When they arrived at Vermillion Sword Hall, the exam was already in session. Unlike Azure Cloud Academy, there were no calligraphed aphorisms lining the walls; only weapon racks, dummies bound in reed, and sandpits scored with footprints. Their goals and purpose was very clear, nothing fancy.
Li Jian's carriage landed on the terrace and an instructor in red armor walked over.
Li Jain and his group were received by instructor Zhuang, the same instructor that received him before: "Welcome once again to Vermillion Sword Hall." Instructor Zhuang greeted them with a smile: "The exam is already in progress, I'll take you through the first exam."
He led the way, the first section of the exam was already in the last phase and the second section ongoing as well.
"Vermillion's entrance examination is straightforward," he stated. "We prioritize diligence and perseverance over bloodlines and physiques. While a strong spirit root certainly aids progress, what truly matters is one's will to advance and a solid combat foundation." He then cleared his throat and continued to walk forward.
When they reached the hall where the first exam was being held, Instructor Zhuang went and spoke briefly with the examiner in charge.
They went to the exam pillar. It was a towering crystal post with internal red lines. There were no other tools here. Vermillion kept things simple.
After their discussion, he returned with the examiner and gestured to a row of waist-high pedestals. Each pedestal held a circular disc inscribed with flame runes. "Touch the Ember Disc," he instructed. "It tests your spirit root and grades its clarity. Following that, examinees will participate in group combat, categorized by their cultivation level. Their ranking in the combat will determine their placement within the Academy."
Li Jain nodded as the three boys stepped forward. Li Jingxuan was first, placing his hand on the Ember Disc. Immediately, red threads of light appeared, gradually fading to orange until a single, bright ember remained.
"Heavenly—Inferior grade Fire root with high purity," the examiner next to Instructor Zhuang announced, leaning in.
"This is the first Heavenly grade spirit root that appeared in the Academy. Its aura is so pure, almost radiating light."
"The Earth grade spirit root that was announced this morning caused a huge commotion. If they knew there's also a Heavenly Inferior grade… the entire cultivation world would be in an uproar!"
The few examiners and instructors laughed, their voices hushed with awe and excitement, but they didn't announce it, in order not to disturb the other exams and cause an unnecessary frenzy.
Li Jingxuan blinked, a faint flush appeared on his neck. He knew from his brother's recent extraordinary results that his own spirit roots would also improve, but he didn't expect it to improve this much, reaching a Heavenly grade. A year ago, he was still a trash with five spirit roots but now, he had transformed into a genius with a heavenly grade single spirit root. Hearing them talk about his talent so enviously made his ears warm with a mix of embarrassment and immense pride. He turned and looked at his brothers, a wide grin splitting his face.
"Next."
Li Zhang stepped forward eagerly, his palm slapping down as if to hasten the result. "Place your hand on the pillar properly and calm your mind," Instructor Zhuang instructed.
Li Zhang did as told and repositioned his hand. Soon, heavy gold-brown lines flared, rolling in concentric waves before settling.
"Another Heavenly-Inferior grade, Single spirit Earth root!" The examiner was astonished once more.
One Heavenly-Inferior grade might be a chance, but two in a row had to be a coincidence, right?
Li Zhang grinned, bumping Yuhan on the shoulder. "That's what I'm talking about."
"...Next." Instructor Zhuang called out, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for another Heavenly grade.
Li Yuhan stepped out hesitantly. Now that his younger brothers have been detected to have heavenly grade single roots, if he has anything lower than that, it would be quite embarrassing. Li Jain patted his head and reassured him. Yuhan took in a few deep breaths before placing his hand on the pillar. The glow brightened without wavering, then settled at a note that made even nearby talismans hush.
The examiner was silent for a moment and then said with difficulty: "Heavenly grade, single Wind spirit root. Very high clarity."
Three Heavenly grades appeared at once. If one Heavenly-Inferior grade was a chance, and two in a row were a coincidence, then what about three? Not to mention they were brothers!
Li Yuhan hesitated as he stepped forward. The revelation of his younger brothers possessing heavenly-grade single roots put immense pressure on him. If he is detected to have anything lower than theirs, it would be quite embarrassing. Li Jian, sensing his anxiety, gently patted his head in reassurance.
After taking a few deep breaths, Yuhan placed his hand on the pillar. The glow intensified steadily, before settling into a resonance and profound greenish color.
The examiner was stunned into silence, only after he was called by Instructor Zhuang did he finally manage to articulate: "Heavenly grade, single Wind spirit root. Extremely high clarity."
"Students of this school year are truly terrifying. Their talent is unprecedented."
"With an additional three heavenly grade single roots, things are going to get incredibly interesting. The competition will be fierce."
"I'm also looking forward to it. This year promises to be a spectacle."
"Let's see if their combat results can truly back up such rare and powerful spirit roots. Potential means nothing without execution."
Instructor Zhuang ignored the excited chatter of the other instructors. Unlike those guys with nothing to do, his attention was solely on the task at hand. He called out to the Li family: "Follow me. The third set of the second exam is about to begin. If we make it in time, you'll be able to join this phrase."
Luckily, they arrive just in time. Instructor Zhuang added the names to the participants list. The halls around the arenas were parked with the audience. Who doesn't like to watch a good fight even if it was just children.
The applicants were still in the process of lining up. For a fair competition, the Vermillion Sword Hall introduced an intriguing twist. "Form up for group combat. We do not group by age but rather realm and level. This meant that young cultivators with high cultivation levels would face older and more experienced opponents. The aim was to prove that your cultivation is a result of diligent effort, and not merely reliance on pills.." The instructor in charge of the combat exam announced.
"Instructor Chi is at it again this year," a voice murmured, filled with a mixture of resignation and amusement.
"After the disappointment he got from students last year, he is determined to be stricter." Another replied with sympathy in his tone. The memory of last year's incident still lingered in the air.
"I don't blame him, it's heartbreaking to mistake a cheater for a genius." A third voice added. The school staff had all witnessed the painful revelation of promising talents turning out to be nothing more than carefully constructed facades.
"True, we're aware that most of our students are from wealthy households, and they have access to an abundance of resources. But it's really important to let those children grow on their own, instead of spoon-feeding them success with endless advantages. Because when they go out into the real world, they won't be able to survive." The second voice continue.
"I agree wholeheartedly." The first voice nodded with a sigh.
From the fragmented conversations of the school staff, Li Jain began to piece together a general understanding of the situation. It seemed that a significant number of students, despite their impressive cultivation levels, consistently performed poorly in practical exams and failed to meet expectations. The implication was clear: their high cultivation was likely a result of external factors rather than their own ability or diligent effort.
Li Jain wasn't worried at all. After all, his own little ones had already gained real combat experience. This will be another step in their journey.
Instructor Chi continued, "As you can see, runners have raised placards at the designated area. Qi Gathering realms are divided into three rings: levels 1–3, 4–6, and 7–9. The Physical Body realm is similarly split. For each group, three arenas have been set up. This is group combat, and only the final three applicants in each arena will be declared winners."
He then gestured towards the racks. "The weapons you'll all be using for this phase are made from the same wood. None are sharper than the others. Just do your best."
Those that were depending on their weapons to do well, all give up on the idea sadly. Meanwhile, those that were worried about not having suitable weapons were very happy. The racks held numerous wooden weapons, all identical in shape, just as Instructor Chi had stated.
Jingxuan picked a wooden spear which he was very familiar with.
Zhang pulled on wooden fighting gloves. Surprisingly, they weren't as heavy as he thought.
Yuhan chose a wooden fan.
For the placements, Li Jingxuan with Physical Body level 1, was put in the first group of his Realm, Group A-1 East Arena. Li Zhang at Physical Body level 5, was put into the second group of his Realm, Group B-2 West Arena. Li Yuhan at Physical Body level 7, was put into the third group, Group C-1 East Arena."
Now it was left for Li Jain to decide where to find a vantage point from which he would simultaneously watch all three performances.