C32 Possessing the Aptitude to Receive the True Teachings
"No need, I've already arrived."
A robust voice echoed through the room.
All eyes turned to see a short, stout elder with graying temples stride in, the deacon who had left earlier following him with deference.
"Greetings, Third Elder!"
Whether it was the individuals overseeing the test, Zhao Quxin, or the rest, they all visibly jolted at his presence and bowed deeply.
They hadn't anticipated that this issue would draw the attention of the Outer Sect's Third Elder.
The Third Elder was one of the Outer Sect's top three figures.
In terms of status and power, he far exceeded Elder Chen, who handled disciple recruitment.
His cultivation level had even surpassed the Condensation Spin Stage, reaching the Spirit Opening Stage.
Typically, the Third Elder wouldn't bother with the Outer Sect's routine affairs.
Yet, to their surprise, a mere talent assessment for new disciples had piqued his interest.
Lin Xuan and the other disciples in the great hall noted the deacons' reverent demeanor.
Even those unfamiliar with the Third Elder could tell his status and strength were extraordinary, his capabilities likely far beyond those of the deacons.
They, too, bowed respectfully.
"Rise," the Third Elder said calmly.
The crowd straightened up.
His gaze settled on Lin Xuan, and a smile flickered across his face as he inquired:
"Are you Lin Xuan, the one with a talent level of six?"
"Third Elder, I am indeed Lin Xuan," he replied, bowing.
Lin Xuan regarded the Third Elder.
"Name: Luo Yuanliang."
"Cultivation: First Level of the Spirit Opening Stage."
"Talent: Superior Grade Cultivation Talent, Middle Grade Strength Talent, High-grade Speed Talent, Middle-grade Saber Talent, Middle-grade Sharp Gold Talent, Middle-grade Crimson Fire Talent, High-grade Violent Wind Attribute Talent."
"Martial Arts: Wind Essence Formula (Mid Grade Rank 6, Initial Perfect Level), Wind Splitting Saber Technique (Low Rank 6, Initial Perfect Level), Flaming Fist (Low Rank 6, Initial Perfect Level), Cloud Step (Low Rank 6, Initial Perfect Level), and others."
"Personal treasures: None."
Lin Xuan gazed at the Third Elder's attribute panel in astonishment.
Truly, he was a formidable practitioner of the Spirit Opening Stage, possessing numerous high-grade treasures.
He far surpassed Zhao Quxin and the other deacons in strength.
Regrettably, with fewer than two hundred thousand energy points at his disposal, he couldn't replicate all of the Third Elder's martial arts.
He had to be selective, choosing only the most crucial techniques to copy.
Naturally, he prioritized his talents.
"30,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. You have acquired the [Superior Grade Cultivation Talent]."
"3,000 energy points expended, duplication complete. You have acquired the [High-grade Speed Talent]."
"30,000 energy points expended, duplication complete. You have acquired the [Wind Essence Formula (Mid-Grade Rank 6, Initial Perfect Level)]."
He swiftly replicated the majority of Luo Yuanliang's treasures.
In doing so, he depleted nearly all of his 200,000 energy points.
Yet, this entire process unfolded in mere moments, going undetected by those around him.
The Third Elder looked at Lin Xuan with a nod of approval and remarked:
"Your talent level is at least a six, and each of your six major attribute talents is no less than Middle Grade. Impressive.
You indeed have the makings of a true disciple.
Among all the newcomers, you're undoubtedly the top prodigy."
The Third Elder lavished praise upon him. Though unable to discern Lin Xuan's true talent, he could feel the robustness of his foundation, which towered above that of the other new disciples.
Furthermore, Lin Xuan had achieved this while still in the mundane world, without having formally joined the sect and in the absence of ample cultivation resources and martial arts.
Once he entered the sect with its abundant resources, his abilities were bound to soar.
Such exceptional talents were rare, even within the vast Drifting Cloud Sect.
Lin Xuan certainly merited the Third Elder's high regard.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Quxin, Liu Quan, and the other deacons were visibly shaken, their eyes wide with astonishment as they regarded Lin Xuan.
The Third Elder had declared Lin Xuan worthy of becoming a true disciple.
Could they have misheard?
Within the Drifting Cloud Sect's tens of thousands of warriors, there were no more than twenty-eight Core Disciples!
Each one was esteemed above an Inner Sect Elder.
Their prowess and status promised a future where they might ascend beyond the Spiritual Essence Stage and rank among the elite of Cangyuan Country.
They had never imagined that Lin Xuan, emerging from a small town, could possess such extraordinary potential!
Their disbelief was palpable.
Yet, when the words came from the Third Elder, doubt was no longer an option.
The Third Elder wasn't just a prominent figure of the Outer Sect; he was also an Elder of the Inner Sect, with a discernment far surpassing theirs.
If the Third Elder himself had spoken, could there be any falsehood?
The deacons were instantly struck with even greater astonishment.
Their sidelong glances at Zhao Quxin were tinged with envy and jealousy.
Zhao Quxin had managed to find a supreme talent with the makings of a Core disciple in a small city—his fortune was enviable.
The Outer Sect's rules stated that the more exceptional and talented the disciple they recruited, the more lavish the rewards.
What magnitude of reward, then, awaited Zhao Quxin?
It was likely that Zhao Quxin could advance several levels, perhaps even reaching the mid-stage of the Condensation Spin Stage.
The widening chasm in strength between Zhao Quxin and themselves was inevitable.
How could they not feel a twinge of envy?
At this moment, however, Zhao Quxin was far from such calculations.
He was still reeling, unable to grasp the situation.
He had never anticipated that Lin Xuan, whom he had discovered in the unremarkable Green Jade City, would turn out to be a top-tier genius with the qualifications of a true Core disciple.
The surrounding disciples also fixed their eyes on Lin Xuan, overwhelmed with shock.
They, too, had distinguished themselves in their own cities to join the Drifting Cloud Sect, surely as the elite of their local powers.
They had a certain grasp of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
Even without detailed knowledge, they understood what being a Core Disciple implied.
It signified the possibility of ascending to the upper echelons of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
As one of the four major forces in Cangyuan Country, on par with the royal house, reaching the heights of the Drifting Cloud Sect meant reaching the pinnacle of Cangyuan Country itself.
Such an individual is undoubtedly exceptional.
They had never anticipated encountering someone with such potential right before their eyes.
In that moment, they were utterly astounded, yet simultaneously incredulous.
Without the affirmation of the Third Elder, they would have outright refused to believe it.
Still, they struggled to accept the reality.
It all seemed too fantastical.
Off to the side, Zhang Tao's fists were clenched tightly, his expression contorted as he inwardly raged.
"How can this be?"
He was unwilling to accept that Lin Xuan could truly be a prodigy destined for the status of a Core Disciple.
"What does talent matter? A genius who hasn't matured is ultimately insignificant!"
Zhang Tao's gaze upon Lin Xuan grew more chilling.
But Lin Xuan paid him no mind.
"Many thanks for the compliment, Third Elder!"
Lin Xuan responded with poised confidence.
He quietly observed the surge of energy points in the void before him.
