Not all of them were successful though.

One girl got the result of a Bright Green Soul Talent and swore that the pillar was broken in her fit of rage. Another noble directly left the martial academy because he received an Average Green Soul Talent.

Aside from those few faces who would not allow such a disgrace to their name, the test proceeded smoothly until it was time for the big shots to appear.

There was a commoner who recorded 836 jins on the strength pillar however he was not even given an iota of attention because of Tian Longmeng's earlier feat. However, everyone was forced to recognize his talent after he went to the crystal pillar and received a Bright Blue Soul Talent that even shows specs of black in the center.

Even the instructors were forced to pay attention to him. "Damn, what a bright talent. This child even has the potential to be a black talent."

"That child is definitely mine."

"Nonsense! I chose that child from since the strength test."

"Preposterous! I knew this child's father!" The instructors immediately began their heated auction over the mentorship of this talent. The applicants became green with envy as they saw the instructors fight over the commoner.

Zhou Wei could not wait to be tested any longer so he decided to directly skip the line. Normally, Zhou Wei would have thrown out of the martial academy for such impudence, but no one batted an eye. After all, he is a great talent for the academy no doubt, and he heralds from the 4 great noble families.

Zhou Wei slammed his palm on the Soul Wave Pillar so hard that it almost shook out of position. Not long after, the pillar also began to glow brightly with a blue light. Everyone began their praises as well. "As expected of one of the 4 great noble families. Spectacular as always."

While everyone was showered him with praises, Zhou Wei was still staring at the lingering blue light in the pillar. Zhou Wei suddenly spun around and pointed at someone in the crowd. "You, what is your name?"

"Huh. Do- Dong Lin." The targeted person said.

Zhou Wei then smiled while murmuring to himself. "Dong Lin. To believe he surpassed me. Well good, I will remember your name."

Zhou Wei's competitive spirit was aroused by Dong Lin who, despite being a commoner, had better talent than him. Other people may say that they are both equal just to appease him, but Zhou Wei knew what he saw. To him, those glimpses of black light in Dong Lin's talent level proved otherwise.

Before Zhou Wei could leave the platform though, he was greeted by the appearance of Lu Yan. Zhou Wei's eyes narrowed. "Lu, what are you doing here?"

"I figured that I should also hurry up and get tested before my thunder is stolen once again." Lu Yan smiled mischievously with his squinted eyes. "It is never fun to go after people. You never get to bask in your own glory."

Zhou Wei obviously caught on to Lu Yan's words as he glanced in Qin Qingtian's and Tian Longmeng's direction. When Zhou Wei glanced Tian Longmeng, he remembered something then whispered into Lu Yan's ear before leaving the platform.