Insignificant mortals tilling the field as mighty Gods soaring in the sky. Mythical beasts roaming the lands with spirits and elemental dwellers. Angels and Demons with polar temperaments, evoking epics and nightmares.

-Once Upon a Time

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It was a typical night for the common folks of this planet, Agartha, but it was a moment that will decide their fate for the children who will have their aptitude tested tonight under the New Moon.

Within Sierra Noluz, the event is happening in a pavillion near the lake where five children nervously waiting for the moment that their name will be called, all looking like they are on a death row sentence.

Quite funnily, this is not the end of their lives but rather the start of it. The New Moon ceremony for the children about eight years old with the birth month aligning tonight will be tested for their aptitude.

Lex observe the small crowd, he too feeling the importance of this event in his life. Whether he can sunder the heaven or continue tending the village in the future, it will all come to light tonight. Looking up at the moonless night like a blank canvas, he can't help but wish for the better.

Ancient civilization theorizes that the New Moon represents a moment of blank slate for them and the mark of new beginnings and in their case, the opening of the cultivation world.

Moreover, the number eight shows and endless cycle, an interconnection, and this is the age when the meridians within the children became strongly interconnected.

This simple test shows the ingenuity and wisdom of the Ancients which have been passed down and still being used today.

Speaking of the New Moon Ceremony, it is not just about finding out their aptitude in cultivation, rather it is akin to unlocking the doorway of cultivation.

In Agartha, cultivators are exalted. Not every person is capable of being a cultivator. It can be describe as rare.

Which brings into light the current situation of the village in Sierra Noluz where they have a higher percentage of cultivators awakening than a common countryside village. In the end, it can be trace down to their roots which makes one wonder regarding the roots of the villager.

By the lakeside, all the children dressed skimpily, are ready, holding on to the hope to be one of the cultivators.

The ceremony might not be very formal but is still nonetheless solemn. The Village Chief, Nyshof Azure, who is also Lex's father, presided the ceremony along with the elders that are not busy.

"Welcome, my fellow brethren, to another New Moon Ceremony. Another month to welcome new cultivators. Maius Luna lumina weg."

"Maius Luna lumina weg!"

"Maius Luna lumina weg!!"

"Maius Luna lumina weg!!!"

The elders followed by the relatives and guardians of the children wholeheartedly chanted. It signifies that they wish the Moon will light the way of cultivation for their children and unlocks their aptitude.

Of course, it is not up to the moon but the talent of each person. The moon only leads them to the door and it is up to them whether they can walk beyond it and step in the path of cultivation. 

Nyshof steps forward and points to the lake.

"Just like before, children, when your name is called out, step forward to take the lunar orb and step down the pavilion towards the lake. Don't worry about drowning, the power of the moon will protect you. Focus within yourself and feel the world around you, then we will see whether you can be a cultivator or not."

For a small community like them, five children undergoing the ceremony is considered high already. Still, everyone regard it as important. Three boys and two girls standing by, Lex being one of them.

The ceremony officially started as the first child is called. He steps forward to take the lunnar orb, which is as deep as the night and cold to the touch, and slowly moves down the pavilion stairs, touching the waters.

As the child fully submerge himself in the water, the mystic energy converge towards him. Then, a phenomenon manifested, the water surrounding him was slowly pushed aside. This indicate his aptitude to the Martial Path. Then, the mystic energy transform into pneuma as they enters his meridian, slowly pushing his cultivation to Gold- level, the fourth small realm out of the ten small realms before he can formally be considered as a Martial Apprentice.

The child was slowly roused from cultivation and it concludes his awakening. He swims back to the pavilion to meet his parents smiling ear to ear. Of course they are proud since right after awakening, he is already at the fourth level. Though it is considered as a normal talent, it is not the only measure in cultivation. Moreover, not everyone can become cultivators.

Out of ten children ready to be awakened, only about three or four have the aptitude to be cultivators. Sometimes, there are only one. And out of the major pathways, most awakened have the aptitude for the Martial Path.

Soon, the second child, one of the two girls, took the lunar orb next. The crowd waited but nothing happened. Downcasted, they helped her move back to the pavilion, still teary eyed which later burst like floodgates when her mother embraced her. 

It can't be help. It seems like her future dreams are cut off and her world is crumbling. Her mother took some time to pacify her child while the ceremony continues.

This time, it is Lex's turn. He followed what the other children before him did, taking the orb towards the lake. As he feel the lakewater reaching his waist and slowly rising, he concentrated within himself until he is fully submerged.

Then, another phenomenon manifested, but this time, it is much grander. The lakewater was pushed back around him, indicating his talent for the Martial Path. But that is not all. The elements converged and manifested tiny whirlpools around him. 

This phenomenon shows his talent in the Arcane Path. As mentioned before, the Arcane Path relies heavily on the control of elements. In Agartha, elements are categorically classified into Fire, Air, Water and Earth, while some rarer ones are the transmutation of the four. 

When a cultivator has Fire affinity, the water and surrounding will heat up. For those with Wind affinity, small whirlpools will manifest as seen on Lex's awakening. Water affinity can be observed as the rise in water level and waves while the Earth affinity can be seen when the lakewater turns murky and rock fragments resurface. 

Lex is in a hyperfocus state as he feel the surge of mystic energy from the surroundings entering his body, converting into pneuma and mana that enriches his meridians and dantians. He can feel the Moon's presence up in the lightless sky, seemingly intently watching him. Along with the surge of pneuma and mana, the illusory gates within his meridians were broken through from the first trinity gates, which are composed of three illusory gates, to the next two illusory gates of the second trinity before stopping. His cultivation stops at the Platinum-level, the fifth small realm before reaching the Apprentice rank. 

The people were amaze but at the same time expect this development because of his acclaimed background. His father has a gentle smile plastered on his face but his eyes carry a hint of melancholy, hiding a story of buried past.

As the mystic energy settles, Lex came to himself and retreated back to the pavilion. He first look at the moon and bowed before moving to thank the elders and went to his father. 

"Father look, I am a dual cultivator!"

He exclaimed. His father can't help but also beam in happiness but still said seriously.

"That's my boy. However, this also raises the responsibility you have on your shoulder. I expect great things from you."

They cut their converstion short to give way to the next two children. The one following him is the last girl whose awakening showed her talent in Arcane Path and have water affinity. However, her awakening only pushed her to the Silver-level which is the third small realm. Still, she can be considered an asset of the tribe for her potential in the Arcane Path.

As for the last boy, he unfortunately did not manage to awaken his talent. This concludes this month's New Moon Ceremony as everyone return back to their abode. Some beaming with joy while some walk with downcast expressions. 

Lex also walked back home with his father. On the way back, he appears absentminded as he keep on staring at the moonless night sky.