Today, the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, was not only a night for reunions but also the Shen Family's triennial coming-of-age ceremony! Cyan Mountain City was exceptionally lively on this day, as all the major and minor influences from the surrounding areas had gathered at the Shen Family estate to take part in the grand celebration!
The Shen Family had been preparing for this day for quite some time. The estate was adorned with lanterns and streamers, and red carpets lined every path in the courtyards, creating a truly festive atmosphere. Each family member was in high spirits, and even the servants who worked as Governmental Constables were dressed impeccably, a clear sign of the importance the Shen Family placed on the occasion!
In Shen Haoran's room, Aunt Xue was fussing over the ceremonial robes he was meant to wear. Staring at the intricate layers of rings, clasps, and countless ornaments, Shen Haoran felt a headache coming on. "Sigh, it's just a coming-of-age ceremony," he said reluctantly. "Why do I have to dress like this? These clothes are so uncomfortable!"
And they were. For the past five years, Shen Haoran had been ostracized by the family, wearing only the simple black clothes Aunt Xue made for him. To be suddenly thrust into such a magnificent robe felt completely foreign.
Aunt Xue simply met Shen Haoran's complaint with a gentle smile. "Today is the day you come of age, Master Haoran. You'll have to pay respects to the heavens and our ancestors later, so of course you must be dressed for the occasion." With that, she gently smoothed out a few remaining wrinkles on his robe.
"There we go." After a bit more fussing, Aunt Xue finally had him properly attired. Dressed in the magnificent robes, Shen Haoran looked incredibly distinguished. An innate air of someone in a high position radiated from him, and combined with his handsome face, he could surely make countless young maidens swoon!
Shen Haoran stretched a little, relieved to find that the ornaments didn't restrict his movements. After all, the family assessment was scheduled right after the ceremony. 'I'm sure plenty of people will be looking to challenge me,' he thought. 'Only Old Sir Shen knows I've reached Spirit Tempering Tier Seven. Everyone else must still think I'm the same old piece of trash!'
'Hmph. Just you wait. I'll show you all who the real piece of trash is!'
...
DONG... DONG... DONG... A series of deep, solemn bell tolls echoed out. High noon had arrived. The Shen Family's ceremony to honor the heavens and their ancestors had officially begun!
Hearing the bells, Shen Haoran quickly made his way to the main square. By the time he arrived, nearly all the juniors of the Shen Family were already there.
Seeing that Shen Haoran was the last to arrive, Shen Cheng sneered, "Hmph. Late for an event as important as honoring the heavens and our ancestors? Do you have any respect for them at all?"
"Of course not! Our ancestors are meant to be kept in the heart. To just keep them in my 'sights' would be disrespectful!" Shen Haoran retorted.
"You..." Hearing Shen Haoran's retort, Shen Cheng was momentarily speechless. His resentment for Shen Haoran flared. He had intended to humiliate him, but he had fallen into his own trap instead. How could he not be furious?
"Hmph, don't get cocky, Shen Haoran. Just wait until after the family assessment. You'll get what's coming to you!" Shen Cheng said viciously.
Shen Haoran paid Shen Cheng's threat no mind. 'Did I really need him to tell me there'd be trouble after the assessment? Even an idiot could figure that out.' Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Seeing Shen Haoran ignore him yet again, Shen Cheng was about to explode with rage. His expression turned terrifyingly grim. 'If I don't destroy you today, then my name isn't Shen Cheng!' With that, he turned and blended back into the crowd.
Soon, the coming-of-age ceremony began. Presided over by the High Priest, the young Shen Family disciples went forward one by one to receive the ceremonial rite. The process was so tedious that Shen Haoran nearly dozed off. Fortunately, it ended relatively quickly. Once everyone had completed the rite, they all moved to the Martial Arts Arena to prepare for the family assessment.
The Martial Arts Arena was already packed to the brim. The stands were filled with members of the Shen Family, all there to cheer on their children. The lineup on the main platform was even more impressive: Old Sir Shen and the three Elders of the Shen Family, Patriarch Ge Xiong of the Ge Family, Patriarch Liu Chengfeng of the Liu Family, and the City Lord of Cyan Mountain City all occupied the seats of honor. The seats behind them were filled with the leaders of the other major influences from around Cyan Mountain City.
Once all the young disciples had gathered, Old Sir Shen rose to his feet. He looked out at the group of vibrant young men and women of the Shen Family and spoke: "Today is the most important day of your lives! After today, you are no longer children. You are adults, and you will carry your own responsibilities on your shoulders! Do you know what those responsibilities are?"
"To strengthen our bodies and minds! To protect our home! To slay any who dare offend the Shen Family, no matter how far they may be!" the crowd below roared in unison. Their voices thundered across the Martial Arts Arena, the echoes lingering in the air.
"That's right. That is your responsibility. Remember your words today, for they will be your oath for a lifetime!" Old Sir Shen said encouragingly.
"However, the Shen Family has no need for mediocrity. We will now hold the family assessment. Anyone who has not reached Spirit Tempering Tier Five by the age of fourteen will be assigned to work in the family's market districts. The assessment begins now. I wish you all good luck!" Old Sir Shen announced.
After Old Sir Shen announced the start of the assessment, Second Master Shen, in his role as the Shen Family's Grand Elder, began to officiate.
"The assessment will now begin. When your name is called, come forward to the platform, place your hands on the Spirit Testing Stone, and channel your Spiritual Qi into it. The stone will reveal your level of power!"
"First up, Shen Erlong!"
The one called was a small, thin boy. He placed his hand against the Spirit Testing Stone. A moment later, the stone slowly began to glow, and three large words materialized upon its surface.
"Spirit Tempering Tier Four!"
"Failed," Second Master Shen announced, his face devoid of expression.
Seeing the result, the boy shook his head with a resigned sigh and walked off the platform in disappointment.
"Next, Shen..." One by one, the young men and women were called to the platform, but not many of them had reached Spirit Tempering Tier Five. Most could only retreat in disappointment. But the assessment was meant to be this strict; after all, if one hadn't reached Spirit Tempering Tier Five by fourteen, their Talent could only be considered mediocre, and the family could not waste its precious resources on them.
"Next, Shen Cheng!"
Hearing his name, Shen Cheng stood up and leaped onto the Martial Arts Arena, landing before the Spirit Testing Stone. He pressed his hand against the stone, closed his eyes, and began to gather his body's Spiritual Power.
"Hah!" Shen Cheng's eyes snapped open as he channeled all the Spiritual Power in his body through his right hand and into the stone. The immense power actually kicked up a small whirlwind around him! The Spirit Testing Stone then blazed with a brilliant light, and four words appeared upon it.
"Spirit Tempering Tier Seven!"
"Wow, as expected of the Grand Elder's son! To think he's already reached Spirit Tempering Tier Seven!"
"Indeed, he's a true genius!"
Hearing the praise from the crowd, Shen Cheng shot a provocative glance at Shen Haoran, as if flaunting his achievement.
But Shen Haoran didn't even acknowledge him, acting as if he hadn't seen him at all.
"Hmph!" Shen Cheng could only snort in frustration and step to the side.
"Next, Shen Ling'Er!"
When her name was called, Shen Ling'Er leaped gracefully onto the platform. Dressed in her own magnificent robes, she looked just like a Little Princess.
Shen Ling'Er placed her slender hand on the Spirit Testing Stone. The stone's glow slowly intensified as her aura began to rise, quickly surpassing the level Shen Cheng had displayed!
"She's... She's already at Spirit Tempering Tier Eight, but her aura hasn't stopped... it's still rising!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"My heavens!"
"Spirit Tempering Tier Nine!" Once Shen Ling'Er's aura stabilized, the four words on the Spirit Testing Stone revealed her power.
"This..." The result stunned everyone present. Even Old Sir Shen couldn't remain in his seat.
'That girl... She's only fourteen, yet she's already at Spirit Tempering Tier Nine!' Shen Haoran mused, impressed.
"Oh? This young lady's constitution also seems quite out of the ordinary," Elder Yan chimed in.
Hearing this, Shen Haoran grew excited. 'If Ling'Er has an ancient constitution too, that would be incredible!' he thought, immediately asking, "Elder Yan, do you know what her constitution is?"
"I'm not sure. I would need to observe her up close to be certain," Elder Yan replied.
'Alright. Looks like I'll have to find Ling'Er for a chat later.'
"Next, Shen Haoran!" After a long moment, Second Master Shen finally recovered from his shock and continued with the assessment.
When Shen Haoran's name was called, the entire arena fell silent once more, as if in disbelief.
'Finally, my turn.' Shen Haoran stood, dusted off his robes, and slowly walked up to the platform.
Seeing Shen Haoran slowly walk onto the platform, the crowd below erupted in laughter. "This Shen Haoran is hilarious! Even someone at Spirit Tempering Tier Three can leap onto the platform, but he's just walking up there!"
"Sigh, why would such a loser even bother participating? If I were him, I'd be too ashamed to show my face!"
Waves of ridicule echoed from the crowd below. It seemed most of them were unaware that Shen Haoran could cultivate again. But he paid their taunts no mind. He placed his palm flat against the Spirit Testing Stone, a cool sensation spreading from the point of contact.
'Today, I'm going to make every last one of you shut up!'
"Hah!" In that instant, Shen Haoran's aura erupted from his body, a heaven-shaking pressure that swept across the entire Martial Arts Arena!