Night of the Broken Gliph

“For example, a coachman. I’m sure you have heard of what hardyhorses are, right? In fact, most clans use gliphic beasts as their mounts instead of hardyhorses,” Chor Shing Chit said as he glanced at Chan Ngou Tin. “For example, the Chan Clan from Weapon Street use bronze-horned rhinos as their mounts. Unlike hybrids such as hardyhorse, bronze-horned rhinos are actual gliphic beasts. They are fast and have the ability to battle, so they can protect those in the carriage during a sudden attack.  

“Only a one-chamber glipher can become a coachman for gliphic beasts.

“There are many other careers that can only be undertaken by  one-chamber gliphers, so actually, one-chamber gliphers form the core of this world.  

“That is why I said that all of you should aim to reach the one-chamber state by the age of twelve. If not, you’ll be a one-chambered glipher at most forever. However, it’s still better than those ordinary kids who are too poor to go to school. You will definitely have a brighter future than most commoners.” 

Chor Shing Chit paused for a moment and continued, “Okay, let’s get to the main point. Step forward to the chamber check rock when I call your name.” 

“Chan Ngou Tin.”  

Unexpectedly, Chan Ngou Tin was the first to be called. He tried to remain nonchalant, but arrogance had already washed over his face. 

Chan Ngou Tin stood up and went forward. Without the need of Chor Shing Chit’s guidance, he reached out his right hand and placed it on the chamber check rock.  

The part of the rock that came into contact with his palm emitted a warm, white light. Chan Ngou Tin removed his hands and stood in front of the rock after some time.

The chamber check rock was made of an unknown pitch-black shiny material, just like a black mirror. One could easily see their reflection when standing in front of the mirror. 

Buzz…

Not much later, the left arm of Chan Ngou Tin’s reflection lit up. 

“Chan Ngou Tin, innate chamber, left arm chamber. Suitable for cultivating his left arm chamber.” 

Chan Ngou Tin raised an eyebrow. He had expected this result. 

Same for Chor Shing Chit. Powerful clans like the Chan Clan would chamber check their clan members even before they started schooling. Other than consanguinity, the ability to cultivate was of utmost  for such clans. Being an aristocratic family of cultivators, most people in the clan would possess the ability to cultivate. 

“Next, Luk Tai Man!” 

Unlike Chan Ngou Tin, Luk Tai Man was in a bundle of nerves. He came to the chamber check rock with shaking legs. 

It was usual for children to feel nervous, as this result would determine their future. In this world, whether one would live a plain or extraordinary life would be determined at the age of six. 

“Now, put your hands on the chamber check rock.” Chor Shing Chit guided him. Luk Tai Man did as said, until warm, white light radiated from it. 

“Alright, remove your hand now,” Chor Shing Chit said.  

The entire class stared at the rock. 

One moment, two moments, then another…  There still wasn’t any reaction on the rock.

Luk Tai Man’s face was as pale as a sheet of paper and tears rolled  down his cheek. 

“Luk Tai Man, born without talent for cultivation.” Chor Shing Chit sighed in his heart, but he still announced the result coldly. 

Hearing Chor Shing Chit, Luk Tai Man fell onto the ground crying.  

“Suen Yi,  innate chamber, left leg chamber.” 

“Lee Wai Yip, innate chamber, right arm chamber.” 

“Au Yeung Chun Wah, no talent for cultivation.”

One by one, the students went up to have their fate announced.  

Some flushed red out of excitement, while others were crying their eyes out. Chui Yim watched the entire situation from the side. This was a world of survival of the fittest. It’s even more evident than the Sallow Continent. How cruel is it to determine a child’s fate when they are only six? 

“Lam Ming!”  

Hearing his name, Lam Ming shuddered. He turned to Chui Yim to realise that he was spacing out. Gritting his teeth, Lam Ming summoned his courage and stepped forwards. 

He was smaller than others his age. Lam Ming was so skinny that his fingers looked like branches. Reaching out his hand, he placed it on the rock. After a short pause, Lam Ming withdrew his hand and stared at the rock anxiously.  

Buzz…

A warm white light appeared, leaving the whole class, even Chor Shing Chit in shock. “Lam Ming, innate chamber, wind chamber.” On his reflection, Lam Ming had his mouth opened wide. A light was present on the stomach of his reflection. 

“How could this be?” Chan Ngou Tin shouted in disbelief. As a Chan Clan member, Chan Ngou Tin knew the importance of being born stronger with an innate wind chamber. 

“If you want to become a gliphist, you need to have the wind or heart chamber as your innate chamber, like Lam Ming. He now stands a chance of becoming a gliphist.”  

Whoosh!  

The class turned to Lam Ming, their eyes filled with jealousy, envy, and hatred. Unable to adapt to the stares, Lam Ming ran behind the bald boy subconsciously to hide. Everyone’s attention turned from Lam Ming to Chui Yim. 

“Chui Yim!” Chor Shing Chit said coldly. “Come over.” 

Other than Chan Ngou Tin and, surprisingly, Lam Ming, he was the one whom the class regarded highly of. 

Be it the time that he took the position of the class captain easily, or be it the time that he ignored Chor Shing Chit and Chan Ngou Tin, he had been the centre of attention. Even Chor Shing Chit was curious about what would come out of this young child. To be honest, Chor Shing Chit felt that he was more like a friend of his age than his student.  

“Put your palm on the rock,” Chor Shing Chit said slowly. 

Chui Yim did as he was told. There was no expression on Chui Yim’s face, as if he had never worried about his talent. 

“Remove your hand now.” 

Chor Shing Chit said, staring at the stone. 

The class held their breath and stared at the rock. 

Moments went by.

A smile crept up the corner of Chan Ngou Tin’s mouth. Is he perhaps a piece of trash that doesn’t have the talent to cultivate?