Months passed, and the twins' skills grew. Word of their talents spread across districts, attracting invitations to competitions. One such event, a combined blacksmithing and alchemy contest, was designed to test the practical skill and cultivation of young masters.
Michael and Matthew registered, though they knew they were competing against some of the most skilled disciples in the region.
The competition hall was massive. Sparks flew from anvils, and the aroma of herbs filled the air. Each team had to forge a weapon and refine a pill simultaneously.
Michael worked the hammer with precise strikes, shaping the metal as Matthew meticulously combined herbs. Their movements were synchronized, a perfect reflection of the twins' shared mind and the dragon turtle's subtle guidance.
Competitors watched in disbelief. No one had ever seen such perfect coordination.
When the results were announced, Michael and Matthew had won—not just individually, but as a team. Their blade was flawless, their pill unmatched in purity.
Even the elder judges, seasoned cultivators, nodded in approval. Yet whispers circulated among the more conservative factions:
"These twins… they are beyond what should be possible.""They may surpass the main-line disciples before they even reach maturity."