The High Tower of New Moon Profound Palace, the Administration Office, was an imposing structure that overlooked the entire palace grounds. Within its ornate chambers, the esteemed leaders of the palace held discussions and made crucial decisions that shaped the fate of their institution.
Headmaster Qin Wuyou, a figure of great wisdom and strength, presided over the meeting. His calm demeanor and profound insight were qualities that had earned him his esteemed position. He gazed out of the window at the distant recruitment square, his eyes reflecting his curiosity.
Beside him, Elder Sikong Han, a seasoned and respected member of the administration, shared his thoughts. "Indeed, it seems this year's recruitment numbers are not as robust as we had hoped. Ya Tan's reputation for rigorous testing may have deterred some potential recruits."
Elder Ya Yii, Supreme Elder of the New Moon Profound Palace and sister to Instructor Ya Tan, added her perspective. "My younger brother has always been known for his tough methods. It's no surprise that some would be dissuaded by the prospect of facing his trials."
Just as they were discussing the recruitment challenges, an outer disciple burst into the room, panting heavily. The urgency in his eyes was evident as he conveyed his message.
"Elder Ya Yii, Instructor Ya Tan has been defeated!" The disciple's words hung in the air, eliciting gasps of shock from the elders.
"What?! Ya Tan?" Elder Ya Yii exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had always considered her younger brother to be an unbeatable force.
Headmaster Qin Wuyou leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell us the details, young one."
The disciple proceeded to recount the unexpected turn of events in the recruitment square. He spoke of two remarkable young recruits who had achieved unprecedented results during the second test. Even after accounting for changes in the examination process, their scores remained extraordinary.
Elder Han mused quietly, "It seems we may have underestimated the potential of these recruits. Their performance is truly exceptional."
As they absorbed the information, the elders realized that the course of this year's recruitment had taken an unforeseen twist. The mysterious newcomers, particularly one named Yun Che, had introduced an intriguing element of uncertainty into their plans.
In the recruitment square, Yun Che could feel the weight of numerous gazes upon him. Some were filled with awe, some with envy, and others with undisguised curiosity. Yuanba, on the other hand, wore a proud grin, clearly basking in the reflected glory of his brother-in-law's achievements.
The new instructor, Ah Yan, although smaller in stature, carried an air of confidence. As he spoke, his voice echoed in the vast arena, commanding attention. "Underestimating an opponent based on appearance is a grave mistake," he remarked with a hint of amusement in his eyes, clearly referencing Ya Tan's earlier defeat. "I might not have his brute strength, but I possess a keen mind. Let's see if any of you can outsmart me."
Yun Che smirked, sensing an interesting challenge ahead. If brute force had been the key to defeating Ya Tan, wit and strategy would be needed against Ah Yan. And for Yun Che, who thrived on challenges, this was just another opportunity to showcase Retsu's prowess.
The atmosphere in the recruitment square shifted as Retsu, the final recruit to be tested, took center stage. Her presence exuded an air of elegance and beauty that left both male and female onlookers captivated. Her unique attire, a purple kimono paired with a veil that concealed her face, only added to her mystique. Those who gazed upon her could not help but be entranced by her charm.
Yuanba couldn't help but express his concern, "Brother-in-law, are you sure sister-in-law is going to be okay in there?"
With a knowing smile, Yun Che replied, "Hnnn, never underestimate her. Despite her calm demeanor, she can be quite formidable when the situation calls for it."
As the anticipation built, the instructor called Retsu to the stage, her name held a special significance as she was the last recruit to undergo testing. Her high score among the female recruits had earned her this position of honor. Dressed in her resplendent kimono, she walked with grace and poise, a vision of beauty that left many in awe.
The instructor, though acknowledging her beauty, made it clear that he would not go easy on her. "You're quite beautiful for a Peak Nascent Cultivator. Hmph, even though you possess such beauty, do not expect me to hold back. I am far more cunning than that muscle-headed predecessor of mine," he warned.
Retsu, however, raised her hand in a calm and composed manner. Her action surprised the audience, who had anticipated a more grandiose display from such a remarkable recruit. It was as if she was a student politely requesting permission to ask a question.
With a hint of curiosity, the instructor nodded, "You wish to ask a question now? Very well, go ahead." He sensed that Retsu's connection with the earlier exceptional recruit might hold more secrets than met the eye.
"I am sorry if I went overboard."
The atmosphere in the recruitment square was charged with anticipation and disbelief as Retsu prepared to face her instructor, Instructor Ah Yan. Retsu displayed an unexpected politeness, apologizing in advance for her actions. The instructor was taken aback by her humility; he was clearly underestimating her.
With a determined nod, he accepted her apology, though his expression remained stern. "If I fall, then it's my loss," he stated firmly.
The examiner, sensing the tension, gave the signal to begin the test, but to everyone's surprise, Retsu made no move to attack. She stood there, serene and composed, her demeanor giving no hint of her intentions. The instructor, equally composed, decided to taunt her, trying to provoke her into action. "What's wrong, little girl? Afraid to attack?" he jeered.
Retsu, unmoved by his taunts, raised her hand calmly, pointing her delicate finger at the instructor. The audience watched in astonishment, not understanding what she was doing.
Yuanba couldn't help but voice his concern to Yun Che, "Brother-in-law, is she going to be okay?"
Yun Che reassured him, "It's okay, she knows what she's doing."
The instructor remained patient, waiting for Retsu to make her move. "Come on, little girl. I ain't got all—"
Before he could finish his taunt, Retsu softly uttered, "Way of Destruction Number #1 Thrust."
Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the arena as an invisible force struck the instructor, sending him hurtling through the air until he crashed into a wall, causing it to crumble around him.
Silence enveloped the audience as they tried to comprehend what had just occurred. The examiners and instructors had their eyes wide open, dumbfounded by the incredible power they had witnessed.
Instructor Ah Yan managed to free himself from the rubble and stared incredulously at Retsu, who remained poised on the stage. "I didn't sense any profound strength or energy in the arena. What in the world just happened?" he muttered, unable to accept his defeat by a female recruit who had employed an invisible profound skill he had never encountered before.
The nearby recruits, including Yuanba, were speechless, while others couldn't believe their ears when they heard Yun Che casually explain that Retsu had used a simple thrust technique. Their disbelief only intensified as they considered the invisible and undetectable nature of the skill she had employed.
"That's my Retsu. Simple but deadly," Yun Che mused silently as he witnessed her remarkable performance.
As Yun Che spoke, Yuanba couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Brother-in-law, can you tell me what just happened?"
Yun Che replied casually, "Not much, really. She just used a simple thrust technique. That's all."
The surrounding recruits strained their ears to listen, and when they heard Yun Che's explanation, their faces turned various shades of disbelief and shock. It was as if they had been slapped in the face with incredulity. The idea that a mere "thrust technique" could have such a devastating effect was beyond their comprehension.
"Simple thrust?!" They thought in disbelief. While it was common knowledge that profound techniques involved the use of profound energy that could be detected, Retsu had managed to execute an invisible technique that defied their understanding. The recruits were left dumbfounded by the sheer power and mystique of her move.
Retsu, meanwhile, turned her attention to the examiners and asked, "How did I do?"
The examiner, still bewildered, stammered, "You...you...pass."
With a gracious bow, Retsu thanked the examiners and stepped off the stage. She rejoined Yun Che and Yuanba, drawing the gaze of every onlooker in the square. The silence that followed was deafening, as the audience grappled with the extraordinary abilities displayed by these two seemingly ordinary recruits. Who were these remarkable individuals?
"Young master, how's my performance?" Retsu inquired cheerfully, her demeanor akin to a pleased puppy.
"Splendid," Yun Che praised, affectionately petting her head. Blushing beneath her veil, Retsu couldn't hide her contentment. Meanwhile, Yuanba remained awestruck by his sister-in-law's incredible display of strength.
"Now that's done. Yuanba, where's the cafeteria of this place?" Yun Che casually asked, unaware that he had used a term from his home world.
"Cafeteria?" Yuanba looked perplexed.
"Ahem, I mean food hall," Yun Che corrected himself. He realized that he needed to be cautious with his choice of words, as Retsu could understand him, but he couldn't casually use terminology from his home world in public.
"Come on, Retsu, I'm starving. I bet you're hungry too," Yun Che remarked while rubbing his stomach.
"Hmm, I only ate a little this morning," Retsu replied casually. Yun Che was momentarily speechless; for her, consuming a portion meant enough food to feed seven people. Yet, she considered it a light meal.
"I just hope the chef won't faint upon seeing you," Yun Che muttered to himself.
"Why?" Retsu inquired innocently.
"Never mind. Come on, Yuanba, let's go." They were about to leave when a voice from the skies above the arena commanded their attention.
"Disciples, please stay for a moment." The trio halted in their tracks, curious about the unexpected announcement.
My usual chapter, sorry about didn't released something on Wednesday. Kind of busy with work and assignments.