4 **Chapter 4: Awakening**
Author's note here:
Can somebody tell me what Power Stones are good for? BTW. Thanks for those.
Also, does anybody know how much time it takes to advance through the ranks and stages? I really don't want to look that up in the novel.
Like always, i am happy about every comment.
Also YAY 100 collections.
In regards to the chapter, I used a random number generator between 20 and 100 on his talent. I said in the first chapter it would be random, and with this, I stand true to my words.
Last, but certainly not least, if you are writing an RI Fanfiction that is not yet dropped, make a comment on this paragraph or any chapter title, and I will shout you out in the next chapter if I don't miss the comment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*time skip no jutsu*
Fei Yu Ge Zen contemplated while the young man he was tutoring grappled with his math problems. Deep in concentration, not even the roar of a thousand beast king could disturb the 15-year-old. After he completed the questions and meticulously checked his answers, it was time to capture his attention.
"Hmm Hmmm."
Zhen Wei silently lifted his gaze to his teacher.
"This will be our final lesson. You've acquired most of my knowledge about history, mathematics, language, and the intricacies of Gu, along with the materials you can expect to encounter here."
"Just this morning, the First Elder announced that the next group of young men and women from the clan, who have come of age at 15, will attempt to awaken their Apertures in five days."
"I estimate there will be about 200, perhaps up to 300, who will attempt the ceremony this time. Now, can you answer how many of them are expected to succeed?"
"Yes, teacher! The likelihood for ordinary mortals to become Gu Masters through the Awakening Ceremony ranges from 40% to 50%. In our clan, this chance reaches 60% due to our Ancestors and many of our parents being Gu Masters. Based on this, the clan is anticipated to gain at least 120, and up to 180, Gu Masters."
"Haha! Excellent," said Zhen Li, who had just entered through the door. "And I expect you to be one of them."
"Of course, Father," Zhen Wei replied, not nervous about becoming a Gu Master, but rather anxious about his potential talent.
"Ge Zen, you've done a great job teaching my son. Besides your usual salary, consider this a token of appreciation now that you've completed his lessons."
With these words, he handed over a token bearing a 'II' insignia, recognizable to Zhen Wei as a rank 2 token. This would grant the teacher access to the clan treasury to select a rank 2 gu.
It was a generous gift, especially considering the status gap between Zhen Li, a clan elder and rank 3 gu master, and Ge Zen, who had only reached the rank 2 initial stage a year ago.
Falling to his knees, Ge Zen said, "This Zen will never forget the gift you've bestowed upon me!"
As he prepared to kowtow, Zhen Li's voice intervened. "No need for that. Get up and go. I want to speak with my son."
"Yes, yes, of course," Ge Zen replied, bowing his head and departing with a broad smile.
"Isn't it excessive to gift a mere teacher with a rank 2 Gu?" Zhen Wei inquired.
"Son, all I do for the clan is refine Gu. It's a simple rank 2 gu, worth maybe 500, at most 1000 primeval stones, depending on the selection. The reputation of generosity I've earned over the years, that you cannot buy with money."
"I understand, Father. What did you wish to discuss?"
"It's about your Awakening Ceremony. I want you to know that as long as you possess an Aperture and can cultivate, I'll support you wholeheartedly."
"You are my only family and will likely remain so for my entire life."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when your mother was alive, I made a rash decision. We used the Lovedoves Gu."
All he received in response was a blank stare.
"It's a rare Gu I acquired inexpensively from a merchant convoy. We used it, and as a result, we both advanced slightly in cultivation. I moved from upper rank 2 to the peak stage, and your mother from middle rank 2 to the upper stage."
"But that's not all it does. It also binds us together, so even after your mother died, I cannot have any romantic relations with anyone else. The only solution I know of to break this bond involves very… and I mean very expensive rank 4 or rank 5 Gu."
"I don't have any hope of acquiring one of these in my lifetime. Even if I could afford it, I couldn't obtain or sustain it with my strength. Not to mention the challenge of using it with my rank 3 initial stage primeval essence."
"So, I've decided to support you with all my strength as long as you can cultivate. This entails not just our regular lessons on refinement and your collection in the basement, but also providing primeval stones and some gu that I can procure."
"My hope is that you will reach rank 3, lead a happy and safe life, and perhaps give me many grandchildren."
"Father, if fate allows, I will reach rank 4 and acquire that Gu for you, so you don't have to spend the rest of your life alone."
With tears in his eyes, his father said, "Thank you, son," though he knew it was highly improbable for his son to ever reach rank 4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The day of the Awakening Ceremony.
In his room stood Fei Yu Zhan Wei. The nervousness he had experienced over the past week had transformed into a terrifying calm.
"Let's check one more time."
His curly blond hair, which usually cascaded freely, was now tied into a bun. Check.
He wore a pristine ceremonial robe adorned with the clan symbol on the chest. Check.
Overall, he appeared handsome and dignified, something highly esteemed by the clan. On any other day, he and perhaps the elders wouldn't care, but this was the day of his Awakening Ceremony, arguably the most significant day of his life. For now.
Responding to his father's call, he said, "I'm coming," as he descended the stairs.
From there, events unfolded rapidly: the warm sun on his face, the excited villagers, and the particularly anxious 15-year-olds destined to awaken that day. The sea breeze brushed against him as he and his father made their way to the spirit spring.
"From here, you'll go alone," said his father, as they reached the entrance.
Of course, he knew only the First Elder, his subordinates, and the young ones would be present for the Awakening Ceremony.
"I'll meet you afterward. As a Gu Master," he affirmed with determination.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Close the doors."
"Yes, Elder!"
"The list says 249. Check if they are present."
"Yes, Elder."
The youths heard the deep voice of the rank 3 Gu Master command, "Line up in rows of ten."
Without hesitation, they complied, and barely three minutes later, they stood in neat rows, twenty-four in total, with one row comprising nine individuals.
"Reporting to the Elder: 249 youths are present."
"Excellent. I will now call your names one by one. When your name is called, step into the spirit spring and attempt to walk to the other side."
"The further you can walk, the better."
"Afterward, my assistant will assess how full your Aperture is."
"If you walk fewer than ten steps, it indicates a lack of talent, and you'll be directed to leave. Follow instructions without protest."
"If you walk 10 to 20 steps, your Aperture is filled 20% to 39%, indicating D-Grade Talent, and you will stand in that corner."
"If you walk 21 to 30 steps, your Aperture is filled 40% to 59%, indicating C-Grade Talent, and you will stand in that corner."
"If you walk 31 to 40 steps, your Aperture is filled 60% to 79%, indicating B-Grade Talent, and you will stand behind Elder Chen."
"If you walk more than that, your Aperture is filled 80% to 99%, indicating A-Grade Talent, and you will stand behind me."
"Now, beginning with Fei Yu Bo Ru."
As Zhen Wei observed the youths proceeding to the river, discovering their talent and experiencing either elation or deep disappointment, he found himself unable to muster any concern.
He simply watched and waited...
no talent
C-Grade
B-Grade
no talent
no talent
no talent
D-Grade
D-Grade
…
…
…
"Fei Yu Zhen Wei."
"Well, it's now or never." He made his way to the spirit spring with determined steps.
The water was pleasantly warm, and as he began to walk, he noticed a subtle pressure.
1 step, 5 steps, 10 steps.
The hope Gu started to envelop him, while the pressure intensified, yet did not become overwhelming.
13 steps
...
17 steps.
...
20 steps.
...
27 steps.
'This was the point at which Fang Yuan could not continue anymore.'
"The pressure is growing stronger, like sinking deeper and deeper underwater, nearing the point of bursting."
32 Steps.
"It is becoming painful, but I can persevere."
33 Steps.
"Huff…. Hufff."
34 Steps.
"Just a little more." He gritted his teeth, feeling as if they might break.
35 Steps… and POP!
"Huuuu…"
Suddenly, all his pores opened, and he felt a profound sense of liberation.
"So, this is what it feels like… to awaken an Aperture. It's not just about the achievement, there's also a sense of relief mixed in. I'm fortunate. B-Grade, i can work with that."
"Anyway, let's make my way back."
His robe drenched with sweat and water, he returned to Elder Chen with the same determined steps he had taken entering the spirit spring.
The Elder wore a faint smile as he examined Zhan Wei, touching his belly and remarking, "Aperture filled to 70%, stand behind me."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhen Wei paid little attention to the remainder of the ceremony, preoccupied with observing his light green primeval Essence and the delicate membrane of his Aperture.
"All done, First Elder."
"Good, announce the results."
"Of the 249 youths present for this ceremony, 152 have become Gu Masters. Among them, 84 possess D-Grade Talent, 51 exhibit C-Grade Talent, 16 demonstrate B-Grade Talent, and there is only one individual showcasing A-Grade Talent."
With the conclusion of the announcement, Zhen Wei glanced toward the First Elder, where the singular A-Grade Talent stood, wearing a smug smile.
1625 words
