"Of course there are," Jake replied. "This is the main difference between a mortal and a cultivator. There are six types of Spiritual Root grades in the world of cultivation: Mortal Grade, Warrior Grade, Major Grade, General Grade, King Grade, and Emperor Grade. Mortal Grade is the lowest, while Emperor Grade is the highest one."
Jake continued, "Among the entire population, people with Mortal Grade Spiritual Roots are the most common. Most cultivators considered trash at least have Warrior Grade Spiritual Roots. As for those with Mortal Grade Spiritual Roots, even if they waste their time on cultivation, their odds of success are extremely low. They'll remain at the very bottom of the cultivation world."
Ethan listened carefully and understood. He commented, "So a person's future in cultivation really depends on their rank of Spiritual Root."
"Exactly," Jake replied with a knowing smile. "So we must check your level of Spiritual Root to test your talent. Are you ready for the test, Junior Brother?"
"I'm ready," Ethan replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew what his "talent" was like—even back on Earth, he considered himself average at best. So how could he be calm now, facing the tests of a cultivation world?
Still, he wanted to give it a try. If he was lucky and possessed at least a Warrior Grade Spiritual Root, maybe he could still cultivate. And with the help of his system, who knew what the future might hold?
At that moment, Jake produced a crystal about 10cm in diameter and said, "Little Brother, please drip a bit of your blood on this crystal stone. This will test your blood and give us the rank of your Spiritual Roots."
"Got it," Ethan nodded, but as he reached out, his hands began to tremble. To get a drop of blood, he'd have to injure himself, even slightly. Having lived a comfortable life on Earth, he hesitated to hurt his own hand.
But then, a thought struck him: he was about to become a cultivator. He didn't even know where the courage came from, but he pressed his thumb between his teeth and bit down. The pain stung, but he didn't want to look like a coward in front of everyone, so he bore it in silence.
After successfully getting a drop of blood onto the crystal, the stone began to shine with a green light. Ethan's heart raced. He had only seen things like this on television or in anime; to experience such magic in reality thrilled him. His desire to cultivate burned even brighter.
After a few moments, lines of information began to appear on the crystal. Ethan's nerves grew—but Jake, after glancing at the result, almost coughed up blood. He felt like the heavens themselves were playing a cruel joke on him.
Spiritual Root: Mortal Grade
Physique: Mortal Grade
Spirit: Mortal Grade
Since Ethan was a complete novice, Jake had only explained Spiritual Roots, not the importance of the other attributes. He didn't bother to explain about Physique or Spirit grades.
Physique played a vital role in a cultivator's development. A strong physique improved endurance and defense. Advanced Physique grades could even be used offensively; it was a key attribute in the cultivation world.
Spirit, on the other hand, was a sensitive topic. In this world, only a rare few could unleash the power of Spirit to attack the minds of enemy cultivators. Spirit cultivators were both feared and respected universally.
However, those who wielded Spirit Energy were incredibly rare and usually found only in the strongest sects and organizations. A declining academy like Sacred Wind Academy could only dream of attracting one. In fact, in the long history of the Royal God Sect, not a single true Spirit Cultivator had been recorded—though rumors claimed the founder of Sacred Wind Academy might have been one.
Jake could accept a low Spirit grade, but both Physique and Spiritual Roots graded as Mortal was difficult to accept.
A 23-year-old debutant cultivator with Mortal Grade Physique, Mortal Grade Spiritual Roots, and a Mortal Grade Spirit attribute—this had to be the most hopeless candidate ever. If news of them accepting such a student got out, the academy's reputation would sink even lower; people would openly laugh at them.
Jake looked at the innocent expression Ethan wore and barely kept himself from vomiting blood. Anger simmered within him and the other Sacred Wind Academy members. If they weren't desperate to meet the recruitment quota, they would have booted Ethan out with endless curses.
Forcing himself to calm down, Jake said, "Little Brother, I don't want to lie. Your talent is not good for cultivation. Even though we'll still admit you, I must warn you—your achievements will be below average, if not utterly unimpressive."
"It's fine," Ethan replied. He was disappointed, but he accepted the result. Still, he trusted in his system; it had already proven itself by transmitting an entire language into his mind. Even if that ability came "on credit," it was no small feat. He pinned his hopes on the system and resolved to cultivate regardless.
After all, he'd always dreamed of being a cultivator. Now that the opportunity was real, he had no intention of giving up. Even if his accomplishments weren't great, he would be satisfied with whatever progress he could make.
"Good," Jake said with a sigh. "If that's the case, let's head back to the academy."
"Alright," Ethan replied quietly, following them toward the carriage.