Chapter 107: Assessing the Innate Talent

Ji Tianxin returned, and the honored Young Lord Rong also arrived. The matter was finally settled with a gift of fruit wine presented to Miss Ji San, yet the banquet in the Taiyang Hall continued uninterrupted.

Sikou Yan sat quietly at his seat, neither eating nor drinking, merely toying with his wine cup. Beneath his silver mask, his eyes held a faint smile as he watched Ji Tianxin obediently sitting and eating in her place.

It seemed that watching this little girl eat was more entertaining to him than anything else.

With this small episode concluded, Duan Qing naturally moved on to the true purpose of tonight’s banquet.

He exchanged a glance with the two elders from the Yufeng Academy, as if sharing some unspoken understanding.

The two elders, Li and Du, nodded in agreement.

Then the emperor’s voice rang out clearly, “Esteemed ministers, today the royal family of the Yu Kingdom is honored to host distinguished guests from the Yufeng Academy, truly bringing glory to our house. Furthermore, these two elders have come not merely as visitors, but to see if there are any children who meet the academy’s admission standards.

I believe all of you understand what I mean?”

Duan Qing’s voice was deep and steady as he slowly swept his gaze across the hall, his words laden with imperial authority that echoed through the chamber.

At the emperor’s declaration, the officials immediately grasped the implication.

No wonder His Majesty had specially ordered that every official bring along their families and offspring.

It was, in fact, for the elders of Yufeng Academy to select students.

For a moment, the officials grew visibly excited, straightening the posture of the children beside them, as if afraid their own would be overlooked.

Yet the Yufeng Academy was not a mere sect; it had strict age requirements for admission—neither too young nor too old.

Only children between twelve and sixteen years old qualified for selection.

Ji Huaili glanced behind at Ji Yuanruo and Ji Yucheng. “Yuanruo, Yucheng, stay alert.”

“Yes, Father,” the siblings nodded obediently.

After all, gaining entry to the Yufeng Academy was a matter of great honor, and the young talents one might meet there were exceptional. Ji Huaili naturally held high hopes for them.

Yufeng Academy was renowned as the finest institution across the entire Tianwu Continent, and Ji Yuanruo and Ji Yucheng couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation.

Duan Qing also looked at Duan Yu, who nodded in return.

“Then, elders, how do you plan to select students who meet the academy’s criteria?” Duan Qing inquired.

Murong Wuhen smiled lightly, stepped forward, and took the initiative to speak, “Since we are personally selecting the students, naturally, we focus on only one criterion.”

“What criterion?” asked Duan Zi with curiosity.

“Talent,” Murong Wuhen said, fanning himself gently, his scholarly demeanor bringing a refreshing breeze to the grand and opulent hall.

“Talent?”

Whispers arose among those below.

“How exactly do you judge this talent?” Ji Huaili could not help but ask.

Elder Du smiled, stroking his beard, his gaze falling upon Ji Tianxin, who was sipping fruit wine. “Whether one has talent, we discern it by feeling the root bones. And this young lady sitting beside the general’s family seems to possess such talent. Might I be permitted to examine her root bones?”

Elder Du’s words once again drew everyone’s attention to Ji Tianxin.

Yet she appeared utterly unaware that she was the subject of discussion, lifting her small porcelain cup to take a delicate sip of fruit wine.

As she raised the cup, her wide sleeves nearly enveloped her entire body, concealing her figure completely.