Boom-
The radiance that shook heaven and earth finally faded slowly. The sky gradually grew calm again, and the light surrounding the Spirit Stone pillars receded, turning into wisps of gray-white spiritual mist that vanished into the air.
The thousands of youths and deacons in the square remained dumbstruck, as though their minds had suffered a tremendous blow. Only after a moment did whispers begin to rise:
"Wh... what kind of Spirit Root is this?"
"This is definitely an anomalous spiritual root... something rarely seen throughout the ages!"
"That child actually came from the gray spirit root disciples' district?"
Amid this mingling of deathly silence and clamor, a young figure suddenly moved.
Tears shimmered in Qin Yu's eyes, his chest heaving. He spun around and hurried toward Zhang Hao in the crowd.
"Deacon Zhang!"
His young, trembling voice carried excitement and joy. "I... I passed!"
Zhang Hao's gaze softened in an instant. Looking at the boy, he felt an indescribable surge of gratification and pride.
"Yes." He merely nodded gently, his voice steady yet filled with irrepressible approval. "You did very well."
Yet just then, the deacons who had mocked him earlier wore complicated expressions. One snorted. "Hmph, a phenomenon spiritual root? Utter nonsense. No one has truly seen that legendary phenomenon spiritual root in tens of millions of years. It was probably just an illusion."
"Zhang Hao, you certainly got lucky. Unfortunately, he might not make it very far. As for whether it really is a phenomenon spiritual root, that remains to be seen."
Zhang Hao slowly turned, his gaze as cold and sharp as a blade. His voice was low, yet carried clearly across the square:
"Everyone, who called him trash earlier? Who said he couldn't even manifest the lowest Spirit Root? Have you seen clearly now? This is the legendary phenomenon spiritual root."
His gaze swept across them. The deacons looked away beneath his stare, none daring to speak again.
Zhang Hao continued coldly, "Remember, from this moment on, this boy is no longer a gray spirit root menial, but Cloud-Leveling Hall's first phenomenon spiritual root! A phenomenon spiritual root... favored by destiny itself. If you still have eyes, shut your mouths!"
The entire square fell silent.
Qin Yu stood beside Zhang Hao. Beneath the gaze of thousands upon thousands in the magnificent square, his small figure seemed especially resolute.
At this moment, he was no longer that nameless boy at the village entrance, but someone everyone had no choice but to look up to.
The lingering traces of the phenomenon had yet to fade. Not a bird's cry broke the square's silence, and every gaze rested on that youthful figure and the deacon beside him.
Just then, atop the dais, the grand elder slowly rose. His long beard fluttered, and his voice rolled down like a mighty bell:
"This! A phenomenon spiritual root, appearing once in all the ages!"
The grand elder's voice rang out powerfully. He stared at Qin Yu with burning eyes, unable to hide his excitement. "From today onward, you are no longer a menial, no longer a gray spirit root, but the first disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall to awaken a phenomenon spiritual root! It is said that not one person with a phenomenon spiritual root appears in tens of millions of years. And you shall be a direct disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice transmission quietly reached his ears.
It was the second elder's voice, carrying a measure of caution. "Grand Elder, whether this truly is a phenomenon spiritual root still requires discussion. Though you and I have heard the name, neither of us has ever seen one with our own eyes. Rashly naming him a direct disciple may be ill-advised. Why not let him enter the outer sect first and observe him for several months? If we later confirm that he truly possesses a phenomenon spiritual root physique, it will not be too late to promote him to a direct disciple."
The grand elder frowned slightly. His gaze lingered on Qin Yu for a moment before he finally nodded slowly.
He announced, "To uphold this hall's established rules, Qin Yu, you shall temporarily enter the outer sect for several months of tempering. Work diligently to improve your cultivation. When the time comes, I shall personally beat the drums to welcome you into the ranks of the direct disciples!"
At these words, the entire square fell silent.
Qin Yu lowered his head and cupped his fists, his voice calm yet firm. "This disciple obeys."
Boom-!
Those words were like a thunderclap, sending the entire square into an uproar.
"He really... became an outer sect disciple! And in the future, he can even be promoted directly to a direct disciple as a special exception!"
"A phenomenon spiritual root! He'll surely become a pillar of Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
"This kid is far too lucky. He can actually be promoted straight to a direct disciple in the future..."
Countless youths felt awe, their eyes filled with envy and shock. Those who had mocked him earlier were now pale, not daring to say another word.
The grand elder's bright gaze settled on Zhang Hao, and he slowly nodded. "Zhang Hao, you have always been stubborn, constantly running about on behalf of disciples with inferior Spirit Roots. Many have ridiculed you for it, and even I have shaken my head. But now it seems I underestimated your judgment."
He raised a hand. Spiritual light flashed in his palm, and a Jade Slip and a heavy bag of Spirit Stones flew toward Zhang Hao. "This is your reward-three supreme-grade cultivation methods and three hundred thousand high-grade Spirit Stones. You recognized a pearl with your discerning eye. Cloud-Leveling Hall ought to reward you."
The square erupted again, countless disciples and deacons wearing complicated expressions.
Zhang Hao received them with both hands, yet his expression showed no joy. He merely bowed calmly. "Thank you for the reward, Grand Elder."
He turned toward Qin Yu, his gaze gentle but his tone still steady. "Remember, today is only the beginning. Though you must first undergo tempering as an outer sect disciple, you must work twice as hard and prepare fully to become a direct disciple in the future."
Qin Yu nodded firmly, his chest burning hot and his eyes blazing like fire.
He knew that from this day onward, he had embarked upon the true path of cultivation.
And through his brilliance, Zhang Hao had finally answered every doubt with ironclad facts.
The grand elder stood atop the dais, sweeping his gaze over the square. His voice rumbled like thunder, as though echoing down from the highest heavens:
"A phenomenon spiritual root appears once in all the ages! Such aptitude is extraordinary. To display the majesty of Cloud-Leveling Hall, and to proclaim it to the world, from today onward-we shall hold a grand initiation ceremony for Qin Yu!"
The square instantly erupted!
"A grand initiation ceremony? That's a privilege reserved for core inner sect disciples!"
"This kid... has ascended to heaven in a single step!"
"Is it really a phenomenon spiritual root? This treatment... truly is extraordinary!"
Countless disciples were struck speechless with shock, and the expressions of the deacons and disciples alike changed drastically.
At the grand elder's command, the Spirit Stone pillars surrounding the square suddenly trembled in unison. Spiritual light shot into the sky, and hundreds of luminous dragon silhouettes burst from the pillars, circling overhead and letting out long cries together!
The entire sky instantly became a golden ocean. Runes glittered like stars, as though writing a chapter of destiny belonging to the boy.
Several deacons hurried forward and set out an incense table and spiritual lamps. The thousands of youths and disciples were compelled to grow solemn, all bowing their heads and standing quietly.
The grand elder declared, "Today, Cloud-Leveling Hall records the name of Qin Yu-from this day onward, he shall officially enter the register of outer sect disciples and receive the privileges of the outer sect! His name shall be carved upon the spiritual stele, and he shall receive the hall's protection!"
As his words fell, the spiritual stele in the center of the square suddenly lit up. Ancient script carved itself upon its surface, forming the two characters of "Qin Yu" in strong, vigorous strokes that shone with spiritual light.
Qin Yu raised his head in a daze, his chest so hot it felt as though it might burst. His name... had truly been engraved by Cloud-Leveling Hall!
Zhang Hao stood with his hands behind his back, his face stern, yet his gaze trembled faintly. It was pride and gratification long held in check.
The grand elder spoke again, his voice like morning bells and evening drums. "Everyone in Cloud-Leveling Hall must remember that Qin Yu possesses a phenomenon spiritual root. We regard him as a future pillar. From this day forth, no one may insult him lightly! Anyone who violates this shall be punished according to Cloud-Leveling Hall's laws!"
At these words, the entire square boiled over. Every mocking voice vanished completely, replaced by countless gazes burning with fervor, awe, jealousy, and longing.
But at that moment, a contemptuous gaze in a corner remained fixed on Qin Yu. "A phenomenon spiritual root? No one has seen one with their own eyes in tens of millions of years, yet the grand elder dares make such a declaration. Utter nonsense."
Qin Yu stood in the center of the square. Though young, he had already become the focus of countless eyes.
From this moment on, he was no longer a lowly gray spirit root menial, but an outer sect disciple personally acknowledged by Cloud-Leveling Hall, someone who would also become a direct disciple in the future-the sole youth with a phenomenon spiritual root!
The ceremony ended, and the light upon the spiritual stele gradually faded, but the excitement in the square lingered. Countless youths looked at Qin Yu, their eyes filled with mingled shock, jealousy, and awe.
Zhang Hao walked over and patted Qin Yu's shoulder, his gaze solemn and calm. "Let's go. I'll take you to the outer sect disciples' district. From now on, you'll have an identity and a residence of your own."
They crossed the white jade steps and climbed along the mountain path.
Unlike the humble bamboo groves of the gray spirit root disciples' district, the outer sect disciples' district seemed like another world. Peaks surrounded it, spiritual mist swirled, and dozens of mountains brimming with Spiritual Qi floated amid white clouds like immortal mountains suspended in the sky.
Waterfalls plunged down between the mountains, and spiritual springs turned to mist, forming rainbow bridges across the valleys. Grand towers and halls rose majestically, their crimson eaves and golden tiles like immortal palaces standing among the peaks.
The concentration of Spiritual Qi was visible to the naked eye. Amid the rolling clouds and mist, light and shadow occasionally took the form of spiritual birds that spread their wings and swept past the palaces. In the distance, outer sect disciples sat cross-legged in cultivation or practiced spiritual techniques in spacious squares, spiritual light and sword shadows crisscrossing with astonishing force.
Qin Yu gazed up at it all, his breath catching. Yesterday's bamboo hut and today's immortal palaces were as far apart as heaven and earth.
Zhang Hao led him into the outer sect square, where an enormous jade platform stood surrounded by ancient stone pillars. Several purple-robed deacons waited beside it, and all cupped their fists in greeting when they saw Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao nodded and said quietly, "Register his identity."
One deacon stepped forward and took out a black-and-gold token. Flowing patterns of auspicious clouds were carved upon it, with "Cloud-Leveling Hall · Outer Sect" engraved on the front. On the back, under the infusion of the deacon's spiritual power, two large golden characters slowly appeared-
Qin Yu.
The instant the token took shape, the surrounding Spiritual Qi surged. Golden light shot skyward from between the stone pillars, shining into the highest heavens, as though heaven and earth were placing their mark upon a new disciple.
The deacon presented it with both hands. "This is your outer sect disciple token. From this moment onward, you are an official outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall, with all the rights and obligations of an outer sect disciple."
Qin Yu accepted it with trembling hands. The token was cold and heavy, as though it bore the weight of destiny. He carefully pressed it against his chest, his gaze utterly resolute.
Watching this, Zhang Hao's gaze grew deep. His voice was low but powerful. "Remember, Qin Yu, this token represents more than your identity. It is also a responsibility. From now on, every step you take will be under Cloud-Leveling Hall's watch."
A distant bell tolled gently, echoing among the mountains.
Qin Yu had finally, truly crossed the threshold of cultivation and become an outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall!
Night was approaching. The cloud-wreathed outer sect disciples' district blazed with lights, pillars of spiritual light hovering between the valleys and illuminating the entire area as brilliantly as daylight.
Zhang Hao led Qin Yu onward until they reached the end of a flight of green jade steps. The residence before them was unlike the bamboo huts of the gray spirit root disciples' district. It was a private courtyard built beside a spiritual spring, with blue-green tiles, crimson gates, a small bridge over flowing water, winding stone paths, and spiritual flowers and herbs dotted around it. The Spiritual Qi was so dense it was nearly visible to the naked eye.
"From today onward, this is where you'll live." Zhang Hao's voice was steady and concise. "You can cultivate, practice martial arts, and perform breathing exercises here."
Qin Yu was deeply excited and was just about to thank him when he suddenly heard a cold, contemptuous laugh.
"Heh... so this is the legendary phenomenon spiritual root?"
"Even a piece of gray-root trash has soared into the sky? A future direct disciple, too? I'd say the grand elder and the others have had their heads turned by a fake anomalous spiritual root."
The voice came from the neighboring courtyard. A youth in white-and-cyan brocade robes leaned against the courtyard gate, his arms folded and his eyes cold. His features were handsome, but carried arrogance and disdain.
Zhang Hao looked up, frowning slightly. "Luo Chuan, don't think having someone backing you means you can defy every law."
Luo Chuan snorted, his gaze falling on Qin Yu like a blade. "Deacon Zhang, you brought a menial from the gray spirit root district here. Do you really think all of us outer sect disciples are blind? A phenomenon spiritual root? May I ask who here has ever truly seen one?"
Qin Yu's heart tightened. He instinctively clutched the token against his chest, yet a trace of stubbornness flashed through his youthful eyes.
"A phenomenon spiritual root? The grand elder's old eyes have simply grown dim." Luo Chuan sneered, his voice icy. "What kind of joke is this? I'd like to see what right a piece of gray spirit root trash from the lowest ranks has to stand alongside us in the outer sect and share our resources!"
Several nearby disciples came over at the sound, whispering among themselves, their eyes doubtful or mocking.
"That's Qin Yu?"
"Someone from the gray roots. I heard he has a phenomenon spiritual root. Could the grand elder and the others have been mistaken?"
"What phenomenon spiritual root? It was probably just an illusion the grand elder and the others saw."
"There weren't enough outer sect resources to begin with. Wonderful, now there's another person to share them with-and someone with low-grade aptitude at that."
Zhang Hao's expression was indifferent, his tone cold as frost. "Luo Chuan, the grand elder personally confirmed his identity. If you doubt it, why not question the spiritual stele directly?"
Luo Chuan's eyes suddenly turned cold, and a mocking smile curled his lips. "Hmph, naturally I won't question the spiritual stele. But I'd like to remind you-a phenomenon spiritual root? One hasn't appeared in tens of millions of years. Which of you has truly seen one? Who knows whether it was an illusion? A phenomenon spiritual root, heh. That isn't a title you can claim just by saying it. If he's truly qualified, he'll have to let his strength speak. Besides, outer sect resources are already scarce. There aren't enough to go around among us, yet you bring in someone with a useless Spirit Root. Isn't that simply wasting resources?"
Then Luo Chuan glared fiercely at Qin Yu, his voice chilling. "Boy, in Cloud-Leveling Hall, what matters isn't an empty reputation, but real strength. If you can't hold your own, you'd best crawl back to that gray spirit root doghouse before it's too late! This phenomenon spiritual root business is all nonsense. You don't have any phenomenon spiritual root at all. You might merely have the very lowest grade of Spirit Root. As for the grand elder and the others, they were misled by an illusion from the Spirit Stone stele. I advise you to honestly go mine with the gray roots instead of coming here to fight over the resources we all share." With that, he flicked his sleeve and turned away, his retreating figure exuding icy arrogance.
Qin Yu clenched his token, his chest rising and falling. Alongside his anger, an indescribable flame burned within him.
Zhang Hao patted his shoulder, his voice low yet ringing. "Remember, Luo Chuan won't be the last person to doubt you. If you want to shut them up, you must raise your cultivation and improve your strength. Once you're strong enough, you can silence contemptuous people like him who look down on others through a dog's eyes. Once your cultivation improves and you have the strength, defeat him outright in the arena! This Luo Chuan is only so disdainful of everyone because he relies on his lineage's reputation.
"They say the Luo Family's ancestor has already reached major accomplishment in the True Spirit Realm. Everyone in the hall keeps their distance from him, and he has forcibly seized most of the outer sect's resources for himself. Now that you're here, of course he doesn't want another person sharing those resources." "But you don't need to be afraid either. The path of cultivation isn't about being afraid to move your hands or feet. If others don't offend me, I won't offend them. If they do, cut the grass out by its roots. Your priority now is to cultivate diligently, make good use of outer sect resources, and redouble your efforts to improve your cultivation. Don't be afraid. If the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you."
Qin Yu nodded firmly, his youthful face looking especially resolute in the night.
The night breeze brushed gently past. The spiritual lights in the outer sect disciples' district gradually went out, leaving only scattered starlight. Deacon Zhang Hao stood outside the courtyard and looked at Qin Yu, his voice stern but carrying an almost imperceptible concern:
"Settle in and cultivate diligently. If you don't want others trampling you underfoot, you must work harder than anyone else."
Qin Yu nodded solemnly and bowed respectfully. "This disciple will remember."
Zhang Hao gave a slight nod and swept his sleeve. His figure turned into a wisp of spiritual light and vanished into the night sky.
After watching the deacon leave, Qin Yu's heart was still surging as he tightly held the Mystic Origin Body Tempering Art. But the next moment, he looked toward the distant gray spirit root disciples' district, and his gaze softened.
"Brother Yang. I have to go see him."
He hurried down the stone steps and through the bamboo-lined path, soon returning to the familiar bamboo huts. When he pushed open the wooden door, Yang Zheng was sitting cross-legged, still gripping a stone worn pale, seemingly forcing himself to keep practicing his breathing exercises.
At the sound of footsteps, Yang Zheng abruptly looked up, his eyes lighting up. "Yuzi! You're back!"
He rushed forward and seized Qin Yu's hand, smiling like a child. "I heard! You really became an outer sect disciple, and the grand elder even announced it in public! Brother, I'm proud of you!"
Warmth filled Qin Yu's chest, and his eyes nearly brimmed with tears. He took a deep breath, carefully drew the bamboo slips from inside his robes, and placed them on the table.
"Brother Yang, this is the Mystic Origin Body Tempering Art that Deacon Zhang gave me. I know how much you want to cultivate, so I copied it for you. Though it isn't as detailed as the original, it's enough for you to cultivate with... You must keep at it and become an outer sect disciple soon too."
The oil lamp's flame flickered gently over the bamboo slips on the table, seeming to carry a warm radiance that symbolized a weighty bond of brotherhood.
Yang Zheng froze, his throat tightening. He accepted the bamboo slips with trembling hands, his eyes reddening and his voice choked. "Yuzi... your status and standing are completely different now, yet you still remembered me... Brother, I, Yang Zheng, wasn't wrong to befriend you!"
He abruptly raised his head, his eyes burning. "Don't worry! Even if my talent isn't as good as yours, I definitely won't fall too far behind! Someday, I'll stand beside you and become an outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall too!"
Qin Yu smiled, his smile youthful yet utterly resolute. He reached out, and the two clasped hands tightly, as though engraving their promise for the future into each other's palms.
Lamplight flickered inside the bamboo hut, and the night wind blew past with a soft rustling. That purest conviction between brothers burned especially fiercely in the darkness.