The formation examination began at the western wall.
Master Chen Kai was a compact man with the weathered hands of someone who had spent decades working with inscription chalk and spiritual arrays. His cultivation was late-stage core formation, his presence carrying the steady authority of professional expertise.
"Grade 9 certification requires field demonstration," he said as they approached the repair site. "Theoretical knowledge is assessed separately. What I need to see is practical competency under realistic conditions."
"I understand, Master Chen."
"This section sustained damage in last week's assault." The examiner indicated a stretch of wall where the defensive formations showed visible degradation. "Ice intrusion, Fire scoring, and a collapsed support node. You have four hours to restore functional capability to a minimum of eighty percent efficiency. Questions?"
"The collapsed node. Do I have access to replacement components, or am I working with salvage?"
"Salvage only. Field conditions rarely provide ideal materials." Master Chen's expression carried something like approval. "Good question. Most candidates don't think to ask."
Wang Ben surveyed the damage, his enhanced perception cataloging the problems with clinical precision. The ice intrusion had penetrated nearly three centimeters into the array's core structure. The fire scoring had weakened the inscription channels along the eastern face. The collapsed node was the worst, its component materials fractured beyond simple repair.
[FORMATION REPAIR ASSESSMENT]
[Damage type: Multi-elemental combat degradation]
[Ice intrusion: 2.8cm penetration, crystalline structure in primary channels]
[Fire scoring: Surface damage, inscription integrity compromised in 3 locations]
[Node collapse: Component fracture, requires complete reconstruction]
[Available materials: Salvage quality, mixed elemental compatibility]
[Target efficiency: 80% (examination requirement)]
[Projected capability: 91-94% with optimal technique application]
[Time available: 4 hours]
[Time required (standard methods): 5.2 hours]
[Time required (Scripture-enhanced methods): 3.1 hours]
[Recommendation: Complete work in 3.5-4.0 hours. Demonstrate competency without revealing full capability]
Wang Ben began work on the ice intrusion first, drawing on his qi to establish resonance with the frozen energy patterns. The technique required careful frequency matching, his spiritual energy adapting to the Ice signature just enough to work with rather than against it.
"Interesting approach." Master Chen watched from a respectful distance, close enough to evaluate but far enough not to interfere. "Most formation masters fight Ice intrusion directly. You're... accommodating it."
"The Ice is already integrated with the array structure. Fighting it risks additional damage." Wang Ben kept his focus on the work, his hands moving with precise efficiency. "It's easier to redirect than to destroy."
"Wang Clan methodology?"
"Something my grandfather taught me." The cover story came easily, backed by years of practice. "He always said understanding an element was more valuable than overpowering it."
"Wang Tiexin's reputation extends throughout the Formation Association." Master Chen's voice held respect. "If your paternal grandfather taught you his methods, I'm not surprised you perform above your cultivation level."
The ice extraction proceeded smoothly, the frozen energy dispersing under Wang Ben's careful guidance. By the time he finished, nearly an hour had passed, but the primary channels were clear.
The fire scoring required different techniques.
Wang Ben shifted his qi frequency toward Fire, matching the heat damage to facilitate repair. The inscription channels needed careful restoration, each line redrawn with the precision that his Scripture-enhanced training had instilled.
"Your elemental adaptation is notable." Master Chen's observation came as Wang Ben worked on the third damaged inscription. "I've seen you adjust to Ice, Fire, and now you're integrating Earth stability into your repair compounds. That's unusual flexibility for someone with no defined elemental affinity."
[ALERT: Observation of elemental flexibility]
[Master Chen has noticed host's multi-elemental adaptation]
[Risk level: Moderate. Professional examiner more likely to recognize anomalies]
[Recommendation: Deflect with established cover story. Emphasize training over natural ability]
"The Wang Clan trains broadly." Wang Ben kept his voice casual despite the spike of concern. "Grandfather's methods emphasized adaptability over specialization. He said you never know what element you'll face in the field."
"Practical philosophy." Master Chen's expression suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. "Though I'll note that such flexibility typically manifests in cultivators with no strong elemental preference. Your qi condensation level makes it difficult to assess your natural affinity."
"Father is Fire-aspected. Mother's background is more complicated." Wang Ben completed another inscription line, his hands steady despite the conversation's dangerous direction. "I've absorbed techniques from both traditions."
"Hmm." Master Chen made a notation in his evaluation records. "Continue."
Wang Ben returned to the repair work, conscious of the examiner's heightened attention. The cover story had held, but Master Chen's curiosity was aroused. He would need to be more careful about displaying elemental flexibility in front of witnesses.
One more limitation, he thought. One more capability I could never reveal.
The constraints accumulated.
The node reconstruction was the most demanding task.
Wang Ben sorted through the salvage materials, his enhanced analysis identifying components that could be combined despite their different elemental origins. The work required creative problem-solving, adapting standard techniques to non-standard circumstances.
"You're mixing Metal and Fire components in the same node structure." Master Chen's voice carried professional interest. "That's unconventional. Most formation masters would separate elemental sources."
"The efficiency loss from separation exceeds the conflict from integration." Wang Ben positioned the components with careful attention to energy flow. "If the resonance frequencies are properly balanced, mixed elements can actually enhance stability."
"That's... not standard theory."
"No. It's practical experience." Wang Ben activated the node, channeling spiritual energy through its newly-reconstructed pathways. "Watch."
The node hummed to life, its energy signature stabilizing at a level that exceeded typical salvage repairs. Metal and Fire components worked together rather than against each other, their conflicting energies redirected into complementary patterns.
"Ninety-three percent efficiency." Master Chen's voice held genuine surprise. "With salvage materials and mixed elemental sources. That shouldn't be possible."
"It's possible if you understand how elements interact." Wang Ben stepped back from the completed repair. "The theory is ancient, but the application requires... flexibility."
[EXAMINATION RESULT: Repair completed]
[Time elapsed: 3 hours, 47 minutes]
[Efficiency achieved: 93.2%]
[Examiner reaction: Impressed but suspicious. Anomalous performance noted]
[Risk assessment: Cover story strained but intact]
Master Chen examined the repaired section in silence for several minutes, his spiritual sense probing the formation work with professional thoroughness. When he finally spoke, his voice was carefully neutral.
"Grade 9 certification requires minimum eighty percent efficiency in field repairs. You've exceeded that by a significant margin."
"Thank you, Master Chen."
"I'm not finished." The examiner met his eyes directly. "Your technique is exceptional. Your elemental flexibility is unusual. Your theoretical understanding exceeds what I'd expect from someone your age and cultivation level."
Wang Ben waited, saying nothing.
"The Wang Clan's reputation is well-established. Your grandfather's methodology is documented in Formation Association records. What I've seen today is consistent with his known teaching approaches." Master Chen produced a jade certification token, similar to the one Wang Ben had received for alchemy. "I'm satisfied that your capabilities derive from legitimate training rather than... unusual sources."
"I appreciate your thoroughness, Master Chen."
"I appreciate your honesty." The examiner pressed the token into Wang Ben's hands. "Grade 9 Formation Arrays certification. You've earned it. But I'll note in my report that you warrant monitoring for advanced assessment. Your potential suggests Grade 8 capability within a few years."
It was recognition and warning combined. Master Chen was certifying his skills while also flagging him for future attention.
A step closer to the light. A step further from the shadows he used for cover.
"Thank you, Master Chen. I'll continue working to improve."
"I expect you will." The examiner gathered his materials. "And Wang Ben? The elemental flexibility you've demonstrated... be careful how much of it you show. Not everyone will be as willing to accept training as an explanation."
...
Elder Wang Hongwei waited in his quarters when Wang Ben returned.
"Two certifications in a month." The elder's voice carried a mix of pride and concern. "Grade 9 Alchemy. Grade 9 Formation Arrays. At eighteen, during active military deployment."
"Master Chen granted the certification. I met his standards."
"You exceeded them. By a significant margin, according to his preliminary report." Elder Wang Hongwei sat heavily, his age showing in ways that cultivation usually concealed. "We need to discuss what this means, Wang Ben."
"It means I have professional standing that protects my activities."
"It means you have professional standing that attracts attention." The elder's voice sharpened. "Master Chen noted your elemental flexibility in his report. He's flagged you for advanced assessment. The Formation Association will be watching your progress from now on."
"I'll be more careful."
"Will you? Can you?" Elder Wang Hongwei leaned forward. "You've been at this fortress for months, and you've already distinguished yourself in formation repair, tactical analysis, and now two professional certifications. Every accomplishment makes you more visible. Every success adds to the scrutiny you'll face."
Wang Ben felt the weight of the elder's concern. It wasn't criticism, not exactly. It was the worry of someone who understood the dangers of standing out.
"What would you have me do? Perform poorly? Let repairs fail that I could prevent?"
"No. Never that." The elder sighed. "But perhaps... moderation. Choose which capabilities to display. Let some tasks take longer than they need to. Create the appearance of struggle where none exists."
"Pretend to be less than I am."
"Survive to become more than you are." Elder Wang Hongwei's voice softened. "The war won't last forever. But the attention you attract now will follow you for years. Think about what kind of future you're building with each choice you make."
Wang Ben considered the advice. It made sense in ways that frustrated him. Every step forward in visibility was a step backward in security. The more he revealed, the more questions he invited.
"I'll be more careful," he said again. "I'll think about which capabilities to display and which to conceal."
"That's all I ask." The elder rose. "You have talent, Wang Ben. Possibly more talent than anyone I've encountered in decades of service. Don't let that talent paint a target on your back before you're strong enough to defend against what it attracts."
...
The cultivation session that evening carried the weight of the day's lessons.
Wang Ben settled into meditation, drawing spiritual energy through patterns that had become second nature. But his mind kept returning to Master Chen's observations, to Elder Wang Hongwei's warnings, to the narrowing space between achievement and exposure.
[CULTIVATION SESSION: Hour 2]
[Qi absorbed: 423 Motes]
[Qi retained: 48 Motes]
[Retention efficiency: 11.4%]
[Elemental composition:]
[- Earth: 19 motes (39.6%)]
[- Metal: 14 motes (29.2%)]
[- Fire: 9 motes (18.7%)]
[- Wood: 4 motes (8.3%)]
[- Dark: 2 motes (4.2%)]
[Environment: Azure Dragon Fortress (High alert status)]
[Note: Two professional certifications achieved. Cover story intact but under strain. Recommend reducing visible achievements going forward]
11.4%. His efficiency continued to climb, each session adding fractions that would eventually compound into significant power. But power that he couldn't reveal was power that attracted suspicion when it leaked through.
A balance, he thought. I need to find a balance between growth and visibility. Between becoming stronger and staying hidden.
It was the central challenge of his situation. The Scripture taught him to grow. The world punished him for growing too fast.
He would have to learn to thread that needle. To advance without being seen. To become powerful while appearing ordinary.
The alternative was exposure. And exposure meant questions he couldn't answer.
...
The alarm bells shattered the evening silence.
Wang Ben's eyes snapped open, his body responding to weeks of conditioning. The bells were the fortress's primary alert, their pattern indicating enemy approach from the west.
He was moving before conscious thought caught up, racing toward his assigned position in the formation support center. Around him, the fortress transformed from quiet readiness to urgent motion, thousands of cultivators responding to the call.
"Enemy force spotted!" A messenger ran past, shouting to anyone who would listen. "Major assault formation! Western approach! All personnel to battle stations!"
Wang Ben reached the support center to find controlled chaos. Formation masters were already at their stations, channeling energy into nodes that hummed with defensive power. The repairs he had performed over the past weeks were being tested.
"Wang Ben!" Liu Feng's voice cut through the noise. "Sector 4 support station! We need your precision on the Metal arrays!"
He moved to his position, settling into the work that had become second nature. Around him, the fortress prepared to face the enemy that had destroyed Iron Gate.
This time, they would be ready.
This time, they would hold.