There were a total of nineteen participants taking part in the Ling clan's assessment ceremony this time. All were between the ages of sixteen and twenty with Ling Yuanhong, Ling Xiaoting and Ling Chunxi amongst them. Needless to say, Ling Yichen was included in the lineup as well.
Second Elder recited the names of all the participants from his list, before calling each one to come onstage individually for assessment. When some Ling family disciples heard Ling Chunxi's name mentioned, they couldn't hold back their laughter. That ugly wastrel was only going to embarrass herself by participating in this! A few people turned to look at Ling Chunxi and were surprised to see her wearing such a wide-brimmed hat. They supposed such an ugly monster still had some sense of self-awareness to cover up her hideousness in case others were disgusted by her appearance.
Ling Chunxi remained calm. Today would be the day she metamorphosised. She was seen as a usual failure, but today she would be a sudden success! On this day, she'd show everyone that she, Ling Chunxi, was indeed a true genius and shock the crowd until their jaws dropped collectively.
The first to get called up was Ling Yichen. He made his way onstage in a composed manner. At the sight of their idol, a horde of girls standing before the stage excitedly started squealing in low voices. They didn't dare be too loud lest they affect their precious idol's concentration.
"Does Elder Brother Yichen even need to do this? He's already at Battle Qi Level 6 Pinnacle. I hear, he's even been tested at White Stone City. There's no way an ordinary person can match up to his innate talent."
"Of course he still needs to participate. Every year, there's a competition with the Qins and the Luos as to how many participants pass the assessment. He'll be the best anyway."
"Exactly. Elder Brother Yichen is so cool. I love his icy stare. I'd willingly die just for him to look at me just once."
"Shut up! Lower your voices. Let's not affect Elder Brother Yichen's performance!"
...
Ling Chuxi's lips twitched when she heard what these maidens were discussing in hushed tones. These ignorant girls were really just blindly worshipping Ling Yichen.
Under the expectant eye of the crowd, Ling Yichen placed his hand into the groove of the monument and slowly channelled his Battle Qi. Without any element of suspense to the proceedings at all, the monument lit up with a white halo which gradually became brighter and brighter. The elders smiled in delight. Although this was to be expected, seeing it still made them very happy.
However, their happiness would be short-lived. They didn't smile again once Ling Yichen left the stage.
One by one, the Ling family's participants came onstage and channelled their Battle Qi into the monument, but none were able to compel the monument to light up.
When it was his turn, Ling Yuanhong bounced onstage and channelled his Battle Qi energetically after placing his hand inside the monument. The monument did not light up. Ling Yuanhong's face flushed red, and he hurriedly channelled his Battle Qi again. Yet, the monument remained as it was! Finally, he made his way offstage dejectedly. After doing so, he looked over at Ling Chuxi who was standing a great distance away and felt a little happier.
Ling Yichen had passed the assessment easily. Given his abilities, he would also be accepted to White Stone Academy and would leave Shi Qu Town to study there. On the other hand, Ling Chuxi would definitely not be able to pass the clan assessment. That way, both Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi would be apart and he, Ling Yuanhong, would be able to look for Ling Chuxi anytime. He would have a chance! The more Ling Yuanhong thought about it, the more delighted he became. Gone were his feelings of aimlessness. The people standing beside him saw that he wore a silly grin on his face despite failing the assessment and backed away in disdain. Did Ling Yuanhong become a fool after being beaten up?
Ling Yuanghong had grand plans indeed, but would things really go as he wished?