The greatest distinction between Spirit Enchanters and Martial Swordsmen lies in the former's ability to form contracts with magical beasts, thereby greatly enhancing their combat prowess—an ability the latter do not possess.
Yet Spirit Enchanters are exceedingly rare; throughout the Gu family's history, they have comprised but a mere one percent of all members. If one were to awaken as a Spirit Enchanter today, it would surely be cause for great celebration across the clan.
Gu Qingli glanced at the anxious expressions worn by the crowd, a flicker of disdain in her eyes. Was a person's future truly to be determined by nothing more than these two contraptions?
How absurd.
As each child ascended the platform, joy and disappointment played out in equal measure.
Some children failed to elicit a response from either orb—ordinary, untalented, and instantly forgotten. Those who awakened as Martial Swordsmen, however, were immediately marked for cultivation, their status within the family rising accordingly. The disparity in treatment was stark.
The patriarch, stern and unreadable, merely furrowed his brow as he observed the proceedings, unmoved.
Until Han Jiao's six-year-old daughter, Gu Qinglin, stepped forward—and the black hemisphere lit up faintly.
A wave of astonishment swept through the hall.
"A Spirit Enchanter! Among this generation, we finally have one!"
"Han Jiao is truly blessed! To bear a child with such rare talent—if she produces more Spirit Enchanters, the revival of our Gu family might be within reach!"
Even the usually impassive patriarch allowed a glimmer of delight to flicker across his gaze.
Gu Qingli lowered her eyes, a faint, unreadable gleam flashing in their depths.
Gu Yifeng smiled kindly at Gu Qinglin and said, "Lin'er, you must strive diligently. Though your gift may not be exceptional, the blood of a Spirit Enchanter flows in your veins. The clan will surely invest in your growth."
Pride radiated from Gu Qinglin's childish features as she lifted her chin, basking in the admiration that poured in from every direction.
At her side, Han Jiao's face was split into a triumphant grin, nearly obliterating her eyes with joy.
"Oh, sister-in-law, don't worry—your little Li is sure to be a Spirit Enchanter too!" she exclaimed with false cheer.
Her words drew a flicker of discomfort across the faces of Gu Zhan and Ouyang Qian. Gu Zhan himself was no Enchanter, and thus Gu Qingli's odds were slim. Han Jiao's remark was nothing short of veiled mockery.
Once the patriarch called her name, Gu Qingli was set down by her father and stepped forward toward the vessels.
All eyes turned to her small figure. The appearance of a Spirit Enchanter had stirred hope for another miracle.
But on Gu Qingli's delicate face, a nearly imperceptible flicker of revulsion appeared.
Standing before the platform, she lowered her gaze, her sharp eyes dimmed. She thought of those children before her—labeled failures for life by these mere instruments.
Behind her, more children awaited their fate with dread. In time, even more would lose their joy because of these so-called tests. Though not one to meddle in others' affairs, she found this ritual cruel and unjust. Perhaps… she could do something for those pitiable children.
"Hurry up, little Li!" Gu Qinglin called mockingly from the side, eager for a spectacle.
"No need to be nervous, Li'er. Just place your hand on it," Gu Zhan offered gently, thinking his daughter merely anxious.
Gu Qingli lifted her head and smiled brightly. Her breathtaking phoenix eyes shimmered like flawless gemstones, and her snow-pale face was as exquisite as polished jade, untainted and pure.
Many stared, momentarily stunned, imagining the breathtaking beauty she would grow into.
Han Jiao glanced at her own daughter, and her expression darkened at once. That vixen's child—why, she looked like a little vixen herself!