Chapitre 11: The test part 2
They were led into a vast room adjacent to the sick girl's chamber. The room was surprisingly modern, a stark contrast to the traditional medicinal practices being tested. Instead of simple tables, sleek, obsidian-black workstations lined the walls, each a self-contained unit. Each station featured a holographic projector displaying a rotating three-dimensional image of fifteen different spiritual herbs, A mid-grade cauldron, sat at the center of each workstation. A small, sophisticated data pad was also incorporated, allowing for electronic record-keeping and submission of answers. The air hummed faintly with the low thrum of advanced technology skillfully integrated into the otherwise traditional setting; a blend of ancient knowledge and modern efficiency that reflected the evolving nature of the medicinal arts. The overall effect was both impressive and slightly disorienting; a clear sign that even in this seemingly traditional setting, technology was finding its place.
Jian Meilin remained silent, her heart pounding with a mixture of awe and bewildered fascination. The extravagance was breathtaking, but the *source* of that extravagance was utterly baffling. She had seen cauldrons before;high level cauldrons. Even the cauldron she used for her alchemy and forging were the most highest of grade,but these were all different,even though they were middle grade they felt different.And those floating… things? Projected images, she vaguely registered; three-dimensional displays of herbs that weren't actually *there*, shimmering in the air. Her limited knowledge of technology – pitiful, even for a child of her age – couldn't fully process what she was seeing. When they were kicked out of her family main house she was Only seven years old and kids started their studies at the age of five after testing their spiritual roots,so her education was lacking. But even for an uninformed person like her she knew this wasn't merely wealth; it was a level of technological advancement even her predecessor had never encountered. This unexpected discovery ignited a spark within her. A new passion bloomed, unexpected and intense. "I must learn everything about this… technology," she thought, a thrill coursing through her. "It seems so incredibly… exciting." The thrill was palpable, a potent combination of wonder and a fierce determination to unravel this new and fascinating mystery.
Acquiring even a single decent cauldron in this era wasn't uncommon, but the sheer abundance—over twenty mid-grade cauldrons—suggested a level of wealth beyond her comprehension. This family was certainly powerful. Nine people were present; including herself, though some undoubtedly harbored disdain for her presence, Jian Meilin was unfazed. The prospect of potential riches and her newfound discovery overshadowed any lingering anxieties. What could these old geezers do to her besides perhaps a few disgruntled complaints?
"Everyone, please select a station. Master Sun will be assessing you individually. He'll discuss the details. I must return to my wife. I trust Master Sun's judgment and look forward to good news. Please, be comfortable," Patriarch Sun addressed them, then turned and left the room. Everyone settled into their designated stations, and Master Sun, after a careful survey, approached Jian Meilin, who was noticeably isolated. He shook his head slightly, not in disapproval but possibly in slight concern. He wasn't so sure she could pass the test, but to discourage her outright would cast a shadow that might linger for the rest of her life. Perhaps she possessed a hidden knowledge of medicine, even if insufficient to cure the girl. He was open to giving her the chance to prove herself; if she showed even a fraction of proficiency, he was willing to take her as a disciple. In a world where alchemists were rare, he didn't want to discourage a potential seedling of talent.
"Before you, are various spiritual herb images. To prevent copying, each station contains fifteen different herbs unique to that station. For the first task, identify these herbs and note their properties. You must correctly identify eight of them to pass. You have one hour." Master Sun spoke solemnly. After his instructions, he sat down, seemingly unfazed by the momentous occasion, and began preparing tea.
"Little lass, let's see how you plan to swindle some money from patriarch Sun wealth. You must be panicking, pretending to be calm," the same man who had insulted her earlier sneered. "If you'd listened to our advice, you could have left with dignity. Now you'll have to return home with your head hung low, having underestimated yourselves." He continued for nearly a minute, his words a barrage of insults that finally began to irritate the other attendees. Jian Meilin, however, remained unmoved. She would not engage with such a petty, unproductive adversary.
"Hey, I'm talking to you! Don't pretend you're thinking deeply. When will you cry? Such a pathetic attempt to save face! If you fail, you'll say you're too young. Those excuses won't work. Get out! It's not too late!" The man's relentless ranting was becoming increasingly disruptive to the others. Jian Meilin, puzzled, realized she had no prior encounter with him. Jian Meilin was so angry that the temperature around dropped by a few degrees making those close to her shiver uncontrollably. Even the man could not help but shut up for a second as a flash of fear passed through his eyes.
Only the man himself knew why he was targeting her.The reason for his vehement opposition, though, was quite surprising. He was one of Madam Wei's secret agents, and his actions were subtly designed to sabotage Jian Meilin's efforts to gain a position. He had orchestrated challenges to hinder her employment prospects and maintain the status quo. 'Once I report to Madam Wei that this girl has failed to secure a position, I'll earn some favor,'he thought. 'Why should I be afraid of her? I need to sabotage her chance. Although I'm a practitioner with over thirty years of experience, all I can do is concoct medicinal liquids. I'm short on funds, and I need to support my career. What can a girl of her age do to me? Yesterday, I bribed numerous people to prevent her from securing a job. How could I let her succeed today? Never.'His confidence bloomed, and his insults continued. Suddenly, Jian Meilin banged her hand on the table at her station.
"Are you finished with your blustering? What's wrong with you? Are you afraid people won't recognize your mental instability? If you don't wish to participate, please don't disrupt those of us who are serious about this. If you're not satisfied, let's make a bet. If I lose, I'll give you one hundred taels; if I win, you give me one hundred silver taels." She adopted a bold demeanor, carefully projecting an appropriate level of nervousness. This was a calculated gamble, nothing to lose. The man, assessing her expression for any deception, was surprised by her genuine composure, her eyes clear and sincere. A flicker of doubt crossed his face, as if her confidence was more potent than he anticipated. The onlookers, too, were affected by her apparent composure. The man, realizing that he had misjudged her confidence, gave a dismissive sneer.
"Okay, we'll do it your way. But if you lose, kneel and call me 'father' three times. I don't need your money. How's that?" he retorted, his voice brimming with arrogance. Jian Meilin paused, seemingly hesitating, but then countered shrewdly.
"How shameless you don't even know the meaning of that word but you still keep on yapping up and down" she looked down for a moment then said again
"Ok but to ensure you don't renege, why don't you give the money to Master Sun first? If I win, it's mine; if I lose, it's returned to you. Is that acceptable?" In her heart she sneered 'you undying old man want to be my father when even general Jian is not qualified to call me his daughter keep on dreaming I'll make sure to crush those dreams of yours properly hmph'
"No problem at all," the man rummaged through a high-quality dimensional pouch—a valuable item—and threw a small pouch to Master Sun. "There's one gold coin inside, the equivalent of a hundred silver coins." He clearly intended to show off. While dimensional pouches were common, his was particularly high-quality it was estimated to be the size of a 150sq fit room for a person like him who needed to carry lots of herbs it was very convenient,it had been given to him by madam Wen when he had lured Jian Meilin into that forest the other day if he doesn't flaunt his wealth then his name Kongli. High leveled dimensional pockets were are luxury for a pauper like Jian Meilin who did not even possess a low grade dimensional pocket.she usually carried a normal handmade pouch that her mother handed her.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone