Playing inventor in a cultivation world-Chapter 25: Entrance Examination (2)

Valcom City was quite a large one. It was even larger than the Moonveil Clan territory. The city was bustling with people, making Ariana wonder if it was a market.

"Remember, you can’t be cocky. There are several people with high backgrounds here."

The two youngsters nodded, following him into the city. While they glanced around in wonder, Elder Cassius led them to an inn closer to the center of the city.

After booking a room, he told them to stay indoors while he went ahead to make some findings.

Seraph and Ariana watched him close the door and leave, then turned to each other. They both shared the same mischievous smile.

"Do you want me to say it?" Seraph asked.

"Nope. I’ll say it." Ariana grinned. "Should we sneak out?"

Seraph nodded with a similar grin, then they jumped through the window. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Outside the door, Elder Cassius patiently waited for them to try sneaking out. However, even after ten minutes, the door remained closed.

"Are these kids not being rebellious?"

Thinking they were tired, Elder Cassius sighed and walked out of the inn. Suddenly, he remembered that he had forgotten to bring a token with him.

’Without the token, I won’t have access into the auction house.’

Facepalming, the old man decided to return and get it. When he arrived, he opened the door, only to be shocked.

"Where are these kids?!"

.........

Seraph and Ariana strolled around the city, observing the scenery with curious eyes.

"Woah! Look at that pearl, it’s so beautiful." Ariana squealed, her blue eyes shining brightly.

Seraph glanced at the pearl, asking inwardly. ’That doesn’t look like just a fancy material. What does it do?’

["Judging from its properties, it is inscribed with a protective formation. Perhaps it’s one of those defensive treasures."]

’Is that so...?’

Squinting faintly, he pulled Ariana’s hand and approached the shop where the pearl was displayed.

"Eh! Don’t tell me...?"

Ignoring her surprised voice, Seraph spoke to the seller. "How much does this pearl worth?"

The woman looked at them in disdain, then said slowly. "Thirty silver spirit crystals. What? You think you can buy it?"

Seraph didn’t mind her attitude. After all, the two of them were merely kids. He counted the spirit crystals he had in his pocket, then paid exactly thirty silver spirit crystals.

"Here." He leaned forward with a cold smile. "Do you want to remain persistent?"

The woman shivered under his gaze, then immediately passed the pearl to him. Seraph studied the pearl, then passed it to Ariana.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

The girl received it happily, smiling as she played with it in her hand.

"Let’s go."

Leaving the shocked woman behind them, the two explored the city and it’s beauty. They encountered several other people their age, each person followed by an adult.

"Are they also here for the entrance examination of the Soul Cross Sect?" Ariana asked doubtfully, watching those youngsters walk about in expensive clothes.

"They’re probably from prestigious clans or have a prominent family background." Seraph explained, staring at a girl’s haughty expression.

Suddenly, the girl turned to look at him. "What are you staring at?"

She spoke sharply, shooting him a cold glare.

Seraph merely smiled and ignored her. He wasn’t ready to get involved in any scuffle. However, feeling annoyed, Ariana snapped back.

"Your face. What’s the matter? You’re ugly?"

Seraph froze, turning around to reprimand her. However, seeing the girl’s indignant expression, ready to defend him, he sighed.

"Ariana. That’s enough."

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, then faced the haughty girl.

"Apologies for my little sister’s harsh remark. Next time, please watch your tone.

Saying that, he turned away from her and left the scene. The girl’s expression darkened, and she instinctively touched the hilt of her sword.

Behind her, her guardian said softly. "Calm down, Tamar. He is also an Initial Advanced Stage cultivator."

The girl turned around, shocked. "What? How is that possible?"

Judging by the white-haired boy’s attire and lack of guardian, he seemed to be from a normal background. How could his cultivation have reached that level?

"Leave it for later. We still need to get you a few poison-suppressing pills."

Nodding, the girl bit her lip and followed her guardian, leaving the scene. Not far away, Ariana had her head lowered, expecting a scolding from Seraph.

However, he merely smiled and said. "Thank you—for standing up for me."

She looked up in surprise.

"However, don’t just go snapping back at people you can’t handle." He added, patting her head gently.

"Look at you both, acting all cute with each other."

A cold voice spoke behind them, making them stiffen.

They mechanically turned their heads to look at Elder Cassius. The man had a vicious smile on his face, looking like a demon from children nightmares.

"Ahh!"

......

After disciplining the two kids, Elder Cassius forced the two of them to cultivate for eight hours straight.

The next day arrived as soon as they closed their eyes to sleep—according to Ariana. The trio took a quick breakfast offered by the inn, then headed towards the city center.

Today was the day the Soul Cross Sect Discipleship Examination commenced. It could be felt all around the city, as several youngsters below the age of fourteen gathered at the city center where an Elder of the Soul Cross Sect was going to address them.

There were several other disciples of the Soul Cross Sect present, all wearing blue and black robes. They stood around, watching the perimeter with strict expressions.

Looking at the man who stood high on the stage, Seraph’s brows furrowed.

’This pressure...’

From within, Halo reacted. ["He is probably at the Peak Master Stage in cultivation. Be careful."]

Seraph gave a relaxed smile, though he remained tense. The Soul Cross Sect Elder took a look at him, probably because of his peculiar eye color, then looked away.

After a while, the man spoke. "Welcome, participants from far and near, to this years Discipleship Examination. Without delay, I will explain the rules of this examination to you all."