In the expansive square of the Imperial City, thousands had gathered to witness the annual aptitude testing. Banners fluttered in the breeze, each proudly bearing the crest of influential clans and powerful sects. Hopeful youths lined up nervously, awaiting their turn to approach the mystical testing orb set atop a grand pedestal.
An elderly cultivator stood by the orb, his beard white as snow, eyes sharp with wisdom. He beckoned the first youth forward.
"Come, young one. Place your hand upon the orb. Let the heavens reveal your destiny."
The young boy nervously complied. The orb glowed faintly green, signaling average talent.
"Acceptable," murmured the elder, dismissing him with a gentle nod.
One by one, each participant stepped forward. Some elicited gasps of admiration when the orb glowed a deep blue or vibrant purple. Others were quietly dismissed with sympathetic looks.
"Next!" called the elder, his gaze landing on Li Tian, a handsome boy with bright, determined eyes. Li Tian stepped forward confidently, placing his palm firmly against the orb.
Li Tian closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before placing his palm on the orb.
Please let it light up... anything but gray.
The orb stayed dull for a moment. A flicker of orange sparked inside. Then blue. Then it jumped—purple, gold—rapid flashes, climbing in intensity. The surface of the orb buzzed under his hand.
A hum built in the air.
"What is happening? Kingly Talent?"
"No, it is at the level of an Emperor. Wait! It is still rising."
The entire audience waited with bated breath. Even the dignitaries on the podium stood up with shock and surprise.
Finally, after changing colors a few more times, the orb exploded in radiant color. Bands of different hues swirled out in all directions, and a rainbow light surged upward, casting a glow across the entire square.
People gasped loudly. A few took a step back.
Sect leaders leaned forward in their seats. A woman near the front clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Impossible..."
"Is that rainbow light?"
"I've never seen it with my own eyes before!"
"Rainbow light! This child possesses divine talent!" the elder exclaimed, trembling with excitement.
"Li Tian! Remember this name! A godly prodigy has appeared!" someone shouted, igniting cheers across the square.
From among the prestigious sect representatives, Elder Guo from the Heavenly Sword Sect swiftly approached—a tall man with neatly combed silver hair, dressed in layered robes marked by a sword crest on the sleeve. His expression was calm, but his eyes were fixed sharply on Li Tian, measuring him with interest.
"Li Tian, our Heavenly Sword Sect wishes to extend an invitation. But even without this display, we have heard of the Li Clan, renowned for producing cultivators of unmatched skill. To see yet another star rise from such a lineage is a marvel in itself."
"Will you honor us by joining?"
They really chose me... I'm not dreaming, am I?
Li Tian turned to his father, who stood among the dignitaries.
The Li Clan was known across the empire—a family that had produced three elders for the Heavenly Court, and countless high-tier cultivators. His father, Li Feng, stepped forward from the row of dignitaries. Dressed in black and gold robes, he carried himself with the calm authority of a clan leader. But for once, there was no restraint in his face—only fierce pride.
"Li Tian," he said, voice steady but full of weight, "this is the moment our clan has awaited. Accept the offer. Bring honor to your bloodline."
Li Tian met his father's eyes and gave a small nod, throat tightening.
His heart pounded as he turned back to Elder Guo, voice clear. "I would be honored."
"I would be honored."
The crowd erupted again into applause. Children cheered. Strangers clapped him on the back. Even some distant sect elders nodded with approval.
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Soon, the days passed, and Li Tian was welcomed into the Heavenly Sword Sect.
It was a place where geniuses thrived, and the ordinary were forgotten. Li Tian quickly adapted to life within its prestigious walls, his days filled with rigorous cultivation practices and teachings from revered masters.
Initially, everything seemed perfect. Li Tian mastered the basics effortlessly, impressing his teachers and fellow disciples with his dedication and innate comprehension.
Every day, he would diligently practice his cultivation and then practice the sword techniques taught by Yun Zhonghi, his master.
Yet, as weeks turned into months, something felt off. Despite his relentless effort, Li Tian found himself unable to advance beyond the initial stages of his cultivation art.
"Master Yun," Li Tian approached his mentor, frustration evident in his voice. "Why am I still stuck at the fourth layer?"
Master Yun, an elder with silver hair and calm eyes, sighed softly. "Patience, Tian. Cultivation is often filled with mysterious obstacles. Keep persevering, and you'll surely break through."
But months stretched into years. He trained alone more often. Fewer instructors called on him. The disciples he once practiced beside began avoiding eye contact.
Whispers started spreading.
"Have you heard? Li Tian hasn't advanced in years. Perhaps the orb was mistaken."
"Such a waste of resources. I expected better from someone with rainbow talent."
Li Tian overheard these cruel remarks while walking past the practice grounds. A group of junior disciples glanced his way and then quickly looked away, snickering.
They think I've failed... he thought, forcing himself not to react. Maybe I have. Slowly, his status within the sect began to decline—from the revered core disciple to an inner sect disciple.
One quiet evening, Master Yun came to Li Tian's humble room. His face was grave.
"Tian," Master Yun began gently, "the elders have decided you should step down as a core disciple. Your cultivation stagnation concerns them greatly."
Li Tian absorbed the news silently, heart sinking like a stone. He stared at the floor for a long second, jaw clenched. It had finally come down to this.
Master Yun reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Li Tian's shoulder. His grip lingered slightly too long, as if he wanted to say more.
"I still believe in you, Tian. Don't let this setback discourage you. Keep cultivating and trust in your abilities."
His voice was steady, but his eyes held a trace of guilt.
Li Tian nodded, eyes filled with silent determination. "Thank you, Master Yun."