The Elder looked at John in a disapproving manner, but didn't comment on his appearance again.
"Walk to the stone tablet, and place your hand on the circle carved in its center. Inject your essence Qi into it. You pass if the light shines at the top of the tablets formation."
The instructions were simple but clear. John nodded his head and walked to the large stone tablet at the side of the table. There were formation etchings all over the tablet, with a large carved circle located in the middle. He placed his hand on the center of the tablet, and took a deep breath before injecting his essence Qi into the tablet with all his might.
He had already tried to use his body Qi on these types of tablets back in the tournament tests, and it didn't work, so he didn't bother attempting that today. Qi surged from his dantian, through his meridians, and into the tablet for several seconds before he stopped.
The tablet remained quiet for a short time before it began to light up, giving off a vibrant blue glow.
The Elder looked at the tablet and before turning to John and asking him to approach her. John nodded his head and walked over to the Elder, who quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist.
A powerful divine sense invaded John's body, and Qi from the elder was forcefully injected into John's body. It began to snake through his body, meridian, acupoints, and more, and John felt completely exposed at such a test. However, he did not resist such a probe.
'This must be the talent test Adam mentioned, although I figured it would be a bit more official than an inspection by an Elder. I suppose talent is a more subjective sort of test.'
John had expected another wonderful item like the stone tablet to test his talent, but it was the Elder instead. John stood there awkwardly for some time as the Elder continued to inspect his body. A slightly confused look appeared on the Elders face as she inspected his body, but she let go of his wrist after a short while.
"You pass. What is your name?"
John breathed out a sigh of relief, having successfully passed the first test. He didn't expect to fail, but passing was a relief nonetheless.
"John Fenix," he replied.
The Elder looked up and closely studied John's face. "So you're the one Elder Ragur mentioned? He expects great things from you, so don't disappoint him." The Elder's tone had softened slightly.
John was surprised that Elder Ragur had been talking about him to his colleagues, and in a positive light as well. He nodded his head and stood before the Elder in silence.
The Elder had a small item in her hand, and seemed to be using her Qi to do something to it. After a brief waiting period, she looked back towards John and handed him the small item in her hands.
"This is your identity badge for the rest of the entrance exam, do not lose it."
John nodded his head and happily accepted the item. "Thank you Elder."
"Please proceed to the next trial. Next in line, step forward," the Elder called out, and John stepped past the desk and began to walk in the direction of all those who had passed. After a moment's thought, John stopped and turned around, wanting to watch the next examinee.
Adam quickly dashed towards the table, almost crashing into it, but managed to stop just before doing so.
"Greetings, Elder," Adam called out in a friendly tone, as if they were best friends. He made sure to bow in an exaggerated manner, adding as much flair to his movements as possible.
The Elder looked at him with a disapproving expression before giving him the same instructions she had given John.
Adam confidently strode over to the stone tablet, and after a moment's pause, began to channel his Qi into the tablet. He continued to do so for several seconds, and John watched closely, curious to see if Adam would pass the test.
After nearly ten seconds, the stone tablet still had not lit up at the top, signifying that he had not passed.
The Elder frowned and began to speak.
"You have fail-"
"Wait, wait, wait," Adam cried out quickly, waving his hands in every direction.
"I..I just wasn't warmed up is all. Let me try it again."
His panicked tone amused John, causing him to chuckle slightly.
Before the Elder could respond back, Adam placed his hand on the tablet once more and began to channel Qi into it with all his power. Before long, his face had turned blood red, and he seemed as if he was about to pass out from the exertion of trying to pas the test.
However, after a short delay, the faintest of blue lights appeared at the top of the tablet. A look of pure delight appeared on Adam's previously exhausted face, before a look of unbridled pride washed over it.
"See," he said to the Elder. "Such a thing is trivial for a man as gifted as myself."
He confidently strutted over to the Elder, ready to take the talent test. He outstretched his arm in an over the top manner, flicking his wrist in an exaggerated flair before it came to rest before the Elder. A confident smile hung on his face, and he smiled towards John.
"Ow!"
Adam cried out in pain as the Elder grabbed his wrist with much force. His prideful face quickly turned into one wincing with pain as the Elder began her talent inspection, being sure to use enough force on his wrist to cause some pain.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Mercy! I beg you!" Adam cried out as he tried to pull his arm away, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
The Elder nonchalantly inspected his body, and made sure to take her time while doing so. Adam continued to yell in an exaggerated manner, causing John to have a look of disbelief on his face.
'Just..Who is this clown?'
Merciful pleas continued to ring out as Adam begged for mercy. The Elder eventually let go of his wrist, as a small, satisfied smile hung on her face. Clearly she had enjoyed taking him down a notch.
"You pass, but just barely. What is your name?" The Elder asked.
Adam's defeated look quickly turned back to one brimming with confidence and pride, as if his pathetic display mere seconds ago never happened.
"Adam Fenks," he stated proudly, as if his name resounded famously throughout the lands.
The Elder recorded the name in the identity badge, as well as other information, before handing it over to him. Adam took the badge, and a large smile appeared on his face. He strutted over to John with a confident stride.
"Such a simple test can't hold such talented cultivators as ourselves back, right?" Adam stated with his chest puffed out, causing John to put his hand on his face in disbelief.