Chapter 106: Qualification Assessment (2)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shen Ping could not help but feel disappointed, but he quickly asked, “Senior Xia, may I ask how long the assessment will last? To be honest, I’m already old. If I exceed 60 years old, I’m afraid it’ll be difficult for me to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm.”
Deacon Xia glanced at Shen Ping. Almost instantly, Shen Ping felt a divine sense attack. His expression was calm, but he was a little nervous. “You’re indeed not young anymore. But it’s fine. As far as I know, the assessment will last for at most two years. If it goes smoothly, it will only take a year, or even half a year.” Deacon Xia smiled and said, “Guest Elder Shen, do you have any other questions?”
Shen Ping stood up and bowed. “I understand. Thank you for your patient explanation, Senior Xia.”
“Then, do you want to apply for the special-class guest elder qualification assessment now?”
Hearing this, Shen Ping said solemnly, “Yes!”
Deacon Xia clapped his hands and said, “Alright, go back and wait patiently. I’ll immediately arrange this matter. When the other Golden Core evaluators reply, I’ll get Fellow Daoist Qu to send a message to you. This will take at most a month. I hope you can make full preparations during this period of time.”
At the entrance of the True Treasure Pavilion, Shopkeeper Qu personally sent him out. “Talisman Master Shen. A special-class guest elder is very important. Even this qualification test has to be taken seriously. If you can really pass the qualifications, there will be endless benefits.”
Hearing the voice transmission, Shen Ping cupped his hands in response. “Thank you for your reminder, Senior Qu.” He returned to the small courtyard in Huiquan Alley. His wife and concubines had yet to return from South City.
Sitting alone in the hall, he closed his eyes and recalled what Deacon Xia had said. A sense of motivation slowly rose in his heart. After working hard for ten years, he had never slacked off or hesitated. Even if he was tired, he gritted his teeth and persevered.
Be it the snow or rain, the sun or wind, his Dao heart never wavered for a moment. It was precisely because of this that he possessed such a standard in the Dao of Talismans. And in another month, it would be time to refine true metal.
He suddenly opened his eyes. Shen Ping flicked his sleeves and walked out of the hall into the talisman making room. Regardless of whether the fish could leap over the dragon gate, he had to be fully prepared.
Days passed.
Other than dual cultivation, Shen Ping spent the rest of his time in the talisman-making room, allowing him to maintain his familiarity with the talisman at all times.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
At dawn, he first prayed for peace of mind, then changed into a brand new white robe with embroidered patterns and stood in the talisman-making room. His wife and concubines carefully tidied his hair, eyebrows, and cleaned any flaws on his face. Then, they checked every texture of his robe several times.
In the remaining time, his wife and concubines stayed by Shen Ping’s side. Yu Yan guarded the entrance of the small courtyard. They knew that today was the most important day for their husband. The sky gradually turned bright. The morning sun shone on the tip of the date tree in the small courtyard, emitting a fragrance.
When a ray of morning light pierced through the clouds and sprinkled on the small courtyard, Shen Ping’s communication talisman vibrated slightly. Shopkeeper Qu’s voice quickly sounded. “The assessment for a special-class guest elder begins. Talisman Master Shen, please come to True Treasure Pavilion for the assessment.”
Shen Ping, who was still standing, took a deep breath. He stepped out of the talisman making room. His wife and concubines followed behind. The moment he stepped out of the small courtyard, “Husband!” Wang Yun called out to Shen Ping.
He turned around. Suddenly, he saw Yu Yan, Wang Yun, Bai Yuying, and Luo Qing clench their hands into fists and brandish them at him.
“Go for it!” He added silently in his heart. Then, he smiled and walked forward resolutely.
True Treasure Pavilion.
In the past, there were many cultivators entering and leaving, but today, there was no one. Shopkeeper Qu stood at the door and waited. Seeing a familiar figure not far away, he smiled and hurriedly went forward. “Senior Qu. How can I trouble you to welcome me personally? I really don’t deserve it!” Shen Ping smiled bitterly.
Shopkeeper Qu shook his head. “Talisman Master Shen, you just have to remember one thing today. Pass the assessment seriously and with all your might. Don’t take anything else to heart.” In the end, he said, “Don’t be affected. Let’s go!”
Shopkeeper Qu brought Shen Ping across the threshold.
Almost instantly, many gazes gathered over. There was no aura, nor was there any spiritual pressure. However, Shen Ping felt a heavy pressure like a mountain. The third-grade guest elders stood on both sides. They looked at him with a smile.
He followed Shopkeeper Qu all the way over. Just as he stepped into the backyard, the pressure suddenly increased by ten thousand times.
Second-grade guest elder.
First-grade guest elder.
Even the Golden Core Perfected, Deacon Xia, was standing at the entrance of the small courtyard. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, laughter, doubt, and disdain. All kinds of emotions overlapped.
Even though there was no aura or sound, this silence made Shen Ping feel like he was stepping into a mountain of blades and a sea of flames with every step he took.
Shopkeeper Qu led the way. Shen Ping finally understood what the other party meant just now.
Don’t be affected. In the face of this silent pressure, how could he, a Qi Refinement cultivator, not be affected?
“No one is here. They’re not human.” Shen Ping kept hinting in his heart. He looked at Shopkeeper Qu and couldn’t help but think that it would be good if it was Mu Jin. He walked to the door of the hall with difficulty.
Deacon Xia smiled and said, “Go in.”
Shopkeeper Qu stood at the side and extended his hand to invite him in. Shen Ping nodded and stepped in.
Unexpectedly, there was a beautiful woman sitting in the hall. She had a faint smile on her lips and was wearing a brownish-purple, round-necked, silver silk brocade robe. Her exquisite and enchanting figure was undoubtedly prominent.
She stood up and took a few steps. Her round face trembled slightly. “Guest Elder Shen, I’m in charge of this special-class guest elder qualification assessment. I’ll be by your side the entire time. If you have any questions, you can ask..”