"The few of you rest well here first. That way, you will be in good shape for tomorrow's sect examination. For now, this senior brother wishes you all a smooth passage through the trials." After bringing everyone to their quarters, the Heavenly Dao Academy's receptionist said a few perfunctory words and hurried away.
The next day, early in the morning, Shuqi joined the rest of the group. Led by disciples of the Heavenly Dao Academy, the crowd trooped noisily to the academy's plaza. It was then that Shuqi realized the examinees were not just the few children who had traveled with her from the mortal realm. There were others—children of her own age, yet dressed far more lavishly than those who had arrived on the Spirit Boat. The looks they cast carried a distinct sense of superiority, as if to say they were not cut out for the same world. In short, they looked down on the children from the mortal realm.
Several cultivators of obviously higher status stood on the high platform, looking down at the children with kindly smiles. After a few opening remarks, they activated a Formation and motioned for the children to step inside, marking the official start of the examination.
Chapter 30