Wuji: A Promise Kept

33

Wangji and Wuxian were standing in the training field with Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi were standing to the right of them and then ten other junior disciples stood in front of them, "Today you are here for a chance to be one of Hanguang Jun and Wei Wuxian's disciples. There are six slots but two have been taken as Sizhui and Jingyi have been selected for their leadership and skills from their actions of the past. Now the ten of you will have to show them that you want a spot to learn from them. There are ten of you here and you ten have been selected personally by several of the elders and myself for this chance. If there is anyone here who does not wish for this opportunity please feel free to speak now and you are okay to step down," Lan Xichen explained.

Everyone was silent so Lan Qiren spoke, "to be selected, you will be tested on your skills. Though the objective for these two are to help you improve, it is up to you to show them your dedication and willingness to learn. There is also the need to show what you can currently do. There have been a couple activities set up that Wangji and Wuxian have set up and Lan Xichen and I will also have some activities for you to do."

After he spoke it gave Wuxian the chance to speak, "Alright, just out of curiosity of those who know of my past, how many of you are scared of me?" Three of the ten rose their hands which caused Wuxian to smile, "just know that I will not do anything to hurt you as I am now part of this sect and I will treat everyone here with respect as long as they do to me. Anyone mistreats you, Hanguang Jun and I will be one of the firsts to know and that person better wish they didn't."

"Wei Ying," Wangji said quietly.

Wuxian looked him, "What?"

"First activity," Wangji said as he wanted to move things along.

Wuxian chuckled and turned to the others, "the first activity is actually archery. As everyone knows, my archery skills are high and I want to see how well you guys can do. I have some ideas that you can do," he said. Wuxian took out a talisman and tossed it to the empty space to the left. There were various targets and even flying targets, "Some of you may think, archery, that is simple, but we are not here for simple."

With another wave of his have the flying targets lifted to the sky and the targets on the ground set up in a specific way which looks like an obstacle course, "we will have two of you at a time go through and try to take out as much targets as you can in the shortest amount of time, and the last target is in the sky. This is actually a relay, so once the target from the sky is hit, the next person can go. We will have two team that will have these silk bands on your wrists. One red and one blue. They have all been paced in that box and you will have to reach in to grab one. Once you have one, get in line and we will then set up to start the activity."

Each disciple got a ribbon and got in line. They each had a bow in hand and arrows strapped on their backs, "alright, everyone," Wuxian said and then shot a fire ball to the sky which indicated them to start.

Sizhui and Jingyi helped keep track of everyone's target counts along with Lan Xichen. The students did well through the course. They were then divided into groups. One group had the most targets and the other had the least mount. They then divided them again on the times.

"What is your name?" Asked the disciple who stood alone.

"My name is Lan Biyu (Biyu means Jasper)," She answered.

"You have the highest score and the fastest time. You are now going to be tested on some knowledge," Wuxian said and looked at wangji.

"What is needed to gain speed and accuracy as an archer?" Wangji asked.

"In order to gain speed and accuracy an archer has to be highly trained, as the bow works muscle power. If now strong enough, it will be hard to draw back the string and to be held back for long," Lan Biyu answered.

"What is most practiced in archery?" Wuxian asked.

"Archery trains your hands to aim based on feedback from the eyes. With continuous practice and repetition your coordination becomes better. The better coordination and archer has, the better the aiming. The arms, core, chest, and shoulders are all used when practicing a proper bow," Lan Biyu replied.

"Good," Wangji said, "you be one that Wei Ying and I will be watching during these exercises today."

The others were asked some questions before they went back in line. Since it was just one activity, it was hard to tell who would join but Biyu was already getting noticed. Lan Biyu was sixteen with long dark hair and green eyes. She was the daughter to one of the elders within the sect. Many would have their eyes on her for being a talented disciple for who her family was. Though, within the Lan Sect, family doesn't always mean anything. Jingyi was an orphan and he was one of the most talented disciples within the sect as well. He may get into trouble at times but he is praised when his deeds are noticed. Because of Jingyi's background, Lan Xichen took him in as his own and adopted him, making him a cousin to Sizhui, but the two boys have made an oath to be sworn brothers so either way, the two were close friends.

After clearing out the training grounds, everyone moved to the orchid room as it was open at the moment. Wangji and Wuxian wanted to test the disciples on some of their knowledge on cultivation and spiritual practices. That also includes spirits and beasts. Lan Qiren already has a test made up and handed each of them one. They had one hair to answer as many questions as they could and write a one page essay on developing a golden core. Lan Sizhui and Jingyi decided to take it just to test out their own knowledge. A third of the way through the testing, Wangji noticed Wuxian getting antsy as he was someone who doesn't sit still for long periods of time unless he has something to occupy his brain. Lan Qiren gestured for the two to step out for a bit so Wuxian could walk around.

"Thanks, you didn't have to do that or even come with me," Wuxian said after they were several feet from the door.

"I know how you get during these things," Wangji said, "I thought maybe you'd like to move around for a moment."

"I appreciate it, but we should not be out long. I would hate for anyone to try to cheat somehow," Wuxian said.

"The quills Shufu gave them are special. They automatically mark the paper as red if someone is cheating," Wangji explained.

"How can a quill determine a cheater or someone who has the right answer?" Wuxian asked.

"The quill is linked to each person spiritually and can connect to their thoughts. It's a charm that has long been used," Wangji explained.

"Right," Wuxian said.

"Are you good to head back inside?" Wangji asked.

Wuxian nodded and followed him back in. The rest of the testing went on for the hour. The testing will be going for multiple days so after they took the exam, everyone was able to head to lunch and then they had to go to their regular classes for the day. It was good so that Wangji and Wuxian could look over the students' exams and start planning the next activity for the following day.