The waiting area for successful students was surprisingly comfortable. Plush seating, refreshment stations with cultivation-enhancing drinks, and viewing screens showing the ongoing comprehension test filled a large pavilion-style space.
Aria settled into a seat and watched the screens. Students were still struggling with the stele, their lights slowly progressing from white to blue. A few had reached pale green. None had achieved the deep colors she'd managed.
"Excuse me."
She turned to find a boy about her age standing nearby. He had neat silver hair and wore expensive robes marked with the symbol of some sect she didn't recognize.
"Yes?"
"I'm Marcus Lightblade, from the Eternal Radiance Sect." He bowed slightly. "I wanted to congratulate you on your performance. Gold light is... well, legendary doesn't seem strong enough a word."
"Thank you," Aria said politely. "Just Aria is fine."
