9. Clan Assessment (1)
Jiu Lan walked beside him as they left the small compound. She kept her voice low.
“The Lu clan is powerful, but there is a reason they are even coming to us for recruitment,” she said. “You know that, right?”
Jiu Yin shook his head slightly. “Why?”
His sister gave him an irritated look. “Did you never pay attention to all the times this was explained to you?”
He could only shrug. The host’s memories were still fragmented on matters beyond their small branch.
Jiu Lan sighed. “The empire has about twenty sects that operate at a high level. Our kingdom has three within it, and they are sending representatives to recruit people if they show promise. Our city is a very low-tier city in the kingdom, and even our kingdom is considered quite low-ranked within the empire. The three main clans here, Yin, Lu, and Shi, are roughly equal in strength. Because of that, the Lu clan is willing to look at even the smaller branches like ours.”
Jiu Yin listened quietly. In this world, strength was clearly everything. Those without it were left behind.
When they arrived at the main Yin family compound, the difference was immediately obvious. The buildings were larger, the courtyards better maintained, and the atmosphere carried a clear sense of superiority. Several members of the main Yin family glanced at them with thinly veiled disdain as they passed.
They were led into a wide open hall where the assessment was already underway. Two Lu clan stewards stood at the front, watching with sharp eyes. One was a stern middle-aged man with a short beard, while the other was a younger woman with a cold, appraising gaze. The Yin family patriarch, an older man with sharp features, sat to the side observing everything.
Several youths from different branches were already being tested.
The tests were straightforward. The first required candidates to strike a heavy wooden log placed on an elevated platform using only raw strength and Qi reinforcement. The second test involved channeling Qi into a spirit stone. The stone would glow with different colors and intensities depending on the cultivator’s talent and the nature of their trait.
Jiu Yin watched quietly as several youths went through the tests.
A boy from one of the main Yin branches struck the log with solid force, sending it sliding a respectable distance. When he channeled Qi into the spirit stone, it glowed with a steady blue light. The stewards nodded with mild approval.
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Another girl from a different Yin branch performed even better. Her strike was clean and powerful, and the spirit stone lit up with a bright green hue. Whispers spread among the gathered family members. She clearly possessed a known trait.
Then came several members from the Jiu family, their mother’s side. Their results were noticeably weaker on average compared to the main Yin branches. One of their cousins managed a decent strike, but the spirit stone only produced a faint yellow glow.
Finally, it was Jiu Yin’s turn.
He stepped onto the platform. The sun was already high, and he could feel its draining effect immediately. His body felt heavier, and the Qi within him moved more sluggishly than it did at night. Still, he struck the log with controlled force. The log slid a moderate distance, enough to be considered acceptable, but far from impressive.
When he channeled Qi into the spirit stone, it produced a faint, murky gray light with no distinct color. The two Lu clan stewards exchanged glances.
“First stage of Iron Warrior,” the male steward muttered. “Unusually sturdy foundation for someone who only recently awakened. But there is no detectable trait. Either it has not manifested yet, or it is something unknown.”
The female steward nodded. “Adequate. Especially considering he was considered talentless until recently. Bloodlines can be fickle.”
Jiu Yin kept his expression neutral. He knew the truth. His power was tied to his Sanguinari nature. It would not show itself through normal means.
Next was Jiu Lan.
She stepped forward with calm confidence. Her strike on the log was clean and carried noticeable power for her stage. When she injected her Qi into the spirit stone, it glowed with a soft, silvery-white light that carried a gentle radiance.
“Moonlight trait,” the female steward said with clear interest. “Same as her mother. Decent talent for her age.”
The Yin family patriarch gave a small nod of approval.
After all the assessments were complete, the two Lu clan stewards discussed quietly among themselves before making their selections. Several youths from the main Yin branches were chosen. A few from other branches were also picked. Then the male steward spoke.
“Jiu Yin and Jiu Lan of the Jiu branch. You will both be allowed to participate in the upcoming selection. Your performances were adequate. Do not expect special treatment.”
Both twins were accepted, though clearly on the lower end of those chosen.
As they walked back toward their compound later that day, Jiu Lan stayed quiet for a while. Only when they were away from the main family grounds did she speak.
“After we return,” she said without looking at him, “I want to speak with you. Alone.”
Her tone left no room for refusal.
Jiu Yin glanced at her from the corner of his eye but simply nodded.
Jiu Lan did not say anything else for the rest of the walk. However, the sharp, suspicious look in her green eyes made it clear she was no longer willing to accept vague answers.