C31 He Was Shocked
Lin Xuan's potential was clear; he was destined to become at least an Inner Sect Elder, a status far beyond the reach of an Outer Sect deacon like himself. Zhao Quxin was utterly astounded, never having imagined that he would discover such an exceptional talent in a mere small city.
Zhang Tao, standing nearby, was equally stunned by Lin Xuan's test results. As he regained his composure, he noticed that all eyes had shifted from him to Lin Xuan, and his face clouded over with resentment. "I'm supposed to be the most talented one here today! How dare you overshadow me!" he thought bitterly, his fists clenching and then releasing in frustration. A glint of malice flickered in his eyes as he watched Lin Xuan.
At the front of the hall, the three deacons were initially taken aback by Lin Xuan's performance, but their surprise quickly turned to elation. "Zhao Di, go inform Elder Chen at once! We've found a top-tier genius with a Talent level of six degrees!" the senior-most deacon instructed his colleague on the left. Turning to Lin Xuan with a beaming smile, he said warmly, "Lin Xuan, come forward and test your attribute talent." His demeanor had shifted from cold to cordial in an instant, a transformation that left many in the hall bemused.
The other disciples watched, a mix of envy and understanding in their eyes. The disparity in treatment was stark, but they knew why. Lin Xuan was not just any genius; his Talent level was extraordinary. As the likely top prodigy among the new disciples, it was only natural for him to receive special consideration.
Acknowledging the invitation with a nod, Lin Xuan approached the attribute panel suspended in the Void. The sight of the energy points accumulating there pleased him greatly; the test had yielded more than he had expected.
Positioning himself before the second crystal ball, Lin Xuan placed his palm against its surface. He was well aware that while some attribute talents were innate, most required a conscious awakening—a process only possible within the four great sects. An awakened attribute talent could significantly boost one's strength and potential, especially when cultivated in alignment with the attribute's nature. It was for this reason that despite the high attrition rates, the powers within the cities vied to send their young disciples to the sects for such opportunities.
Even if they couldn't pass the test and gain entry into the sect, awakening their attribute talent would still be quite an achievement.
Lin Xuan gazed into the crystal ball, his eyes filled with hope.
He was eager to discover the true nature of his talents beyond the ones he had replicated.
All eyes in the area were drawn to him in anticipation.
Lin Xuan's talent level had soared to a staggering six degrees of perfection.
Everyone was curious to see just how far his attribute talent could go.
The crystal ball soon offered its verdict.
A burst of golden light emerged, growing increasingly brilliant.
"A Middle Grade Sharp Gold talent, impressive," commended the elder overseeing the attribute talent assessment.
Then, one after another, a cluster of green vines, a sphere of fire, a rush of water, a mountain, and a whirlwind materialized.
Six distinct phenomena took shape within the crystal ball, each occupying its own space.
Remarkably, the strength of these six visions was nearly identical.
"Metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind—six great attribute talents, all at least Middle Grade. How can this be?"
The deacon witnessing the spectacle couldn't contain his astonishment, voicing his disbelief.
The crystal ball was said to reveal only Middle Grade talents at the lowest because it was designed to protect the secrets of the disciples; even higher-grade talents would be displayed as Middle Grade.
Yet, the revelation left him utterly astounded.
All six attribute talents were at least Middle Grade!
Such talent was unheard of to him; he had neither seen nor even heard of it before.
It was doubtful that anyone in the entire Drifting Cloud Sect possessed such abilities.
But now, here was someone with such extraordinary talents standing right before him.
His shock was palpable.
A hush fell over the crowd.
They were dumbfounded once again.
Gradually, the silence gave way to a buzz of excitement.
"Six major attributes? And all of such high caliber? How is that possible?"
"He's incredibly powerful, isn't he?"
"He truly is a top-tier genius with a talent level reaching the sixth degree!"
"Now, I'm almost certain he's the most gifted among our new disciples this year!"
The discussions were unending, with everyone looking at Lin Xuan with renewed awe.
The deacons nearby were at a loss for words.
They had not anticipated Lin Xuan's talent and attribute talent to be so remarkable.
This was beyond their wildest dreams.
Zhang Tao's face darkened even further upon witnessing the scene.
He possessed merely two Middle Grade attribute talents, whereas Lin Xuan boasted six.
It's common knowledge that the greater the number of attribute talents one has, the broader the range of paths available to them.
And the more martial arts they can master.
This also means their combat strength is more formidable among peers.
Lin Xuan's six attribute talents clearly outshone his, leaving him no room to shine.
"Damn it! Why did Lin Xuan have to show up? He's in my way!"
Zhang Tao seethed as he stared at Lin Xuan's silhouette.
Yet, all eyes in the arena were riveted on Lin Xuan, completely ignoring Zhang Tao.
This only fueled Zhang Tao's rage.
"Lin Xuan, you just wait. I won't let this slide!"
He vowed silently, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Unbeknownst to Lin Xuan, he had stirred envy in others.
But even if he were aware, it wouldn't bother him in the least.
He was of the mind that those consumed by envy seldom achieve greatness.
They were not worth his concern.
At that moment, he was engrossed in the Attribute Panel floating before him.
"My energy points have significantly replenished. Nearing two hundred thousand," Lin Xuan whispered to himself, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
The overseeing deacon regained his composure, giving Lin Xuan a complex look before making the announcement:
"Lin Xuan has a Talent Level of 6 degrees, with attribute talents in Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind—all Middle Grade. He's passed!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs as he finished.
Turning back to Lin Xuan, his smile broadened.
"Lin Xuan, hold on a moment. There's a chair over here. Take a seat if you need a rest.
Once everyone has completed their tests, I'll take care of the remaining details for you.
Rest assured, with your scores, you're a shoo-in for the potential disciples of the Outer Sect.
Barring any surprises, you're likely to be the top potential disciple among this group of newcomers.
Elder Chen will be along shortly to present you with your token."
The deacon approached Lin Xuan with a mild demeanor, treating him as an equal.
The reason was simple: Lin Xuan's dual talents were exceptionally strong.
It was enough to give anyone a fright.