The End of a Cannon Fodder Master

Chapter 15: The Second Stage

As the bell rang three times in a row, the first test came to an end. A total of a thousand people had made it to the top, and before they could celebrate, they first had to ensure they passed the next test too.

Only then could they relax.

After a night of rest, the examinees moved to the next segment of the test — talent assessment. Unlike the previous test, this assessment didn't require them to exert any effort and energy because their talent would be directly under scrutiny.

Their background, status, or wealth was irrelevant.

As such, the results of the test would shape their entire future, and potentially, for the rest of their lives.

In the afternoon, the examinees assembled and followed the two white-robed disciples to a vast space where a stage stood at the centre. There were many disciples watching them closely, clearly interested in their arrival.

A massive, multi-coloured crystal pillar was placed on stage, reaching the height of a two-storey building. Nearby, there were plenty of long, coloured crystals on the table. Each resembled tiny swords and functioned as a tool for the examinees to tap into their spiritual energy and direct it towards the pillar.

Pei Yufeng looked anxiously at the massive rock which held the weight of her future. She took a deep breath, focused on finding her composure. What she feared was never getting the chance to prove herself, so hopefully, the heavens won't let her down.

Meanwhile, the two boys standing beside her were displaying different levels of interest.

The look on Han Weisheng's face was a mix of immense excitement and profound despair, in contrast to Xie Junmo's typically indifferent demeanour.

With a graceful stride, an elder dressed in purple stood before the pillar as he started his explanation.

"This pillar, a measuring tool, is designed to evaluate your aptitude for cultivation. Examinees, please pick a crystal sword and focus your spiritual energy on it before attacking the pillar. The colours of the pillars will correspond to the attributes of your spiritual roots, and the stronger your talent, the more vivid the colour would be. Any examinees found with a muddy colour will be disqualified without exception."

Once said, he then chanted before stabbing his sword into the ground. The crystal pillar immediately responded, glowing intensely with a bright white light. The moment everyone caught sight of the words and lines on the ground, similar to an intricate painting, it became clear that he had activated a formation — specifically, a gathering array.

"Currently, the spiritual energy around the pillar will be at its highest concentration. As such, everyone can focus on unleashing their full power without worrying about insufficient spiritual energy. Without any more delay, I wish everyone the best of luck. May the second exam begin!"

As his words came to an end, everyone's attention immediately shifted to the examinees standing on the stage. Right now, whoever takes a step forward would become the centre of attention!

Soon after, a bold young man in his late teens came forward. He grabbed the closest crystal sword and positioned himself not too close nor too far from the pillar. Next, he spread his legs apart, channelling the spiritual energy into the sword, and unleashed a burst of energy towards the pillar.

The pillar shook, a dull sound resonated from it. For a brief moment, a tiny cut appeared on the surface, only to disappear and restore its original flawless appearance.

The young man's heart raced with anticipation as he waited for the pillar's judgement.

From the bottom to the top, the intricate lines on the pillar's surface gleamed in a mesmerising shade of blue, green, and brown. Though the light wasn't intense, the colours unmistakably revealed that he possessed a decent aptitude for cultivation.