Test of Competence Commences

The moment the Elders were seated, a hush fell over the crowd.

Then Elder Qiang, the Head Elder of the Outer Court of the Wandering Palace, strode into the arena with a stern expression. His eyes swept over the crowd of spectators before settling on gathered disciples.

Elder Qiang was known for his no-nonsense approach to cultivation. If he found out about Xu Qi's unique cultivation path, he would no doubt try to probe him about its intricacies.

The excuse that he got enlightenment was working since it wasn't a secret that others could have a different approach with their cultivation. Nonetheless, Xu Qi was already formulating methods to hide it when he grew further in the future.

Soon, the old man took the center stage. His deep and resonant voice echoed through the arena as he announced the commencement of the Test of Competence.

"Today marks the day where you, young disciples of the Wandering Palace, shall demonstrate your growth and worth before us!" Elder Qiang's words were like a thunderclap, silencing the murmurs of the gathered crowd. "To accommodate all participants, we will be using multiple arenas. A projection will be cast in the sky for our esteemed elders and spectators to witness the most notable battles."

The outer disciples looked around. They're both excited and nervous as it was seen on their faces.

Xu Qi felt his palms dampen as he thought about the battles ahead but Ling Lian returned to his side, grabbed his hand and then smiled, reassuring him.

"Nervous?" She said while smirking at him. Ling Lian wanted to boost his confidence but she didn't know how. She was also a little too focused on cultivation, after all.

"Not anymore. My Sister Ling Lian's touch is enough to calm me down," Xu Qi responded, flashing a smile that was both genuine and charming. His grip on her hand tightened slightly as they looked ahead, waiting for the old man to finish his speech.

In front of them, the arena pulsated with the qi and primal elements as the large stage in the middle, shifted and spread out into multiple stages that could be used for each one-versus-one fights. It was like watching a giant jigsaw puzzle form a battlefield right before their eyes.

Each one was a standard platform like a ring commonly seen even in modern Earth.

"Disciples," Elder Qiang boomed, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "You will be tested based on your progress. Each of you will be given five chances of facing another disciple. Win three, and you shall pass this Test of Competence!"

At that, the disciples grew even quieter as the gravity of the announcement sank in. This was their moment to prove themselves, to show the elders that they had the potential to ascend and bring honor to the Wandering Palace. And for some, this was their last chance to prove that they could stay in the sect.

Even though Xu Qi already steeled himself and confidently believed he could pass this time, he still couldn't help but feel a knot in his stomach. He had no idea who he would be facing. He could even draw Ling Lian.

"If I draw you, let's just give them a show. Or do you want to properly challenge me?" As though reading his mind, Ling Lian whispered with her alluring voice as though she's igniting his desire for her from last night.

Xu Qi's eyes widened at the suggestion, a smirk tugging at his lips. He leaned closer, his voice low and intimate. "If I am really that unlucky. I'll give it my all to prove myself in front of everyone. So, don't hold back on me, Ling Lian. I can still be comforted by you later, right?"

Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as though she got reminded of what kind of comforting she'd do for him. "You cheeky pervert. Of course, I will comfort you but first. You have to secure your three wins. How can I do that if you get kicked out?"

"Don't worry. That won't happen."

They chuckled, the tension between them easing slightly as they focused on the task ahead. The Test of Competence was not only a test of their combat skills but also of their wit and strategy.

Xu Qi knew that with his Elemental Whisperer abilities, he had a chance to outmaneuver his opponents, especially those who underestimated the power of words. He just had to be very smart in using it.

Soon, Elder Qiang raised his hand and from the sky, a series of golden lights descended, casting over the scattered stages within the arena. Each stage became equipped with a protective barrier, a complex array of glowing runes that formed a dome. The formation was designed to prevent any harm from befalling the participants, allowing them to fight to their full potential without fear of death or severe injury. And after leaving it, they'd also experience rejuvenation as though they only worked out.

Another wave of his hand and the names of disciples facing each other and at which stage was projected in the air, a spectacle of lights and energy that captured everyone's attention.

Xu Qi's name was one of the first ones to appear, and he was paired with a young man who he knew was a buddy of Zhang Han.

Ling Lian also read it and informed him of his opponent's strength, "Zhou Feng! He's weaker than Zhang Han but he's still a fourth stage Elemental Awakener. Based on our sparring yesterday, you can win but don't get careless."

"Thank you for the intel," Xu Qi replied, his voice steady. "I'll be sure to keep my guard up. Watch me."

As he said that, he stepped forward. His eyes also wandered for a bit towards Xiao Yue, who gave him an encouraging nod, and the Elders who were watching his every move.

Contrary to Xu Qi's calm disposition, the said opponent exclaimed from where he was standing upon seeing his name. His voice was loud and abrasive as if he was intentionally raising his volume for Xu Qi and everyone around to hear.

Typical mob mindset.

"Look, I got the trash who only knows how to hide behind women! How lucky can I get?!"

The surrounding male disciples laughed. The tension momentarily dissipated as they found something to distract them from their own fears.

Nonetheless, Xu Qi was unperturbed as he smirked. He couldn't bother giving the young man the time of day.

He knew the kind of reputation he had among his peers nowadays. With the female disciples catching his charms in a favorable light, flipping the way they look at him over - especially those who got to converse with him even with just a few sentences - the male disciples grew more and more irritated because of it. Their eyes projected their envy seeing Xu Qi get the women's attention, especially from the likes of Xiao Yue and Ling Lian.

"Good luck Xu Qi!" A female disciple cheered from the sidelines, her voice carrying a hint of excitement that made the male disciples' ears twitch in irritation. But it was soon followed by more voices of other female disciples, bidding the calm young man their support.

To combat it. They also started cheering for Zhou Feng. But their voices were drowned by the louder and more enthusiastic cheers from the female disciples who were obviously supporting Xu Qi.

Upon seeing that, everyone grew red in envy while Xu Qi just flashed a smile towards the female disciples before jumping into the stage designated for their fight, the primal elements billowing around him, hinting at the magnificent show he was about to put on for them.