When the Ling Clan arrived at the city center, Ling Tian saw a large crowd gathered around a slightly elevated platform.
As soon as the guard noticed the arrival of the Ling Clan, he shouted loudly and clearly:
"The Ling Clan has arrived!"
The moment the crowd heard the guard's voice, they all turned to look at the Ling Clan members. Their gazes were filled with mixed emotions, but Ling Tian's father ignored them completely and continued walking forward as if they didn't exist.
Walking behind his father, Ling Tian overheard the whispers of the people around him. What truly caught his attention, however, was the voice of a young girl admiringly saying:
"Who is that handsome young man?" — while staring at him.
Naturally, this made Ling Tian very happy, but his joy quickly turned into anger when he heard a young man sneer:
"Sister, don't be fooled by appearances. That's Ling Tian, the famous fool."
Ling Tian turned to the youth with a cold gaze and replied mockingly:
"Hmph… the one who can't reach the grapes always says they're sour."
The youth never expected Ling Tian to respond. After all, Ling Tian was well known as a kindhearted fool who never got angry no matter how many insults were thrown at him. But now, seeing the cold look in his eyes, the young man could only lower his head in silence, unable to say anything.
Ling Tian paid him no further attention and kept walking, though inside he was delighted.
"To be the young master of a powerful clan… this is truly wonderful."
When Ling Tian stepped onto the platform, he saw three middle-aged men speaking with a man dressed in blue Taoist robes embroidered with twin cloud patterns. The man was smiling warmly and speaking enthusiastically. Beside them stood an elderly man with an indifferent expression, while in one corner there was a group of teenagers. Ling Tian guessed they too were here for the spiritual root test.
At that moment, a man in white robes with a scar across his face turned and shouted angrily:
"Ling Hao! Were you planning to keep us waiting until nightfall?"
Before Ling Hao could reply, a bearded man in a red robe intervened calmly:
"Brother Hong Yu, aren't you overreacting a little?"
This time, a short, one-legged man in a green robe spoke in a sharp tone:
"Feng Yan, maybe your time isn't valuable, but mine certainly is."
Feng Yan wanted to retort, but Ling Hao cut in first, clasping his hands together:
"You're right, everyone's time is precious. I apologize for the delay. But as you all know, I have a foolish son, and he was the reason we were late."
Hearing Ling Hao's words, Hong Yu and Fei Lin said nothing further. After all, who would waste their time arguing over an idiot? That would be foolish in itself.
But while the others dismissed the matter, Ling Tian cursed inwardly:
"So you used me as an excuse, huh? Sure, it was my fault we were late, but having your clan leader call you a fool in public… that really stings."
What made it worse was that his shameless father even turned to him with a smile.
After the situation calmed down, the cultivator in blue robes smiled and said:
"City Lord Dong, since everyone is here, shouldn't we begin?"
The old man, Dong Li, nodded:
"You're right. Since everyone has arrived, let's start the spiritual root test."
The blue-robed cultivator stepped forward confidently, smiling at the gathered youths:
"Greetings, everyone. I am Luo Jian, a cultivator from the Yong Yun Sect. As you know, I am here to test your spiritual roots. The test is very simple — all you have to do is step forward and touch this crystal."
With a wave of his hand, a clear, spherical crystal appeared before him.
"Alright then, who wishes to go first?"
As soon as Luo Jian finished speaking, a tall, sturdy youth stepped forward. His shabby clothes made it clear he wasn't from one of the four great families, but since the City Lord and the four clans shared the cost of the test, it was natural for commoners to be allowed to participate.
Upon realizing this, Ling Tian secretly gave a thumbs-up toward City Lord Dong Li.
"That old fox… he knows keeping his position requires winning the people's support."
The shabby youth bowed slightly and said:
"I am Qing Feng. Thank you, Master Luo, for granting me this chance."
Luo Jian smiled:
"No need for thanks. I'm being paid for this, it's not out of kindness. Now, place your hand on the crystal."
Qing Feng didn't reply. He calmly placed his hand on the crystal, which immediately filled with swirling mist.
Seeing this, Luo Jian nodded:
"You do possess spiritual roots. Now, let us check their quality."
He began chanting softly, and moments later, three colors lit up within the crystal — yellow, brown, and green.
Luo Jian nodded again:
"Not bad. You have the roots of earth, metal, and wood. Now, we'll determine your compatibility with them."
Hearing this, Ling Tian was puzzled. Ling Fei, standing beside him, noticed the confusion on his face and couldn't help mocking:
"Since you're uneducated, let me explain. A person's talent is determined by the number of spiritual roots they possess — the fewer, the better."
Ling Tian nodded, waiting for him to continue. Stroking his chin proudly, Ling Fei went on:
"But that's not all. Another important factor is compatibility, which shows how well a person harmonizes with their roots. The levels are: No Compatibility, Poor, Acceptable, Excellent, and the highest… Legendary, or Absolute Compatibility."
Ling Tian smiled lightly and thanked him:
"Thanks, brother, for the explanation."
Ling Fei smirked:
"Don't mention it. I just didn't want the clan to lose face because of your stupidity."
Ling Tian didn't reply, only sneered inwardly:
"Look at this shy little fellow, haha… Seems I misjudged him at first."
The test continued. The mist inside the crystal faded, replaced by a milky liquid. It started with a few drops, then grew until it filled half the crystal.
Luo Jian announced neutrally:
"Your compatibility is Acceptable."
At once, Qing Feng cheered, pumping his fist in the air:
"Great!"
And then came Luo Jian's next words, which thrilled him even more:
"Qing Feng, you have good talent. Why not join the Yong Yun Sect?" He stroked his chin as he spoke, appraising the boy like merchandise.
Qing Feng didn't hesitate:
"Of course I would!" he said eagerly.
Luo Jian chuckled and nodded:
"Then wait behind me. I'll take you along once the test ends."
Turning back to the crowd, he called out:
"Next!"
The youths watched in excitement as Qing Feng was accepted, igniting their hopes. They stepped forward one after another, eager for the same chance. But soon their dreams collapsed. After Qing Feng, not a single one possessed spiritual roots, let alone an invitation to the sect.
Disappointment spread. No one dared to step forward.
"Next." Luo Jian's calm tone made it clear he had expected this outcome.
Silence reigned, until suddenly, a tall, muscular youth strode forward. He glanced at the others with disdain and sneered:
"Since you're all cowards, I, Hong Yan, will go next."
His father, Hong Yu, laughed and said mockingly to Ling Hao:
"That's my son — unlike certain people's children."
Ling Hao said nothing, merely casting a glance at his own sons.
Seeing that look, Ling Fei muttered through clenched teeth:
"Damn that Hong Yan… I hope he doesn't have spiritual roots." His envy was obvious.
But reality proved crueler. Not only did Hong Yan possess three roots — fire, wood, and earth — but his compatibility was Excellent.
When Luo Jian announced this, Hong Yan's grin widened smugly as he looked down proudly on the others. Naturally, Luo Jian invited him into the Yong Yun Sect, and Hong Yan accepted immediately, brimming with arrogance.
Next was Ling Fei. Fortunately, he had spiritual roots, but unfortunately, they weren't impressive. He possessed four — water, fire, wood, and earth — with only Acceptable compatibility.
Though slightly disappointed, he was still relieved to have roots at all. After some hesitation, Luo Jian invited him as well, and Ling Fei quickly agreed.
Encouraged, more youths stepped forward. Some had roots, though none as good as Hong Yan's, most being on Ling Fei's level. Unsurprisingly, many came from the four great clans.
Yet Ling Tian still hesitated.
"Damn it… why am I hesitating? It doesn't matter if I go first or last!"
Just as he decided to step forward, a young girl beat him to it — and left him stunned by her beauty.
She had flawless fair skin and bright, innocent eyes. Her long black hair flowed softly over her shoulders, and her rosy lips shone naturally. Wearing a simple red dress that only highlighted her natural grace, she resembled a flower in full bloom.
As soon as she appeared, all eyes turned to her. Many young men, who had never seen such beauty before, were left dumbfounded.
"Can such beauty truly exist in this world?" one murmured in awe. He wasn't alone — most of the onlookers were thinking the same.
The girl stepped forward confidently. Luo Jian smiled at her:
"Young lady, what's your name?"
Ling Tian sneered inwardly:
"Oh… now you start asking names? Where was that question earlier?"
The girl answered softly:
"My name is Feng Xuan, sir."
Luo Jian nodded:
"Alright, Feng Xuan. Just place your hand on the crystal, and I'll handle the rest."
She nodded, placing her hand on the sphere. Mist appeared, then, as Luo Jian chanted, something shocking happened:
Two intertwined colors emerged — one violet, one transparent.
Luo Jian cried out in astonishment:
"A dual root of Thunder and Wind!"
Feng Yan burst into laughter, raising his hands triumphantly:
"Heaven itself blesses the Feng family! My daughter is chosen by the heavens!"
Feng Xuan smiled brightly, showing her joy. The crowd was left speechless.
A mutated spiritual root… and not just one, but two!
This didn't just make her the greatest talent in Qinghe City, but perhaps the entire Tang Kingdom.
Since the Feng and Ling families were close, Ling Hao congratulated him:
"Congratulations, Brother Feng! From today, your family will rise to the peak."
Feng Yan laughed heartily:
"Thank you, Brother Ling. May your clan produce a genius as well."
Not everyone shared the joy. Hong Yu and Fei Lin's faces darkened with envy.
Ling Tian, meanwhile, was baffled. He leaned to the youth beside him and asked:
"Brother, what are Thunder and Wind roots?"
The youth was surprised — how could anyone not know this? But recognizing the city's infamous fool, he patiently explained:
"You might not know, but aside from the five basic roots, there are mutated ones. Some are fusions, others evolutions. For example, the Thunder root comes from merging fire and metal, while the Wind root is an evolution of wood."
Ling Tian's eyes widened, but he scratched his head and asked:
"So… what makes them special?"
The youth laughed:
"Mutated roots are stronger than ordinary ones. Thunder grants overwhelming power, and Wind grants unmatched speed. Imagine having both at once!"
While he explained, the compatibility test finished. Feng Xuan's result: Excellent.
Luo Jian spoke quickly, afraid to lose her:
"Young lady, if you join the Yong Yun Sect, I promise you'll be at least a core disciple — perhaps even the sect saintess!"
Before she could reply, her father eagerly declared:
"Of course! It would be an honor for my daughter to join your sect!"
Feng Xuan bowed slightly:
"Thank you, Master Luo, for accepting me."
Luo Jian laughed loudly:
"Don't worry. I'll speak to my master as soon as I return about making you our saintess."
Then he turned to the crowd:
"Next!"
This time, no one stepped ahead of Ling Tian, so he walked forward.
Luo Jian smiled:
"Young man, what's your name?"
Calmly, Ling Tian replied:
"Ling Tian." But inwardly, he sneered:
"Trying to act fair by asking names after Feng Xuan… but your trick has already been exposed."
"Very well, Ling Tian. You know what to do," Luo Jian said cheerfully.
Without a word, Ling Tian placed his hand on the crystal. Mist filled it once more, and he rejoiced inwardly:
"Wonderful! I have spiritual roots! I, Ling Tian, will soar to the heavens!"
But his excitement shattered when five colors appeared within the crystal. Even he knew what that meant — five spiritual roots, the worst kind.
Even Luo Jian shook his head in disappointment.
Ling Tian forced a bitter smile:
"At least I have roots. I should be grateful…"
No one expected much from the compatibility test. But then, the impossible happened.
The liquid in the crystal surged wildly, filling it halfway in mere seconds… and still rising! In the blink of an eye, the crystal was completely filled.
Even Luo Jian was stunned, whispering:
"Absolute Compatibility…"
The crowd erupted in whispers.
"Wow… Absolute Compatibility!" a boy exclaimed.
Another scoffed:
"So what? He still has five roots — the worst of the worst."
Ling Tian smiled bitterly:
"Great… Absolute Compatibility. That just makes me the best among the worst."
He looked at Luo Jian, waiting for an invitation to join the sect. But it never came.
Sensing his gaze, Luo Jian sighed and said bluntly:
"Boy, it's not that I'm being harsh… but even with Absolute Compatibility, you're still inferior to someone with four roots and no compatibility at all."