Capítulo 5: Chapter 5: Achievements Reached, Tying with Xiao Yan!
"Zhao Gang, two-stage Dou Disciple, qualified!"
Once again, at the same plaza, accompanied by the loud announcement of Yan Hongtao, a commotion swept through the square. The children who were waiting for the test in the same batch showed envy in their eyes, and several children, led by Zhao Gang, exaggeratedly praised him.
Outside the square, many other children of different batches watched with various expressions, yearning to become the next Zhao Gang.
"Not bad," even Yan Hongtao nodded and praised.
"Next, Chen Guan."
As his name was called, Chen Guan walked to the front of the magic stone tablet under the gaze of everyone. Soon, the result appeared and caused another stir.
"Chen Guan, two-stage Dou Disciple, qualified!"
"Chen Guan is also amazing, actually on par with Big Brother Zhao."
"What do you know? Big Brother Zhao just practiced casually, but he worked hard to keep up. Can they be compared?"
"Yeah, it seems that Big Brother Zhao has better talent."
Over the past six months, everyone had witnessed Chen Guan's diligence. Even Yan Hongtao often used him as an example to admonish others, which made his peers less inclined to play with him.
Whispers and discussions reached Chen Guan's ears, but he remained unperturbed and even felt a little amused. Although they both had reached the two-stage Dou Qi, the difference between them was like heaven and earth.
Chen Guan and Zhao Gang were responsible for cleaning the room where the magic stone tablet was placed. This allowed them to test their own progress regularly.
Zhao Gang had only broken through to the two-stage Dou Qi ten days ago. He deliberately came to test himself while Chen Guan was cleaning, satisfying his childish vanity.
On the other hand, Chen Guan had already reached the two-stage Dou Disciple three months ago. Recently, he felt that he could advance further at any time. If he didn't want to attract too much attention during this test, he would already be at the three-stage Dou Disciple.
Chen Guan was satisfied with his progress and speed. It was important to note that the requirement for qualification set by Yan Hongtao was merely one stage of Dou Disciple in half a year, which was an average level. The difficulty of accumulating the subsequent stages of Dou Disciple would gradually increase, requiring more time.
The test continued at a fast pace and was completed in less than two hours. Only Chen Guan and Zhao Gang reached the two-stage Dou Qi, while seventeen people failed to even reach the one-stage Dou Qi. The rest of them passed the qualification line.
"As I told you half a year ago, this test will greatly determine your future destiny. Congratulations to those who have reached the one-stage Dou Disciple. You have passed the first hurdle. In the next five years, as long as you don't make mistakes, you can continue to focus on cultivation. His Majesty will bestow some spirit medicines to strengthen your physique. This is the grace bestowed upon you by His Majesty and the royal family. You should be grateful and work even harder in your cultivation. Strength is the best reward, understood?"
"Understood!"
Yan Hongtao, representing the royal family, spoke his usual words. After receiving the enthusiastic response from everyone, he nodded in satisfaction and then looked at the dejected group on the left.
"Talent is innate, but it is not the sole factor that determines destiny. Although you did not pass the test this time, it doesn't mean you are useless. The vast Jia Ma Empire needs talents from all walks of life. At certain specific times and places, your role may not be smaller than theirs. As long as you are willing to learn, the royal family will spare no effort in nurturing you!"
The words of inspiration truly motivated people, especially when they were used to influence a group of blank slates like children. Their sense of belonging and loyalty to the royal family soared.
Not only the children, even Chen Guan had to admit that regardless of the original intention of the Jia Ma royal family, they had indeed shown kindness to everyone present.
If they hadn't been brought to the imperial capital, many people would have starved to death, suffered humiliation, and never come into contact with Dou Qi. They would have lived their whole lives at the bottom. Compared to those miserable and bleak days, things were now infinitely better.
Chen Guan had his own thoughts and plans, so he naturally wouldn't be brainwashed by the royal family. But he had to remember this favor. Return the favor and repay the grudges. His idea was just that simple.
After a few bowls of "chicken soup for the soul," those who didn't qualify were taken away by a guard. Where they went and what their future held, no one knew. From that day on, they were never seen again.
After the test, life returned to its normal track. However, compared to the previous six months, everyone's cultivation became noticeably more diligent. Clearly, the seventeen people who were taken away had given them quite an impact.
Only Zhao Gang secretly competed with Chen Guan. In his mind, Chen Guan's talent wasn't as good as his own, yet he managed to keep up with him. This was difficult for him to accept. He had to widen the gap to consolidate his position as the "number one genius."
Unfortunately, the gap widened, but not in the way Zhao Gang wanted.
That very night, Chen Guan quietly broke through to the three-stage Dou Disciple!
In the following days, the royal family would occasionally distribute a low-grade spirit fruit called the "Qingling Fruit". It had a mild medicinal effect that enhanced physical fitness.
Its effectiveness didn't need to be explained. It was certainly far inferior to the Foundation Elixir that Yao Lao had refined for Xiao Yan. However, it could deepen the foundation before reaching the Dou Practitioner stage, which was still quite good. It was evident that there was still some gap between the empire and the major clans in terms of resources.
Thanks to his exceptional talent, Zhao Gang and Chen Guan received double the resources each time.
Having a strong physique was beneficial to cultivation. As a result, Chen Guan's absorption and assimilation speed of Dou Qi energy became slightly faster.
For the next five years, there would be no unified test, and Chen Guan no longer needed to worry about the gaze of others. He could completely let go, focus on cultivation, and widen the gap between himself and the talented Zhao Gang.
It's worth mentioning that during this time, the reputation of Xiao Yan, the genius of the Xiao family in Utan City, gradually spread. Even the imperial capital had heard occasional rumors. Yan Hongtao had used this as inspiration to motivate Zhao Gang and Chen Guan, encouraging them to aspire to be like Xiao Yan.
From him, Chen Guan learned of Xiao Yan's current progress.
Like him, Xiao Yan had also reached the three-stage Dou Qi.
When they left, Zhao Gang was still in shock, but Chen Guan was in a great mood and showed a long-lost smile.
Achieving success - tying with Xiao Yan!
What made him even more satisfied was that his talent was even stronger than Xiao Yan's. After all, the latter had started cultivation earlier. When Xiao Yan reached the one-stage Dou Qi, Chen Guan was still pondering in a corner, wondering where to find his next meal.
But now he had surpassed him. Even for Chen Guan, there was a sense of achievement.
A certain Milk Tea Emperor once said, "Those who are defeated by me are never considered opponents. I give you time to catch up until you can no longer see me."
Chen Guan felt that he could learn from that as well.
He struck a [Thumbs Up Kid Meme.GIF] pose.
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