"Fei Lingjun, High-Level Earth Spiritual Root, approved!"
A middle-aged man said with a satisfied smile, looking at a handsome young man standing before him, who was holding a sphere-shaped object. The sphere glowed yellow and, at the same time, revealed the shadow of a small red snake.
That shadow was his spiritual root—something essential for cultivation, determining both his speed and his future achievements.
---
"High-Level Earth Root?"
Upon seeing the quality of his spiritual root, Fei Lingjun's eyes trembled with disbelief, as if he couldn't accept the result.
While he was still in shock, the middle-aged man silently stepped forward and patted his shoulder.
"Congratulations, boy. Among ten thousand people, you are the best. But compared to our academy, you're still only considered average." The man spoke calmly, then continued: "Do not grow arrogant. Focus seriously on cultivation."
After speaking, he extended his hand, gesturing lightly with his fingers as though asking for something.
Fei Lingjun, still dazed, quickly came back to his senses upon seeing the elder's action. He hurriedly handed over the crystal sphere he was holding, then clasped his hands in salute.
"Thank you for the guidance."
After speaking, Fei Lingjun looked at the man, who only smiled and said no more, merely pointing behind him, where three figures were gathered.
Seeing them, Fei Lingjun understood the gesture and walked toward them. Once he left, the man looked down at the remaining twenty or so youths still waiting to test their spiritual roots.
"Will anyone else from this small city manage to surprise me?"
The man murmured to himself, a trace of expectation flashing in his eyes. To him, the more talents appeared, the better. Even if considered only mediocre, they would still be enough to improve his standing within the sect.
---
While the testing continued, Fei Lingjun had already approached the group, which consisted of two men and one woman, all of whom possessed spiritual roots.
Seeing them, Fei Lingjun said nothing. He simply stood to the side, sat cross-legged, and in the next moment closed his eyes.
The two young men beside him frowned at his behavior. They disliked his indifferent attitude, deeming it arrogant, but said nothing—they had no right to. In this world where strength was respected and talent determined everything, they were inferior to Fei Lingjun.
Possessing only Human-level spiritual roots, they were below the Earth level.
"How unfair! Why does that second-generation brat have better talent than us?"
One of them muttered. His name was Jiang Tai, one of the most dissatisfied. The boy beside him, Bai Lie, shared the sentiment but kept his thoughts to himself.
As for the girl, she had a Low-Level Earth spiritual root. Her gaze lingered on Fei Lingjun with curiosity. In her mind, this young master, the City Lord's son, was nothing more than a spoiled second-generation rich kid.
"Interesting." She whispered softly, then turned her attention back to the spiritual root testing.
---
Meanwhile, Fei Lingjun, though seemingly with his eyes closed, found himself in a place filled with stars. Before his eyes stood a golden cauldron, its surface engraved with two mythical figures: a dragon and a phoenix.
'What is this?' Fei Lingjun was puzzled. He had discovered this strange cauldron when he was twelve, while exploring ancient ruins. He had taken it only because it looked beautiful. But three years ago, while traveling through those lands again, he had slipped and fallen nearly ten meters. He only survived thanks to this object, which, in the end, fused with him.
From that moment on, he knew he had obtained a treasure.
'Alas…' He sighed, but soon after smiled.
'Could this cauldron be an immortal artifact? With it, could I go far on the path of immortality?'
The thought made him excited. Since childhood, he had always dreamed of becoming a cultivator, soaring through the skies and attaining immortality.
'With my Earth-level spiritual root, I can be considered average… but that's still not enough.'
Fei Lingjun's blood boiled. Being average wasn't enough for him. He wanted to be the best of his generation, the strongest cultivator.
'Why not dream big? Even if it's nearly impossible, why not try? Isn't it better to walk a path aiming to be the greatest?'
Fei Lingjun grew determined, resolved to give his all in pursuit of that distant dream.
"It's time to return." With that wave of determination, he opened his eyes and glanced to the side, where five people stood.
'Two have already passed… how many are left to be tested?' He wondered, looking toward the elder. Below him, no one was left waiting.
'Out of a hundred, only six possess spiritual roots… how disappointing.'
Fei Lingjun sighed. To him, this didn't matter much personally, but for his father, the City Lord, it could mean fewer resources and investments for their city.
"I must stand out! Only by standing out can I prevent my city from falling into poverty!"
He set this goal firmly in his heart. This was the best way to help his father.
Carrying this sense of responsibility, he stood and looked around, memorizing each face.
"Congratulations on passing the test and entering the Azure Spiritual Academy. I hope you bring honor to our Crimson Cloud City and pride to your families. At the same time, I hope you remain cautious. My father told me that the cultivation world is cruel: one misstep means certain death. As fellow countrymen, I do not wish death upon any of you. Take care of yourselves."
Speaking these heartfelt words, Fei Lingjun smiled, then turned his back on the others. At that moment, his bearing was that of an immortal.
This left the group stunned. None spoke for a time, until one youth finally broke the silence:
"Young Master Fei is right. We must survive. We must represent our parents, and show our resolve."
As he said this, the youth, Li Xuandi—considered the smartest in the city—looked at Fei Lingjun's back, silently making a vow.
The other four felt the same, remaining quiet.
The elder, who had been downcast by the disappointing results, upon hearing those voices, looked back and saw Fei Lingjun approaching with five youths following behind him.
"Six people…" He sighed, dispirited.
'Will any of them manage to surprise me? Young Fei Lingjun is the most talented here, but can he truly compare to the geniuses of our academy?'
He questioned inwardly, anxious for what was to come.
"Boy, don't disappoint me. My promotion depends on you!"