Born in Blood



Liam took a well needed shower first, then pushed away all the furniture taking the space inside his room.

He took out all the elixirs and pills from the three stacked rings, laying it out in front of him.

Just the sight of it made Liam smile. 

'I'll use them all before the test starts. I shouldn't overestimate myself.'

Like so, Liam spent nearly all his time inside his room, mastering his martial arts, expanding his sea of consciousness, and cultivating his body and core. 

In his spare time (which was undoubtedly little), Liam eavesdropped on the surrounding nobles for any info about the test. 

Doing so gave him some crucial knowledge about the layout of Echoria as a whole.

Echoria was ruled by the Royal Thyress family. No noble could even dream of getting close to their level of wealth and status, mainly due to their massive network and influence over the country. 

The Echorian Academy was built specifically by them, either to expand their connections and military prowess – by nurturing young talents and connecting them to the Thyress name – or increasing the number of specialized experts in each individual field.

Both were rumors, and Liam couldn't verify their validity.

Apparently, the Thyress family was the first to arrive on baren Echorian lands and cultivate it, for god knows how many millennia.

They were the ones who dictated the rulers which even the most powerful of nobles had to submit to and abide by.

Even the academy test administrator was going to be from that family, from what Liam heard.

'Millennia… I wonder if cultivators from those times are still alive now.'

Cultivators exponentially extended their longevity through 'Ora' and getting into the higher ranks, but obviously, there were limits.

…At least, those that Liam were familiar with.

'Zeniths and Celestials are probably in a different realm, though.'

As the test date approached, more and more people could be seen entering the city – larger, more luxurious caravans, followed by entire groups of soldiers and guards.

During that period, Liam had gone through almost all of his strengthening pills and potions. 

He felt incredibly sharp and on edge – his senses had never been so precise and clear, and his body never so strong and reflexive.. 

Some of the pills also helped with expediting his core and body's progress, albeit not an incredible amount.

There were also some elixirs and medicines that Liam had no clue as to their usage. 

After daring to swallow a blue pill that looked flashy, it caused a certain body part of his to rage for hours on end, unable to relax. 

'Cursed nobles and their disgusting practices,' he thought with a grimace, shifting uncomfortably cross-legged.

He decided to save the suspicious ones for another time.

Finally, the day of the test arrived. 

The same guard at the entrance gathered all the participants outside – behind him, a band of intimidating looking soldiers gave everyone piercing looks.

Massive lines of people were being herded to different sections of the city, which were tailored specifically for the participants taking the test.

Liam, along with a large group of youths, was taken to a vast, stone platform that stretched across 20 kilometers.

The surface of the platform was covered with glowing arrays. From what Liam saw, it resembled a large scale teleportation matrix. 

All around the platform, golden robed cultivators gave the participants probing gazes, a hint of worry on their faces.

'Why are they worried?'

A silver light sputtered above the platform, slowly taking a human form. Simultaneously, everyone present did the Echorian gesture for utmost respect and honor, their gazes lowered.

"We pay respects to her Majesty!"

Meanwhile, Liam shifted his wary gaze above, instantly mirroring his peers' movements.

The light dissipated, revealing a beautiful woman donning a shimmering silver robe, floating in the air with her gaze set below – her white eyelashes were long, lined with golden eyes that exuded regality.

Her long, smooth, silvery hair flowed naturally with the wind, giving her a regal aura that matched her superior beauty. 

"I am Kalia Thyress," she introduced, a smile on her plump lips as she scoured the vast hordes of eager young men and women. "I'll be monitoring the test."

Although she spoke in a low voice, everyone heard her loud and clear.

Liam took a brief minute to assess her with his King's Eye, unlike the ogling young men who surrounded him who just stared at the Royal dumbfoundedly.

Strangely enough, all kinds of multi-colored energies swirled around her figure, enough to make it look rainbow-like. 

Liam couldn't even deduce her element.

'Some kind of Royal thing no one knows about?' he thought, before focusing.

"Your goal is simple," she assured, flicking her wrist and taking out a gem-like rose – the sparkling petals of which looked like they were made from pure diamond. "This is called a Diamora Blossom, also known as the White Gem flower."

"They are priceless treasures that allure hordes of powerful magical beasts and humans alike – rest assured, you don't need to fight against your own kind for this mission… just beasts."

"To extract them, you must be careful and diligent, lest they shatter instantly."

"For the rules," Kalia flicked her hand, and the flower had disappeared. "You have 72 hours as a deadline for the test."

"Any foul play will result in an instant disqualification. Do not forget, you are not to use status or threats to coerce fellow participants in any way."

"If you do… I'll know."

With how she delivered that line, some nobles got chills down their spines.

"However, no one can lay claim on a White Gem unless it is stored safely within your ring."

"Your bracelets are safeguards. If you activate them, it'll teleport you right back to this location."

"Those with the most White Gems gathered will join the Royal Echorian Academy – only five students will earn that honor."

The reason for that was quite simple – Talross wasn't the only city the test was being taken in, and the instructors only needed the most powerful talents in each city.

"When you feel like you've done enough, head back to the spot you teleported upon."

"Good luck." 

Kalia concluded her explanation, waving her hand dismissively. 

Suddenly, the black bracelets on everyone's hands started to glow brightly.