Chapter 88: Internal Energy Test

Chapter 88: Internal Energy Test

The length of the bell set was about one zhang.

However, the part of the bell set that the disciples could grasp was the end of the topaz rod.

When they blew their energy into the dragon head, the topaz bells hanging from the staff began to shake, starting with the ones closest to them.

The number of clear bell sounds that rang determined their scores. This test did not involve strength, agility, or other skills like swordsmanship.

The only thing they could use was their own internal energy.

Those disciples with lower scores so far took turns testing their achievement in internal energy.

The internal energy test carried the most weight and quickly decided the fate of the third-generation disciples, with mixed reactions of joy and sorrow.

Some came down crying, while others came down smiling.

Gradually, it was the turn of the top-ranking disciples.

Now, it was Jun Myungs turn.

He possessed a physique that was hard to believe for someone in his teens.

A tall stature and large hands. Jun Myungs forearm, gripping the dragon head of the staff, twitched.

Maybe it was because he had blown all his strength into it, but Jun Myungs neck veins stood out as he shouted with energy.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Kkuooh!

And the topaz bell set accepted his energy.

Starting with the bell closest to Jun Myung, they began to ring clearly.

Ooooooh!

Jun Myungs resounding roar seemed all the more desperate.

It appeared his shout of energy wasnt in vain.

Jun Myung managed to ring nine bells, the highest record so far.

He raised his hands in joy, exclaiming happily.

Eujah!

Just as he was about to come down feeling relieved, Sage Do Seon, smiling awkwardly, said, Wait a moment. Hehe.

Y-yes?

It seems you might have to do it again.

This was a disconcerting piece of news for Jun Myung, who had already exhausted his internal energy.

The sound of your shouting drowned out the bell sounds.

Oh, uh

For the next time, well have to rely on visual confirmation.

Do Seon, genuinely apologetic, instructed him to do it again. Jun Myungs expression turned as if he was about to cry.

But there was no way to defy the command of the examiners.

Jun Myung tried again without shouting his energy-filled yells.

Naturally, his performance was much worse than before.

After ringing six bells, Jun Myung came down with a devastated expression, as if the sky had fallen.

Watching this, Yi-gang clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly.

Jun Myung knelt down in frustration, and Yu Su-rin and Son Hee-il came to console him. However, their consoling faces bore wide smiles.

Their eyes met with Yi-gangs.

Yu Su-rin and Son Hee-il sent him even brighter smiles than before.

Im screwed, Yi-gang muttered absentmindedly.

How could it not be possible?

Thats what I was about to say.

Yi-gangs expression was calm. But his inner state was not entirely so.

Usually, to test internal strength, one would swing a sword at a blue stone or lift a heavy rock.

I cant do anything with this method.

Whats the use of succeeding in all the tests so far?

If he doesnt achieve at least the minimum in this test, he would have to treat those three as his senior brothers and sister.

The thought of being bossed around by kids whose heads havent even dried from birth whitened Yi-gangs mind.

Meanwhile, Yu Su-rin rang six bells and came down with a gloomy face.

Still, her score should be better than Yi-gangs.

Is there really no way?

Umm You could try.

Yi-gang had no intention of giving up so easily after coming this far.

Then, Son Hee-il rang the bells.

Dede-dedeng

The clear sound of the bell set rang precisely eleven times. It didnt seem like it, but he must have had significant internal strength.

He had a face filled with emotion.

Its done, done

He muttered so. Though the exact rankings were uncertain, he had definitely widened the gap with his friends, Jun Myung and Yu Su-rin.

Unless there was an upset, the position of the great disciple would belong to Son Hee-il.

Next up, Baek Yi-gang. Come on up.

Following Sage Do Seons order, Yi-gang stood up.

He went up to the platform with the bell set, and Son Hee-il came down. Their gazes collided for a moment.

Son Hee-il was smiling, while Yi-gang was expressionless.

Regardless of his inner feelings, showing anxiety on his face would be a fools act.

Yi-gang stood on the platform.

The platform was higher than he thought, and the bell set was quite large.

Hmm, youre the last one.

Sage Do Seon chuckled while fanning himself with a fan. He did this even though it was not hot, as it was still spring.

Ive heard you have meridian blockage disease. Then, you cant use your internal energy.

Hehe, yes.

Has this kid lost his mind!

Sage Do Geum was about to hit Do Seon with a ledger. Even the good-natured Do Seon had to dodge in surprise.

To accurately measure internal energy, Do Seon had desperately persuaded Forest Lord and Do Geum to fund this project. And what he got was this topaz bell set.

Thank you so much, senior brother!

If it breaks while using it, Ill take all your treasures and sell them. And if thats not enough, I could even cut off your belly fat and sell it at the butchers.

Remembering Do Geums ferocious expression, Do Seon couldnt stay silent any longer.

Stop!

The vibration of the topaz bell set ceased. As Yi-gang gently removed his hand from the dragon head, Do Seon let out a sigh of relief.

The attempt was innovative, but the purpose of this test is to measure the achievement of internal energy.

Regrettably, as an elder of the sect, his evaluation had to be strict.

Do Seon announced Yi-gangs score.

You did not ring any bells.

The lowest record until now was ringing four bells. Yi-gang was certain to receive the lowest score. And it was overwhelmingly the lowest score.

Yi-gangs rank, which had always been at the top, would have drastically fallen this time.

The third-generation disciples quietly watched Yi-gang descend the platform.

Do Seon watched with a sorry expression.

He felt a bit regretful inside.

Was I too hasty?

He had been scared off by his senior brothers angry face, but in reality, topaz was not a soft rock.

Its not something that could be easily broken even if struck with full force, and he wondered if he had needlessly been scared and stopped the test.

Umm, its already a thing of the past.

Do Seon approached the bell set with a bitter sentiment.

After all, this bell set had fulfilled its mission splendidly this time. It wouldnt be used again until the next first-flower promotion examination, which would be in more than ten years.

Just as he was saying this and stroking the dragon head of the bell set

Tick

With an ominous sound, the dragon head where Yi-gang had placed his hand broke off and fell apart.

Uh, ugh!

The dragon head shattered into dust as soon as it hit the ground.

The composure on Do Seons face also shattered.

No wayyyy!

The place where Yi-gang had held it was covered in cracks like a spiders web.



Cant this be fixed somehow?

It seems impossible to repair.

On the platform where Yi-gang had just descended, Sage Do Seon gathered the fragments of topaz.

Then, cant it be fixed with some sort of spell or technique?

Even if you ask me For spells, you would know better, Pavilion Master

O-of course.

Both Sage Do Seon and the flustered second-generation disciples were visibly disturbed.

Yi-gang quickly squeezed himself among the third-generation disciples to hide.

I got a real scare there.

He had realized that the cracks were starting to form from the tips of his fingers while concentrating.

It was fortunate that Sage Do Seon had called an end to the test just in time.

Still, its a shame.

Yes, it is.

But there was nothing to be done about the disappointment.

Yi-gang had done his best. At one point, it felt as though the topaz had become an extension of his arm.

He might not have achieved body and sword unity, but he had come close to body and jade unity.

Then, lost in thought, Yi-gang was called from both sides.

Yi-gang.

Yi-gang!

Turning to his left, he saw the second-generation disciple Jin Mu.

Turning to his right, he faced less welcome faces. Yu Su-rin, Son Hee-il, and Jun Myung, all wearing wide smiles.

They greeted each other in front of Yi-gang.

Ha-ha, you guys worked hard.

Not at all, Senior!

The trio bowed to Jin Mu. Jin Mu laughed heartily, going uhahaha.

You guys, youll soon become official disciples.

Thats right!

Son Hee-il smiled broadly.

Senior, do you have any idea what our ranks will be? he asked directly.

Hmm?

The exams are practically over now.

The scores hadnt been calculated yet, but it was true. The rankings for the first-flower promotion examination would be determined based on the tests conducted so far. This would also set the hierarchy among the third-generation disciples.

Jin Mu had overseen the entire first-flower promotion examination as an assistant to the examiners.

What do you think, Senior? About our rankings.

This implied that they already had a rough idea of the results.

Jin Mu pondered for a moment and then chuckled.

Well, yes, you guys will find out soon enough.

The trio, and even Yi-gang, were all waiting for Jin Mu to reveal more.