Half a Year

After the ceremony to enter the genealogy ended, Ye Qingxuan and the others were taken to a courtyard and assigned accommodations.

The next day, someone came to teach them the basics of cultivation.

The lessons covered the Ye Family's clan rules, realm divisions, Spirit Roots, Meridians and Acupoints, cultivation taboos, scripture comprehension, cultivation methods, and more.

On the first day of formal study, Ye Qingxuan learned about this world's realm divisions.

There were ten realms in total:

Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Purple Mansion, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Void Glimpse, Void Comprehension, Tribulation Crossing, and Mahayana!

In the days that followed, Ye Qingxuan had already learned a small portion of the other material in the Library of Ye Clan Immortal City.

Coupled with Ye Qingxuan's extraordinary memory and comprehension, he could essentially absorb and master this basic knowledge after learning it once.

As a result, Ye Qingxuan's progress was astonishing, far surpassing the others.

Fortunately, Cloud Mist Mountain also had a Library Pavilion, so Ye Qingxuan would not have to waste time.

The collection within Cloud Mist Mountain was not something Ye Clan Immortal City could compare to; it covered much knowledge related to cultivation.

No matter where one was, knowledge was an indispensable thing.

If he wanted to go farther, he needed to accumulate more knowledge.

Spirit herbs, Demonic Beasts, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, pills, artifacts, formations, talismans, even Spirit Planters and more.

Although Ye Qingxuan might not necessarily choose any of these secondary pursuits in the future, there was no harm in learning about them beforehand.

During these six months,

Ye Qingxuan was either studying or on his way to study.

During this time, many clan members who had originally been strangers gradually grew familiar with one another. They each made quite a few friends and formed small circles.

Even Ye Qingxuan, who had always buried himself in study, met several clan members through Ye Qingxiao after becoming friends with him, though their friendship was not particularly deep.

The half year of living and studying together also greatly strengthened everyone's sense of belonging to the Ye Clan!

Perhaps this was one of the reasons the Ye Family had everyone live and study together for six months?

Busy days always passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for the assessment.

"Qingxuan, once you get the reward for first place in the assessment, you have to treat me!"

On the way to the assessment site, Ye Qingxiao threw an arm around Ye Qingxuan's shoulders and said carelessly.

Looking at Ye Qingxiao with his arm around him, Ye Qingxuan could not help rolling his eyes.

"Fine, fine, fine! I'll treat you to a feast when the time comes!"

As he spoke, Ye Qingxuan himself could not help swallowing.

The ingredients in this world were nourished by spiritual energy. Their deliciousness was beyond anything from his past life.

Especially Demonic Beast meat—it did not merely ignite one's taste buds, but every cell in the body.

Unfortunately, Demonic Beast meat was an extremely scarce resource. Over the past six months, Ye Qingxuan and the others had only eaten it a handful of times, yet they had never forgotten it.

Although this assessment was not a major event, the Ye Family had prepared some small rewards.

The first-place winner would receive a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills and three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones.

Whether Qi Gathering Pills or three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones, both were important resources in Early Qi Refining.

For people like them who had not yet stepped onto the Immortal Path, their appeal could be imagined.

Ye Qingxuan usually kept a low profile, but as one of his few friends, Ye Qingxiao understood both his learning ability and his frightening diligence.

He had practically been one step away from living in the Library Pavilion.

He believed that first place in the assessment could belong to none other than Ye Qingxuan.

But some people were unwilling to accept that.

Ye Qingshuang, who was not far away, immediately let out a cold snort when she heard Ye Qingxiao's words.

"Hmph, who gets first place is not certain yet!"

Though her words were meant to refute Ye Qingxiao, her gaze was fixed fiercely on Ye Qingxuan.

Ye Qingshuang was also a frequent visitor to the Library Pavilion.

Ever since she had accidentally learned of Ye Qingxuan's study progress from Ye Qingxiao, Ye Qingshuang had begun competing with Ye Qingxuan.

In the end, she followed Ye Qingxuan's example and began constantly running to the Library Pavilion, throwing herself fully into the grind.

Over time, the two became friends in a competitive relationship, though Ye Qingshuang had always refused to accept defeat.

Hearing Ye Qingshuang's words and sensing her gaze, Ye Qingxuan raised a brow. He said nothing, merely revealing undisguised confidence in his eyes as he walked toward the assessment site.

He left only Ye Qingshuang behind, stomping her feet in frustration.

So furious that she gritted her teeth, Ye Qingshuang muttered to herself:

"Ye Qingxuan, just wait. I'll definitely surpass you! Hmph!"

With one final cold snort, Ye Qingshuang also hurried toward the assessment site.

After Ye Qingxuan arrived at the Examination Hall, quite a few people had already gathered there. On the high platform of the Examination Hall, he saw a familiar figure!

The person overseeing everyone's assessment this time was Ye Yonglun, the one who had tested his Spirit Root.

When he saw Ye Yonglun, Ye Qingxuan did not foolishly go forward to greet him. Instead, he obediently lined up and waited at the side.

Once everyone had arrived, the assessment began at once.

The assessment lasted one shichen. For those who knew the material, that was more than enough; for those who did not, no amount of time would help.

After receiving his examination paper, Ye Qingxuan immediately began answering. The entire process flowed like drifting clouds and running water, without the slightest pause.

More than half of the assessment questions covered material taught during the past six months, while less than half were extensions of that material.

According to the assessment rules, as long as one correctly answered the material that had been taught without making mistakes, one would pass.

But to rank near the top, one had to answer the extension questions correctly as well.

Among the more than two hundred people in the Examination Hall, nearly everyone had their heads lowered as they answered. None had been stumped by the earlier questions.

Those who could develop Spirit Roots were not lacking in talent. As long as they put in effort normally, these basic common-sense questions posed no difficulty at all.

Ye Qingxuan quickly finished the examination paper. To him, these questions were child's play.

However, he had no intention of showing off by handing in his paper early. Instead, he sat in his seat with his eyes closed, resting his mind.

Time passed.

Soon, the assessment time was up.

"Alright, put down your brushes! Everyone, stand where you are and do not move!"

As Ye Yonglun's words fell, everyone put down their brushes and stood where they were without moving about recklessly.

Seeing that everyone had obediently stopped writing and remained in place, Ye Yonglun nodded.

Then he stood up, and his Spiritual Sense surged forth. Every examination paper rose into the air from nothing.

After the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, Ye Yonglun withdrew his Spiritual Sense. After giving Ye Qingxuan a surprised glance, he spoke indifferently.

"For this assessment, there were two hundred and fifteen participants. Two hundred and twelve passed, while three failed!"

Upon hearing Ye Yonglun's words, most people in the field were full of confidence and showed no change in expression. Only a small number had their faces change, afraid that they were among those who had failed.

One or two even wore bitter expressions, clearly knowing the answer in their hearts.

Ignoring the changes in the field, Ye Yonglun continued coldly.

"The standard for passing the assessment is not difficult. Put in some effort normally and be more careful during the assessment, and passing is easy.

"If you cannot even do that, I advise you not to step onto the Immortal Path."

At these words, Ye Yonglun's aura became even more chilling, making everyone in the field feel a coldness seep through them.

After sweeping his gaze around, Ye Yonglun solemnly addressed everyone.

"The Immortal Path has no regrets. Sometimes, one wrong step leads to eternal damnation. I hope that you will remember this in your hearts in the future and do not make mistakes lightly."

"Yes, thank you for Clan Uncle's guidance. We will remember it in our hearts."

Hearing Ye Yonglun's instruction, everyone in the field bowed all together and answered.

Even Ye Qingxuan greatly agreed with Ye Yonglun's words. He engraved them even more deeply in his heart as he silently thought, Although I possess Eternal Lifespan, the margin for error on the Cultivation Path is too small. Lifespan cannot shield me from every disaster. Before I possess Sufficient Strength, I must be cautious, cautious, and more cautious.

Seeing that everyone had taken his words to heart, Ye Yonglun's expression eased slightly as he continued.

"Alright, you must walk the road ahead yourselves. I have said all that needs to be said.

"Ye Qinglu, Ye Qingxi, Ye Qingcheng, step forward. From today onward, the three of you will study on your own in the Library Pavilion. Only when you can pass the assessment may you proceed to the next stage of cultivation!"

As soon as his words fell, two men and one woman stepped out from the crowd, each wearing a look of shame.

After walking forward, the three spoke all together.

"Yes, Clan Uncle!"

Then they left the Examination Hall with flushed faces.

After the three departed, Ye Yonglun continued his announcement.

"First place in this assessment: Ye Qingxuan. Reward: ten Qi Gathering Pills and three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones!

"Second place in this assessment: Ye Qingshuang. Reward: five Qi Gathering Pills and two hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones!

"Third place in this assessment: Ye Qingying. Reward: three Qi Gathering Pills and one hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones!

"Someone will deliver your rewards tomorrow.

"Alright, the assessment has ended. Congratulations. You may now begin making contact with cultivation. Tomorrow, someone will arrange for you to go to the Merit Hall and select cultivation methods!"

After speaking, Ye Yonglun rode his sword away.

"Yeah! That's great! Hahaha!"

"We can finally begin cultivating! I can't wait any longer."

The moment Ye Yonglun left, everyone began cheering wildly where they stood.

Hearing their cheers, Ye Qingxuan could not help smiling as well. He suppressed the excitement in his heart, his eyes filled with anticipation.

An arm suddenly hooked around Ye Qingxuan's neck. Ye Qingxuan helplessly glanced at the hand resting on his shoulder as a familiar voice sounded beside his ear again.

"Qingxuan, not bad! You didn't disappoint me. Come on, come on, treat me! Hahaha!"

Ye Qingxuan folded his arms and directly ignored Ye Qingxiao's words.

What a joke. He had not even received his reward yet—what was he supposed to use to treat him?

At this moment, Ye Qingshuang pushed through the crowd and arrived beside Ye Qingxuan in a huff. She picked up Ye Qingxuan's examination paper.

After reading it, she slammed Ye Qingxuan's examination paper viciously onto the table.

Smack!

Then she declared fiercely:

"Ye Qingxuan, don't be smug. We are people who seek immortality. In the end, we must compare Cultivation Speed, not these petty skills.

"Once cultivation begins tomorrow, I'll definitely surpass you! Hmph!"

Without waiting for Ye Qingxuan to respond, she stormed off alone.

Ye Qingxuan was left stunned. He shook his head.

"Young people these days, why is their competitive spirit so strong? Not mature at all. I never agreed to compete with you."

Ye Qingxuan was not foolish. Ye Qingshuang had a Three-element Spirit Root, while he had a Single Element Spiritual Root. How could his Cultivation Speed possibly compare to hers?

When Ye Qingxiao beside him heard Ye Qingxuan admit defeat, he hurriedly patted his chest and declared:

"Qingxuan, don't worry. When the time comes, I'll compete with Ye Qingshuang in Cultivation Speed on your behalf."

After making that promise, Ye Qingxiao immediately spoke again.

"Qingxuan, you can't go back on your word. You said you'd treat me to a feast."

So angry that Ye Qingxuan rolled his eyes at him.

"Eat, eat, eat! All you know is eating! I haven't even received my reward yet! What am I supposed to eat with?"

Hearing this, Ye Qingxiao awkwardly stroked his head, but still gathered his courage and continued.

"It's fine. We can eat tomorrow."

Ye Qingxuan slapped his forehead, his face full of black lines. Destroy it all!