Soul Value

"It was just a lucky coincidence," Xiao Ming said with a casual smile.

"In terms of talent, you and that girl from the Dan Family can be considered the leading figures of this generation in the Pill Tower. There's no need to belittle yourselves."

As he spoke, Xiao Ming glanced in the direction of the Dan Family.

Perhaps sensing Xiao Ming's gaze, a delicate-looking girl from the Dan Family turned her head, met Xiao Ming's eyes for a moment, and then immediately looked away as if she had been electrocuted, displaying a very shy demeanor.

Cao Ying noticed Xiao Ming's actions, glanced at the girl, covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her voice quite alluring and seductive.

"Sir, excessive modesty can just be arrogance."

"In this competition, even against you, I will give it my all. By the way, congratulations on breaking through to the Heavenly Realm."

The next sentence faded into silence. After speaking, Cao Ying took her leave, swaying her hips as she walked towards the Cao Family's seats.

Behind him, Cao Dan and Cao Xiu, the three outstanding members of the Cao Family, gave Xiao Ming a smile and then hurriedly followed Cao Ying.

Xiao Ming simply watched Cao Ying's retreating figure with a faint smile. He wasn't wrong; he did indeed have many opportunities. Otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved so much at such a young age.

Cao Ying was born with a powerful soul, and Dan Chen had Soul Absorbing Physique. They were indeed leading figures among the younger generation of the Pill Tower. However, both of them had been Secluded Cultivation in the Pill Tower, so their opportunities were not as good as his.

A level of expertise is one thing, and talent is another. While a level of expertise can represent talent to some extent, it is only to a certain degree.

After the Cao Family members took their seats, all the members of the Five Great Clans had arrived. Suddenly, the floor of the hall began to tremble slowly, and the seats of the Five Directions Families gradually shifted back, like movable floorboards.

In the blink of an eye, a very spacious plaza appeared in the center of the main hall.

As the square appeared, a sprightly, white-haired old man slowly walked out and stopped in the center of the square.

The old man's gaze slowly swept across the entire hall. When he saw Xiao Ming, he paused slightly, then resumed his composure, a smile appearing on his face. He said, "Now that Five Great Clans have arrived, I won't say any more. This year's assessment will still be presided over by me. Does anyone have any objections?"

"Elder Shengyao, it seems he's still in charge this year."

Ye Zhong, who was standing next to him, sighed. This elder had a past with the Ye Family and had helped them a lot. However, the assessment of the five families was not something that the Eight Great Elders could exempt them from. Therefore, the elder was powerless to help the Ye Family with their assessment.

"It's almost time. Those from the Five Great Clans, please enter the arena."

After a brief opening statement, Elder Sheng began to speak.

As soon as he finished speaking, the whispers that had been filling the room fell silent.

Xiao Ming calmly stood up, flicked his sleeves, and slowly walked towards the center of the square.

Just as Xiao Ming stood up, one person from each of the other four families also stood up. The contestants were not unexpected for Xiao Ming.

Cao Ying, with her alluring figure, stood up from her seat in the Cao Family's seat.

Upon seeing Cao Ying Dan Family the arena, the seemingly frail Dan Chen hesitated for a moment before rising, speaking to the man beside her, and then standing up as well.

On the Bai Family's seat, a rather handsome man also stood up, but his expression was quite unpleasant.

Qiu Family was an ordinary-looking man, whose face was even more unpleasant than that of the Bai Family. When Xiao Ming appeared, Xiao Ming was undoubtedly the first, and he was sure he would be the last, because he knew all the people who appeared, and he was the weakest.

The five people slowly walked down the square, each keeping a respectful distance from the others.

"Hehe, Cao Ying from the Cao Family greets Elder Sheng!"

Cao Ying smiled charmingly, her beauty captivating, and her voice was melodious and pleasant, instantly winning one's favor.

"Dan Chen of the Dan Family greets Elder Sheng!"

After Cao Ying, Dan Chen also spoke respectfully, her shy, downcast expression making her even more endearing.

"Well!"

Elder Sheng stroked his beard, a bright smile on his aged face. Cao Ying and Dan Chen were both disciples of the Pill Tower, so he naturally wouldn't give them any attitude.

"Bai Ying of the Bai Family greets Elder Sheng."

"Qiu Family"

Elder Sheng was not as enthusiastic towards the two men, and simply nodded indifferently.

When it was Xiao Ming's turn, Elder Sheng, with a smile on his face, took the initiative to speak, "Elder Xiao, are you representing the Ye Family this time?"

"Yes." Xiao Ming nodded, appearing quite nonchalant. He and Elder Sheng were both among the Eight Elders, so there was no need for him to be reserved. When it came to Alchemy Technique, Elder Sheng was no better than Xiao Ming.

"It seems the Ye Family has a sure thing about winning the championship this time!"

Elder Sheng glanced at Xiao Ming, stroked his beard, and chuckled. He knew that Xiao Ming's soul had broken through to the Heavenly Realm a few days ago, while the other four hadn't even reached the Ling Realm. Xiao Ming's participation in this assessment was somewhat like bullying them.

However, since this didn't violate any rules, and Xiao Ming wasn't actually that old, Elder Sheng didn't say anything.

"All those who will participate in the assessment have arrived, so let's begin today's assessment."

After saying this, Elder Sheng moved his feet and gradually retreated until he reached a place covered by a black cloth.

He casually pulled off the black cloth, revealing a Stone Stele that was at least ten feet tall. Actually, calling it Stone Stele wasn't entirely accurate, because the Stone Stele was extremely transparent, looking just like crystal.

"Our assessment consists of three parts, and the first part is Soul Measurement."

When it came to serious matters, Elder Sheng's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. His gaze swept over the five contestants, including Xiao Ming, and he slowly said:

"As everyone knows, the soul is the most important foundation for Alchemist. Only a sufficiently powerful soul can possess adequate soul perception and Soul Control."

Elder Sheng raised his hand and pointed to the center of the Stone Stele, where there was a smooth, round Mirror Plate, and said:

"Each of you will channel your Soul Power into the Stone Stele. The Mirror Plate will then measure your soul value, which the Pill Tower calls Soul Value."

"Soul Value of 400 or above is considered passing. The highest record for Soul Value in the Five Great Clans Examination over the years belongs to a woman Dan Yun, with a value of 789."

"However, I think this record will definitely be broken today."

At this point, Elder Sheng's gaze fell on Xiao Ming, and everyone's eyes followed Elder Sheng's words, all looking at Xiao Ming.

That's true. With Xiao Ming, an Eighth Grade, around, breaking this record would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it? They only care about the specific value that Xiao Ming measured.

At this moment, Elder Sheng secretly sent a telepathic message to Xiao Ming.

"Elder Xiao, please restrain yourself later. The Stone Stele cannot withstand the Soul Power of a Heavenly Realm expert."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming paused slightly, then nodded slightly. He had never intended to go all out.

Seeing Xiao Ming nod, Elder Sheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and called out to the crowd.

Now that everyone understands the rules, who should go first to test it?

Cao Ying giggled, her narrow phoenix eyes sweeping over Xiao Ming, who remained calm, with a captivating allure. She swayed her hips and stepped forward, bowing to Elder Sheng before smiling and saying:

"With Mr. Xiao Ming here today, the highest record will undoubtedly be set by him. However, let me break this record first."

Standing before the Stone Stele, she gently raised her jade hand and slowly pressed it onto the Stone Stele. Instantly, a terrifying Soul Storm rose around her.

Instantly, the smooth mirror at the center of the Stone Stele displayed a series of blood-red numbers, which continued to change for a full ten seconds before settling down.

"1086!"