NOVEL SIMPLE CHAPTER 300
CHAPTER 300: A Test of Will
Bai Yao stepped aside as Jiu Han turned his attention to the remaining two candidates. These were the ones he had been observing closely. Both stood calm and composed, a stark contrast to the anxious energy surrounding them.
Jiu Han smiled softly. “Who’s next?”
Lu Ming took a breath and prepared to step forward, but before he could, a voice broke the silence.
“I’ll go.”
A tall, young man, brimming with arrogance, strode forward confidently. His eyes held a bold, almost reckless determination as he positioned himself in front of Jiu Han.
“I’m in the Ancient Realm as well,” the young man declared, his voice carrying through the hall. “But I’m a bit different from the last candidate.”
“I’m not here for a mere task or an errand. I’m here to study.”
With that, he opened his robe, revealing three faintly glowing golden patterns on his chest.
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd. Even Jiu Han’s eyes narrowed in interest. Golden patterns were exceptionally rare, much rarer than silver. Silver patterns could be cultivated over time, but golden patterns were something else—something that seemed to hinge on fate or fortune.
Jiu Han stepped forward, gently taking the young man’s wrist in his hand, feeling for the telltale signs hidden in his bones. As he worked, he asked, “What’s your name?”
“Lin Feng,” the young man replied, pride evident in his tone. “Lin as in ‘forest,’ Feng as in ‘peak.’”
A moment passed, and Jiu Han retracted his hand, his expression now more serious. He glanced back at Lin Feng, his voice reflecting the gravity of his assessment.
“First level of the Ancient Realm. Three golden patterns. Age: 38 years old.”
Lin Feng was not of the Aeonian race, but even so, at 38 years old, he was exceptionally young for someone in the Ancient Realm. Jiu Han’s tone shifted, more contemplative now.
“Average aptitude,” he said, his voice even. “But fortune...”
Jiu Han murmured the last word, understanding the nature of the individual before him. Lin Feng was one of those rare people touched by luck. These lucky few, whose lives seemed guided by divine providence, achieved greatness not solely through talent or effort but through extraordinary fortune.
Lin Feng nodded, seemingly unfazed by Jiu Han’s analysis. “Yes. It’s luck. I’ve been told many times that I’m blessed with great fortune. They call me the ‘Blessed Child.’ I’m not sure what it truly means, but I’ve always had good luck.”
He pointed to the golden patterns on his chest. “I received the first one when I was seven. I wandered into the mountains and accidentally swallowed a precious pill.”
“My second came when I was 18, after falling off a cliff and discovering a rare jade.”
“And the third... well, that was when I was 31, after being struck by divine tribulation lightning.”
He paused before continuing. “Now, I’ve come to the Three Elements Academy to study. I’ve heard that Lord Jiu Han has an interest in nurturing those with potential. With my abilities and my luck, I believe I could catch his attention. Perhaps... you could recommend me?”
Jiu Han raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “You wish to become Lord Jiu Han’s disciple?”
Lin Feng nodded eagerly. “Yes.”
Jiu Han chuckled softly. “You do realize that Lord Jiu Han hasn’t taken on a disciple in many years?”
“I know,” Lin Feng replied confidently. “But I believe that if I’m exceptional enough, I might just change that.”
Jiu Han shook his head, a quiet laugh escaping his lips. Lin Feng had no idea that the man standing before him was Jiu Han himself. Still, Jiu Han understood his own reluctance to take on new disciples, though Lin Feng’s fortune was undeniably alluring. Blessed Children were rare gems, and Lin Feng’s story was remarkable, even by Jiu Han’s standards.
For a moment, Jiu Han felt the temptation stir within him. But only for a moment.
“I’ll speak with Lord Jiu Han about it,” he said, his voice measured. “But since you’re here to learn, you’ll still need to pass the temperament test.”
“Wait to the side for now.”
Lin Feng nodded and stepped away, his confidence unshaken. But Jiu Han had already made up his mind. He had no intention of taking Lin Feng as a disciple, despite his fortune.
Turning his attention to the final candidate, Jiu Han gestured with a smile.
“Come forward.”
It was Lu Ming’s turn. With measured steps, he walked into the examination area, his gaze steady as he approached Jiu Han. Without hesitation, he spoke.
“I’m also in the Ancient Realm.”
He opened his robe, revealing three silver patterns on his chest—an impressive mark of his strength, though less dramatic than Lin Feng’s golden ones. Still, the room felt the shift in the air. Those who understood power knew the significance of the patterns Lu Ming displayed.
Bai Yao and Lin Feng exchanged glances, both confirming the aura they had sensed from Lu Ming earlier. There was no question—he, too, was at the Ancient Realm.
Even Jiu Han, with his vast experience, could discern Lu Ming’s strength without needing the aid of his Divine Realm perception.
“First level of the Ancient Realm. Three silver patterns,” Jiu Han noted.
“And your name?”
“Lu Ming.”
“Why have you come to the Three Elements Academy?”
“To study,” Lu Ming replied simply, “and, if possible, to become a disciple of Lord Jiu Han.”
Jiu Han raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the candidness of his response. Lu Ming had chosen not to veil his true intentions.
“Did you hear my conversation with Lin Feng just now?” Jiu Han asked.
“I did,” Lu Ming replied.
“Then you know that Lord Jiu Han hasn’t taken on any disciples for quite some time.”
Lu Ming didn’t flinch. “I believe my talent is more than deserving of Lord Jiu Han’s personal guidance.”
His words hung in the air—bold, almost arrogant. But Jiu Han didn’t mind. He had always believed that strong personalities were necessary for greatness. Those who played it safe rarely left a mark. Lu Ming’s confidence only made Jiu Han more curious.
“You seem very sure of yourself,” Jiu Han mused. “I take it you’re quite young?”
“I’m 27 years old,” Lu Ming said calmly.
Jiu Han’s eyes widened, his disbelief palpable. For a Transcendent, determining someone’s age could be tricky, especially when many had techniques to conceal their true appearance. Lu Ming certainly looked young, but 27?
Jiu Han frowned. “You’re joking.”
The crowd murmured in disbelief. The number Lu Ming had just announced—27 years old—was almost too shocking to comprehend. Whispers and quiet laughter rippled through the audience. Even among the most talented prodigies of the Eternal Clan, reaching the Origin Realm within a few decades was rare. But to enter the Ancient Realm, and cultivate three silver patterns by the age of 27? It was almost unheard of.
Jiu Han shook his head. “Even if you had started cultivating from the moment you were born, this kind of progress seems impossible.”
But Lu Ming remained composed. He extended his arm toward Jiu Han, his expression unwavering.
“You know how to determine bone age, don’t you?” Lu Ming asked. His voice was calm, steady.
He held his arm out further, as if daring Jiu Han to take the challenge. “Go ahead. Check it. You’ll know if I’m telling the truth.”
End of Chapter 300