Chapter 7
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Chapter 7: Successfully Selected
The shimmering green light almost brightened Yun Ye’s heart.
In modern times, Yun Ye was extremely interested in cultivation and fantasy, as he could find a world that resonated with his inner self—a fantastical world created by various authors that matched his expectations perfectly.
He wanted to be a sword immortal, wielding a sword that could freeze the fourteen states and cut down all injustices in the world.
He also aspired to be a talisman master, drawing talismans with great skill and unleashing them to create monumental changes.
Moreover, he dreamed of stepping into forbidden lands alone, using his fists to subdue all enemies.
This was the amazing life that modernity could not provide him.
He once thought he could experience these worlds through games, but reality shocked him; he saw only golden-haired, blue-eyed warriors and gods, making it impossible to witness the enchanting Eastern world through visuals and gameplay.
Initially, he had high hopes, wishing that one day, domestic games would rise, allowing him to experience pure Chinese cultural games.
Unexpectedly, not only did he play them, but they also featured real people!
Although his two lives were filled with suffering and torment for twenty-eight years, now hope was right in front of him!
As long as he passed the talent test and entered Baishi Town, he had a chance to become the next wielder of this magical treasure!
The testing was quick.
The four children took only about half a minute to have their talents assessed, and all of them were found unqualified!
Although Liu Quan did not reveal the specific talents of these children, Yun Ye still managed to see part of the information through his panel.
To see the panel, he needed enough time to make contact, and since he encountered these village children daily, most of the panel’s information was unlocked.
The eliminated children all had Spiritual Roots rated E or D.
It seemed that E and D were truly unqualified.
At least a C was needed for a chance to pass.
However, Yun Ye was puzzled as to why Yang Shu, with a Spiritual Root talent rated only D, was able to be selected?
This question could only be answered once he joined Baishi Town and learned about the differences in qualifications.
As the fourth group completed their testing, the first lucky child finally emerged.
“Although it is quite ordinary, it barely meets the requirements. You, step forward.”
Liu Quan pointed at the largest child among the four.
He was an eleven-year-old boy, robust in build, with scars on his face that made him look similar to Yun Ye after practicing the Qi Cultivation Technique.
“Me?”
The boy was so surprised he nearly jumped up, quickly running forward to stand next to Liu Quan.
His joy was evident.
All the children looked at him with great envy, feeling nervous deep down, hoping they could also pass the test.
The boy’s parents, in particular, were in tears, overwhelmed with joy: “It’s our child, Zhang Xiaozhuang! Wonderful, wonderful!”
“Congratulations, congratulations!” The villagers around, though filled with envy and jealousy, still said this with feigned sincerity.
Yun Ye felt a stir in his heart as he looked at Zhang Xiaozhuang.
◇
Child of the Villager: Zhang Xiaozhuang
Region: Baishi Town · Mingzhu Village
Lifespan: ?
Fate: D
Physique: D
Spirit Sense: E
Comprehension: E
Spiritual Roots: C
Magic Tool: 0
Strength: E
Description: The son of a bamboo cutter from a humble background, he possesses an ordinary earth Spiritual Root. Perhaps he can become a martial artist, change his fate, and settle in Baishi Town.
◇
The Spiritual Root is indeed C!
Seeing this number, Yun Ye was basically certain that, unless special circumstances arose, a Spiritual Root of C level was required to be considered qualified.
It seemed that enhancing his Spiritual Roots was the right choice; being below C level would likely lead to elimination.
Having learned the result in advance, Yun Ye calmed his nerves, but he couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious. What if there were other conditions that happened to prevent his success? That would be all over!
Group by group.
Until the seventh group, not a single second qualified candidate had appeared.
From Liu Quan’s demeanor, it seemed he had anticipated this, remaining calm and unmoved.
“All unqualified!”
Liu Quan once again declared the futures of the four children.
The four children looked somewhat bewildered, but their parents couldn’t hide their disappointment.
With this group concluded, it was finally time for the ninth group, which included Yun Ye.
The four of them stepped forward.
Liu Quan, as always, recited, “Treasure Mirror, please illuminate!”
The shimmering green light descended, enveloping Yun Ye completely. He felt an ongoing sensation flowing throughout his body, lasting for a full half minute before the test ended.
Liu Quan pointed at him, saying, “You passed, come forward.”
He pointed directly at Yun Ye.
“Yes, Master Liu Quan!”
In that moment, Yun Ye forced himself to suppress his excitement, putting on a normal expression like that of a typical child and hurriedly stepping aside.
Liu Quan casually acknowledged him, glanced at Yun Ye a few times, and then turned back to say, “The rest are unqualified. Last group, come forward!”
For a practitioner of Liu Quan’s level, it was easy to see that Yun Ye had practiced the Qi Cultivation Technique in advance.
However, that was not a big deal; the Qi Cultivation Technique was not specially restricted, and anyone with money could practice it.
Even in a poor, remote village, there would always be a few wealthy families that could allow their children to practice the Qi Cultivation Technique early on.
What truly determined the outcome was whether one could awaken their Spiritual Roots.
Otherwise, everything else was meaningless.
The three members of the tenth group were quickly tested and, once again, all were unqualified.
As the thirty-nine people looked over, Yun Ye realized that the talent of Spiritual Roots was the most important factor. One child had both C-level Comprehension and C-level Spirit Sense, but due to having D-level Spiritual Roots, he was not selected.
Yun Ye even spotted a small genius with B-level Spirit Sense, but his Spiritual Roots were even lower, at E-level, making his selection impossible.
(However, it was also possible that the test could only identify a few talents, so some might have been overlooked.)
Yun Ye thought to himself.
After the testing ended, Liu Quan said, “It seems that only you two remain. You two will go home today to pack, and then report to the Baishi Town Academy in two days. Do not be late.”
“We’re leaving.”
After saying this,
Liu Quan tossed down two tokens and walked away with two soldiers.
Yun Ye had intended to wait for Yang Shu to return before leaving, but Shuzhu handed a package to Yun Ye and urged, “Hurry and catch up to Deputy Liu Quan, or you might not be the one reporting later!”
Yun Ye was startled and quickly understood Shuzhu’s meaning.
He nodded, slung the package over his shoulder, and chased after them.
As he ran, he could hear the sound of metal clinking inside the package, likely the coins he had saved over the years.
Practicing required money; for medicine, magical techniques, teachers—everything needed money. Without money, one could hardly advance.
The money Yun Ye’s family had saved over the years was just a drop in the bucket, but it was still much better than having nothing at all.
…
Since Liu Quan was not walking quickly, Yun Ye soon caught up with him.
Although Yun Ye stepped forward to greet them, the three only glanced at him without saying much.
Knowing the darkness of Baishi Town, Yun Ye did not dare to speak further after his greeting, and he followed along until they reached Baishi Town.
In his first life, Yun Ye had never left Xiaoye Village, so this was his first time seeing Baishi Town.
But to be honest, it seemed very ordinary.
It was just a small town with tall city walls, showing no signs of anything unusual.
However, the city walls were quite prominent, made of large white stones, about seven meters high, which might be the origin of the town’s name.
