Chapter 21: Six Years of Glory, Talent Testing Ceremony

  Six years had passed since Su Tianhao's rise to fame within the Su family as their celebrated "little genius." During this time, he had continued proving his worth, solving business disputes, devising management strategies, and earning an unshakeable reputation throughout Oakwood City as a prodigy beyond his years.

  A handsome figure moved with measured confidence down the polished corridors of the main residence. He was dressed in elegant azure robes, his long black hair tied with perfect precision, while sword-like eyebrows framed those distinctive golden eyes that had become his trademark.

  "Young Master!" a familiar feminine voice called from behind him.

  "Ling Ling!" The handsome youth turned with a warm smile—this was fifteen-year-old Su Tianhao, transformed from clever street child into a figure of noble bearing.

  He faced Xie?Ling with genuine pleasure. She had blossomed into a mature beauty over the years, her figure curvaceous and alluring. Her long black hair cascaded down her back like silk, while her green robes hinted at elevated status. Though now twenty?seven, her youthful appearance made her seem to be in her early?twenties—one benefit of successful cultivation.

  The six years had been transformative her as well. Under Su Tianhao's influence, her position had risen from servant disciple to true family disciple. The family had provided her with substantial resources, allowing her to advance from 9th Level Martial Apprentice all the way to 9th Level Martial Disciple—an entire major realm of progress.

  "Good morning, Young Master! Where are you headed this early?" Xie Ling asked.

  "I'm visiting our family marketplace to oversee some business matters," Su Tianhao replied with casual authority. "There are always details requiring attention."

  As they stepped outside, morning sunlight fell across Su Tianhao's features. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, a nostalgic expression crossing his face.

  "Six years," he murmured thoughtfully. "Tomorrow will be the day I test my cultivation talent, and then I can finally leave this city to join a sect like Senior Sister Mei and Senior Brother Chang did."

  His voice carried a note of longing. "How quickly the years pass. I truly miss Senior Sister."

  Xie Ling smiled. “Senior Sister Mei is thriving, from what I hear. The latest reports say she’s already reached the top ten within the outer court ranking of the Qingyun Sect.”

  Su Tianhao nodded with obvious pride. "I hope I awaken strong talent tomorrow so I can begin proper cultivation and eventually join the Qingyun Sect myself."

  "You will, Young Master," Xie Ling said with complete confidence. "I have no doubt about your potential."

  "Come then, let's go," Su Tianhao said, leading the way.

  Throughout the compound, servants and disciples paused their activities to offer respectful greetings.

  "Greetings, Second Young Master!"

  "Good morning, Second Young Master!"

  Su Tianhao acknowledged each greeting with gracious nods, having grown comfortable with such attention over the years.

  Soon they reached the estate's main gates, where the guards snapped to attention.

  "Second Young Master!" they chorused.

  "May I ask your destination this morning?" inquired one of the senior guards.

  "I'll be conducting business at our marketplace," Su Tianhao replied. "Routine oversight matters."

  "Very good, Second Young Master," the guards nodded respectfully.

  As Su Tianhao and Xie Ling departed, the guards couldn't resist sharing their admiration.

  "The Second Young Master is truly blessed by the heavens themselves," one observed with genuine awe. "Not only is he remarkably handsome, but his intellectual capabilities are simply extraordinary."

  "Indeed—he's in a completely different category from the First Young Master," another agreed quietly.

  "Shh! Don't speak so openly," a third guard warned nervously. "What if someone overhears you? That young master is incredibly envious of his adopted brother."

  "But he's not even here..."

  "The walls have ears, brother. Best to be cautious."

  Su Tianhao remained unaware of these conversations as he made his way toward the bustling Su family commercial district.

  "Look—it's Young Master Tianhao!" a middle-aged merchant shouted, his voice carrying across the morning crowds.

  "Quickly! If I can convince him to purchase something, I'll make excellent sales today!" another trader called excitedly.

  Within moments, every merchant in the vicinity had focused their attention on the young master, their eyes gleaming with commercial opportunity.

  "Young Master! Finest silk from Windfall City!"

  "Over here! Rare medicinal herbs just arrived from the Southern mountains!"

  "Young Master Tianhao! Examine these exquisite jade ornaments!"

  Su Tianhao surveyed the scene with amusement before turning to his companion. "Is there anything you'd like to examine, Ling Ling?"

  Xie Ling shook her head gently. "No, Young Master. You needn't concern yourself with me."

  Su Tianhao nodded and led the way toward their actual destination—the organized Su family marketplace where serious business was conducted.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  The marketplace sprawled before them—dozens of specialized stalls and stores arranged with careful precision. This was the commercial hub where Su family business managers and senior disciples operated various enterprises: pill markets, weapon stores, treasure shops, herb stores, and countless other ventures.

  Su Tianhao approached a particular establishment lined with an impressive armory—swords, sabers, spears, and exotic weapons gleaming in organized displays.

  "Master Huan," Su Tianhao called with friendly recognition. "How has business been?"

  Master Huan—a middle-aged craftsman with short brown hair and piercing blue eyes—looked up with obvious pleasure. He held the status of high-grade Mortal rank weapon smith and ranked among the Su family's senior disciples.

  "Young Master!" Master Huan beamed. "Business has been flourishing—all thanks to your strategic recommendations."

  Su Tianhao nodded with satisfaction, spending time examining weapons and discussing market conditions before continuing his rounds. His insights and suggestions were received with gratitude wherever he went.

  After completing his business survey, he returned toward the main family compound.

  "Look—it's the Second Young Master!" someone exclaimed as he passed near the martial arts arena with Xie Ling at his side.

  "Second Young Master!" the gathered disciples called out.

  On the raised platform, a young man with distinctive silver hair was practicing combat forms. This was Su?Lei, an orphan taken in as Su?Minghe’s direct disciple two years prior, who had quickly gained recognition for his martial dedication and natural fighting instincts. Just like Su?Tianhao, he was also fifteen and would be evaluating his talent in tomorrow’s testing ceremony. Their shared history as orphans ignited a strong bond between them.

  "Brother Tianhao, how about we exchange a few moves?" Su Lei called with a friendly smile.

  Su Tianhao smiled wryly but accepted the invitation.

  "Look! The Second Young Master and Senior Brother Lei are going to spar!" excited voices rippled through the gathering crowd.

  Su Lei positioned himself opposite Su Tianhao on the platform, his white robes fluttering slightly.

  "Make your move," Su Tianhao said with calm confidence.

  "Here I come!" Su Lei announced before launching a fierce punch toward his opponent's center.

  Whoosh.

  Su Tianhao moved with fluid precision, sidestepping the attack and delivering a sharp kick to Su Lei's exposed chest in a single smooth motion.

  "Ahh!" Su Lei staggered backward, his balance lost. Despite his initial advantage, he had been completely outmaneuvered.

  "It seems I was no match for your technique," Su Lei admitted with rueful admiration.

  "Senior Brother Lei was defeated in a single exchange!"

  "The Second Young Master is incredible!"

  The crowd buzzed with animated discussion.

  Despite his inability to cultivate spiritual energy, Su Tianhao had spent years mastering basic martial arts forms and developing exceptional ability to read opponents and counter their techniques through pure skill and timing.

  "It was an excellent match," Su Tianhao said graciously as he stepped down from the platform.

  The assembled disciples parted respectfully, their gazes filled with awe.

  As Su Tianhao disappeared from the training area, he remained unaware of a particular figure glaring at him from within the crowd.

  Su Jian stood hidden among the observers, his growth into a fine young man marred by the bitter envy that had festered within him for years. As he watched Su Tianhao's retreating form, his hands clenched into fists while hatred burned in his eyes.

  'Su Tianhao,' he thought venomously. 'How dare you enter my life and steal everything that should have been mine! Tomorrow is the Talent Testing Ceremony—I must awaken exceptional talent. I will not continue living in your shadow!'

  His thoughts carried the desperate intensity of someone whose entire identity had been shaped by resentment.

  ---

  The next day, as the early morning sun cast golden rays across the Su family estate, illuminating what would become the most significant day in many young lives, the normally quiet compound bustled with unprecedented activity as people streamed toward a single destination: the martial arts arena.

  The familiar training platform had been transformed for this momentous occasion. Opposite the arena, a massive viewing platform had been constructed, its hundreds of seats already filled with anxious family members who had traveled from across the country to witness their children's fate.

  The atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Parents clutched each other's hands, siblings whispered encouragements, and the young candidates themselves tried to mask their nervousness with varying degrees of success.

  On an elevated platform overlooking the ceremony, the Su family's leadership had assembled. At the center sat Su Huiqing on a throne-like chair. His flowing crimson robes carried an air of elegance, while his penetrating brown eyes gleamed with paternal pride.

  To his left sat First Elder Su Qingfeng, whose silver hair and long white beard spoke of advanced years and accumulated wisdom. Despite his age, his eyes held remarkable depth and youthful vigor.

  But it was the figure to Su Huiqing's right that commanded the most reverence. An elderly man in simple gray robes sat with eyes closed in meditation, his weathered hands resting on an ornate walking stick. This was Su Guangye, the family's Grand Elder—a genuine Martial Grandmaster and the strongest individual the Su family could claim.

  His mere presence elevated the ceremony's significance. As a normally reclusive figure who rarely appeared at public events, his attendance signaled the family's recognition that this particular group of candidates might produce extraordinary talent.

  Flanking these three central figures were the other elders. Second Elder Su Liang observed the gathering crowd with quiet intensity, while Third Elder Su Minghe maintained his characteristic imposing bearing. Fourth Elder Su Yuntian sat with elegant poise in her blue gown, her beauty and cold demeanor unchanged by six years.

  Seated at some distance was Madam Niu, her ordinary features making her appear like a kind grandmother rather than the formidable Martial Soul expert she truly was.

  On the arena platform itself stood Fifth Elder Su Yuan, dressed in his signature white robes. Beside him on a raised dais sat the ceremony's most important artifact—a large spherical orb that seemed to pulse with inner light.

  Su Yuan had personally volunteered to conduct today's testing, eager to witness his nephew's talent assessment.

  The air vibrated with excitement as hundreds of conversations created a symphony of anticipation throughout the arena.

  At this crucial moment, Su Tianhao made his entrance with Xie Ling following beside him. His appearance immediately drew attention.

  "Look—it's the Second Young Master!"

  "What an outstanding young man he's become!"

  "What level of talent do you think our young prodigy will awaken?"

  "Surely six stars or higher!"

  "With the intelligence he's shown so far, perhaps even seven stars!"

  The crowd's discussions carried unmistakable excitement as speculation ran wild.

  Even the normally composed Grand Elder reacted to Su Tianhao's arrival. Su Guangye's eyes fluttered open, revealing piercing brown orbs that studied the young man with intense scrutiny. After several moments, he nodded with apparent satisfaction before closing his eyes once more, returning to his meditative state.

  The other elders caught this subtle interaction, causing Su Huiqing's face to beam with paternal pride.

  Despite his usual confidence, the magnitude of the moment created undeniable nervousness in Su Tianhao.

  Xie Ling noticed his subtle tension and asked with a teasing smile, "Are you nervous, Young Master?"

  "Who's nervous?" Su Tianhao replied with feigned indignation.

  Xie Ling's smile brightened. "Young Master, it's perfectly normal to feel nervous before such an important test. Everyone experiences anxiety at moments like this."

  Her reassurance helped Su Tianhao's tension ease slightly as he made his way toward the area where other candidates had gathered.

  "Second Young Master!" multiple disciples called out with friendly enthusiasm.

  "Brother Tianhao!" a familiar voice drew his attention to a young man with distinctive silver hair.

  "Su Lei!" Su Tianhao responded warmly.

  Beside Su Lei stood another familiar figure—Su Jian, whose presence created immediate tension.

  Su Tianhao chose to ignore his adopted brother's hostile expression and focused on Su Lei instead. "How are you feeling about today?"

  "Incredibly excited!" Su Lei replied with infectious enthusiasm. "My blood is practically boiling with anticipation!"

  "Excited, indeed," Su Tianhao murmured.

  "Brother Tianhao, consider me your rival today," Su Lei declared with a competitive grin. "Let's see who awakens the highest grade of talent!"

  "We shall," Su Tianhao agreed with a calm smile.

  Witnessing this friendly exchange while being completely ignored, Su Jian's face darkened with fury. "Su Lei! Su Tianhao! Just watch as I surpass both of you," he snarled through gritted teeth. "You're both nothing but orphans who came to leech off my family!"

  His words carried such venom that nearby candidates stepped away instinctively.

  Before the confrontation could escalate, Su Yuan's voice resonated across the arena with commanding authority. Though he spoke at normal volume, spiritual energy amplified his words until they reached every corner—a technique similar to a microphone.

  "Good morning, everyone!" he began. "We are gathered here today to witness the rise of our family's young talents! Today will determine their very fates! Today marks the emergence of a new generation of prodigies!"

  "YEAH!" The crowd's roar of approval shook the arena.

  Su Yuan smiled with satisfaction. "Without further delay, let the Talent Testing Ceremony begin!"

  His gaze swept across the assembled candidates, lingering for a heartbeat on Su Tianhao with a warm, encouraging smile.

  Each candidate held their breath as tension mounted. Hearts hammered, sweat beaded on foreheads, and visible trembling affected even the most composed individuals.

  "Su Ping!" Su Yuan's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Step forward to the platform!"

  Everyone released collective sighs of relief that their names hadn't been called first, then focused their attention on a burly young man who stood frozen with a dazed expression.

  "Go on—don't keep the Fifth Elder waiting," someone encouraged from beside him.

  "Y-Yes!" Su Ping stammered, hurrying toward the platform with obvious nervousness.

  Su Yuan gestured toward the spherical orb resting on its stone pedestal. "This is the talent orb. Nine stars surround its surface—place your hand upon it, and the number of stars that illuminate will determine your cultivation talent and future potential."

  Su Ping nodded, closing his eyes as he approached the spiritual artifact with trembling hands. The entire crowd focused their complete attention on this pivotal moment.

  Su Tianhao watched with unblinking fascination, his own nervousness temporarily forgotten.

  Ding!

  The first star burst into brilliant light! Then the second! Then the third!

  "Three-star talent," Su Yuan announced with neutral professionalism.

  Su Ping opened his eyes and sighed with visible relief—at least he hadn't failed completely.

  "Su Ping has awakened three-star talent!"

  "That's respectable—at least he can be considered average."

  "With that level, he can become a true family disciple!"

  The crowd's discussions reflected their assessment as Su Ping made his way to where successful candidates would gather.

  "Next—Su Laifu!" Su Yuan called out.

  A lean youth with unremarkable features stepped forward, his expression betraying extreme nervousness.

  He placed his trembling hand on the talent orb's surface.

  Ding!

  One star illuminated! Then the second!

  "Two-star talent," Su Yuan announced with obvious dismissal in his tone.

  Su Laifu's face went ashen as disappointment crashed over him. He immediately left the platform with slumped shoulders, knowing his cultivation future had been severely limited.

  "Hmph! Trash!" Su Jian snorted with cruel disdain.

  The ceremony continued with mounting tension as each candidate faced their moment of judgment, their destinies revealed in the glow of mystical stars that would shape the rest of their lives.