novelraw Chapter 66: Declined
Chapter 66: Declined
Xian Long nodded at Xian Tiandi’s words, taking a deep breath to center himself.
He tried to sit still but lasted only about thirty seconds before his leg started bouncing again.
Elder Feng and the other Xian Clan members stood nearby, watching with obvious pride and concern. Steward Han kept consulting a pocket watch, tracking the passing minutes with precision.
"Young Master Tiandi’s performance was extraordinary," Elder Feng said quietly to Elder Qiu. "Peak heaven ranked spirit root and that combat display against the Shadow Panther. The sect would be fools to reject him."
"And Young Master Long showed genuine talent as well," Elder Qiu agreed. "A martial spirit at his age is rare. Miss Ying Yue too. The clan will gain significant prestige from this."
Time crawled forward. Thirty minutes passed. Then forty. The waiting felt endless.
Some applicants grew increasingly agitated. One young man started pacing so frantically that his friends had to physically restrain him. A girl broke down crying, convinced she’d failed.
"I should have used my martial spirit earlier!" she sobbed. "The examiners probably think I’m weak!"
"You won your fight," her companion said soothingly. "That’s what matters. They don’t expect everyone to use their martial spirit."
Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was actually fifty-three minutes, the building doors opened.
The three Golden Core examiners emerged. Elder Zhang carried a jade tablet that glowed with spiritual script. The results.
The courtyard fell instantly silent. Every eye focused on the platform as the examiners took their positions.
Elder Zhang raised the tablet. "We have completed our deliberations. The results are final and will not be contested. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Elder!" the crowd responded in unison.
"Then we proceed," Elder Zhang said. His voice carried clearly across the courtyard, enhanced by spiritual technique. "We will announce acceptances by category. Outer Court Disciples first, followed by Inner Court Disciples, then any special considerations."
He consulted the glowing script on the tablet. "The following applicants are accepted as Outer Court Disciples of the Four Symbols Sect."
A long list of names followed. Elder Zhang read them clearly and methodically, giving each name proper weight.
"Chen Ming. Liu Fei. Zhao Kun. Wang Mei. Sun Ling..."
Xian Long’s heart pounded so hard he could hear it in his ears. He clenched his fists, waiting.
"Zhou Ren. Gao Shi. Lin Wei..."
The names kept coming. Each one was greeted with either jubilant shouts or silent disappointment depending on whether the applicant heard their name.
"Xian Long."
Relief and joy flooded through the young boy simultaneously. He’d done it. He was going to join the Four Symbols Sect.
Xian Tiandi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well done, little brother."
Xian Long grinned so widely his face hurt. "I actually did it!"
Many more names were called. Elder Zhang continued reading for several minutes. When he finally finished, roughly sixty percent of the applicants had received Outer Court acceptance. Those who failed looked devastated, but they bowed respectfully and began departing the compound with slumped shoulders.
"Outer Court announcements are complete," Elder Zhang said. "Those accepted should report for orientation in three days. Further instructions will be provided."
He paused, allowing the successful applicants a moment to celebrate quietly before continuing.
"We now announce Inner Court Disciples," Elder Zhang said, and the courtyard tensed again. "Inner Court acceptance is reserved for truly exceptional individuals. The standards are significantly higher. Far fewer names will be called."
He consulted the jade tablet again. "The following applicants demonstrated outstanding ability and are accepted directly into the Inner Court."
The list was indeed much shorter.
"Liu Yan. Chen Wei. Zhao Lei. Ying Yue."
Ying Yue’s eyes widened fractionally, the only outward sign of her emotion. She’d achieved Inner Court status on her first attempt. Her heaven ranked spirit roots and dominant combat performance had secured her place among the elite.
"Wu Feng. Sun Zhao. Ma Lin."
Several more names followed. Each represented a cultivator with genuine exceptional talent or ability. The crowd murmured with appreciation as each name was called.
"And finally," Elder Zhang said, his voice taking on a slightly different tone. "Xian Tiandi."
The crowd stirred. Everyone had expected this, but hearing it confirmed still generated excitement. The peak heaven ranked genius had naturally earned Inner Court status.
But Elder Zhang wasn’t finished.
"However," he continued, and the courtyard went absolutely silent. "Young Master Xian Tiandi’s performance requires special mention. His peak heaven ranked chaos element spirit root is unprecedented in this generation. His combat ability against an upper-tier rank two Shadow Panther was extraordinary. And his character assessment showed flawless integrity."
Elder Zhang looked directly at Xian Tiandi. "The examiners have therefore made a special offer. You may accept standard Inner Court Disciple status and advance through normal channels. Or you may accept an immediate promotion to Core Disciple status, an honor normally reserved for Foundation Establishment realm cultivators."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Core Disciple status for someone still at Qi Condensation realm? This was unheard of.
"This is insane!" someone whispered. "Core Disciples have access to the sect’s most valuable resources!"
"He defeated a Shadow Panther with just basic techniques," another replied. "If anyone deserves it, he does."
All eyes turned to Xian Tiandi. The decision was monumental. Core Disciple status came with incredible privileges and resources, but also significantly higher expectations and responsibilities. Many would have grasped at the opportunity immediately.
Xian Tiandi considered briefly. In his past life, he’d learned that rushing through ranks often created problems. Building proper foundations and relationships at each level was important. Trust had to be earned, not demanded by status.
And there were practical concerns. As a Core Disciple, he’d be under constant scrutiny. His movements would be watched. His actions questioned. That would make it difficult to pursue certain objectives, like returning to the Crimson Ruins for the hidden treasure.
Morever, he never planned to become a Core disciple in one go.
’Sigh...many would think I am unwise and can not take advantage of what’s in front of me. But I can’t tell them that the greatest opportunities lies in the Inner Court!"
"I respectfully accept Inner Court Disciple status," Xian Tiandi said clearly. "I prefer to advance through the normal progression and earn my place at each level."