Chapter Two: Unprecedented Talent
Dawn of a New Day 🌅
As the sun rose, warm golden light spread across the training yard behind Lu Yi's home.
The traces of yesterday's practice were still visible: footprints, broken wood from old swords, and patches of sweat dried by the night breeze.
But today was different. Today marked the Decennial Talent Test of the Pure Sword Sect—a day that decided the fate of every student in the Outer Section.
Inside the house, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and nervous energy.
On the long wooden table lay a simple meal: steamed rice, boiled vegetables, and small pieces of meat. Humble, yet filled with familial warmth.
Mother Lin Hua sat gracefully, a woman in her late twenties with long black hair cascading like a waterfall. Her features were calm and gentle, and her dark eyes radiated both tenderness and strength.
Though dressed simply, her natural elegance and soft smile brought comfort to anyone who looked at her.
Beside her sat Lu Xiao, Lu Yi's younger sister, seven years old. Her soft black hair brushed her shoulders, and her round, innocent face radiated childlike beauty.
Her wide eyes sparkled with excitement. She wore a simple light-blue robe, ready for the special day.
She didn't fully understand its significance, but she knew it was important for her brother.
Lu Feng, Lu Yi's father, sat at the head of the table. His stern presence did nothing to ease the tension in the room.
Lu Yi, across from him, devoured his meal with unusual speed, as if storing energy for a coming battle.
Mother Lin Hua smiled gently:
"Lu Yi, slow down. You eat as if you haven't eaten in days."
Lu Yi raised his head, cheeks slightly flushed, wiping his mouth.
"Ah… sorry, Mother. I'm just a little… excited."
Lu Xiao giggled mischievously:
"Afraid!" she teased, pointing at him with her tiny finger. "I saw you tossing all night and couldn't sleep!"
Lu Yi's face reddened slightly. His father chuckled softly, then spoke with a serious tone:
"Nervousness is normal. But remember, Lu Yi, today is not the end of the road.
Even if your talent isn't exceptional, effort and determination can overcome anything."
Lu Yi nodded solemnly, his heart burning with excitement.
"Father doesn't know… I have an opportunity no one else has… the system will let me surpass any obstacle."
After finishing the meal, Mother Lin Hua rose to clear the dishes. Lu Yi picked up a wooden sword hanging on the wall.
"Brother," Lu Xiao tilted her head curiously, "will they let me see you take the test?"
Lu Yi smiled and gently ruffled her hair.
"Of course, you'll stay with Mother, but you must be quiet, alright? No talking."
Her eyes sparkled like tiny stars.
"Okay! I'll be like a little mouse… no one will hear me!"
Lu Feng chuckled and grasped Lu Yi's arm.
"Let's go. Time waits for no one. Today will shape the future of many children in the sect."
The road to the main hall at the summit was crowded.
Rows of children of various ages walked with their families. Some were excited, others scared, and whispers filled the air.
As they approached the hall, the scene grew more imposing.
Massive stone walls and banners bearing the Pure Sword Sect's emblem—a white sword surrounded by a halo of light—fluttered in the wind, proclaiming the greatness of the place.
Entering the vast arena, they saw a circular stone platform at the center. Atop it lay a massive stone that glowed faintly— the Talent Test Stone—guarded by several sect elders.
Lu Xiao whispered in awe, clutching her mother's hand:
"Wow! It's huge… will brother place his hand on it?"
Mother Lin Hua bent down, speaking softly:
"Yes, dear. That stone will reveal his cultivation talent."
Lu Yi's heart raced.
"This… is only the beginning."
An elder with a thick white beard and a booming voice announced:
"Children, step forward one by one. Place your hands on the Talent Stone. Its glow will indicate your level of talent."
The first child stepped forward. The stone glowed a pale gray.
"Ordinary talent," the elder said calmly.
One by one, the children approached. The stone glowed yellow for intermediate talent, green for good, blue for great.
When a purple glow appeared for one child, the crowd gasped:
"Incredible talent!"
Lu Feng smiled faintly, hiding his worry.
"I hope at least good… for his sake."
When it was Lu Yi's turn, he stepped forward calmly and placed his hand on the stone, closing his eyes.
Moments later, the stone shone a bright yellow.
"Intermediate talent!" the elder announced.
Lu Feng's smile vanished for a moment, but he quickly masked his disappointment, patting his son's shoulder:
"It's fine, son. Many great cultivators started with intermediate talent."
Lu Yi smiled quietly, unfazed.
"This is just a shell… the system will change everything."
After the talent test, another elder, dressed in luxurious white robes, spoke with solemnity:
"The next test is equally important—the Comprehension Test.
Your ability to grasp the sword's intent will determine your true potential on the Path of the Sword."
The children were led to a back arena, where a massive stone tablet stood, engraved with intricate symbols, surrounded by a sharp aura of energy like blades.
Everyone stood in awe, silent before the tablet.
The elder explained:
"You will sit before the tablet and meditate upon it. The deeper your understanding, the stronger the reaction. Through this, we will evaluate your talent."
Children sat one by one. Some nothing happened. Others caused the tablet to glow faintly.
When it was Lu Yi's turn, he sat cross-legged, took a deep breath, and focused on the symbols.
At first… nothing happened.
Then, suddenly, a whirlwind of sharp winds erupted around him, shaking the entire arena!
Gasps rose from the crowd as the tablet glowed with emerald green light. A mysterious image of a sword cutting through the wind appeared.
One elder shouted in astonishment:
"This… this is a preliminary understanding of the Wind Sword's intent!"
Then all eyes widened in shock as the chief elder added, voice trembling:
"Fifty percent…! I haven't seen anything like this in decades!"
Lu Feng's heart trembled. Mother covered her mouth in disbelief.
Lu Xiao screamed proudly:
"Brother is the best!"
At that moment, the system panel appeared before Lu Yi:
[New Feature Unlocked: Comprehension Section]
Comprehension:
Wind Sword Intent – Level 1 (50/100)
"Ha… intermediate talent in cultivation, but a heavenly talent in comprehension!"
"No one will dare underestimate me again!"
Author's Note:
Hello everyone! I'm a new writer, and this is my very first work in English. Please bear with me if you notice any mistakes or awkward sentences—I'm still learning and improving. I hope you enjoy the story and join me on Lu Yi's journey to the peak of the world. Your support and feedback mean a lot, and I promise to keep giving my best in every chapter!