Chapter 19: Surprise

Qing Xuan secretly let out a sigh of relief. Her daughter's talent was exceptional, matching her own, and she couldn't be prouder.

Glancing at the child in Su Youruo's arms, Qing Xuan said, "Sister, it's your turn now."

Su Youruo replied softly, "Let me go last."

"In that case, I won't hold back!"

"Ziling, please."

Qing Xuan's son was fidgeting in Ziling's arms.

"Mm-hmm."

Ziling held the baby's hand and placed it on the spirit-testing stone.

Suddenly, a golden light burst forth, its brilliance no less than her sister's.

"Oh my, it's another top-grade Earth-ranked spiritual root."

"A golden spiritual root!"

"Hahaha..." Li Daoxuan couldn't contain his laughter.

Qing Xuan chimed in, "Truly worthy of being a celestial child, such talent!"

Su Youruo and Ziling were equally elated.

Li Daoxuan could now proudly claim that the Li family was not only a cultivation family but a formidable one at that.

Beyond their current strength, their potential alone surpassed many sects.

Three top-grade Earth-ranked spiritual roots, with Li Daoxuan as their protector.

And then there was the enigmatic Su Youruo.

If word got out, sects would vie to recruit them as disciples.

After the excitement settled, all eyes turned to Su Youruo. Her daughter hadn't been tested yet, but Li Daoxuan didn't hold high expectations.

Their eldest son's poor spiritual root had been a lesson, tempering his expectations.

Nevertheless, Li Daoxuan smiled and said, "Youruo, it's your turn!"

"Okay."

Actually, Su Youruo felt anxious and guilty.

She believed her child's spiritual root was inadequate, feeling responsible. Yet, she didn't consider the role Li Daoxuan's own mediocre spiritual root might play.

"Let's begin."

Su Youruo placed her daughter's tiny hand on the spirit-testing stone. Seconds passed... and then a while longer.

No reaction??? Su Youruo felt a pang of disappointment. Why was it like this?

Li Daoxuan, too, was surprised. He quickly reassured her, "Perhaps the spirit-testing stone is malfunctioning. Let's try again."

This time, Li Daoxuan held his daughter's hand himself, placing it on the spirit-testing stone.

He held it tightly for a while.

Just as disappointment loomed, a colorful light suddenly burst forth, its intensity astonishing.

Crack!

Crack!

Under everyone's expectant gazes, the spirit-testing stone shattered into pieces on the ground.

The four exchanged glances, the room falling silent.

Li Daoxuan was baffled. "What's happening? The spirit-testing stone shattered?"

Ziling and Qing Xuan were equally perplexed; they had never witnessed such an outcome. Su Youruo furrowed her brow, lost in thought.

"Madam, what are your thoughts?"

Li Daoxuan was certain his daughter possessed a spiritual root, but its grade remained unclear.

Su Youruo sighed, "Husband, I believe our daughter does have a spiritual root, but I'm uncertain of its grade."

"I share the same opinion."

"This must remain confidential. We cannot let this news spread."

"Agreed."

They reached a consensus, choosing not to dwell on the matter further.

Li Daoxuan resolved to seek clarification from the system when possible. Surely, it could provide answers.

As he gazed at the broken spirit-testing stone, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hus... Husband, can I test for a spiritual root?"

"Hm?" Li Daoxuan looked puzzled. "Ziling, you want to be tested too?"

"You've never been tested before?"

"No!"

Li Daoxuan was surprised and felt a pang of heartache.

Ji Ziling had been a princess of the royal family. Even if she lacked presence, she was still royalty. Shouldn't her aptitude have been tested at birth?

It highlighted the challenges she must have faced in her previous life!

"Come! Let's test your spiritual roots too!"

Li Daoxuan produced another spiritual stone.

Ji Ziling carefully placed her hand on it. Suddenly, a vibrant green light flooded the room.

"Wooden spiritual roots!"

"Top-grade Earth-level!"

"Wow! I didn't expect Ziling to be such a genius."

"Our family is truly extraordinary!"

Li Daoxuan was stunned, thinking to himself, "What a jackpot!"

With Ziling's spiritual root grade, she was exceptional. The Great Zhou royal family had overlooked her, but in any major sect, she'd be a prized disciple.

Ziling was thrilled. During her time with the Li family, she'd learned about cultivation and was eager to begin her own journey.

"Now can I cultivate, husband and sisters?"

"Absolutely."

"What a surprise!"

Li Daoxuan wasted no time, presenting cultivation techniques he'd acquired.

"Ziling, take a look. See if any suit you."

"Feel free to choose."

"If none are suitable, I'll find one."

Ziling smiled gratefully. "Thank you, husband!"

Though Su Youruo and Qing Xuan had their own techniques, sect rules forbade sharing them.

Everyone rejoiced. Qing Xuan marveled at how Li Daoxuan had acquired so many techniques, none from the Heavenly Dao Sect.

"Ziling, consider this one. Its grade isn't high, but it matches your spiritual root attribute."

"This technique seems fitting. Should I start practicing it?"

"Absolutely. Later, I'll find a higher-grade technique for you."

"Okay!"

Li Daoxuan remembered an important matter.

Rewards!

He hadn't reviewed them yet but anticipated generous offerings.

"Wife, I'm on the verge of a breakthrough."

"I'll seclude myself in the chamber."

Su Youruo regarded him curiously, nodding. "Go ahead."