Second Case 08: Class Placement

After the chaotic turn of events, the test has finally moved on to the selection test. The rumors said you will be judged by a crystal ball witnessed by the sect's leader along with his subordinates. The crystal ball will shine in different colors for those who are worthy to join the Xue Hu sect. For those who didn't pass the selection, the crystal ball will be filled with dark clouds inside. It's a sign that you didn't pass the necessary requirements to be Xue Hu sect's disciple. As for those who passed, there will be 3 colors in total. If the crystal ball shines in red color, it means you are suited in the Fighter house or known as the Jingong class. If the crystal ball shines in blue color, it means you are suited in the Defender house or known as Fangshou class. Lastly, this one is a very rare color that has almost never happened in a hundred years, that is the 'white' color. If the crystal ball shines in white color, it means that you are a prodigy and worthy to be in the Neutral house or known as the Zhongli class.

Don't misunderstand the meaning of 'neutral' here. The Neutral here means that the student or disciple is capable of mastering both arts (Jingong and Fangshou), even sometimes, they created their own technique and method. This is why this class is extremely difficult, and their disciples could be counted as extremely rare, since there have only been 3 disciples of the Zhongli class in a hundred years. Even more special, this class or house is only available at Xue Hu's sect only. This is why the Xue Hu sect is known as the strongest sect throughout the continent, and many outsiders from different kingdoms traveled from far away just to join the Xue Hu sect. This of course raised the demand of the sect, which is why the selection has been pretty strict, and sometimes harsh.

"Yes! I got accepted into the Jingong house!", one of the students said proudly. The other one also got hyped and said, "That's wonderful! I heard Jingong class is the strongest class!",

Liu Meifeng overheard their conversation and asked Feng Mingxu, "Say, brother Feng. I have a question.",

"Do ask.", Feng Mingxu tilted his head to Liu Meifeng. He pulled a paper fan from his clothes and covered half of his face with it.

Liu Meifeng pointed at the excited students who got into Jingong house and said, "Is it true about what they said?",

"Which one?",

"The one that claimed Jingong class is the strongest class.",

"Ah, that is only a mere false rumor. You know that each house in this sect often gets into a dispute over who is the most powerful.",

Liu Meifeng nodded her head in understanding, then she asked, "Then, to you… which house is the strongest?",

Feng Mingxu propped his chin and after a short pause, he replied, "It will definitely be the Zhongli house.",

"Oh? Why is that?",

Zhao Yu suddenly showed up behind the two of them, she looked at Liu Meifeng and then at Feng Mingxu. The reason why she suddenly butted into the conversation was that she couldn't stand Feng Mingxu getting close to Liu Meifeng.

Feng Mingxu smiled awkwardly and explained, "In my opinion, the Zhongli class is extremely rare and was part of the jewel of Xue Hu sect.",

"Not every rare thing is the most powerful, you know?",

"Yes, I'm fully aware of that. But, Zhongli house is different… not only are the disciple of Zhongli class able to master both offensive and defensive arts perfectly. They could also be proficient to perform other tasks and definitely able to create a new spell or martial arts form.",

Zhao Yu hummed and looked at Liu Meifeng, "Hao– brother Xu, what do you think?",

Liu Meifeng blinked once and asked dumbfoundingly, "Um… what do you mean?",

Zhao Yu grinned and thought that Liu Meifeng's dumbfounded expression is kind of cute. Although, she prefers the one in her previous life, this one is not bad as well, "I mean, which house do you think is the strongest?",

"Oh, hmm… that's a tough question… but if I may pick, it's definitely the Fangshou house.",

Both Feng Mingxu and Zhao Yu were quite surprised by Liu Meifeng's pick. Seeing that both of them looked at her strangely, she decided to explain it.

"Look, I understand that the Jingong house appeared to be the strongest while the Zhongli house is the most powerful for being able to master both arts. But, people were looking down on Fangshou house too much, while I personally think they are the most powerful and strongest. If my memory remembers correctly, all disciples in Fangshou house are both proficient in sealing arts and alchemy. To be able to seal an enemy is already useful, while alchemy itself is already considered the most powerful. Although, I heard that the disciples from Zhongli house were proficient in this field as well. However, I believe that each house has their own secret weapon or skills, and that's what makes them the most deadly… and special.",

Feng Mingxu nodded and said, "That's true, but I still don't understand why brother Xu said Fangshou house is the strongest house? Didn't brother Xu just said that the disciples in Zhongli house are also proficient in what the disciples from Fangshou house were proficient in?",

"Yes, but there is one special hidden art that only the disciple of Fangshou house is capable of mastering it. So, do Jingong and Zhongli houses, but as I said Fangshou were the most powerful one.",

Zhao Yu looked interested and asked, "--And what could it be?",

"They could… performed a ritual and gained power from the otherworldly being or you may call them demons. Although, this one is counted as a forbidden art, it's not news either.",

"But… isn't it bad to make a deal with a demon?", Gu Yunxi who was secretly listening couldn't help but shudder.

"Yes, it is BAD. Which is why it's forbidden… it could be said that Fangshou house is the most dangerous… but at the same time… it's the most powerful.", Liu Meifeng said solemnly, then continued, "With a certain price of course.",

The atmosphere suddenly turned rather dark and depressing, then Liu Meifeng slapped Feng Mingxu's shoulder and joked, "But of course, those forbidden arts can't ever be found in Xue Hu sect! After all, it's been lost for centuries.",

"That's really not funny…", Gu Yunxi pouted and pinched Liu Meifeng's waist.

Feng Mingxu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Now I know why people said Fangshou class is the weakest. Without that forbidden arts, they're only good at supporting others.",

"Exactly.", Liu Meifeng nodded as she wiped the sore waist from Gu Yunxi's severe pinch.

"But… how do you know this thing? As the daughter of the Xue Hu sect, even I'm not aware of those things.", Zhao Yu looked at Liu Meifeng suspiciously.

Liu Meifeng shrugged and said, "I just happen to stumble upon a history book about the three kingdoms in my hometown. I've been a huge fan of historical events, so… yeah, I know a lot.",

Zhao Yu nodded her head and sighed, "Of course you are.",

"Huh?",

"O-oh, I mean… you have the appearance of a scholar, so I thought 'ah, of course, you know these things'.", Zhao Yu explained in a panicked voice.

Liu Meifeng felt that there was something fishy about Zhao Yu, but she couldn't guess it. In the end, she just let her go and thanked her. Later, Liu Meifeng's friends were called one by one, Zhao Yu, Gu Yunxi, and Zhu You were selected to be in Jingong house. Feng Mingxu was selected to be in Fangshou house, Liu Meifeng didn't realize that all of the participants were already called and mostly they were all in Jingong and Fangshou class.

Seems like there is no student in Zhongli class this year, Liu Meifeng thought to herself. Soon, her name was called Hu Zhang.

"Good luck Me– brother!", Gu Yunxi almost called Liu Meifeng by her real name. Thankfully no one seems to notice it, except for Zhao Yu.

Feng Mingxu patted Liu Meifeng's shoulder and said, "Best of luck brother Xu, I hope we ended up in the same house.", yes, the smile was handsome but terrifying.

Gu Yunxi pouted and said, "No way! Brother Xu will be in Jingong class! He's good at martial arts after all!",

"But he's also good at ethic and defensive arts. So, maybe he will be admitted into the Fangshou house?",

"You–!",

"Ah-Yun..",

Liu Meifeng called Gu Yunxi by her nickname, and looked at her solemnly, "Even if I were selected to be in other houses. You are still my sworn younger sister, I'll make sure to visit you often too.",

Gu Yunxi relaxed a bit and pretend to be intimidating, "Hmph, you'd better!",

Of course, the affection between these two was witnessed by Zhao Yu. From the outer, she seems to remain calm and composed, but deep inside she felt a huge temptation to separate this two brother and sister. However, soon she returned to her senses after hearing Liu Meifeng call her name.

"Yes?",

"Is Ms.Zhao alright?", Liu Meifeng asked worriedly.

Zhao Yu shook her head immediately, "No, I'm fine. I was just… thinking about something…",

Hearing that her beloved woman is alright, Liu Meifeng heaved a relieved sigh.

"Thank goodness.",

"Hao– Are you worried about me?", Zhao Yu asked timidly which is very uncharacteristically of her, her eyes also sparked as if she was hoping for something.

Liu Meifeng chuckled and said, "Of course I am.", then, she added, "--And the others as well.",

Zhao Yu was really happy to hear the first sentence, however, the last sentence made her feel gloomy all of a sudden.

"Right… thank you for your concern.",

"You're welcome.",

"Ehem!", Feng Mingxu suddenly coughed to interrupt the two, "Shouldn't you be going inside, brother Xu?",

"Right! I almost forgot! I'll be right back!",

Before they could say anything, Liu Meifeng had dashed into the sacred hall. When Liu Meifeng had left, Zhao Yu who was full of emotions earlier had returned to her usual cold and stiff expression. Feng Mingxu looked at Zhao Yu while spreading his paper fan. Later, Zhu You who have been busy making friends with the students from Jingong house approached them.

"Yunxi, I'm back! Did you miss me?",

Gu Yunxi blinked twice and asked, "Is there anything to be missed from brother Zhu?",

"N-no, nevermind.", Zhu You slumped his shoulder, then he slapped Feng Mingxu's shoulder, "Brother Feng, how's it going? I heard you were admitted to Fangshou house, it saddens me that we have to be separated when we just got along these past few days!",

"Oh, if it isn't brother Zhu. How's your attempt to make a gang of your own?",

"G-gang? T-there w-wasn't such things… haha… ha….",

"Oh, were you planning to form a rebellion? I'm in!", Gu Yunxi cracked her fist and said with great enthusiasm.

While the others were busy chattering, Zhao Yu just remained silent while waiting for Liu Meifeng.

Please…

Please… let Haoran be in the same house as me…