Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou had only one thought remaining in their heads—it’s over; I can’t believe that we actually discussed how to cheat in front of the examiner…4

Yun Zhi did not cast them a second glance, as if she was oblivious to their plans to cheat. Instead, she proceeded to organize the trials, where it became apparent that she held significant authority among the Dao-Seeking Sect’s disciples. They would comply with her commands without question, regardless of whether they were geniuses, idolized, or omnipotent figures with strong backing outside of the sect.0

“The spirit root is the first hurdle on the journey to immortality. If your spirit root is inadequate, you won’t be able to go far in your cultivation, no matter how many resources are poured in. For the first round, everyone will line up to have their spirit root tested. Those who have no confidence in their spirit root may choose to leave now.”4

No one left.0

Most who came to attend the Dao-Seeking Sect’s examinations were already aware of their own spirit roots. Rarely were there people like Lu Yang who had come to try their luck just because it was close to home.0

The purpose of this round was to prevent those with unsuitable spirit roots from sneaking into the Dao-Seeking Sect.0

A massive, conspicuous spirit root stone was the conventional spirit root testing method. However, the empty space ahead signaled that the Dao-Seeking Sect did things differently.0

A Dao-Seeking Sect disciple, Dai Bufan[1], was sitting right at the front. Living up to his “extraordinary” name, he practiced a unique cultivation technique. By sending his spirit energy into someone else’s body, he could immediately determine their spirit root, cultivation techniques, and even where their weak points were. In combat, he was like a fish in water.0

Like a seasoned physician, all it took for Dai Bufan was to place two fingers on the other person’s wrist to ascertain their spirit root. 0

“Metal-Water-Fire Triple Spirit Root? Passable; you can go over there.”0

“Water-Fire Dual Spirit Root; not bad.”6

“Water-Wood Dual Spirit Root. Your foundation was previously impaired, likely due to the major injury you had when you were twelve years old. Normally, this would result in hidden side effects, but your time wasn't meant to be up then. You encountered a benevolent expert with superb medical skills. Not only did he cure you, he even restored your foundation.”10

The candidate was astounded. He is right on the money! “My mother passed away when I was twelve, and my stepmother took the reins of the household. Worried that I would threaten her son’s position, she plotted to harm me, causing me to enter a coma. As luck would have it, I was  completely fine when I came to. My father then told me that an expert had passed by and saved me, but he didn't leave his name behind.”2

After the candidate walked away, the Dao-Seeking Sect disciples thronged to congratulate Dai Bufan. “All you did was take his pulse, and you could already deduce everything like you were there in person! Congratulations for attaining new heights in your cultivation, Senior Brother Dai!”0

Dai Bufan lightly remarked. “Oh, that was nothing. The expert was me. I was in a rush then, so I forgot to tell them my name before I left.”26

Everyone didn’t know how to respond to that.0

Before the disciple could say anything else, Dai Bufan was already waving his hand at the next candidate. “Eighteen is past the age requirements. You may leave. Next.”0

Under the lead of a senior monk, a rather adorable junior monk went up to Dai Bufan and gave him a proper bow.0

Dai Bufan only took a glance before pushing the junior monk back to the senior monk. “What is a novice monk from the Hanging Monastery[2] doing here? Your body bears an imprint of the Hanging Monastery Abbot. Shoo shoo, return to your monastery.”1

Lu Yang softly asked Meng Jingzhou, “If I recall correctly, the Hanging Monastery is one of the Five Great Immortal Sects?”0

Meng Jingzhou nodded, explaining in a serious manner, “Out of all five sects, the Hanging Monastery has the fewest disciples by far. There was even a time when there was only an abbot and a disciple. Even when there are more members, the total count wouldn't exceed ten people. Since this junior monk has become their disciple before even cultivating, it’s clear that he has a profound Buddha-nature.”5

Meng Jingzhou studied the little novice monk, who was being led away by his senior brother. “I used to think that I would be in a league of my own and proudly overlook the rest in the cultivation world. I didn't expect that there could still be a worthy opponent.”0

Lu Yang had no clue where Meng Jingzhou’s unbridled confidence stemmed from. “Aren't you worried at all about Miss Yun Zhi kicking us out?”0

“What is there to be scared of? Haven't you seen how all the novels go? A big sect is blind to the talent of the genius young boy and instead frames him, kicking him out of the sect. Spurred on by the humiliation, the genius young boy resolves to work hard. Along the way, he runs into a never-ending series of fortuitous encounters. In the end, he surprises everyone as he suddenly soars right to the apex and becomes someone the big sect looks down, I mean, looks up to.”13

Lu Yang contemplated for a while before reminding him, “But it doesn't seem like Miss Yun Zhi needs to frame us…”0

“That makes sense.”0

And thus, Meng Jingzhou also started to panic.2

“The energy in your body flows ceaselessly and freely. Looking at your attire, you don't seem to be from an ancestral cultivator clan. Could you have consumed a Qingmu Immortal Fruit by chance before? You passed, go over there.”0

Dai Bufan then placed his fingers on a tall, burly man with bronze skin, and his eyes glimmered. “Oh? Your constitution is quite interesting. It has been a long time since I last came across the bloodline of the Ancient Barbaric Tribe.”3

The burly man had a shining bald head, and even his skin was reflecting the sunlight. Based on his appearance, it wouldn’t be a stretch for people to assume that he is twenty-five or twenty-six years old. However, since Dai Bufan didn’t mention anything, it means that he is not older than sixteen.0

Lu Yang only had one comment—He has grown really well.0

The news stirred a slight commotion among the crowd. The Ancient Barbarians were famous for being so strong that they could uproot mountains, drain rivers, and almost swallow the sun and the moon. After flourishing to their peak, however, they eventually faded into the river of time.0

It had been a long time since someone of the Ancient Barbarian Tribe bloodline appeared in the Central Continent. Everyone had thought that the bloodline had vanished, but this belief was shattered with the sudden presence of a person from the bloodline at the Dao-Seeking Sect’s trials.0

Dai Bufan yawned. I have already checked through half of the candidates. Why is there still not a Single Spirit Root in sight? Could they all have been snatched away by the other sects?!3

Meng Jingzhou stepped forward with confidence. Although Dai Bufan didn’t have high hopes, the moment his index finger touched Meng Jingzhou’s wrist, his eyes widened, and he sprang up from his seat. “It is actually a Single…”0

Chatters immediately broke out in the crowd.0

A Single Spirit Root?!0

A Single Spirit Root signified that overcoming the bottlenecks at every cultivation stage would be far easier. These people were destined to become great immortal cultivators. If they entered the imperial court, they could occupy esteemed positions. Beyond that, they could even dominate a territory and declare themselves kings!1

The people’s gazes were burning into Meng Jingzhou. Forging connections with this kind of personage will bring nothing but benefits!0

The older generation hastily exhorted the younger generation to build a favorable relationship with Meng Jingzhou after entering the Dao-Seeking Sect.0

The Meng Family. Single Spirit Root. Dao-Seeking Sect disciple.0

With these three things combined in one person, there is no doubt that he will become an influential member of the Dao-Seeking Sect and a formidable cultivator whose name will go down in the annals of history!0

“...It’s a Single’s Spirit Root,” Dai Bufan clarified.1

The crowd stilled.0

Rage exploded within Meng Jingzhou. What the hell is a “Single’s Spirit Root?” Does that mean that I will be single for my whole life?!3

Meng Jingzhou slammed the table, his green veins bulging. “Don’t try to deceive me just because I’m not knowledgeable!”1

An ethereal, fairy-like voice intervened. “Junior Brother Dai, don’t tease others.”0

Yun Zhi emerged from the mist and glared at Dai Bufan. The latter guiltily shrank back.0

Only then did Meng Jingzhou slightly regain his composure. That’s right, it must be Dai Bufan fooling me.0

Yun Zhi explained to Meng Jingzhou, “However, Junior Brother Dai didn’t lie to you either. You indeed have a Single’s Spirit Root, which is the scholarly name. It’s just that everyone in the cultivation world is more used to calling it by its common name—Pure Yang Spirit Root.”5

Meng Jingzhou, "..." He finally understood why his clan elders and parents kept the name of his spirit root from him.0

I will naturally find out when I arrive at the Great Five Immortal Sects? Bullshit! You were just too embarrassed to tell me!0

No wonder my parents asked me whether I wanted a younger brother or sister after I was done testing for my spirit root.1

The Pure Yang Spirit Root is a Variant Single Spirit Root of such extreme and unyielding yang nature that it is the bane of ghosts and monsters.1

Preserve the pure yang constitution and your cultivation will ascend by a thousand li; disrupt the pure yang constitution and your cultivation will plummet by a thousand li.[3]15