As expected, Zhang Fangzhou had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment. Moreover, after the purification of his spirit root, he had attained the quality of a Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root. This greatly pleased Lin Feng. It seemed Zhang Fangzhou joining the Biquan Sect shouldn't be a problem now.
Lin Feng then left Xu Rong guarding the courtyard while Zhang Fangzhou consolidated his cultivation base. He took Yao Wangtian with him and went out, proceeding with their planned pre-departure purchases as scheduled.
...
At the Zheng Mansion that morning. Though the news of the Zheng Family Patriarch's return hadn't spread widely yet, those with well-informed sources were aware, including the heads of the Changgong and Kou Families. Therefore, early that day, Changgong Linglan and Kou Xuyun arrived in person to pay their respects, accompanied by the younger generation members, Changgong Xiaojing and Kou Tingting.
Only Zheng Xulin, Zheng Changqing, and Zheng Kai were present in the main hall of the Zheng Mansion. The others were either cultivating or attending to duties. The Patriarch's return last night had brought treasures beyond their wildest dreams – three spirit artifacts, one of which was mid-grade, a whole bottle of ten Green Beard Pills, and countless other precious pills like Spirit Essence Pills. Overnight, the Zheng Family's material wealth had multiplied immeasurably. Even the largest family in Biquan City likely couldn't compare now.
Such were the benefits of having a powerful Patriarch. After two centuries of waiting, the Zheng Family's day had finally come. With the treasures Zheng Xulin brought back, it wouldn't be long before the Zheng Family boasted one or two Golden Core cultivators. Barring unforeseen circumstances, they could become the strongest family across several cities within a century.
Moreover, with Zheng Xulin, a powerful expert from the Xianyao Sect, acting as a deterrent, even the Biquan Sect wouldn't dare look down on the Zheng Family anymore. It was unlikely anyone would dare covet their treasures. Ignoring the terrifying backing of the Xianyao Sect, Zheng Xulin himself was a Nascent Soul late-stage powerhouse – the same level as the strongest within the Biquan Sect.
Consequently, the entire Zheng Family was brimming with confidence and excitement for the future.
...
Before Zheng Xulin, both Changgong Linglan and Kou Xuyun appeared somewhat reserved. Given his status and power, his willingness to receive them personally was an immense honor.
"Patriarch... Tingting is my fiancée. Could you... perhaps... take her to the Xianyao Sect as well?" Suddenly, Zheng Kai seemed to gather his courage, speaking cautiously to Zheng Xulin.
Zheng Changqing frowned, reprimanding him, "Nonsense! Kai'er, how can you make such a presumptuous request of the Patriarch?" The Xianyao Sect was not a place one could simply waltz into! As a Nascent Soul powerhouse, Zheng Xulin only possessed the privilege to bring one direct descendant into the sect. Trying to 'pull strings' to bring Kou Tingting along was virtually impossible.
Hearing Zheng Kai's unexpected request for her, Kou Tingting was momentarily stunned, a flicker of warmth in her heart. However, upon hearing Zheng Changqing's words, she understood the impossibility and felt a wave of disappointment.
"Oh?" Hearing Zheng Kai's words, Zheng Xulin didn't seem displeased. Instead, he took a closer look at Kou Tingting. "Hmm?" Then, his eyes suddenly brightened, as if he had discovered something unexpected. He addressed Kou Tingting, "Child, come here."
Kou Tingting froze, momentarily at a loss. Only after Kou Xuyun nervously prompted her did she snap back to reality, hastily and somewhat fearfully stepping forward to stand before Zheng Xulin.
Zheng Xulin extended his right index finger and tapped Kou Tingting's glabella. After just two breaths, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes, his expression shifting visibly. He declared with pleasant surprise, "Supreme-Grade Ice Spirit Root!"
"What?!" His words caused everyone present to change expressions. Kou Xuyun, in particular, shot to his feet, overwhelmed by shock and joy, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Supreme-Grade Ice Spirit Root?" Zheng Kai was stunned for a moment before erupting in barely contained delight. "Patriarch... are you saying Tingting possesses a Supreme-Grade Ice Spirit Root?"
Zheng Xulin withdrew his hand, his expression calm once more, though a trace of satisfaction lingered at the corner of his mouth. He nodded, "Correct. She possesses a Supreme-Grade Ice Spirit Root. What's more rare is that she is only at Qi Refinement Great Perfection. After Foundation Establishment, her spirit root quality may well experience another significant improvement." He looked at Kou Tingting and said plainly, "With your talent, you qualify to join my Xianyao Sect. I can take the authority to bring you back to the sect. Are you willing?"
"..." Kou Tingting seemed dazed, struggling to process it.
Kou Xuyun beside her urged anxiously, "Tingting! Quickly, kowtow and thank Senior Zheng!" Kou Xuyun felt like he'd been struck by a heaven-sent bolt of fortune, excitement making his palms sweat. Kou Tingting had always had a constitution leaning towards cold energy, so he had painstakingly acquired a Human-Grade High Rank ice-attribute cultivation technique for her. At eighteen years old and already at Qi Refinement Great Perfection, her progress was considered quite outstanding. Kou Xuyun had assumed his daughter's talent was likely a Superior-Grade Ice Spirit Root, which had already satisfied him. He never imagined it would be Supreme-Grade! And to be discovered by the Zheng Family Patriarch of the Xianyao Sect, granting her entry into the sect – how could he not be ecstatic?
Kou Tingting finally snapped out of it. She hurriedly bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Senior Zheng. This junior is willing to join the Xianyao Sect."
...
This sudden turn of events left everyone astonished.
Zheng Kai was naturally secretly overjoyed. Learning last night that he could follow the Patriarch to the Xianyao Sect had thrilled him immensely, yet he also felt reluctance at parting from Kou Tingting. That's why he had boldly made the request today. He never expected Kou Tingting to possess a Supreme-Grade Ice Spirit Root, allowing her to join the Xianyao Sect openly without needing any 'backdoor' favor. This meant they could still be together, filling him with overwhelming delight.
Changgong Xiaojing was genuinely happy for her close friend. Yet, a faint trace of loss tugged at her heart. They had originally planned to join the Biquan Sect together. Now, with Kou Tingting suddenly bound for the Xianyao Sect, it meant Changgong Xiaojing would be alone in the Biquan Sect. Accustomed to her friend's companionship, she couldn't help but feel reluctant and saddened.
Thus, as if guided by unseen fate, the life paths of these young people, including Lin Feng, diverged sharply, each heading towards a different destiny.
......
...
Three days later.
Azure Cloud City was bustling with unprecedented liveliness. It seemed the entire city's population had poured out of their homes, crowding the streets. The city center square was a sea of people. Looking across, all one could see were countless heads; gaps were scarcely visible.
Today was the day the Biquan Sect recruited disciples, and the location was this very square.
At the very center of the square, the Azure Cloud City guard had cleared the only open space, several hundred square meters large. A ring of tables and stools was set up – this was the designated spirit root testing area. However, the members of the Biquan Sect had not yet arrived.
"Heavens... I never knew Azure Cloud City had so many people before!!" Standing at the edge of the square, Yao Wangtian gazed out at the endless mass of figures ahead, unable to contain his astonishment.
"Boss Lin, why haven't Young Master Zheng and the others arrived yet? The registration seems about to start." Xu Rong kept glancing anxiously down the street behind them.
Lin Feng looked back as well. "Isn't the time still early? Let's wait a bit longer. Zheng Kai should be here soon."
"Tsk tsk, who would've thought the Zheng Family Patriarch would return at this time? Young Master Zheng and Miss Kou are now disciples of the Xianyao Sect... truly enviable..." Zhang Fangzhou sighed, his eyes filled with admiration. By now, the news of the Zheng Family Patriarch's return had spread throughout Azure Cloud City, causing a huge sensation. It was said that the Biquan Sect members sent for recruitment had immediately paid a visit to the Zheng Mansion upon hearing the news, clearly showing goodwill, even bordering on flattery.
"They're here!! The people from the Biquan Sect are here!!" Just as they were talking, a commotion erupted behind them.
The densely packed crowd on the street was forcibly parted to create a wide passageway as a group of over twenty people approached slowly. Leading them was a grey-haired elder with a long beard. Though his face showed some signs of age, his vital energy was vigorous. He walked with powerful, measured strides, radiating an imposing aura that made the surrounding low-level cultivators feel awe-struck. This man was a Biquan Sect elder named Luo Yu, a Golden Core mid-stage cultivator, responsible for overseeing the disciple recruitment in Biquan City.
Behind Luo Yu were over twenty cultivators dressed in identical deep blue robes – all Biquan Sect disciples. The weakest among them was at least Foundation Establishment early-stage.
"Huh? Young Master Zheng and the others are at the back!" Looking at Luo Yu and his entourage with respectful awe, Zhang Fangzhou's eyes suddenly lit up. He pointed towards the rear of the procession.
Lin Feng also spotted Zheng Kai, Kou Tingting, and Changgong Xiaojing following behind the Biquan Sect group. They were looking in their direction.
Taking advantage of the passage still being open, Zheng Kai walked up to Lin Feng and the others, smiling. "Lin Feng, sorry we're late. Heh, come on, let's follow them."
"Brother Zhang, you guys can go ahead with the testing shortly. I've already spoken with Elder Luo. Brother Zhang's Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root ensures entry into the Biquan Sect. Even if Yao Wangtian and Xu Rong only possess Low-Grade Water Spirit Roots, they can also join." Walking behind the Biquan Sect group, Zheng Kai addressed Zhang Fangzhou and the others cheerfully.
"Really?!" Zhang Fangzhou and his two companions were overjoyed, speaking almost in unison, "Thank you so much, Young Master Zheng!" This was essentially using connections – proof that having the right contacts smoothed the way.
...
The Biquan Sect procession moved forward unimpeded. No matter how crowded the path, the crowd parted to let them pass. Soon, they reached the prepared open space at the center.
Each Biquan Sect disciple took a seat behind one of the long tables, retrieving a transparent crystal ball, roughly fifteen centimeters in diameter, from their storage rings and placing it on the table before them. These crystals were the special artifacts used for testing spirit root aptitude. This type was relatively common, typically used by sects ranked below fifth-grade. Higher-grade sects possessed even more precise instruments.
"Testing begins now! All participants, line up orderly for testing! Anyone disrupting order will be immediately disqualified!" Elder Luo Yu wasted no time, directly announcing the commencement of the tests.
As his voice rang out, the noisy square instantly quieted. Everyone became cautious, starting to form orderly queues behind each testing station.
Lin Feng's group, having arrived with the Biquan Sect procession, were already at the very front. Most people nearby recognized them, and no one jostled to take their spot. Consequently, they found themselves at the head of one queue.
Zheng Kai stepped up to the Biquan Sect disciple in charge of their station and smiled. "Brother Li, these are the friends I mentioned. Sorry for the trouble."
"Haha, no trouble at all, no trouble at all." The young man surnamed Li waved his hand amiably, then looked at Lin Feng, Zhang Fangzhou, and the others. "Honored to meet you all. Barring any surprises, we'll be fellow disciples soon. But procedure must be followed. So now, please test your spirit root aptitude one by one?"
Lin Feng glanced at Zhang Fangzhou, Yao Wangtian, and Xu Rong, who looked slightly nervous, and smiled. "Alright. Zhang Fangzhou, you go first."
"Okay." Zhang Fangzhou steadied himself, sat down, extended his right hand, and placed it on the crystal ball. He circulated his true essence, injecting it into the sphere.
Humm… Immediately, the crystal ball vibrated faintly. Like a lightbulb switching on, it emitted a bright, intense blue light. The radiance was so strong it drew the attention of everyone nearby.
"Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root! The very first test is a Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root?!" Someone reacted instantly, exclaiming in surprise. A murmur of astonished and envious whispers rippled through the crowd.
The disciple surnamed Li beamed at Zhang Fangzhou. "Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root! Excellent! Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, you have passed our sect's spirit root test. Moreover, the secondary test back at the sect should pose no issue. There's even a chance you might be selected for the inner sect! Congratulations, congratulations..."
"Heheh..." Though the result was expected, Zhang Fangzhou still breathed a huge sigh of relief, a hint of pride surfacing. He cupped his fists in acknowledgment with a grin, then stepped aside beside Lin Feng to make way for Yao Wangtian.
Next, Yao Wangtian and Xu Rong took their turns. Both tested as Mid-Grade Water Spirit Roots. This wasn't bad, but neither was it exceptional. However, both were still only at Qi Refinement, meaning they had the opportunity for further spirit root purification later. Even without Zheng Kai's prior arrangement, this level of aptitude qualified them to pass the initial test.
When the disciple surnamed Li announced their passes and recorded their results, both looked visibly excited. It seemed Zhang Fangzhou and his two companions would all successfully join the Biquan Sect. While those passing the initial test would face a secondary screening back at the sect, Yao Wangtian and Xu Rong becoming outer sect disciples shouldn't be difficult. Zhang Fangzhou still had a chance at the inner sect.
Afterwards, Changgong Xiaojing also took the test. Her Superior-Grade Water Spirit Root passed without question.
With all four successfully passing their tests, it was a joyous outcome. Their goal was achieved. Zheng Kai was about to suggest leaving to celebrate when Lin Feng, standing beside him, suddenly spoke to the Biquan Sect disciple:
"I'd also like to test my spirit root aptitude. Would that be possible?"