Two months had passed in the blink of an eye. Today, the imperial palace was steeped in an almost tangible silence. Emperor Sheng Yu himself stood in the vast open square, his presence commanding yet restrained. Behind him, two formidable innate masters flanked a line of officials, all standing with perfect posture and respectful vigilance. Every eye was fixed on the square, every breath measured, for today marked the long-anticipated arrival of the immortals.

  Soon, a single glimmer appeared in the sky, steadily approaching the palace. Moments later, a black boat, shimmering with an otherworldly light, descended gracefully from the heavens. The awe-struck crowd below watched in silence as it landed without a sound. Even Emperor Sheng Yu and his retinue of officials instinctively knelt, their eyes wide with reverence, not daring to utter a single word.

  A while later, a group of figures descended from the black boat, their presence commanding and serene. The kneeling crowd, including the emperor, bowed deeply, and Emperor Sheng Yu’s voice carried through the hushed square: “We greet the immortals.”

  Then, a sudden, familiar voice broke the formality. A young woman stepped forward from the group, her gaze fixed on the emperor. “Grandpa,” she said softly.

  Emperor Yu looked up, his eyes lighting with recognition, and a broad smile spread across his face. “Xi’er… oh no, Fairy Xi.”

  Sheng Xi, the emperor’s granddaughter, had been recruited years ago and now stood as an outer disciple of the Azure Pine Immortal Sect, radiating both grace and a subtle, formidable aura.

  Xi’er stepped forward and embraced Emperor Yu, the weight of twenty years apart melting in an instant. This was her first return to her family since leaving so long ago. After a brief moment, she gently released him, her expression composed but warm.

  Turning slightly, she gestured toward the black-robed figure beside her. “I have come to assist in recruiting new disciples for the Azure Pine Immortal Sect,” she announced, her eyes briefly resting on Steward Luo Shen, who accompanied her with a quiet, respectful demeanor.

  Emperor Yu maintained a composed and respectful demeanor as he spoke: “We humbly welcome the immortals. Everything has been prepared in anticipation of your arrival. The Eastern Palace has been arranged for your residence, and we shall provide the full support of the empire—its abilities, resources, and administration—to ease any concerns you may have.”

  Steward Luo Shen approached with a warm smile: “Emperor Yu, you have always been reliable. We shall be depending on you.”

  Emperor Yu inclined his head gracefully: “It is our honor to serve the immortals.”

  Luo Shen nodded, then waved his hand. “Very well. We will be resting tonight for tomorrow’s recruitment.” In an instant, the black boat shimmered and vanished, and he gestured for the rest of the group to follow him.

  With the immortals gone, Emperor Yu finally had a quiet moment with his granddaughter.

  “Xi’er,” he said softly, a fond smile on his face, “you are still as beautiful and radiant as when you left.”

  Xi returned his smile. “It’s been twenty years, Grandpa. I’m not sixteen anymore.”

  Emperor Yu’s eyes glimmered with pride. “How have you been? Was it difficult for you?”

  Xi replied confidently, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Even though my three-attributed spiritual root is not exceptional, I reached the sixth level of Qi Condensation. Perhaps I will join the Inner Sect soon, once I break through to the seventh level.”

  “Good, good,” Emperor Yu said, his smile widening. “If there is anything I can do to assist you, the whole empire is at your disposal.”

  “I know, Grandpa,” Xi said gently. “But I came only to see you this time. You know well that immortal cultivation demands resources not found here.”

  As night fell, grandfather and granddaughter sat together, reminiscing about the years gone by, the palace quiet around them.

  In the Eastern Palace, Steward Luo Shen sat cross-legged opposite Fairy Feng Ying. She was an eighth-level Qi Condensation Inner Sect disciple, here to assist with the recruitment out of curiosity. Never having set foot in the mortal realm before, she found the surroundings unfamiliar; her parents had both been distinguished Foundation Establishment experts of the Azure Pine Immortal Sect.

  Feng Ying shifted uncomfortably. “It’s… really unsettling here.”

  Luo Shen, a seasoned ninth-level Qi Condensation cultivator who had long since abandoned hopes of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm, also felt the strain. As an Outer Sect steward responsible for occasional talent recruitment, he replied, “The mortal world is barren of spiritual energy. It’s the same in all the kingdoms under our sect’s jurisdiction. But as long as we complete our task, we will leave without delay.”

  Feng Ying tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Do you really think we’ll find anything worth our attention here?”

  Luo Shen’s gaze grew thoughtful. “One can never predict the ways of Heaven. Even in the most backward corners, extraordinary talent may appear. That is why the sect occasionally issues this task.”

  Luo Shen continued, a wry smile tugging at his lips: “But it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack… the probability of a mortal even possessing a spiritual root is one in ten thousand. If we manage to recruit four or five tomorrow, that alone will be considered a success. Discovering a truly exceptional talent… now that would be like winning the lottery, hahaha.”

  That night, Chen Mo rested quietly in his room. Over the past two months, he had tried every means to track down Li Yuxue, even reaching out to Sun Bo, but all efforts had been in vain. A subtle mix of unease and helplessness settled over him. He focused on preparing himself for the events of tomorrow, quietly hoping that fate would keep him from crossing paths with her again.

  By the following day, the capital was alive with fervent activity, the air thick with anticipation. Thousands of candidates pressed toward the central square, their movements restrained only by the tireless efforts of the guards striving to maintain order. Slowly, the masses were guided into five orderly queues, each individual tethered to a small jade pillar at the platform’s edge. Beside each pillar, one of the cultivators summoned by Luo Shen stood vigilantly. Luo Shen himself remained seated, cross-legged, his gaze calm and unwavering, while opposite him, Fairy Feng Ying observed the proceedings with measured scrutiny, her eyes taking in every detail of the disciplined yet anxious crowd.

  Chen Mo was present as well, having already joined one of the queues. Though impatient, he took a moment to survey the throngs around him, estimating that the process would be long and tedious.

  In a separate queue, Li Yuxue stood tense and apprehensive. She had anticipated the event’s scale, but seeing the vast sea of participants in person exceeded all her expectations, leaving her heart racing with a mix of awe and anxiety.

  After a short pause, Luo Shen’s voice rang out like rolling thunder, silencing the massive crowd instantly. Awe and fear swept through every person present.

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  Luo Shen: “The test begins. Those who prove themselves worthy shall be invited to join the esteemed Azure Pine Immortal Sect. Those who fail must leave immediately. Anyone who dares obstruct or delay the process will be executed without mercy.”

  He cast a sharp glance at his subordinates stationed by the small jade-like pillars.

  Luo Shen: “Begin.”

  One by one, the throngs of candidates stepped forward, pressing their hands against the jade pillars. Moments later, a clear, resounding voice pronounced: “Unqualified.”

  Hours passed, yet the word “unqualified” echoed repeatedly—still, no one had passed. The air grew tense with frustration and despair, each failed attempt amplifying the gravity of the trial.

  Until one youth, clad in fine, luxurious robes, stepped forward and pressed his hand against a jade pillar. Instantly, the small stone glowed brilliantly, radiating four distinct colors. The cultivator in charge’s eyes widened as he leaned closer.

  Cultivator: “Four-attribute spiritual root detected. You are qualified. State your name.”

  The youth’s excitement was palpable as he bowed deeply.

  Youth: “This humble one is Xu Yan.”

  The cultivator gestured him to step aside, allowing the test to continue. The crowd watched with envious eyes, though none dared delay their turn.

  Chen Mo, standing among the candidates, narrowed his eyes slightly. So it’s about spiritual roots, he thought. In his previous life, he had read countless novels describing such trials and now, seeing it firsthand, he began to piece it together. If my understanding is correct, the more attributes a spiritual root has, the weaker it is… Given my luck in this world, if I even possess one, it’s bound to be the worst kind.

  Still, he kept his thoughts to himself, choosing patience over rash judgment, observing quietly as the testing continued.

  A while later, a refined and graceful girl stepped onto the platform, her presence drawing quiet murmurs from the crowd. Her name was Song Yue, hailing from the illustrious Song Family, whose bloodline was tied to the imperial house.

  As she placed her delicate hand upon the small jade pillar, two radiant lights flared brilliantly, casting shimmering reflections across her poised face. The cultivator overseeing the test blinked in surprise and immediately announced:

  Cultivator: “Dual-attribute spiritual root detected: Fire and Metal. Truly exceptional!”

  At that moment, Luo Shen appeared beside her, his expression breaking into a wide, approving smile.

  Luo Shen: “Excellent, truly unexpected. And what is your name, little one?”

  Song Yue steadied herself, bowing respectfully.

  Song Yue: “This humble one greets the immortals. My name is Song Yue.”

  Luo Shen nodded approvingly.

  Luo Shen: “A fine name. Come with me.”

  With a graceful nod, she followed Luo Shen to the top of the platform, her composure unwavering as the crowd watched in awe.

  Feng Ying, seated beside him, smiled knowingly.

  Feng Ying: “It seems Steward Luo’s luck is exceptionally good this time.”

  Luo Shen chuckled, a light, hearty sound.

  Luo Shen: “Indeed, but it’s largely thanks to young Miss accompanying me. The sect may well have found a promising new talent to nurture.”

  Feng Ying’s gaze lingered on him, carrying subtle meaning.

  Feng Ying: “The sect will not forget your merits either, Steward.”

  Luo Shen’s eyes twinkled as he nodded.

  Luo Shen: “Nor the young Miss. The entire group benefits from this day. In fact, we could simply wrap it up now and call it a success,” he laughed heartily.

  Feng Ying: “No need to rush—there may yet be other talents to uncover.”

  Luo Shen: “Yes, yes… no hurry,” he replied, his mood buoyant. A private thought crossed his mind: the sect’s reward this time would be more than enough to support his good-for-nothing son.

  Chen Mo observed silently, his suspicions confirmed, and a shadow of displeasure crossed his face. But the moment his gaze landed on Li Yuxue ascending the platform, his mood plummeted further.

  She pressed her hand onto the small jade pillar, and three distinct lights flared—wood, water, and metal.

  “Three-attribute spiritual root,” the cultivator announced, eyes widening in surprise.

  Steward Luo Shen’s smile broadened appreciatively. It wasn’t a dual-attribute prodigy, but it was more than sufficient to excite the sect.

  Chen Mo’s chest tightened, his face darkening as a low curse slipped from his lips. His thoughts churned with irritation; this girl, unexpectedly talented, was now a new complication he couldn’t ignore.

  Time passed, the candidates came and went, but the jade pillars remained silent—until it was Chen Mo’s turn. He ascended the platform with measured steps, carefully avoiding Li Yuxue’s gaze. Fortunately, she was lost in thought, contemplating the new path her life was about to take.

  Chen Mo pressed his hand against the jade pillar. It hummed once… then five lights flared simultaneously.

  “Fuck… I knew it would be like this,” he muttered inwardly.

  The cultivator in charge glanced back at Luo Shen, silently asking for guidance. Five-attribute spiritual roots were practically considered disqualified.

  Luo Shen, still in high spirits from earlier successes, merely nodded. The cultivator then announced, his voice calm but firm: “Five-attribute spiritual root… you may proceed.”

  Li Yuxue, abruptly brought back to reality by the pillar’s reaction, looked at the newcomer and felt a faint twinge of familiarity. She didn’t linger; there would be plenty of time to take note of the others later.

  Chen Mo, lost in thought, deliberately chose the farthest spot from Li Yuxue. He considered his options—acting here was clearly impossible. Perhaps he could give a false name and wander through the crowd unnoticed, but he quickly dismissed the idea. If that girl recognized him, he’d be inviting trouble with the cultivators, and the cultivation world had countless ways to uncover deception.

  He exhaled slowly, settling on a simpler approach: wait and see. After all, he was still an Innate powerhouse. If things turned sour, he may try to escape.

  By the time the sun lowered itself behind the vermilion walls, the testing came to an end. The jade pillars dimmed, their brief flashes of destiny swallowed by dusk.

  Luo Shen stepped down from the platform, followed by the gathered cultivators and the four newly accepted recruits. This outcome had met his expectations. To him, the mortal world was a dry well. Aside from the dual spiritual root girl, Song Yue, the rest barely stirred his interest.

  As they returned to the palace, Emperor Yu stood waiting alongside Sheng Xi. The emperor bowed with measured dignity.

  “I hope the immortals’ task went smoothly.”

  Luo Shen laughed heartily. “Your Majesty, this time the Azure Pine Immortal Sect has gained a fine seed in Song Yue. The sect will not be stingy in its gratitude.”

  With a casual wave of his sleeve, a lacquered box materialized from thin air and drifted toward Emperor Yu. The emperor received it with barely concealed excitement, his hands steady though his heart clearly was not.

  Luo Shen continued, “If fate allows, we shall meet again. We cannot delay further.”

  At his words, the air above the square rippled. A vast spiritual boat emerged, dark as polished obsidian, its surface traced with faint silver runes that pulsed like a sleeping heartbeat. Gasps rose from the surrounding courtiers and guards.

  Luo Shen brought Song Yue aboard first, followed by Feng Ying and the others. Sheng Xi offered a final farewell to her father before ascending last.

  The black vessel shimmered, light gathering beneath it like coiling clouds. Then, with a low hum that trembled through stone and bone alike, it rose into the sky. In the next breath, it became a streak against the fading horizon, and then nothing at all.

  Only silence remained in the capital of the Hua Empire, along with countless mortals staring upward, as if hoping the heavens might open once more.