The Li resident was filled with the sound of rushing water and hurried steps early this morning. After the children were done with their baths, each put on the new sets of robes Li Jian had specially prepared for this day.
When they gathered at the table for breakfast, Li Jain had already set out breakfast; steaming buns, fresh porridge, and plates of sliced spiritual fruits.
"Have as much as you can, today will be a long busy day." Li Jain said as the children cut and fill their plates.
They nodded and ate quickly, too eager to linger. They couldn't wait to ride in the flying carriage.
Speaking of which, the main Li family branch in South River City also had few flying carriages. However, at that time, access was restricted to the most promising descendants, and others were not permitted to approach them.
After the meal, Li Jian went to the tavern and gave Bai Lian, Hou Mingyu, and the others a few instructions.
"I'll be away with the children today. I'm leaving the restaurant in your hands. Treat the customers well, and if anything urgent happens, use the communication talisman." He retrieved a storage ring from his spatial inventory and handed it to Bai Lian. "All the available dishes are in here," he explained: "If a customer requests something that isn't, tell them it will be available tomorrow."
Bai Lian nodded and assured: "Don't worry, Master. We'll take care of everything here. Have a safe journey."
"I'm counting on you," Li Jian replied, then asked, "Where's Liu Xiong? I haven't seen him all morning."
"He said he has something to take care of and left early this morning." Hou Mingyu replied.
"Oh, okay."
With that, Li Jain led the children out into the courtyard.
The children climbed in excitedly.
The interior of the carriage was surprisingly large. It also has private rooms comparable to a three room house. It's inside can be compared to that of a three room house. The sitting area was furnished entirely with cushioned seats and a polished table in the center. The interesting thing is that each child's name was imprinted on their designated chair. This saves them the trouble of fighting over seats. All chairs were positioned by the window, offering excellent views outside.
"Are you ready?" Li Jain asked
"Yes" They answer together.
The formation barrier over the Li residence shimmered faintly before parting like a curtain of light. The shy horses stretched their wings, and the majestic grand carriage surged up from the courtyard.
Whoosh!
The carriage lifted gracefully into the sky, breaking through the formation with radiant light.
Down below, neighboring folk froze in their ongoing activities and stared in amazement.
"Is that… a flying carriage!?"
"Look at the size of it! I've never seen one so grand!"
"Manifested… it looks truly manifested."
"Wait, isn't that the Li residence? Master Li must have refined it!"
Some wealthier customers, who had come from nearby cities nodded knowingly but still couldn't help murmuring.
"I've seen flying carriages before, but none like this. The craftsmanship is exceptional."
"Could it be? Is Master Li not just a spiritual cook but also an artifact refiner?"
"I'm starting to think this owner Li Jain's background is not simple."
Few customers in the restaurant rushed out the door to watch the fun.
Li Jain once again felt the spiritual energy rushing into his body, smiled and left in a good mood.
...
Inside the cabin, the boys pressed to the windows looking down on the building roofs and tree tops.
The two hour journey took half an hour. When the carriage arrived at Azure Cloud Academy, there were many carriages outside including flying carriages. But even among those grand carriages, the Li family's frying carriage still stood out.
The carriage landed on the receiving terrace. Li Jian stepped down first, and the boys followed closely.
"The Li Family? What are the Li family doing here?" A woman dressed in heavy makeup asked, thinking whether she should go up and make friends with them, after all, the Li Family are one of the biggest families in South River City.
"The Li family crest from South River City has a three-petaled cicada. This mark is different." Someone else said, squinting. "There are many families with the surname Li."
The woman sighed and gave up her previous idea.
"That insignia isn't any clan I know," A young man said. "Three lines crossing a lotus. Is there a new up- raising family in Fengwu City?"
"No, that's owner Li from Qingyuan town." An older porter said, waving his hand: "He's the owner of the famous Spiritual Tarven. I bought a jar of his plum vinegar and cured my wife's cold marrow in three days." He lowered his voice. "Those are his children. The quiet one with dead eyes wearing blue is his eldest son."
"And how would you know that?" Another man asked puzzledly.
Looking at those children, they were all of similar heights and their resemblance were in pairs making people very confused.
"I'm a regular customer of the Spiritual Tavern." The old man declared, patting his chest: "My wife and kids love their spiritual snacks. Also, those children are two pairs of twins and a set of triplets."
This statement immediately dispelled the confusion many people were experiencing and they urged the old man to continue. The name of the spiritual Tavern had spared far and wild. Many people were willing to pay it a visit, unfortunately, the far distance made it difficult.
Li Jain passed the group of people and went to where the exam was being held.
An instructor in deep purple robes came towards them, Li Jain instantly recognized the figure. He was the same person who guided him and Boss Lan during their tour.
"I am Instructor Han. It's good to see you again." Instructor Han said: "Welcome to Azure Cloud Academy. All new applicants must pass standard entry examinations to enroll into the Academy. The exams include; bone age, physique, and spirit-root evaluation. Parents, guardians, and siblings are welcome to observe from the side hall. Please follow me."
"Many thanks, Instructor Han," Li Jian replied: "Only two of my sons will be taking the exam."
"Greetings, Instructor Han," Li Yujain and Jingsheng said, bowing politely.
Instructor Han was very pleased with their polite conduct. As the saying goes, first impressions are important. He smiled. "You two young fellows, follow me to the exam hall."
"Thank you for the trouble, Instructor," Li Yujain said.
"It's no trouble at all," Instructor Han responded with a smile, and began to chat with them.
"Brother Han, this academy really isn't suitable for us." Li Juanxuan whispered.
"That's right. Follow my lead from now on to a brighter future." Li Yuhan smirked and said proudly.
Li Cheng looked at them coldly but didn't say anything.
They follow instructor Han. Across the wide stone court, youths were lined up. Li Yujian stepped into the 12-year-old line, while Li Jingsheng slid into the youngest queue, from seven downwards. The purpose of this test is to verify their actual age and compare it to their current cultivation level.
To impress instructors, some parents place their children in incorrect age groups, hoping for quick success. However, this practice negatively impacts the children, leading to the adoption of the bone age as an exam criterion.
Li Jain led his children to the side hall where many families gathered. Most of them were anxious. After all, Azure Cloud Academy is one of the top Cultivation Schools. People from many cities brought their children here to study and the admission process is incredibly challenging.
"Father, will they be ok?" Li Yuhan asked worriedly.
Seeing how nervous others were, the nerve also started to get to them.
"Your brothers would be just fine." Li Jain assured: "I'm not worried about them and you shouldn't be either."
They nodded in understanding. Shortly after, a bell rings signaling the start of the examinations.
...
Bone Age & Physique:
One after the other, children went up to get tested. Soon it was Yujain's turn, he placed his palm atop a Bone Mirror. It was a circular jade plate ringed in silver. Light pooled beneath his hand, coalescing into script. The examiner looked at the script and wrote down the result: Bone age: Twelve. Meridians: refined, low impurity.
"Stand in the formation to test your physique." The examiner instructed.
Yujain stood in the formation as instructed. The formation was activated and an intense light enveloped him. A familiar sensation washed over him as his spiritual energy was drawn into the array.
"Interesting," the examiner murmured. "Poison resistance is anomalously high."
All the signs and structures were right in front of him, but the examiner couldn't figure out what this physique was. He hasn't come across this even in the physique-pedia.
On the other hand, Li Jingsheng did his bone test as well and was in the right category.
Something unusual happened during his physique test. Frost crystals cover his body and refuse to let intruding spiritual energy enter his body.
"Interesting," the examiner said, with a genuine spark in his usual cold tone. "Next."
...
When they were done, they were taken to another hall where the Spirit-Root evaluation was being held.
A waist-thick pillar of clouded crystal threaded with formation lines. Most who touched it emit different halos in two, three, sometimes five lights flickering at once, that represent their spirit roots and grades.
"Place your hand here." The examiner said, gesturing to the level surface.
Li Yujian placed his palm on the crystal surface and the hall dimmed on its own so the halos could be seen clearly.
One pure verdant light rises from within the pillar like a root finding water. Rings formed around it, each a shade deeper than the last.
"A Superior Heaven-grade Wood Single spirit root!" The examiner forgot to breathe and shouted. This immediately drew everyone's attention.
"How is this possible?"
"No way! Which family is that child from?"
"Look at the aura emanating from him! It's incredible."
"The pillar is not broken right?"
The audience and staff were utterly shocked beyond words. Earth-grade spirit roots are incredibly rare, found in only a handful of individuals across the continent. As for Heaven-grade, there is only one known person with such a gift: the ancestry elder of the Jade martial hall in the capital. He is currently the strongest man on the continent, yet even his descendants did not inherit his Heaven-grade spirit root. It was unthinkable that such a phenomenon would manifest in such a small city.
Li Zhang's jaw dropped: "Single spirit root? Since when…?" He was so speechless that he couldn't finish his words.
Yuhan shut his mouth for him with a thumb and forefinger. His eyes, however, were shining. "Incredible, that's my twin for you, haha." He laughed proudly.
Cheng's lashes lowered: "You're not the one with a superior heavenly root, what are you so proud about?"
Yuhan sighed, ruffling Li Cheng's hair: "This is precisely when you should be using that clever brain of yours." He explained: "We soak in medicinal baths daily and eat from the same table. If Yujian who originally has 3 spirit roots can evolve into a Heavenly grade, do you think we would be worse than him?"
"Brother Han is right. Given that I eat the most, mine should be the most awesome." Li Jingxuan said grinning.
"What do you mean?" Li Zhang slapped him on the head: "I obviously eat more than you."
Li Jian stood with a light smile on his face. He had expected this but to him, a heaven grade spirit wasn't a big deal. With his formula and nutrition, it was only a matter of time that his spirit roots would evolve into the divine grade.
"Next in line," the examiner said, struggling to regain his composure.
Li Jingsheng was next in line, seeing his brother's result, he couldn't wait for his turn. He placed his small hand upon the crystal surface as instructed.
Cold light spilled out, one glacial radiance climbed the pillar then settled into a snow bright core that made the etched runes look dim.
"Ice single-root," the examiner took in a deep breath. "A Single Heaven grade mutated Ice spirit root!"
At this point, the examiner also suspected that the pillar was broken. Otherwise, since when has Heavenly grade been so easily obtained?
Instructor Han came over during the first commotion. Seeing the situation, he stepped closer to the examiner and whispered: "Record both for personal review. The head master has requested the record of both evaluations."
"Understood, sir." The examiner nodded, realizing his carelessness. He regretted making the news public, wishing he had foreseen this situation. Now the Academy would have to fight with others to keep those two students.
Li Juanxin's fingers tightened in Fluffy's fur. If gege and Sheng-ge are single roots… then… Do I also…? His heart fluttered between hope and worry.
Fluffy licked his wrist and said: "Although the chance is slim, it's not impossible."
When the examiner finished the inscriptions, he lifted his head toward the side hall and called out: "Guardian. You may step forward and receive your child's result. Registration is open throughout this week. Classes start tomorrow."
Li Jian took the result and registered the two children. Instructor Han wanted to test the other children but Li Jain refused saying that they were already enrolled in other Academies. Instructor Han had no choice but to give up.
Instructor Han inclined his head: "Azure Cloud Academy thanks you for bringing trusting your boys to us. We do not flatter easily, but a Superior Heaven-grade single Wood, and a Heaven-grade single mutated Ice are exceptional. The Academy recognizes talent and we'll do our best to help them achieve their full potential."
"I trust your Academy will be the ideal environment for my sons." Li Jain stated gravely, his voice sending a chill down Instructor Han's spine.
"Rest assured, Mr. Li, we will do our best."
Li Jian folded his hands and smiled: "Proceed at your pace, Instructor Han."
"Then we proceed." instructor Han folded his hands and returned the gesture.
...
Li Jain and his children got in their flying carriage, heading to the next school; Vermilion Sword Hall.
Jingxuan kept peeking at Jingsheng in the carriage. When their eyes met, his cheeks turned hot from embarrassment and he snatched Yuhan's fan. He snapped the fan open backwards and when it clacked wrong, he pretended that was on purpose.
The others watch his small movements and laugh.
"Daddy," Juanxin whispered, snuggling closer to Li Jian's sleeve, "if my evaluation is low grade, will you be sad?"
Li Jian gently placed a hand on Juanxin's soft hair. "Your evaluation won't be low. And even if it is, Daddy would still love you just as much."
Juanxin smiled, resting his head on his father's arm.
...