Chapter 30: Chapter 27: Basic Assessment of the Coming of Age Ceremony_1
Translator: 549690339
As the time for the Coming of Age Ceremony drew closer, Yang Chen became even more diligent in his training.
Although he had met Elder Yang Si’s expectations and perfectly mastered the “Pulling the Void Fist,” Yang Chen had not yet fully grasped the “Cloud-Pulling Fist.” Before the ceremony began, he needed to have a good command of the “Cloud-Pulling Fist.”
It had to be said that the talent of this body was beyond Yang Chen’s expectations. Yang Chen had originally estimated that he would successfully learn the “Cloud-Pulling Fist” before the ceremony, but to his surprise, he had already fully mastered it a month before the ceremony began.
In the remaining month, Yang Chen went to Elder Yang Si to practice Alchemy and consolidate his Martial Arts Cultivation, making further progress…
And so, as time passed, the Coming of Age Ceremony began.
“Young Master, you should wear this outfit.”
“This one, this one looks better.”
Yang Caidie and Gu Mingyue helped Yang Chen choose his clothes.
Yang Chen stood in the middle, helplessly saying: “Big Sister, it’s not necessary to dress so seriously, I’m just going to attend the Coming of Age Ceremony, not a blind date.”
“No, today is your coming of age day, it’s a big day.” Yang Caidie said earnestly.
“Young Master, the young lady is right.” Gu Mingyue chimed in as well.
Yang Caidie continued nervously: “Besides, who said the Coming of Age Ceremony is not a dating event? As long as you perform well at the ceremony, a bunch of girls will fight to marry you. But, my dear brother, you don’t have to try so hard. Even if you fail the assessment, and no one wants to marry you, you still have your sister.”
“…”
“And you have me too.” Gu Mingyue, fearing she’d be forgotten, shouted hurriedly.
Now she was completely devoted to Yang Chen, her eyes filled with worship.
She didn’t know if it was because of her personality or because she followed Yang Caidie, but she believed Yang Caidie’s words that Yang Chen was a genius and thus saw him as such.
Yang Chen twisted his neck: “Alright, it’s almost time, we should go.”
…
The Coming of Age Ceremony began, undoubtedly the liveliest moment for the Yang family.
All the teenagers in the clan gathered at the Yang Family Martial Arts Arena, accompanied by many elders from the clan. In addition, the nine elders and the Yang Family Patriarch were all present.
And the thirteen-year-olds who were about to become adults all gathered together.
Yang Chen was among them.
“Go, Young Master!” Gu Mingyue waved her little hand, her face red as she shouted.
Yang Chen stood among these teenagers, counting about forty-some people, not much different from previous years.
Just like Yang Chen, Yang Heng was also among them.
Yang Heng was originally Yang Chen’s old rival. Upon seeing Yang Chen, his face turned ugly. Hearing Gu Mingyue cheering for Yang Chen, he was reminded of the time when he was humiliated by Yang Chen.
At this moment, he was filled with anger and said emotionlessly: “Yang Chen, I didn’t expect you to have the guts to attend the Coming of Age Ceremony. It seems like you’re really ready to break the pot and get yourself expelled from the family.”
“Really? It seems like my affairs are none of your business.” Yang Chen smiled slightly, appearing calm and composed.
The more he saw Yang Chen’s expression, the angrier Yang Heng became. Soon, he laughed sarcastically: “Alright, Yang Chen, I’ve underestimated your courage. However, I’m curious about how your Martial Arts Cultivation will support you during the ceremony. Indeed, getting expelled from the family is the same for you no matter what. But, you better be careful during the Coming of Age Ceremony.”
He was prepared to seize the opportunity to cripple Yang Chen during the ceremony.
After all, Yang Chen was terribly bad at Martial Arts Cultivation. Yang Heng didn’t believe that anyone in the clan could blame him for crippling Yang Chen.
However, it would be difficult to deal with Yang Caidie.
But once he passed the Coming of Age Ceremony, even if Yang Caidie was powerful, would she dare to attack him in front of the Yang family members?
Thinking of this, a hint of maliciousness flashed in Yang Heng’s eyes.Yang Chen carefully observed the hint of malice in the surroundings.
He couldn’t help but shake his head in resignation.
If Yang Heng had been honest during the Coming of Age Ceremony, Yang Chen wouldn’t bother with him, but if the other party insisted on being so blind, then he wouldn’t mind being ruthless and teach him a lesson.
“Alright, everyone is here,” Clan Leader Yang Jinhe stood at the front and said in a hard tone.
As soon as he spoke, the whole scene quieted down.
Although Yang Heng was annoyed, he obediently closed his mouth. He knew that the Coming of Age Ceremony would soon begin, under Yang Jinhe’s announcement.
Usually, Clan Leader Yang Jinhe would rarely make appearances, but today was different, as the Coming of Age Ceremony is one of the most solemn festivals of the Yang family. Every year on this day, the Yang family patriarch would personally preside over the event because it concerned the family’s reputation.
Like now, many people from other families had already gathered here.
Yang Jinhe said solemnly, “I announce the beginning of the Coming of Age Ceremony. Light the fire!”
Splash!
Under the moonlight, in the darkness of the night, torches were lit up one by one.
With the illumination of the fire, the surroundings suddenly became bright.
Hands behind his back, Yang Jinhe gave a stern order, “Bring the wine!”
Next, in the second part of the ceremony, a group of servants carried bowls of wine and handed them to each young master. The meaning was clear – once they drank the wine, they would be considered adults by today’s standards.
The wine was strong, but the youngsters had practiced drinking it at home before.
Yang Chen was no exception. As for the wine, Gu Mingyue had prepared it earlier at home. He watched Gu Mingyue bring the wine with high spirits and drank the bowl in one gulp. The spicy flavor entered his mouth and rushed into his stomach.
The next moment, the youngsters all smashed their bowls on the ground.
Yang Jinhe nodded in satisfaction.
“Having drunk this bowl of wine, the forty-seven of you are now considered adults. However, if you want to earn the recognition of others, you must show your strength!” Yang Jinhe glanced around and said coldly, “In the following part, a basic assessment awaits you. Are you ready?”
“We’re ready.”
In unison, the youngsters’ powerful voices echoed deafeningly.
After drinking the wine, they were somewhat excited. Even the experienced Yang Chen’s mood was stirred up.
Yang Jinhe rarely showed a slight smile, “Bring the rocks!”
Following Yang Jinhe’s command, huge rocks were brought into the martial arts arena.
There were clear marks on these rocks.
“100 Jin, 200 Jin…”
All the way up to 1500 Jin.
The amount of weight one could lift corresponded to their martial arts cultivation.
This was the most basic assessment.
Yang Jinhe didn’t bother to explain the rules further, “As you can see, these rocks represent your abilities. If you can lift a rock weighing 100 Jin, you will pass the most basic assessment of becoming an adult. Of course, the heavier the rock you can lift, the more outstanding you are. As for those who can’t lift even a 100 Jin rock, get lost and don’t embarrass yourselves here.”
As Yang Jinhe’s words fell, the eyes of the young people present all focused on Yang Chen.
Clearly, they all believed they could pass the assessment.
And the one most likely to fail seemed to be none other than Yang Chen.