The awakening ceremony unfolded in the ethereal underground river, concealed beneath the majestic expanse of the clan pavilion. As the elder, adorned with an air of authority, called forth the parchment of names, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
"Gue Yue Chen Bo," the elder's voice resonated through the cavernous space, sending ripples of apprehension across the gathering. The width of the river was notable, but its depth was moderate, barely grazing the youth's kneecaps. Chen Bo's countenance betrayed his seriousness as he gingerly stepped onto the shore, the vibrant bed of flowers beneath his feet.
Almost instantly, an imperceptible force embraced Chen Bo, akin to an invisible wall impeding his progress. A surge of unseen pressure enveloped him, causing his resolve to waver. In a surreal display, the very flowers at his feet emitted a feeble, ethereal radiance, converging upon Chen Bo and permeating his being. In that fleeting moment, he sensed the weight of the invisible barrier easing, as if acquiescing to his presence. Empowered by this brief respite, Chen Bo gritted his teeth and summoned his inner fortitude, propelling himself forward with unwavering determination.
Yet, fate proved unyielding. After a mere three arduous steps, the invisible wall reconvened, reclaiming its former impenetrable state. Chen Bo's forward march abruptly halted, his hopes dashed against the unyielding barrier. The elder, a sigh escaping his lips, chronicled the outcome with a tinge of regret in his voice.
"Gu Yue Chen Bo, three steps. Regrettably, lacking the requisite talent to become a Gu Master. Next, Gu Yue Zao Xie!"
Chen Bo, his complexion drained of color, retraced his steps, trudging wearily back to the assembly of youths. Teeth clenched in frustration, he bore the weight of disappointment upon his shoulders, resigned to a life bereft of Gu Mastery, consigned to the lowest echelons of the clan hierarchy.
His once-sturdy bearing now trembled, consumed by the crushing blow of reality. Sympathetic gazes rained upon him, while the scrutiny of onlookers intensified as the second candidate made their foray across the river.
Alas, fortune did not favor this young soul either, as they faltered after a mere four steps, lacking the inherent talent that distinguished a Gu Master. It was an unfortunate truth that not all possessed the natural aptitude required for such a path. In general, a ratio of five out of ten individuals exhibiting talent was considered favorable. Yet, within the esteemed Gu Yue Clan, this ratio stretched to six, a testament to their lineage tracing back to their illustrious ancestor, the first generation clan leader—an indomitable figure of legendary might. Inheritors of his potent lineage, the Gu Yue clan boasted an elevated average aptitude, a testament to the powerful genes coursing through their veins.
With two successive disappointments unfolding before their watchful eyes, the hidden assembly of elders contorted their visages into grimaces of displeasure. Even the esteemed clan head himself wore a subtle furrow in his brow, an unmistakable sign of concern that flickered momentarily across his features. However, the ceremony pressed on, as the next name echoed through the chamber.
"Gu Yue Mo Bei," the academy elder called out, capturing the attention of all present.
With a voice tinged with confidence, a youth with a horse-faced visage and draped in linen robes stepped forward. Radiating an aura of bravery, he embarked upon his journey across the river, each step carrying him closer to the opposite bank. Ten steps, twenty steps, thirty steps—the small lights emanating from the flowers entered his body, infusing him with their essence. He continued his determined stride until he reached thirty-six steps, where progress finally came to a halt.
Wide-eyed and shocked, the onlookers at the riverbank watched in awe. The academy elder, brimming with delight, exclaimed, "Good! Gu Yue Mo Bei, B-grade talent! Come here, let me examine your Primeval Sea."
Gu Yue Mo Bei returned to the academy elder's side, where the elder placed a hand on his shoulder and closed his eyes, deeply focused on evaluating his potential. After a brief moment, the academy elder withdrew his hand and nodded approvingly, documenting the results on paper: Gu Yue Mo Bei, primeval sea measuring six by six, can be vigorously trained.
This special talent could be graded into four categories: A-grade to D-grade. A D-grade talent, after three years of nurturing, would be able to become a rank one senior Gu Master, laying the foundation for the family. A C-grade talent, after two years of cultivation, could typically advance to become a rank two senior Gu Master, becoming the backbone of the clan. A B-grade talent demanded extra care and attention, often leading to a future clan elder. With six to seven years of training, they could ascend to the rank of a rank three Gu Master.
As for an A-grade talent, even a single individual possessing such potential would bring great fortune to the entire clan. They required meticulous care and guidance, as in around ten years, they could become a rank four Gu Master, at which point they could vie for the position of the clan head.
In essence, as long as Gu Yue Mo Bei continued to grow, he would inevitably become one of the revered elders of the Gu Yue clan. The academy elder's joyful laughter reverberated, while the hidden elders in the shadows breathed sighs of relief. Their envious gazes turned toward one elder in particular—Gu Yue Mo Chen, who happened to be Gu Yue Mo Bei's grandfather. With a smile on his face, Gu Yue Mo Chen provocatively glanced at his old rival, Gu Yue Chi Lian, and said, "What do you think? My grandson isn't too bad, huh, Gu Yue Chi Lian?"
Gu Yue Chi Lian, with fiery red hair, let out an annoyed "hmph" and chose not to respond, his expression dark and brooding.
As time flowed, one hour passed, during which half of the assembled youths had already traversed the flower sea. Among them, a significant number exhibited C and D grade talents, while the remaining half demonstrated no discernible talent whatsoever. The weight of this reality bore heavily on the clan head, who sighed deeply and lamented, "Sigh, the bloodline is thinning. These past years, the clan has lacked any rank four masters to strengthen our lineage. The fourth generation clan head, the sole rank five master, perished alongside the Flower Wine monk without leaving any descendants. The talents of the later generations in the Gu Yue clan are progressively diminishing."
At that very moment, the academy elder's voice shattered the contemplative silence, reverberating through the chamber once again. "Gu Yue Chi Chen!"
The announcement of this name prompted all the elders to direct their gazes toward Gu Yue Chi Lian, as the individual in question happened to be his grandson.
Gu Yue Chi Lian, characterized by a small and short build, possessed a countenance marked by pockmarks. His clenched fists and perspiring face revealed his intense nervousness.
As Gu Yue Chi Chen approached the riverbank and stepped onto the shore, the small lights embedded within the flowers entered his body. With determination in his stride, he made steady progress until reaching the thirty-sixth step, matching the accomplishment of his cousin, Gu Yue Mo Bei.
"Another B grade!" the academy elder announced, eliciting a commotion among the youths. Envious stares were cast upon Gu Yue Chi Chen, their admiration evident.
"Hahaha, 36 steps, 36 steps!" Gu Yue Chi Lian exclaimed, his pride evident as he triumphantly regarded Gu Yue Mo Bei. This time, it was Gu Yue Mo Chen's turn to sport a sour expression, his face contorted with envy.
However, undeterred by the turn of events, the ceremony pressed on as the academy elder continued to call out the names of the next participants. The atmosphere in the chamber remained charged with anticipation as the crowd awaited the next individual to step forward.
Suddenly, the elder's voice resonated through the air, capturing everyone's attention. "Gu Yue Fang Yuan," he called out, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue.
