Chapter 3 — Chen Clan Talent Display
The morning sun rose high over the Chen Clan estate, spilling golden light across the courtyard. Today was the annual Talent Display, a ceremony where the cultivation progress of every young disciple would be measured. The air buzzed with excitement and tension, a mixture of anticipation, rivalry, and pride. Each disciple hoped to impress the elders, secure recognition, or at least avoid shame.
I adjusted the folds of my robe, letting my Qi flow naturally through my meridians. A familiar hum resonated in my mind as the panel appeared, my goldfinger's interface silently tracking my own cultivation and those nearby.
Wen Chen — Cultivation Panel
Talent Level: Bronze-tier
Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5
Progress: 45%
Nearby Status:
Liu Wei – Talent Level: Silver-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Confident, strong, predictable pattern
Zhang Hao – Talent Level: Bronze-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Aggressive, weaker control
Xiao Lin – Talent Level: Bronze-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Quick, lacks endurance
Across the courtyard, Liu Wei stretched his long limbs with the arrogance of someone used to being the center of attention. Even without looking directly at him, the panel highlighted his subtle habits: the predictable rhythm of his attacks, minor imbalances in his stance, and the confident aura he radiated.
Elder Gao's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. "Disciples, begin with Qi circulation. Then proceed to levitation of Qi spheres. Precision, control, and spirit alignment will be observed. Failure will be noted."
The courtyard split into groups. Many younger disciples faltered immediately, shaking or collapsing under uneven flow. One boy from the back tripped over his own Qi, spilling energy violently in all directions. The elders moved quickly, correcting and advising with sharp, precise words.
I knelt quietly and began circulating Qi through my body. Every pulse, every beat of my heart, synchronized with the flow of energy. I sent it to my hands, forming a perfect sphere that hovered steadily above my palm. The panel updated immediately:
Wen Chen — Panel Update:
Progress: 50%
The sphere glowed faintly, stable, responding perfectly to subtle adjustments in my Qi. Elder Gao's sharp gaze lingered for a fraction longer than usual, though he said nothing. Even Liu Wei's attention flickered, his subtle tension betraying the faint recognition that someone had performed exceptionally.
Other disciples followed, some with skill, others with obvious flaws. Zhang Hao's sphere hovered aggressively, energy flaring in jagged bursts. Xiao Lin struggled to maintain balance, overexerting and losing focus quickly. I watched carefully, recording these observations in my mind:
Nearby Status Update:
Zhang Hao – Observation: Predictable, force-based, weaker precision
Xiao Lin – Observation: Quick, lacks endurance, energy unstable
Next came sparring. Pairs were assigned based on skill reputation. I was paired first with Zhang Hao. He lunged immediately, attacking with brute force, relying on strength over technique. I stepped lightly, redirecting his energy while observing his patterns.
Wen Chen — Panel Update:
Progress: 55%
His attacks were fast, but each strike revealed subtle habits—slight delay in the left hand, uneven weight distribution, repeated footwork patterns. By gently redirecting him and using minimal force, I was able to gain points without overwhelming him. He looked both frustrated and impressed when I ended the round.
Liu Wei's dark eyes never left me. His posture was rigid, calculating, trying to anticipate what I might do next. My panel recorded it:
Liu Wei – Observation: Alert, calculating, preparing for confrontation
It was clear that he would be my rival in the near future. A spark of anticipation ran through me. Rivalry was exciting; it pushed both sides to grow.
After sparring, Elder Jian announced the precision strike stage. Each disciple had to channel Qi into controlled bursts toward a moving target. Many faltered, overextending or misjudging distance. I adjusted my stance, ensuring my Qi pulses were even and steady.
Wen Chen — Panel Update:
Progress: 60%
My target shivered lightly under the influence of my controlled strikes. Even from a distance, I could see the reactions of my peers. Liu Wei attempted his own precision strikes—powerful, fast—but his control faltered occasionally, and several of his strikes missed entirely. My panel reflected his movements:
Liu Wei – Observation: Powerful, fast, but imprecise and predictable
Even Xiao Lin and Zhang Hao were faltering under fatigue, their energy spikes uneven and wild. My panel noted the weakness, reinforcing the advantage I had in observation and control.
By the time the Talent Display concluded, the elders had exchanged quiet words. My calm demeanor, precise Qi flow, and smooth execution had not gone unnoticed. The panel updated one final time for the day:
Wen Chen — End of Display Panel:
Talent Level: Bronze-tier
Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5
Progress: 65%
Nearby Status:
Liu Wei – Talent Level: Silver-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Confident, predictable style
Zhang Hao – Talent Level: Bronze-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Aggressive, weaker control
Xiao Lin – Talent Level: Bronze-tier | Cultivation Level: Spirit Initiate Stage 1 / 5 | Observation: Quick, unstable energy
The courtyard gradually emptied. My mother, Lin Meihua, appeared with a tray of tea. "You performed well today," she said gently. "I am proud of your progress, Wen Chen."
I inclined my head politely. "Thank you, Mother. I will continue to improve."
Wen Yiran, my sister, smiled and placed a hand lightly on my shoulder. "Remember, Wen Chen, cultivation is not only about strength. Patience and precision are what make a true disciple strong."
Even my younger brother, Wen Tian, peeked shyly from behind a pillar. "Did you… beat Liu Wei?" he asked in wonder.
I chuckled softly. "We'll see in the next session, little brother. Observation and patience are just as important as power."
As the sun lowered, casting long shadows across the courtyard, I reflected on the day. Rivals had revealed their strengths and weaknesses. Liu Wei's arrogance and predictable patterns had been cataloged. Zhang Hao's brute force and lack of refinement were logged. Xiao Lin's speed was impressive but unsustainable. And my own progress, tracked on the panel, showed steady growth—my advantage subtle, but undeniable.
The Ancient Refining Pot in my room waited silently. Though unused today, it was my secret partner, ready to enhance my cultivation at the right moment. For now, careful observation, precise control, and patience would carry me forward.
Tomorrow, sparring intensifies. Rivalries sharpen.
Wen Chen — Panel Ready for Update
I allowed myself a moment of quiet satisfaction. In the vast Chen Clan estate, filled with opportunity, challenge, and competition, my subtle edge and the goldfinger panel would ensure I stayed one step ahead.