Zilan leisurely walked back towards the entrance of the forest. Time was moving quickly and he estimated that by the time they reached their destination, the test will also have officially concluded.
Many things had happened during this single test and honestly, Zilan was exhausted. He hadn’t used much, if any, blood force nor had he personally engaged in any battle but the mental fatigue he was currently suffering, was undeniable proof that this test had done its job.
It was at this time that Fujo suddenly asked him an interesting question,
“Em, Brother Zilan, who taught you everything that you know?”
Zilan opened his mouth to answer the question as he felt it was extremely easy however, he soon realised that he couldn’t answer. Not because he was hiding the truth from Fujo but because he was truly at a loss as to what the correct answer should be.
“There are too many accounts in the Book of Path to even count thus all of these different peoples experiences cannot be counted as my teachings. Then is the Book of Path itself a teacher? Or is it more of a guide? What about the creator of the Book, Zaum? Is he my teacher despite me never interacting with him? His knowledge originates from the Universe therefore does that mean I can consider myself to have learnt from the Universe?”
Thinking up to here, Zilan felt a headache coming on the more he thought into the matter. In the end, he even included Sera the Spring Dragon into the equation adding onto the difficulty of the problem.
“Sigh~ It doesn’t matter, they’re all my teachers!”
Noticing the furrowed brows on Zilan’s forehead, Fujo understood that he had overstepped his bounds thus he chose to dismiss the question. However, before he could utter a single word Zilan’s unexpected response came.
“I’ve learnt many different things from many different people.”
Saying these words caused Zilan to smile. He truly had been taught many things not just from the Book but from many treacherous figures as well as the world itself.
Yes, this world had truly showed him many things and in the future he was sure it would continue to try him.
Aside from the few good years he had as a child, the rest of the time could be considered as a valuable and unforgettable series of ‘lessons’.
Just as his smile faded, Zilan’s body suddenly jerked and the next moment he inexplicably lost consciousness.
……………………
An Unknown amount of time later,
Zilan groggily opened his eyes, blinking a few times before finally gaining his bearings.
“Where am I?”
Around him a sea of short red trees swaying lightly in the wind could be seen however, despite this place baring some resemblance to the inner red forest, Zilan’s intuition told him that he was no longer in the Ethereal forest.
Filled with wariness and a heavy heart he then shakily stood up, before surveying the area once again. This time using all of his senses.
“Eh?”
As soon as he spread his senses out, Zilan couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. Beneath his feet, he felt a large number of vibrations. He didn’t know what they were but he was sure they didn’t represent anything good for himself.
Just as he thought this to be the end of his discoveries, something extremely strange came to his attention.
On the ground he was staring at were three shadows resembling the sun yet he was quite certain that his world only had one sun. Thus he hesitantly raised his head only to be shocked by what he was seeing.
The sky was no longer blue, instead a blood red screen spread beyond the horizon as far as the eye could see. The wispy, floating clouds were an unusual maroon colour and hanging high above, looking down on the world were three carmine red suns, smaller than the one he was accustomed to but still substantially big.
“Child, what is your name?” Old Blue’s voice suddenly echoed out, startling Zilan.
“Esteemed Senior, this junior is called Zilan. May I ask where this is?” Noticing that he was dealing with a powerful cultivator, his words were very respectful despite harbouring different feelings in his heart.
“This is your Elder’s domain. I believe you’ve met him before.” Her soothing, ancient tone helped calm Zilan down a little bit but he still was not feeling good.
“That damned Senior actually went to get help just to deal with me? How is this possible? Did I wrong you in a past life?”
“Um..what is it that Esteemed Senior’s want with this little junior?” He asked.
“As Elders we feel that the test arranged by Mas..the Chairman, hasn’t fulfilled its task of drawing out your potential. Thus in such cases, it is up to us to set up a separate test for outstanding individuals, in order to accurately judge them.”
Zilan, “………………”
“This…..your words sound good but they don’t make any sense whatsoever.” He thought.
In truth, Zilan was right. This was the first time something like this had ever happened. Never had any other test taker been ‘pulled aside’ like this.
Suddenly, that all too familiar sinister voice sounded out.
“Hehe, boy, this Old man has really taken an interest in you. Come, let’s begin.”
The red squirrel was just about to move forward when Old Blue quickly stopped him.
“This test is not administered by force! If you wish to decline, you can. However, the fact that you do not wish to push your limits in order to advance further is not behaviour my Association welcomes.”
Zilan, “…………..”
“You…you Bastards are truly funny. You actually share the same thoughts as that old guy just that you’re expressing them using different words. If both roads lead to hell then do I even have a f**king choice!? Of course this bloody ‘test’ is by force.” He thought.
Just as he was self-mocking himself as well as cursing the Elder duo, Old Blue spoke once again,
“Of course, this test will be fare and you will also be heavily rewarded for your participation. Otherwise, this would simply be bullying.”
Hearing this, Zilan wryly smiled,
“So you do have a heart.”
Leaving the Association was impossible thus he had no choice but to walk this tight rope.
He cautiously asked, “Could Senior please enlighten this one on the nature of the test?”
“Mm, after much deliberation, we’ve decided that the duration of the test will be limited to half an hour. Within that time, all you’ll be asked to do is to…survive.” Replied Old Blue, clearly pleased with her arrangements.
If she said she wasn’t interested then that would be a great lie.
This was the first time, little Red had been this captivated by a child. Therefore, she too grew curious as to what eye opening methods the young Half Breed would employ.
“There are no restrictions on what you can or can’t do, thus feel free to use whatever is at your disposal.” She continued. “Your Elder will oversee the test and he too will use whatever he deems necessary to draw out your potential. It may be dangerous however, it is under such conditions that the talented reap the best rewards.”
“If you succeed in enduring then the reward given to you will be doubled but even if you fail, there will still be something given to you for participating.”
Zilan attentively listened to every word. Unfortunately, almost everything that entered his ears was unfavourable information that caused him to deeply frown.
“Ok, that is all. Let’s begin!” laughed the red squirrel.
