The laughter on the training field slowly faded as the next children stepped forward for testing.
Michael and Matthew quietly returned to the edge of the crowd.
Neither of them looked upset.
They had already grown used to the reactions.
"Average again," Matthew said calmly.
Michael shrugged.
"At least we're consistent."
Matthew chuckled.
Around them, the other children continued whispering.
"Such a strange spirit root…"
"Half Yin, half Yang…"
"But the purity is too low."
"What a waste."
The twins ignored them.
At the edge of the training field stood an elderly man leaning on a wooden staff.
His long grey hair flowed down his back and his eyes were calm and sharp.
He had been watching the ceremony the entire time.
This man was Li Tian, the twins' grandfather.
Unlike most elders in the clan, Li Tian belonged to the branch family.
He possessed moderate cultivation but held little political power.
Still…
His eyes were far more perceptive than most.
When the twins walked toward him, he smiled.
"So?"
Matthew spoke first.
"They said the same thing again."
"Average."
Michael crossed his arms.
"They told us not to expect many resources from the clan."
Li Tian nodded slowly.
"I expected as much."
The twins blinked.
"You expected it?"
The old man looked around carefully to make sure no one was listening.
Then he lowered his voice.
"Come with me."
The branch residence stood far from the luxurious mansions of the main clan.
Simple stone buildings surrounded a quiet courtyard filled with old trees.
The twins had grown up here.
To them, it felt like home.
Li Tian led them into a small study room.
Ancient books filled dusty shelves while faint spiritual formations protected the walls.
The old man closed the door.
Then he turned to the twins.
"Tell me," he said.
"When the spirit root test activated… what did you feel?"
Michael frowned.
"Energy."
Matthew nodded.
"Two different energies."
"One cold. One warm."
Li Tian's eyes flashed.
"Did they fight each other?"
"No," Matthew said.
"They moved together."
"Like they were… balanced."
The old man slowly smiled.
"Good."
Michael tilted his head.
"Grandfather… why do you seem happy?"
Li Tian walked toward an old wooden chest in the corner.
The chest was covered in ancient symbols.
With careful movements, he opened it.
Inside lay a single jade scroll.
The scroll radiated faint spiritual energy.
The twins felt their hearts tremble slightly when they looked at it.
"What is that?" Matthew asked.
Li Tian picked up the scroll.
"This," he said quietly, "is something the Yin–Yang Clan forgot long ago."
"A cultivation technique left behind by one of our ancestors."
Michael's eyes widened.
"A clan technique?"
Li Tian shook his head.
"No."
"A forbidden one."
The twins froze.