chsdbacks Chapter 149 - 149: Inner Test Result
Chapter 149 - 149: Inner Test Result
The test was over, and now it was time for the results. The air in the arena was thick with tension, the disciples standing stiffly, waiting for their fate to be revealed.
Their eyes shifted nervously between each other, while the crowd murmured in hushed voices, speculating on who would become inner disciples and who might even catch the attention of a top elder.
Elder Darius Armist, with his imposing figure and piercing gaze, rose from his seat. The soft murmurs quickly faded, replaced by a heavy silence that seemed to press down on the arena. His voice, sharp and authoritative, cut through the air.
"As per the results of today's test," he began, pausing briefly to let the weight of his words settle, "the seventh to tenth-ranked outer disciples are disqualified."
There was a visible shift in the lower-ranked disciples' postures. Hopes shattered, faces fell as the reality sank in. A few of them still clung to a flicker of hope, eyes darting toward the elders, waiting—praying—for someone to take pity on them.
Elder Darius's expression remained stern. "None of you were able to inflict damage on the testing stone, and as such, you are not eligible to become inner disciples."
One of the lower-ranked disciples, still clinging to hope, took a hesitant step forward, voice shaking. "But, Elder... does that mean there's no chance at all?"
Darius's gaze softened for the briefest of moments, though his voice stayed firm. "If any elders wish to take you under their wing and train you, you may still become inner disciples through their guidance. But that decision lies entirely with them."
The disciples' eyes, which had brightened momentarily, once again scanned the elder seats,
Elder Darius shifted his gaze toward the other elders seated above. "Now, which of you wishes to take Julian Margrave as your disciple?"
As expected, Elder Sylph Margrave raised her hand with quiet confidence, her expression composed yet warm. "I will take him," she stated, her voice carrying a subtle note of pride. It was a claim not just of talent, but of kinship.
Julian bowed once more, this time directed at Elder Sylph Margrave. "Thank you, Elder Margrave," he said, the calm smile never leaving his face as he stood tall, clearly satisfied with the outcome.
His expression was one of quiet triumph as he returned to his place among the other disciples, knowing he had met expectations.
Elder Darius wasted no time as he called the next name. "And now, Caius Arcturus."
Caius stepped forward, still exuding the same confidence that had carried him through the test earlier. His posture was straight, his chin slightly raised, and there was a distinct gleam of pride in his eyes.
Elder Darius gave a slight nod of approval. "Your thunderous sword strike was powerful, and your cultivation has reached the four-star warrior level. You are eligible to become an inner disciple."
Caius gave a sharp, practiced bow, his eyes filled with anticipation. He knew what was coming next.
Elder Darius didn't even need to ask the question. Before he could speak, Elder Thorne Arcturus leaned forward, his voice booming across the arena.
"I will take him," he declared, his tone firm, carrying the authority of one who would not be challenged on this decision. There was no mistaking the pride in his voice as he claimed Caius, his own kin.
Caius, clearly pleased with the outcome, gave another bow. "Thank you, Elder Arcturus. I will strive to uphold the family name." His words were sharp, calculated, and brimming with confidence as he returned to his place, his steps just a bit more purposeful.
Finally, the arena fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned toward Zeus. The crowd seemed to lean forward in anticipation.
Even the elders, both the top-ranking and the lower, had their attention fixed on him. Everyone knew that Zeus was different—his presence carried an aura that was hard to ignore.
Elder Darius's gaze fell on Zeus, his expression unreadable, but there was a sense of curiosity in his eyes. "Zeus, the third-ranked outer disciple. Step forward," he announced.
Zeus smirked as he stepped forward, his movements confident and deliberate. The weight of the moment wasn't lost on him, and he welcomed it.
The eyes of the crowd, the elders, even the other disciples, were all focused on him now. He knew this was his moment, and it was about to get interesting.