Chapter Thirteen: The Spiritual Root Test

After Qi Yongnian announced the age restriction, none of the boys and girls present left the group.

Qi Yongnian nodded.

Those who came here surely knew the rules of the Xianxia Sect. No one would fail to meet such a strict requirement as age; otherwise, it would be a complete waste of time. Even if someone passed the trial but did not meet the age criterion, they would likely be asked to withdraw. Being forced out would mean all their efforts were for nothing.

No one was that idle.

Of course, whether there were people who failed the age requirement was unknown, but no one admitted it.

Seeing this, Qi Yongnian said no more. With a grand gesture, two disciples behind him immediately brought out a huge jade table. The table was pure white, resembling white jade, and on it rested a crystal-clear jade stone about a foot long.

Upon seeing it, Su Yi immediately understood.

This was a Spirit Testing Stone. The one used by the Xianxia Sect was of low quality. Spirit testing stones were a relatively basic method of evaluating aptitude. Even if it were a high-grade one, he was not afraid, for his “Playing the Fool to Fool the Tiger” skill rendered him immune to all forms of insight, making it incredibly easy to handle.

Even if they brought over the supreme testing stone from the Tianyuan Sacred Land, he would not be afraid.

Qi Yongnian scanned the crowd solemnly and said:

“Aptitude is the foundation of a cultivator, a gift from the Heavenly Dao that determines the limit of your future achievements. Without spiritual roots, no matter how long you live, you cannot enter the Way!”

“The first test is to measure your celestial affinity—to see if you possess spiritual roots. Those with roots are connected to the Dao; those without must halt their path here. Only by passing this root test may you proceed to the next round.”

“Now, please line up. One by one, place your hand on the testing stone. Only then can we know if you have celestial affinity.”

Hearing this, the expressions of the crowd changed.

Some were filled with hope and determination, while others were anxious, fearing elimination.

Everyone lined up in turn. The first was a frail young boy near the table.

The boy looked at the white jade table and swallowed hard. Encouraged by the gazes of the sect members, he bit his lip and placed his hand on the spirit testing stone.

At that moment, the stone immediately emitted a dazzling, multicolored light.

“There’s a reaction!”

Those waiting in line perked up—was the first person with spiritual roots about to appear?

The thin boy’s face flushed with excitement as he eagerly looked toward Qi Yongnian.

But Qi Yongnian said coldly, “Mixed roots of the Five Elements. Not qualified. Next!”

“Ah?”

The boy’s face fell and he walked dejectedly toward the place to collect his travel expenses near the mountain gate.

Seeing this, the others couldn’t help but feel a tightening in their chests.

Qi Yongnian waved his hand, signaling the next person to continue.

One by one, people placed their hands on the testing stone, some joyous, others sorrowful.

“Wood, water, and earth triple roots. Good, you pass!”

“You have no spiritual roots. Next!”

“You have no spiritual roots. Next!”

...

Most present were mortals; apart from a few young masters from noble families and some wandering cultivators, others had no way of knowing if they had spiritual roots.

But this was precisely what made it thrilling!

Spiritual roots were innate. This test was undoubtedly unlocking the treasure that belonged inherently to them. If one had them, it proved they were born superior, destined for transcendence. Therefore, the atmosphere was charged with tension!

Those who passed were ecstatic; those who failed hung their heads in despair. Some even committed suicide on the spot, leaving Su Yi stunned.

Yet Qi Yongnian only sighed at these suicides.

“If you lack celestial affinity, then live well as mortals. Enjoy the simple joys of the mortal world. There’s no need to be so extreme.”

He said nothing further, merely waving his hand to have disciples dispose of the bodies.

These people were neither harmed nor coerced; it was their own choice. Naturally, they said nothing. For the immortals, there was no loss, no damage to reputation, and no fear of disorder.

The deaths of these extremists did not deter the others. Instead, they became even more fervent, each hoping to be the one with spiritual roots.

Soon, it was Zhao Zijing’s turn. All eyes instinctively turned to him. Many had impressions of this flamboyant youth.

As his hand touched the testing stone, a brilliant light flared suddenly, mixing pale green and dark purple hues.

Qi Yongnian stroked his beard.

“Not bad. Double spiritual roots, wind and thunder attributes. Excellent aptitude. You pass!”

“Wow! Double spiritual roots with wind and thunder attributes! This guy wasn’t bluffing!”

“Zhao Young Master is mighty!”

“Unstoppable Zhao Young Master!”

...

Zhao Zijing basked in the attention, enjoying the feeling of being the center of all eyes. He turned and shot a provocative glance at Xu Ze in the line, then waved his feather fan, swaggering down amid flattery.

After Zhao Zijing, several others passed the test, though their aptitude was average compared to Zhao’s brilliance.

Soon it was Su Yi’s turn. Without hesitation, Su Yi stepped forward and placed his hand on the testing stone. In the next moment, the stone burst forth with bright four-colored light.

“Four spiritual roots... aptitude... acceptable, you pass!”

Qi Yongnian had originally intended to reject Su Yi because of his four spiritual roots, but upon seeing his second-level Qi Refining strength and suitable aptitude, he changed his mind.

Su Yi nodded and stepped down, ignoring the gazes around him. His expression remained calm; he did not wish to attract attention, otherwise, he would not have deliberately adopted such an ordinary face.

Su Yi’s earlier boldness had left a strong impression, and everyone expected him to dazzle them.

Yet it was only four spiritual roots.

Zhao Zijing immediately breathed a sigh of relief, showing disdain. “Four spiritual roots, huh? Thought he was something.”

Zi Ling in the crowd looked on with regret and sighed.

She held some fondness for this righteous wandering cultivator. Though plain in appearance, his willingness to help others in the brutal world of cultivation was undoubtedly a refreshing breeze.

However, his aptitude was too low; his path would be rough. This life, he was unlikely to even reach Foundation Establishment. His celestial affinity would end here.

Noticing Zi Ling’s gaze, Su Yi gave her a slight smile and nodded, inwardly reflecting.

“Being so low-key and disguising oneself so poorly, yet still catching the eye of a beautiful female cultivator—charm really cannot be hidden!”

Originally, the host had five spiritual roots but had been system-enhanced to four, barely enough to pass the Xianxia Sect’s test.

Though his true aptitude would instantly dazzle these people, his main purpose here was not to show off. Showing off would hinder hiding his identity. True spiritual roots were rare worldwide; if he became famous and was noticed by the Tianyuan Sacred Land, it would be troublesome.

So, of course, it was best to keep a low profile.

...

“Chen Xiao Jia, four spiritual roots, pass!”

“Xu Ze, three spiritual roots, pass!”

Upon hearing Xu Ze’s spiritual root aptitude, Su Yi was momentarily stunned.

Earlier, when he realized this person was a child of fortune, he had secretly peeked and knew Xu Ze had four spiritual roots.

How had it dropped to three in such a short time?

Suddenly, Su Yi noticed something and looked at Xu Ze’s finger.

The simple ancient ring he had worn was gone.