Good People’s Wishes Fulfilled

“Finally, it’s my turn,” Hua Youdie mused. “The Saint Water Palace is quite cautious, having a Skill Transmission Elder and a Golden Core stage master oversee the disciple selection. While it’s a bit slow, it certainly prevents a lot of underhanded dealings.”

Hua Youdie muttered to himself, secretly resolving to adopt this disciple selection method for his own use.

Hua Youdie had lingered towards the back of the line, yet his steps were far from slow as he advanced. With a casual flick of his wrist, he slipped his nearly empty bag of sunflower seeds into the pocket of a passing candidate.

He approached Zhu Youji, intending to offer a respectful bow.

However, Zhu Youji waved a dismissive hand. “Go test your spirit root first. If it glows, then we can exchange pleasantries.”

Hua Youdie felt a pang of exasperation. ‘This Golden Core elder is truly rigid and unyielding,’ he thought. ‘He must be a dullard, utterly uninteresting!’

Having mentally labeled Zhu Youji, Hua Youdie didn’t hesitate. He walked directly to the Spirit Testing Stone.

In the crowd, Lu Jinhan couldn’t help but push forward a few steps. Ever since arriving on the island, he had been intensely curious about Hua Youdie’s spirit root.

Zhu Manzhi, who had been leisurely sipping tea in his reclining chair, instantly perked up when his gaze fell upon Hua Youdie.

‘This boy’s spirit root must be exceptional!’ he thought.

Zhu Manzhi sat upright, his face alight with anticipation.

Everyone on the plaza noticed the Skill Transmission Elder’s unusual behavior. From the start of the tests until now, over seventy or eighty people had been assessed, yet the old man had barely stirred. Now, with “Hua Youdie’s” turn, he had suddenly become spirited, clearly indicating that this Hua Youdie’s spirit root would be far from weak.

A ripple of excitement ran through the assembled candidates.

Currently, all the top cultivators on the continent possessed exceptional spirit roots and extraordinary comprehension. Each of them commanded countless admirers.

Even if they weren’t chosen by the Saint Water Palace today, witnessing the emergence of a future powerhouse would make their journey worthwhile, providing ample gossip for after-dinner conversations with friends.

Hua Youdie circled the five stone tables almost completely, yet he still refrained from touching any of them.

This drew a chorus of silent curses and complaints from the candidates, who hoped the Golden Core master would reprimand him.

However, when they looked, they saw Zhu Youji also wore an expression of anticipation.

‘Indeed, exceptional individuals always seem to have their privileges,’ they thought.

Finally, Hua Youdie stopped.

Everyone was practically straining their eyes out.

Hua Youdie turned around…

“Damn it!”

Instantly, the crowd erupted in indignation, with some already rolling up their sleeves, ready to step forward and beat him.

Hua Youdie, however, paid them no mind. He simply lifted his chin towards the crowd, his face a mask of provocation.

“Holy crap! This scoundrel! If I get chosen later, I’ll definitely find a chance to teach him a lesson!” This was the martial artist who had previously stood on the table, offering to buy everyone drinks.

Yet, Lu Jinhan in the crowd knew that Hua Youdie’s taunt was directed specifically at him.

“Heh heh, how very amusing indeed~” Lu Jinhan chuckled, a vein throbbing at his temple. He slowly fanned himself, maintaining his composure. ‘Elegance must be preserved, and my temper must be kept in check,’ he thought. ‘Only anger is forbidden now.’

Finally, Hua Youdie “touched the stone”!

It was the “Water Stone”!

“It’s glowing, it’s glowing!”

“This child is truly extraordinary!”

Unable to contain themselves any longer, many of the candidates cried out.

Zhu Youji, however, did not stop them this time.

‘Such an outstanding individual deserves some applause!’ he thought.

“Hua Youdie, twelve years old, high-grade superior water spirit root. Qualified.”

Zhu Youji’s announcement was as calm as ever.

Yet, everyone on the plaza gasped in astonishment.

Only an occasional murmur of complaint was drowned out.

“Twelve years old? Didn’t he say he was ten?”

“Huh, didn’t this kid tell me he was fifteen when he was joking around with me earlier?”

“Damn it, this little liar!”

Hua Youdie turned, a hearty laugh revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth. He cupped a fist towards the crowd, completely ignoring their gazes, whether envious or angry.

He walked directly to Zhu Youji, stopped, bowed deeply and respectfully, then naturally took his place behind the elder.

“Such a sly little one, yet he respects his elders,” Zhu Manzhi remarked. Having finally seen the outcome, he contentedly lay back down.

“Zhao Qi!” Zhu Youji called out, continuing the selection.

“I, I’m here!” A girl, about fifteen or sixteen, with a fresh and lovely appearance, called out. Her presence drew many eyes away.

Lu Jinhan had been intently watching Hua Youdie, his usual composure now gone. Though he had suspected Hua Youdie’s spirit root wouldn’t be weak, he never imagined the fellow would also possess a water spirit root.

It was common knowledge that the current Palace Master of Saint Water Palace, Luo Bingyan, possessed a water spirit root. In fact, nearly eighty percent of all Palace Masters since the sect’s founding had been water spirit root cultivators.

It was thus evident that every Palace Master of Saint Water Palace favored those with water spirit roots when choosing their successors. Although the precise reason remained unknown, anyone possessing a high-grade water spirit root would be highly regarded by the Palace Master, and their chances of being selected as a personal disciple would be significantly greater!

Eight years prior, Lu Jinhan had accompanied his father to Tianliu City’s Medicine King Sect to procure pills, where he witnessed everything that transpired above Tianliu City.

He had been young then, unaware of the true power of those sword-wielding figures in the sky. Yet, he had personally seen his father, after gazing at Palace Master Luo Bingyan’s world-shaking sword strike, become so agitated that he coughed up blood.

It was much later that he learned his father had nearly shattered his Nascent Soul from fright, only then truly comprehending the immense power of the rumored strongest cultivator.

Now, eight years had passed, and his father’s cultivation had not advanced an inch. Clearly, the impact of that day lingered.

His father, the eldest son of the Lu family head, originally possessed considerable talent and had always surpassed his two younger brothers in strength. However, due to a deep-seated knot in his heart, he had unwittingly been overtaken by them.

As his father’s only son, Lu Jinhan’s status had steadily declined over time. By last year’s family New Year’s Eve dinner, his seat had even been moved to the middle of the long table—a clear implication that needed no guessing.

Lu Jinhan was now fourteen, with only two years until his coming-of-age ceremony. If his father’s strength still hadn’t improved by then, his father’s lineage would likely transition from a “main branch” to a “side branch.”

Though Lu Jinhan projected a delicate and frail aura, his inner character was incredibly strong-willed.

He had consistently resisted practicing his family’s ancestral cultivation techniques, taking four years to persuade his father to allow him to come and seek entry into the Saint Water Palace.

If he failed to gain the attention of Palace Master Luo Bingyan at the Saint Water Palace this time, he would certainly be too ashamed to return home.

Because Lu Jinhan had never cultivated at home, some of the household servants had begun to neglect him. Thus, upon hearing that Dong Chiwu from their town was handsome, intelligent, and filial—his character beyond reproach—Lu Jinhan had asked his father to let Dong Chiwu accompany him, providing companionship on the journey to the island.

However, his “young master” air remained, ensuring Dong Chiwu never developed much affection for him.

“Zhao Qi, fifteen years old, mid-grade superior metal spirit root. Qualified.”

Zhu Youji’s calm, even voice resumed.

Another person had actually qualified.

“Zhang Biwei!”

“Here!”

The voice that responded was deep and resonant.

“Wow, he’s so tall!” occasional whispers of surprise rippled through the crowd.

It turned out that Zhang Biwei had been walking with a stoop all this time, truly a master of discretion.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Youji nodded repeatedly. ‘A steady disposition, extraordinary talent—a promising candidate!’ he thought.

Zhu Youji turned to glance at his master, Zhu Manzhi, and saw that he, too, was overjoyed.

The crowd watched Zhang Biwei leave, and it wasn’t until he was nearly fifty paces away that they suddenly felt a significant release of pressure around them.

What terrifying natural oppressive power!

Lu Jinhan’s eyes brightened. This Zhang Biwei possessed incredibly developed muscles, his imposing height like a small mountain. His spirit root would certainly not be weak.

‘However, with such a physique, he definitely won’t have a water spirit root!’ he thought.

“Zhang Biwei, eighteen years old, high-grade superior metal spirit root. Qualified.”

Sure enough, Lu Jinhan’s heart swelled with joy. While this burly man was indeed a formidable competitor, it was enough that he didn’t possess a water spirit root.

“Wow, only eighteen! Heaven must truly favor him too much!” Everyone was filled with envy.

“Silence!” Zhu Youji gently chided.

The entire plaza instantly fell silent.

Zhu Youji couldn’t help but stare at Zhang Biwei for a moment. It seemed this month’s selection was truly fruitful; with less than half the candidates tested, two exceptional talents had already emerged.

The selection continued.

As Zhu Youji’s mechanical voice periodically resounded, it was occasionally accompanied by a triumphant shout or, more often, by the mournful sounds of weeping.

The number of people on the plaza steadily dwindled.

“Dong Chiwu!”

“Here!”

Dong Chiwu answered loudly, then bowed to Lu Jinhan beside him. “Young Master Lu, I’ll go first!”

Lu Jinhan nodded slightly. In his estimation, Dong Chiwu passing the selection should be entirely without issue.

Soon after.

“Dong Chiwu, sixteen years old, mid-grade superior wood spirit root. Qualified.”

“Phew~” Lu Jinhan exhaled softly. ‘Good, at least I won’t be left alone on the island,’ he thought.

“Lu Jinhan!”

“Finally,” Lu Jinhan murmured, closing his folding fan. His gaze sharpened, and his delicate aura seemed to dissipate significantly.

Lu Jinhan quickly walked to the Spirit Testing Stone, his eyes fixed on the “Water Stone.” He had already tested his spirit root at home, but the “Water Stone” there had been far too small.

Lu Jinhan’s eyes widened, and he held his breath, gently placing his hand on the “Water Stone.” A dazzling blue light erupted…

Three hours had already passed since the start of the selection. Even in summer, when dusk lingered, it was now almost impossible to discern figures a hundred paces away.

Beside the Spirit Testing Stone, an intense “aquamarine” glow illuminated Lu Jinhan’s face. Already remarkably handsome, he now appeared to everyone as an ethereal “noble young master.”

“Lu Jinhan.”

“Fourteen years old, water affinity…”

“Innate Full Spirit Root!”

After an entire afternoon, Zhu Youji’s smooth, even tone finally shifted. His voice was considerably louder than before, and if one listened carefully, a hint of tremor could be detected.

On the plaza, everyone was stunned into silence…

Zhu Manzhi, at the very moment Zhu Youji spoke, instantly appeared beside the Spirit Testing Stone.

“It truly is a Full Spirit Root!”

“Hahaha, young man, this is incredible! Lu Jinhan, what a fine name! This old man will remember you! Hahaha…”

Zhu Manzhi was so overjoyed he was practically dancing with delight. How many years had it been since he had seen a disciple with a Full Spirit Root?

“Excellent, excellent! You’ll stay by this old man’s side later; don’t go anywhere else, hahaha.” With a few more hearty laughs, Zhu Manzhi’s overwhelming joy was palpable to everyone present.

Yet, everyone understood. ‘An Innate Full Water Spirit Root!’ they thought. The current Palace Master Luo of Saint Water Palace possessed one, didn’t she? It wouldn’t be surprising if this young man named “Lu Jinhan” ascended swiftly within the Saint Water Palace from this day forth.

If he were to inherit the Saint Water Palace’s legacy in the future, that would be truly extraordinary!

The continent would undoubtedly gain another top-tier cultivator in the future!

With such talent, no one dared to show even a hint of jealousy. It was no joke; possessing such a spirit root was almost like carrying a pass to the Mahayana stage.

As long as one’s comprehension wasn’t utterly idiotic, the path of cultivation would be virtually smooth sailing.

At this moment, many candidates were even bowing respectfully to Lu Jinhan.

Meanwhile, Lu Jinhan had frozen the moment he heard Zhu Youji declare “Full Spirit Root.”

His mind was utterly blank.

Dong Chiwu, who was privy to some inside information, could somewhat understand Lu Jinhan’s current emotions. He sighed, “The Lu family truly reaps what they sow; all their good fortune has accumulated on their offspring.”

With that thought, Dong Chiwu also respectfully bowed to Lu Jinhan.

“The selection continues!”

Zhu Youji, ever composed, was the first to recover from the shock.

“Wan Qian!”

The sky had grown completely dark.

“…Disqualified!”

With Zhu Youji’s final declaration, the plaza was empty.

Seeing the selection finally conclude, the chosen few all smiled, congratulating each other.

Lu Jinhan, having recovered from his extreme joy, stood beside Zhu Manzhi and looked towards Hua Youdie. Hua Youdie immediately sensed it, turning to glare back without ceremony.

Now, Lu Jinhan felt triumphant. Mimicking Hua Youdie’s earlier gesture, he also lifted his chin, perfectly replicating the provocative expression.

To his surprise, Hua Youdie actually started walking directly towards him.

Seeing his posture, Lu Jinhan assumed Hua Youdie was refusing to accept the outcome and wanted to fight, so he immediately clenched his fists.

As for the consequences of a fight, who cared? With an “Innate Full Water Spirit Root,” he figured the Saint Water Palace wouldn’t punish him too severely.

However, Hua Youdie stopped just ten paces away, flashing a toothy grin at Lu Jinhan. “Heh heh, I’m not your opponent~”

Lu Jinhan was momentarily stunned by Hua Youdie’s inexplicable words, unable to grasp what he meant.

Just as he was about to ask, Hua Youdie unexpectedly patted his own backside and simply walked away.

“Bastard!”

Lu Jinhan was still pondering how to retaliate against Hua Youdie when Zhu Youji’s voice echoed from ahead.

“Wugou!”

“Wugou?” Lu Jinhan looked out at the plaza, where some outer sect disciples of the Saint Water Palace had already arrived and lit torches.

Yet, he saw no one.

“Wugou!”

Zhu Youji called out again.