Above-average Aptitude, a Stark Contrast

In an instant, the atmosphere at the scene boiled over, and countless envious gazes turned toward the young girl on the high platform.

A Dual Spirit Root, and one with a Water-Wood Affinity at that—a top-tier attribute. It was even better than an ordinary Dual Spirit Root, second only to the legendary Heavenly Spirit Root.

Shen Qingruo returned to Shen Yun's side, looking at him with a smile. Her bright eyes flickered as if she were trying to say something.

The corners of Shen Yun's lips lifted as he chuckled. "Little Genius, congratulations."

Shen Qingruo gave a smug little snort. Shen Qiu had just been about to step forward and offer his congratulations when he realized she was not paying him any attention at all. He grew somewhat despondent.

"Next, Shen Yun!"

Before one wave had settled, another rose. The crowd was still immersed in the shock brought by Shen Qingruo when they heard Shen Yun's name, and their expectations rose even higher.

I hope I have a good aptitude.

Shen Yun sighed inwardly. It was impossible not to feel nervous, after all. This was the watershed that would determine his entire life.

However, he was no longer a young boy. His expression betrayed nothing, carrying the calm of someone who had done everything he could and left the rest to fate.

The Third Elder secretly nodded. No wonder the First Elder thinks highly of him. Just this composure alone places him far above the ordinary.

Shen Yun touched the Spirit Sensing Stone, feeling a chill pass through his finger. Then a current of energy traveled along all his meridians.

The black stone flickered with light and gradually brightened, but it was still far dimmer than before.

The Third Elder's expression changed slightly. Only when the gold, red, and green lights became increasingly distinct did he say, somewhat disappointed, "Shen Yun, Gold-Fire-Wood Three-Attribute Spirit Root."

The scene fell silent, and the crowd began whispering among themselves.

"I didn't expect Shen Yun to have only a Three-Attribute Spirit Root. I thought he could at least stand shoulder to shoulder with Shen Qingruo."

"How could a Dual Spirit Root be so easy to come by? Intelligence ultimately isn't the same as aptitude."

"Actually, a Three-Attribute Spirit Root is already excellent. It's only somewhat lacking when placed on Shen Yun."

"..."

The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Especially with Shen Qingruo's dazzling performance before him, Shen Yun's result created a powerful contrast.

Not bad. At least it's an Above-average Aptitude.

Shen Yun did not feel disappointed. A Three-Attribute Spirit Root already surpassed that of more than ninety-five percent of people. What more could he be dissatisfied with?

Seeing that he was neither pleased nor saddened, Shen Qingruo sighed with relief and said, "I believe that with Brother Shen Yun's intelligence, even with a Three-Attribute Spirit Root, he can still go very far."

Shen Qiu said nothing, his expression somewhat complicated.

His father had passed away long ago, leaving him with only a Mortal Mother. Because of this, he had always felt extremely inferior.

Shen Yun, on the other hand, had been capable of everything since childhood and remained calm in the face of danger, earning Shen Qiu's admiration as well as a trace of jealousy.

So Shen Yun is merely an outstanding ordinary person after all.

Today's setback had caused Shen Yun's image in his heart to come crashing down.

Just as he stood there in a daze, the Third Elder's voice rang out. "Next, Shen Qiu."

Yet after a long while, no one answered.

"Could it be that Shen Qiu hasn't come?!"

The Third Elder raised his voice, startling every bird in the trees into flight.

"Ah?! I'm here!"

Shen Qiu hurried onto the platform, but he stumbled and fell flat on his face, drawing a wave of laughter.

"I know him. He's always been Shen Yun's little shadow."

"The last one is actually this guy? He's probably another person without a Spirit Root."

"Stop dawdling. Hurry up and finish so we can go claim our Cultivation Methods."

"..."

Shen Qiu's face shifted from green to white. Even the Third Elder could not help shaking his head. With such a temperament, he was of little use.

Just as everyone was growing bored, Shen Qiu stumbled over and touched the Spirit Sensing Stone.

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At once, a blinding light erupted!

Gold and Red Light burst forth, only slightly weaker than the light Shen Qingruo had produced earlier.

The Third Elder was the first to recover. He stared in disbelief. "Gold-Fire Dual Spirit Root!"

Before his voice had even faded, the scene had already erupted into an uproar.

"He's actually got a Dual Spirit Root! What kind of dog luck did this guy have?"

"What do you mean, 'this guy'? Show some respect. Shen Qiu is my big brother from now on."

"Wind and Clouds Meet in Shallow Waters. Another Hidden Dragon has emerged!"

"..."

Everyone's attitude underwent a complete reversal. Those who offered the most praise were precisely the ones who had voiced the loudest doubts earlier. It was truly a winding mountain path revealing a new vista, completely beyond everyone's expectations.

Several figures who had been watching from the shadows now revealed themselves as well.

"Excellent aptitude. The Shen Family needs talent like this. Would you be willing to come with me and cultivate in the Lightning Vein?"

A tall figure appeared out of thin air. His brows were like swords and his gaze blazed like torches as he strode swiftly from the void.

The Third Elder stepped in front of Shen Qiu, his gaze solemn. "Shen Fan, are you trying to snatch someone from our branch?"

The Shen Family had two major factions: the Lightning Vein led by the Patriarch, and the Wind Vein led by the First Elder. Countless distributions of benefits were entangled between them, and the Shen Fan before them was a staunch member of the Lightning Vein.

"The Third Elder jests. Shen Qiu is merely a member of a collateral branch and has nothing to do with the Wind Vein."

Shen Fan gave a Slight Smile. Shen Qingruo was the Fifth Elder's granddaughter, so he could not possibly recruit her. Shen Qiu, however, carried no such label. Taking him under his wing would be a great accomplishment.

Shen Qiu's mind was somewhat hazy. Only after two important figures competed over him did he finally realize that he was not dreaming.

I actually have a Dual Spirit Root!

His heart filled with wild joy. His slightly hunched back suddenly straightened. Being invited by the Lightning Vein was something he had never dared to imagine before.

Shen Qiu looked at Shen Qingruo below the platform, hesitation showing on his face. Then he Took a Deep Breath and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior. This happened so suddenly. Allow me some time to think it over."

Shen Fan narrowed his eyes and said slowly, "Deep Thought is a good thing too. Once you've made up your mind, come find me at Misty Peak."

Under the many envious gazes, Shen Qiu returned to the crowd. His steps were steady and forceful—there was no trace of his former cowardice left.

Shen Yun stepped forward and chuckled. "Congratulations."

Shen Qiu nodded in response, then turned toward Shen Qingruo. His gaze burned as he said, "If I encounter any problems in cultivation From now on, I'll ask Qingruo to Please Enlighten Me."

Shen Qingruo's brows Slightly Furrowed. His gaze made her uncomfortable, so she answered perfunctorily, "We'll talk about it later."

Shen Qiu's expression became somewhat stiff. However, a group of people came forward and surrounded him, showering him with flattery until he began to feel lightheaded with pleasure.

First they fawned, then they turned their backs. This person isn't worth befriending deeply.

Shen Yun took everything in. The twelve-year-old Kid wore all his emotions on his face, and Shen Yun saw his transformation clearly.

The Spirit Testing Ceremony ended. Those without Spirit Roots left dejectedly, while those who remained wore Excited color on their faces. The joys and sorrows of people were never shared.

The Third Elder stood with his hands behind his back and said solemnly, "Everyone here is the future of the Shen Family. Starting today, the Family will distribute resources every month, for a total of ten years."

Everyone focused intently, not daring to miss a single word.

"Those with a Five-Attribute Spirit Root will receive two hundred Contribution Points and one bottle of Qi Gathering Pill each month... Those with a Three-Attribute Spirit Root will receive one thousand Contribution Points and two bottles of Qi Gathering Pill each month." At this point, the Third Elder paused before continuing, "Those with a Dual Spirit Root will receive three thousand Contribution Points and five bottles of Qi Gathering Pill each month."

When they heard the distribution method, most people's faces turned livid. Some who considered themselves extraordinary felt as if they had been struck over the head, finally understanding what reality meant.

The Third Elder shook his head. This was already the Shen Family's preferential treatment. It was far too common for Rogue Cultivators to lose their lives over a few Spirit Stones.

"Afterward, you may go to the Scripture Pavilion and select three Cultivation Methods. Be sure to choose carefully. This concerns your future development."

After explaining the important points, the Third Elder drifted away, and the Spirit Testing Ceremony finally settled into dust.

Shen Qiu felt exhilarated as thoughts began to form. "Shen Yun only has a Three-Attribute Spirit Root. With my aptitude and greater resources, I'll certainly become more outstanding than him. When the time comes..."

He looked around, but he did not see that familiar graceful figure, and his expression darkened.

By then, Shen Yun and Shen Qingruo had already left the hall and were heading toward the Scripture Pavilion.