Chapter 414 295: Importance 2

'However, that would be too great a contrast. Even if I want to display my talent, I need to do it gradually. Otherwise, I'll easily arouse suspicion.'

So, he remained composed, pretending to continue his practice while actually observing everyone else's progress.

He planned to complete the assessment in third place. That way, he would attract attention without being so brilliant as to draw suspicion.

Time passed, minute by minute, and soon it was high noon, nearly time to eat.

"Master Deacon, I request to be assessed!"

Just as Hua Guangcan was about to let everyone eat lunch first and rest for a bit before continuing their practice, a voice suddenly rang out, immediately drawing the attention of all the disciples.

Everyone followed the sound of the voice to see a handsome youth with his hand raised, speaking in a loud, clear voice.

'Shen Hong? Hmm. Given his family background, he's practiced this before. It's not surprising that he can pass the assessment within half a day.'

Hua Guangcan looked toward the young man and nodded slightly.

Soon, everyone had formed a rectangle, leaving Shen Hong a running space of several dozen meters.

Shen Hong first showed his open palms, then dipped the fingers of both hands into the ink bucket, awaiting Hua Guangcan's instruction.

"Begin," Hua Guangcan said calmly.

WHOOSH!

Shen Hong immediately began to run, simultaneously starting to draw the Technique on his palms. The movements of both hands were remarkably deft.

Two and a half breaths later, he stopped and showed his palms to the crowd; the Blood Qi Talisman Technique was clearly visible.

"Not bad. You pass. After lunch, you may collect your Cinnabar and proceed to the next stage of your training."

Hua Guangcan nodded.

"Thank you, Steward."

Shen Hong gave Hua Guangcan a slight fist-and-palm salute, his expression composed and respectful, showing no overt pride. This pleased Hua Guangcan even more.

"All right, everyone go to lunch now."

With a wave of his hand, Hua Guangcan dismissed the disciples.

On the way, the disciples were abuzz with discussion. Shen Hong, naturally, was the center of it all. Many crowded around him, hoping to ask him for pointers.

"It's nothing special. Just a matter of practice,"

Shen Hong said plainly, showing no interest in further conversation. He seemed coolly detached.

Or rather, he didn't consider any of these New Disciples to be his competition.

After lunch and a break of nearly one hour, everyone returned to the plaza and resumed practicing.

Time flew, the sun sank in the west, and dusk was fast approaching. It was then that the second New Disciple to request an assessment appeared.

"M-Master Deacon, I'd like to try."

The tall, simple-faced Peng Lin raised his hand as he spoke, once again drawing everyone's eyes.

Under everyone's stares, Peng Lin seemed a little embarrassed and scratched his head with a large hand.

"Oh?"

This time, it was Hua Guangcan's turn to be surprised.

After all, considering Peng Lin's origins, he had no family learning to fall back on.

"Very well. Relax. It's no matter if you fail."

Hua Guangcan nodded, his tone softening.

Then, the disciples formed a circle again. Even Shen Hong, who had received his Cinnabar and was practicing separately, drew closer.

Peng Lin emulated Shen Hong's earlier display, showing his palms before dipping them in ink. The moment Hua Guangcan gave the command, he started to run.

His movements weren't as fluid and smooth as Shen Hong's, his time was exactly three breaths, and the Technique he drew wasn't as precise as Shen Hong's.

But Hua Guangcan nodded in satisfaction, a look of approval in his eyes. He knew Peng Lin's origins; for a complete novice to pass the assessment within a single day, he was talented in every respect.

"Go collect your Cinnabar."

Hua Guangcan said to Peng Lin with a smile. Then, he glanced up at the dusky sky and spoke to the crowd, "Time's about up. That's all for today. After you eat dinner and collect your Blood Strengthening Pills, go back and rest. Be here on time tomorrow."

Hearing this, the disciples cast envious glances at Peng Lin and began to disperse.

"Master Deacon, I would also like to try."

Just then, a voice cut through the air, halting everyone in their tracks.

Surprised, everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice.

The one with his hand raised was none other than Zhao Xuanqi.

Some of the disciples recognized Zhao Xuanqi and had heard the rumors about him, and they immediately began to whisper among themselves.

'Oh? It's this boy?'

Hua Guangcan's expression also showed a hint of surprise, but he kept his composure, merely nodding to indicate that he could attempt the assessment.

Soon, the crowd had once again formed a circle. After the requisite display, Hua Guangcan gave the command, and Zhao Xuanqi began his test.

His movements were fluid, not inferior in the slightest to Shen Hong's earlier performance, but his pace was a little slower; he stopped just at the three-breath threshold.

The Technique drawn on his hands, however, was remarkably precise.

'This is...'

Hua Guangcan narrowed his eyes. Even with his Eye Power, he was momentarily unable to discern any subtle difference between the Techniques on Zhao Xuanqi's two palms.

'They're almost as if they were carved from the same mold.'

'This means his control over both hands is virtually identical. Not even Shen Hong could manage that.'

"Have you practiced Talisman Painting before?"

Hua Guangcan asked.

"No. I was simply born with rather dexterous hands."

Zhao Xuanqi replied with a cupped-fist salute.

'This Zhao Xing... he's quite interesting.'

Zhao Xuanqi's performance at this moment, combined with his earlier display during the True Essence Skill practice, caused Hua Guangcan to regard him with even greater importance.

'It's just that his personality is too cowardly.'