The Inn that Yin had chosen was one that hadn’t really stood out in the crowded area that Leif had dropped him off at. Even still, it seemed to be just as crowded as everywhere else in this place. He wondered if this was the normal amount or if there were even more people than normal for the Sect tryouts?

  Thankfully he had been able to procure a room for the night, and even able to buy some dinner and breakfast for the next morning. So down he sat in the main room during the night having gotten a good seat with his back to the wall. Eyes scanning the crowd noting the various young faces.

  They had to be here for the sect tryouts just like he was. Sects had an age limit to try as there was a narrow time frame for one to be able to kindle their internal energy and you couldn’t be too young or old. After that it was impossible and even if you fell into that time frame it didn’t mean you had the ability to kindle it.

  He had felt that his body had been de aged at the exit of the system, he wasn’t sure why but perhaps it was some mercy of the system giving him his time back. Or maybe he was just imagining it and he would be too old.

  Taking a drink of the cheap wine he bought, he cast aside those thoughts. Whatever the situation was, he would have to deal with it. So he enjoyed the cheap meal and drink in silence just listening to those around him, picking out bits and pieces of the conversations. Most of it formed around the Sect tryouts and wondering what everyone should expect.

  The only thing that everyone really seemed to agree on was that nobody had any real idea. Some did mention the internal energy aptitude test and that earned more than a few worried groans as in all reality that was just going to be purely luck. Yin could sympathize with that feeling.

  Even with his nerves feeling near shot by this point waiting for tomorrow, Yin forced himself to get up and head to his room. Nobody spared a look for him as everyone was caught up in their own conversations and thoughts. When he laid down for the night, his sleep was restless and his dreams allowed him no rest.

  He was up early and down the stairs getting some breakfast into him, just trying to get himself to wake up. A small group who seemed to be in the same boat as him were all eating breakfast. A few looks and nods exchanged between each other but no words said for now.

  As breakfast finished Yin quickly collected his items from upstairs and made his way down the stairs. Around six other guys his age came out as well and everyone seemed to agree wordlessly to head together. So off they walked heading towards the bridge and across it. The sun had peeked out bathing the river in its light making it look like it was glowing.

  All in the group stopped to admire it, perhaps it would be the last time they could truly enjoy the sight before their lives were changed completely. After a few moments, the glow seemed to die down and off they all walked over the rest of the bridge towards the other side of the city.

  Two guards standing there didn’t even hesitate as the small group came closer. “Keep going and follow the road straight. The sect tryouts will be in front of the Kings Pavillion, you won’t miss it as long as you don’t veer off.”

  With a wave he ushered them through and the small group continued to walk on, this area of the city seemed to be much quieter than the other section. Larger buildings dominated the area, no beggars anywhere to be seen and the upkeep was just overall a near night and day difference.

  Even as they walked, others around their age started to come out of the buildings around them though most were dressed in much more impressive and ornate clothes and seemed to be accompanied by an older man or woman. Nobles…

  They spared no glances for any of the group that Yin was in, as if they weren’t even worth the time it took to look at them. That was fine for Yin, it wasn’t like he had anything in common with a noble anyway. In his first ascent they all lost easily enough to when they challenged him. Not him they fell to the system and he needed to remember that.

  Part way down the street a door opened and a familiar sight came out of the door, Yin recognizing the face with the black hair and greys around the temple. “Oh Master Ji…” He stated a bit shocked, the man looking at him for a second before seeming to recognize him.

  “You were the one with the Northman who had those bandits moved aside. I see you made it.” The group he was with looked at Yin before all continuing on leaving him standing there on the road with Ji.

  “I was yes. Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you, I just hadn’t expected to recognize someone on this street.” He clasped his hands and bowed in a quick apology to the man.

  “It is as fate wills. The lady is heading to the Sect tryouts as well and I will escort as I am sure you have seen others of Noble houses do.”

  Ji explained patiently and Yin nodded his head. “I have. Then I should be heading on, I do not wish to interrupt you and your lady before the event.”

  “You already have.” A voice that Yin could only describe as melodic came from the house as a woman his age came out of the house. Though that was where almost all similarities ended. Her eyes were like red rubies set against a striking face that wasn’t soft but defined and her black hair that came down to her waist had streaks of red. She also stood a few inches taller giving her an all the more imposing look.

  He didn’t have words to describe what sort of beauty he was looking at and any attempts to form them felt weak. He quickly clasped his hands and bowed. “Then please accept my apologies my Ladies.”

  “Then to make it up, you’ll accompany me and Ji and tell us about your travels on the caravan and about this Northman. Ji has mentioned more than once that the man seemed quite strong.”

  Yin blinked and stood up straight at that, looking between the two before nodding his head slowly. “Oh, well sure, of course I can talk about my experiences on the trip. I hope you don’t find it too boring.” He said, smiling somewhat sheepishly as he looked towards her.

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  “I’m sure I won’t. You can call me Lady Jinfeng for now. Now let's depart and please don’t spare any details.”

  The three began to walk with Ji taking up the rear, while Yin talked at length about his trip with the caravan from his small town to Valecroft. Like she asked for, he didn’t leave out any details from the trip. From the first week, to the severe loss he took at the hands of Gāng and to the brutal training that followed after.

  He mentioned the beautiful sights that he had seen along the road, his redemption at defeating Gāng in their next fight and how Leif had handled the bandits. Ji had looked interested at the explanation of how Yin said the man seemed to smell like storm clouds and he was sure lighting was going to pop out of him at any second when it felt like he was getting serious.

  Lady Jinfeng for her part didn’t interrupt him, only listening as she walked. He was sure when he spoke of his loss and wins that she seemed more interested but he couldn’t tell. It was impressive to him how passive she kept her face the entire time he talked.

  “You had quite a journey.” She spoke up as he finished, staying silent for a few more beats before speaking up once more. “I respect that you did not quit when you lost. Father says those who have never lost have never truly had their character tested.”

  Yin couldn’t help but smile at that, he could even feel the signs of a blush creeping up his cheeks. He tried to quickly squash any and all thoughts right there, he had a sect tryout to get through.

  “Make sure to keep that spirit up. Now that I’ve graced you with my presence it would shame me if you don’t do well in these tryouts. As I plan to dominate them completely.”

  Some might have taken her words as arrogance and overconfidence. But as Yin heard them, he could only believe her. They sounded of someone with pure conviction and faith in her skills and as if there was no luck in the aptitude test.

  “Lady Jinfeng, I would be foolish to doubt you.”

  Now that earned a smile from her, which made his heart beat quicker as she seemed quite pleased with that response. “Good answer.” Was her only response and they lapsed back into silence though it wouldn’t last long as the sound of more and more people ahead of them signified they were close to the Kings Pavillion.”

  Once more they were greeted by two guards standing at the entrance into the pavilion with two massive wooden doors opened showing the gathered crowd inside. Hundreds if not thousands were already inside and looking backwards more were coming up the road.

  Ji stepped up to the guard and after a few quick words the guards waved them inside Yin included. After stepping inside, Yin was once again amazed at how massive the pavilion was. He was sure it was bigger than the entire merchant square for all the caravans. The Kings Castle looming above them with guards surrounding it and the pavilion though none of the guards interacted with those here for the tryouts.

  Those here for the tryouts were varied between men and women and while most seemed to be from the Central Plains regions he was sure he saw a couple here and there that were from different regions.

  Lady Jifeng motioned for Yin to follow and follow he did as she walked with him and Ji towards an area that seemed to be completely set apart for nobles. Yin was not quite sure how he felt about that, he understood it was a thing but when they joined the sects wouldn’t they have to get used to being with the commoners anyway?

  “I can hear your thoughts by that look on your face.” Jifeng said suddenly, making Yin feel embarrassed and wondering if he was that easy to read. She kept talking though answering his comments he didn’t even voice. “Yes, many will have to get used to being around commoners. That being said, their family would lose face if they just had them be treated like one before even joining a sect.”

  Yin bowed his head at that. “Thank you for answering Lady Jifeng. Though, what of you? Do you have any feelings of having to get used to commoners when you join a sect?” He was curious to see how she would respond.

  He didn't expect her to grin, those rubies she called eyes seeming to burn even further. “Nobles, commoners, it doesn't matter to me. I will ascend to the top and both will have to look up towards me. That is the only outcome.”

  Yin’s mouth nearly fell open as she said that out loud and he could even see Ji sighing to himself. The nobles who heard that instantly looked at her with hostility and even the commoners who heard it had the same murderous look. Yet she stood there unbothered and he could only wonder who the hell this girl was and where he could get that amount of confidence.

  Not all were equipped to handle just listening to her and one man and his guard came walking up. For a noble Yin had to admit the man had a face built for the fields and a stature to boot. Though his clothes were as good as any of the other nobles around him.

  “Lady Jifeng. Of course it is you talking out loud. For a woman of a minor house you have the arrogance set for a Queen. But you should know your station and know not to speak up.”

  His words dripped with venom but all it got him was a flat stare from Jifeng and a smirk. “Sir Wei Xiongshan, it seems I have upset you. But I am only speaking the truth, though you are more than welcome to try and prove me wrong. Though I believe you’ll find it difficult to even overcome my new friend here.” She waved her hand to Yin whose eyes went wide as he was dragged into this.

  Wei’s eyes immediately snapped to Yin looking him over, hatred giving way to confusion as he looked at Jifeng. “A common boy? You have gone crazy.”

  “Five hundred gold.”

  That caused Wei to go quiet, eyes widening in shock as Jifeng looked at him with a smile. “If you two face off I bet five hundred gold that he will defeat you. Do we have a deal, yes or no?”

  Wei’s retainer went to say something but was instantly quieted down as he stared daggers at Jifeng. “Deal. I’ll gladly collect my money from you personally.” His anger was controlled now and a gleam of violence flashed in his eyes. His attention then turned to Yin for a long moment. “Make sure to blame her after I get done beating you.”

  He turned and walked off leaving a confused Yin staring at Jifeng. “Why would you make that bet? You barely know me or my abilities..”

  An enigmatic smile appeared on her lips and when she winked at him, he found himself thinking he would go through any obstacle right on the spot. “Truthfully, because losing to a commoner would do him good and you’re the only one I know. If you win I’ll give you ten percent, a hundred gold in total seems fair right?”

  She wasn’t just confident she was crazy, or she just believed the world was going to work out how she thought she would, Yin settled on in that moment.He had to calculate that amount of money, it was an absurd amount that she was just willing to depart with on a whim with barely any reasoning. For a village it could probably fund it for a year and nobles bet it like it was just pocket change…Could he turn her down?

  He opened his mouth to speak more but suddenly the whole pavilion became saturated in the smell of rivers and streams before a surge of all sorts of smells and energy hit the pavilion. The temperature began to drop as the wind picked up.

  The now tens of thousands in the pavilion all brought to silence as the guards snapped to attention and one of the massive King’s Pavilion doors opened and out came six figures emerged in different colors and outfits stepped off into the air came down like gravity mattered nothing to them and landed looking out at the gathered crowd. Jifeng even seemed caught off guard by the display, her lips parting slightly as she looked up in excitement and awe.

  The Sect Tryouts were about to begin.