Chapter Four: The Useless Spiritual Root

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“A Earth Spirit Root, actually possessing an Earth Spirit Root—such a gift easily qualifies one for inner sect cultivation.” Elder Wang’s voice brimmed with uncontrollable joy, a sudden surge of emotion like a tidal wave that stunned those around him. They exchanged glances, puzzled by his reaction.

But soon, Elder Wang regained his composure, returning to his usual calm demeanor.

His eyes shone brightly as he looked at the burly man, his tone filled with undisguised praise: “Liu Qing, your mission has brought great merit to our sect. To find such an exceptional seedling, this elder feels truly gratified. A generous reward shall surely await you.”

Liu Qing’s excitement was evident; his lips moved but no words came out. Yet his eyes blazed with fervent fire, fixed intently on the still bewildered youth, as if to convey his joy and expectations through his gaze.

Spirit roots are the foundation of cultivation; their purity directly influences the smoothness of the path ahead.

Among the Five Elements spirit roots, a single manifestation is called a Heavenly Spirit Root—extremely rare and precious beyond measure.

A dual manifestation is the Earth Spirit Root, which grants cultivation speed far surpassing ordinary men, truly astonishing.

Those with triple spirit roots are regarded as possessing True Spirit Roots—not as outstanding as Heavenly or Earth Spirit Roots, but able to steadily advance on the path of cultivation.

As for quadruple or quintuple spirit roots, they are deemed false or useless spirit roots, for whom the road of cultivation is fraught with difficulty.

Now, this youth bears an Earth Spirit Root, discovered among these captured mortals—how could this not fill everyone with delight and surprise?

Having learned from earlier setbacks, the anxiety on everyone’s faces quickly faded, replaced by eager anticipation. The great hall grew slightly noisy with excitement.

Yet just as the clamor neared its peak, Elder Wang’s casual remark fell like a bucket of cold water in winter, instantly extinguishing everyone’s enthusiasm.

“Noisy! Those without spirit roots, drag them out and kill them.” His words were calm and indifferent, yet carried an unmistakable authority.

His gaze, sharp as a blade, swept over everyone present, chilling their hearts so they dared not meet his eyes.

Before the words fully faded, Elder Wang flickered forward and personally came to the still somewhat dazed youth, pulling him away from the spirit root testing monument.

At that moment, his face softened like the warm spring sun, a stark contrast to his previous sternness.

He spoke gently to the youth, his tone filled with care and expectation, as if inspecting a precious treasure.

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Meanwhile, Liu Qing clapped his hands and waved casually. The burly men behind him charged forward like tigers descending a mountain, swiftly surrounding the stunned crowd and mercilessly dragging them out of the hall.

Soon, piercing screams echoed from outside like mournful cries in the cold wind, penetrating every corner of the great hall.

Only then did the survivors realize the grim fate awaiting those without spirit roots: death.

Fear spread like a plague; no one dared to compete anymore and instead retreated one by one, fearful their names might be called next, becoming the next victim.

Cao Yun’s heart sank as if plunged into an ice cellar. He had roughly understood the purpose of the monument—a mysterious artifact testing innate talent, its results beyond human intervention.

This meant his life and death were now entirely in others’ hands, leaving him to fate.

“That boy, you come first.” Suddenly, Elder Wang pointed at Cao Yun, his voice cold and resolute.

Cao Yun offered no resistance or struggle. He silently stepped forward and placed both hands slowly on the monument.

This scene caused a slight flicker in Elder Wang’s eyes—he seemed somewhat surprised by Cao Yun’s composure.

Soon, Elder Wang cast a spell again, and a pale green light instantly enveloped Cao Yun.

He felt a warm current flowing from his body into the monument before him.

Then, five characters—yellow, gold, blue, cyan, and red—lit up respectively, dazzling like a rainbow yet tinged with an ominous foreboding.

“Five elements all full… heh, a useless spirit root.” Elder Wang curled his lips into a cold sneer and shook his head.

His voice, as icy as a blade, pierced Cao Yun’s heart, sending it plummeting.

Just then, Liu Qing returned from outside and frowned, about to ask, “Should we—” but was cut off by Elder Wang.

“Five spirit roots, though a useless spirit root, can still serve as a blood slave. We’re short-handed right now, so keep him for the time being.” Elder Wang’s casual words brushed over Cao Yun’s heart like a spring breeze, pulling him back from the brink of death.

Though his fate remained uncertain and fraught with hardship, at least for now, his life was spared.

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The testing continued. Over a hundred people quickly completed the assessment; in the end, none had spirit roots. Those without were dragged out and killed by Liu Qing and the burly men, leaving only Cao Yun and the youth with the Earth Spirit Root alive.

Though Cao Yun never feared death, at this moment he felt a lightness, as if having narrowly escaped a great calamity.

After the spirit root tests concluded, the youth praised as the dual-spirit-root “genius,” accompanied personally by Elder Wang, entered the grand hall at the rear of the plaza.

Cao Yun, meanwhile, was still escorted by Liu Qing, slowly leaving the Blood Slave Hall.

As they gradually distanced themselves, Liu Qing unexpectedly initiated conversation: “I know you may harbor resentment toward me now, but believe me, one day when you look back on this experience, you will be grateful.”

Cao Yun glanced coldly at Liu Qing, his voice indifferent: “Is this because of the spirit root test just now?”

It was Cao Yun’s first words in days.

Seeing Cao Yun’s calm and unreadable face, Liu Qing was somewhat surprised. He reconsidered Cao Yun before slowly replying, “How many mortals dream desperately of treading the path of cultivation, seeking immortality, yet find no way. Though you were forced here, to join our Celestial Star Wolf Sect is a great opportunity. If one day you can move mountains, overturn seas, and command the wind and rain, don’t forget the one who led you here.”

Liu Qing grinned, proudly pointing his thumb at himself.

Yet Cao Yun was stunned, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of Liu Qing’s words.

In the cultivation world, power reigns supreme.

A chance to walk the path of the strong is indeed rare.

But Cao Yun knew well that with his entirely useless quintuple spirit roots, achieving anything on this path would be extraordinarily difficult.