The awakening ceremony did not end with Zhang Tianwen.
One by one, the youths moved forward, stepping towards the awakening stone, and completed the process. Some finished quickly, others took a little longer, but no one caused too much disturbance. Occasional sighs of relief, muted disappointment, brief excitement—everything was within almost same pattern.
When the last person approached the stone a few people started whispering.
Zhang Yan.
Although orphan, it could be said that Zhang Yan actually had a bit of status because his grandfather before his death was actually an outer elder of the clan with a rank 4 cultivation. Zhang Tianwen heard that his entire family died when Zhang Yan was 1 year old because of a dispute with the Lin family who also perished together.
For some reason, his awakening took longer than everyone else's. Zhang Yan stepped back, face slightly pale but otherwise normal.
Soon after, an instructor spoke. "Everyone, Follow me"
Everyone was led away from the Awakening Hall to another section of the compound. At the end of a quiet corridor stood a single room. Its doors were closed, guards stationed on both sides.
A dark wooden plaque hung beside the closed door mentioning [ Second Elder].
"One by one," the instructor said flatly. "Report your awakening results to the elder."
The line formed again. This time all branch family people were asked to form a separate line. Soon it was branch family's turn ,names were called in an orderly fashion. One by one entered, exited after a short while, then the instructor assigned each one with a separate guard to lead them to their respective division. Some looked pleased, others looked frustrated.
Tianwen waited calmly.
From the back of the line, Zhang Yan cut the line to move closer , ending up behind him. Because they are all from the same compound in this line, everyone are mostly familiar with each other. Zhang Yan is usually known for his rude and nasty character. It's not that he is bad, infact he even helps others if anyone has a problem but he usually talks a lot, irritates people when he has nothing fun to do and sometimes doesn't back down even if it is his mistake. Of course he is not like this with him because tianwen 'educated' him a lot with a fist when they are kids. Noone bothered with this rude guy who always speaks too much.
"So," Zhang Yan said quietly, lowering his voice. "You finished earlier than me."
"Mm," Zhang Tianwen replied.
Zhang Yan hesitated, then smiled. "Mine took a bit longer than I expected. I thought something went wrong at first but turns out I am just worried for nothing."
Zhang tianwen already understood that this guy was trying to hide something from him, but he did not ask any further. Instead he asked "What type is your ka??"
Zhang Yan boasted with a hint of pride surfacing. "Speed-type Ka. Nothing fancy, but my body feels way lighter now. I can move much faster than before."
That was genuinely a good ka comparing it others.
Speed-type Kas were more practical, valued both in combat and logistics. They are also very simple easy to develop.
Zhang Tianwen nodded. "That's great ."
Zhang Yan looked at him. "What about you?"
Zhang Tianwen paused for half a moment, then answered evenly, "Space-related Ka."
Zhang Yan's eyes widened—just slightly. "Really?"
"Hmm" Zhang Tianwen added, "But it's not that helpful in combat. At least at Rank 1."
The excitement in Zhang Yan's eyes faded, replaced by a little concern. He studied Zhang Tianwen's face, as if trying to find any disappointment there.
"Space Kas are rare," Zhang Yan said carefully. "But... yeah. Early stages are usually a bit difficult."
He scratched his head, then spoke more firmly, trying to sound encouraging. "Still, space abilities are important in strategic combat roles. Although I don't know much ,I heard that rescue and support units value that kind of Ka."
Tianwen looked at him, then gave a small nod. "That's what I thought too."
It wasn't a lie.
Just not the whole truth.
Zhang Yan relaxed a little. "If nothing else, it's very stable. Maybe you can even avoid battles entirely, you also told me that you want to live a peaceful life in future "
That was not a lie too. He did want to live a peaceful and long life after gaining great power, which he plan to get by doing whatever it takes to get that power.
"Indeed, don't worry about me, space type kas are already very rare, personally I think my ka has a lot of strategic value too. But you should be careful, If they give you a chance to choose, think carefully and decide, don't take any risks just after awakening ka,"
"I know, I know, you already told me this so many times "
The door opened again. Another youth exited, eyes shining.
The instructor called the next name.
Zhang Yan straightened. "That's me. "He hesitated, then added, "Whatever role you take, don't overthink it, we shall co-operate and help each other later"
Tianwen smiled faintly. "You too. Alright, go inside now."
Zhang Yan laughed nervously and stepped inside.
Zhang Tianwen returned to waiting.
His expression remained calm, but his thoughts are already wandering, thinking about various things. He did not have any major plans; he decided to wait and patiently cultivate before deciding on his further actions. He had a lot of time, as long as he waited and increased his cultivation, he will also have more chances to do over. And each do over also gives him lot of experience and insights about future, including the opportunities which he can obtain because of his knowledge, which will further help him in increasing his cultivation.
As for what to tell others, he decided to only talk about his space type ka. Space-related and not suitable in combat, that explanation should be enough at least for now, it can help in both concealing his cultivation and staying in strategic combat related division where he can obtain resources for improving cultivation.