On the aircraft, Wen Qizheng was enthusiastically admiring the scenery outside when he suddenly overheard a lively discussion from a family beside him.
This family appeared to be all cultivators.
Curious, Wen Qi glanced over and saw an elderly man wearing a senior cultivator badge on his chest, presumably the most experienced member of the family.
The middle-aged man beside him, likely the elder’s son, seemed to be an intermediate cultivator. He was clutching a book with a tense expression, probably preparing for the upcoming senior cultivator exam. Judging by his last-minute cramming, his chances didn’t seem high.
The gentle middle-aged woman, presumably the middle-aged man’s wife, kept casting warm glances at her children.
There were also a son and daughter, around Wen Qi’s age, apparently heading to take the exam as well, following in their father’s footsteps.
The siblings, however, seemed confident, unlike their father’s nervousness. They chattered away incessantly, with their mother and grandfather occasionally chiming in.
“Grandpa, do you think we’ll be fine for this junior cultivator exam?” the younger sister, Zhu Xiu, asked, blinking her lively eyes and looking expectantly at her grandfather.
Grandpa Zhu Wenzhong smiled and patted her head. “You two have a solid grasp of the junior cultivator knowledge. If you perform normally, passing shouldn’t be a problem.”
The older brother, Zhu Qiang, confidently took over. “Exactly. We’ve memorized everything Grandpa taught us—type matchups of Pokémon, growth stage characteristics, and common disease prevention. We know it all!”
Zhu Xiu nodded vigorously. “Mm-hmm, but I’m still a bit worried about making energy cubes. That’s so hard to control; the quality always ends up inconsistent.”
Zhu Wenzhong comforted her, “Making energy cubes does require a lot of practice. But during the exam, just do your best. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Maybe you’ll get lucky and succeed.”
Zhu Qiang patted his chest. “Don’t worry. Even if we’re unlucky this time, we’ll keep practicing and get it right eventually.”
While the siblings were brimming with confidence, the middle-aged man, Zhu Ximing, was frowning deeply. He kept flipping through his book but couldn’t absorb a single word.
His wife, Li Wen, noticed and said softly, “Don’t be so nervous. If it doesn’t work out, it’s fine. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”
Zhu Ximing sighed helplessly. “How can I not be nervous? Dad insisted I take this senior cultivator exam, but I know my own limits. It took everything I had just to get to intermediate. This time, I’m basically just hoping for a miracle.”
His wife held his hand gently. “Dad just wants what’s best for you, to push you further. Even if you don’t pass, we’ve tried our best. No regrets.”
Zhu Ximing shook his head. “I know what Dad’s thinking, but I really feel like it’s hopeless. The senior exam content is so hard. I’ve been studying like crazy, but I still feel unprepared.”
Zhu Wenzhong overheard and turned to say, “Ximing, don’t be so down on yourself. You may not be exceptionally talented, but your years of experience aren’t for nothing. Just give it your all, and maybe you’ll pass.”
Zhu Ximing gave a bitter smile. “Dad, easy for you to say. The senior exam demands not only deep theoretical knowledge but also strict practical skills. My mind’s a mess; I have no confidence at all.”
His younger sister, Zhu Xiu, tried to cheer him up. “Dad, don’t be so pessimistic. Look at me and my brother—we’re not scared. You should be brave too.”
Zhu Ximing smiled wryly. “You kids don’t understand. It’s not the same.”
Zhu Qiang added, “Dad, the whole family supports you. Don’t overthink it. Just do your best. Even if you don’t pass, we’ll keep working at it.”
Li Wen chimed in, “Yeah, don’t be too hard on yourself. Let things take their course.”
Zhu Ximing was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Alright, since we’re here, I’ll give it my all!”
The family resumed discussing the exam details, the atmosphere shifting between tension and ease, but always filled with hope and anticipation for the future.
As they talked, Zhu Xiu happened to glance sideways and noticed Wen Qi nearby.
Curious, she studied him. Seeing his focused expression, as if deep in thought, she asked, “Hi there, what’s your name?”
Wen Qi replied with a polite smile, “I’m Wen Qi.”
Zhu Xiu’s eyes lit up. “Brother Wen Qi, are you here for the exam too?”
Wen Qi nodded.
Zhu Xiu was delighted, thinking she’d found a fellow traveler. “That’s great! I bet you’re taking the junior cultivator exam too, right?”
Wen Qi smiled but didn’t answer immediately.
Taking his silence as confirmation, she excitedly started chatting. “Brother Wen Qi, I’m really worried about making energy cubes. Do you have any special tips?”
Wen Qi answered seriously, “When making energy cubes, the freshness of the ingredients is crucial, and you need to keep the stirring speed and force even. Also, different Pokémon types require different ingredient ratios for the cubes.”
Zhu Xiu listened intently, nodding along. Her brother, Zhu Qiang, was also drawn in and joined the conversation. “What about Pokémon evolution conditions and timing? What do you think?”
Wen Qi spoke confidently, “You have to consider multiple factors like individual differences, growth environment, and training methods. For example, water-type Pokémon might evolve more favorably in specific aquatic environments. But you also need to pay attention to their potential and willingness—forcing evolution could hinder their growth and abilities.”
The siblings grew more impressed. Zhu Qiang couldn’t help saying, “Brother Wen Qi, you really know a lot!”
By then, Grandpa Zhu Wenzhong had also been drawn in by the exchange. Listening to Wen Qi’s answers, he was secretly astonished. He realized this young man’s insights were not only comprehensive but even deeper and more thorough than his own in some areas.
Zhu Wenzhong couldn’t resist asking, “Young man, you’re heading to Evergreen City for the exam too, right? Judging by your confidence, it should be a breeze for you.”
Wen Qi had no ill feelings toward the old man and was fully confident in his own abilities. He replied directly, “Yes, I think it should be a breeze.”
The moment he said that, the entire family was stunned.
Zhu Ximing couldn’t help but scrutinize Wen Qi, feeling a twinge of envy at his confidence and reflecting on his own timidity.
Zhu Xiu was taken aback for a moment, then said, “With that kind of confidence, you’ll probably be ready for the intermediate exam in a few years. That’s amazing.”
But Wen Qi interrupted, “Sorry, I’m not taking the junior exam. I’m here for the senior one.”
As soon as he said that, Zhu Xiu’s words died in her throat, and she froze.
The whole family was left speechless by this sudden revelation.
After a brief silence, Zhu Xiu was the first to snap out of it, muttering under her breath, “No way, he’s got to be bluffing.”
Zhu Qiang curled his lip. “Taking the senior exam at such a young age? That’s just unrealistic.”
Zhu Ximing frowned, thinking to himself, “This kid’s too ambitious. Can’t be trusted.”
Li Wen gently tugged at her children, signaling them to stop.
Zhu Wenzhong gave an awkward smile. “It’s good for young people to be confident, but you still need to stay grounded.”
Wen Qi noticed the shift in their attitude but didn’t care. He knew that telling the truth often went unbelieved these days.
So, he said nothing more and simply closed his eyes to rest.
The family, feeling there was nothing left to discuss with Wen Qi, returned to their own exam-related chatter.
The atmosphere grew a bit awkward. The earlier warmth from their conversation with Wen Qi vanished, replaced by a faint sense of distance and doubt.
The aircraft continued its steady flight, white clouds drifting lazily past the window. But in this corner of the cabin, Wen Qi’s words had cast a small, awkward silence.