Chapter 4: The First Trial – Testing Talent

Chapter 4: The First Trial – Testing Talent

The vast selection grounds fell into silence as Elder Mo's gaze swept over the hundreds of young cultivators gathered. His powerful Dharma Image Realm aura weighed down on them, making even the most confident among them hold their breath.

"The first trial is simple," Elder Mo declared. "Each of you will step forward and place your hand on the Spirit Awakening Stone. It will determine your innate talent and potential. Those who fail to meet the minimum standard will be eliminated immediately."

As soon as he finished speaking, a group of sect disciples carried forth a massive crystal-like monolith, radiating faint blue light. The Spirit Awakening Stone was a well-known artifact used to measure a cultivator's innate talent—the stronger the reaction, the higher their potential.

Han Ye observed quietly.

He knew this test was crucial. Cultivators were typically categorized based on spirit root quality:

Mortal Spirit Root – Weakest, little potential.

Yellow Spirit Root – Slightly better, but still mediocre.

Profound Spirit Root – Average talent, suitable for most disciples.

Earth Spirit Root – Stronger than most, able to reach high realms.

Heaven Spirit Root – Extremely rare, natural prodigy.

Divine Spirit Root – Nearly unheard of, peerless genius.

Han Ye had tested his spirit root before—his was a mere Profound Spirit Root, which was why his cultivation had been slow. However, after obtaining the Supreme Dao Companion System, things had changed.

'Let's see how much I've improved.'

One by one, participants stepped forward.

"Li Qiang!"

A young man placed his hand on the stone. Faint yellow light flickered.

[Yellow Spirit Root – Failed]

"Next!"

One after another, hopeful cultivators stepped up. Many were immediately eliminated. Some managed to produce Profound Spirit Root results, securing a chance to proceed.

Then—

"Luo Xin!"

Luo Xin walked forward with graceful confidence. As soon as her hand touched the stone—

BOOM!

The Spirit Awakening Stone erupted in dazzling silver light, causing murmurs among the crowd.

"Heaven Spirit Root!"

"She's a top-tier talent!"

Even Elder Mo's expression softened slightly. "Pass. Next!"

"Luo Jin!"

Like her sister, Luo Jin also produced Heaven Spirit Root, instantly passing the test.

Han Ye smiled. He wasn't surprised—their talent had always been superior to his.

Finally—

"Han Ye!"

A wave of whispers spread.

"Isn't he the weakest of the Han family?"

"Let's see if he even qualifies."

Han Ye stepped forward, placing his palm on the Spirit Awakening Stone. He felt a faint surge of energy from within the stone, scanning his body.

At first, the stone remained dim—just like it had when he was tested years ago.

The crowd sneered.

"As expected."

"He's still the same medioc—"

Before the words left their mouths—

BOOM!!!

A thunderous explosion of light erupted from the stone!

Not just silver—golden light!

Gasps of shock echoed throughout the selection grounds.

"Heaven Spirit Root… no, wait—"

Elder Mo's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward. His gaze flickered with astonishment.

"Divine Spirit Root!"

Silence.

Then, a wave of disbelief and awe swept through the crowd.

"Impossible!"

"A Divine Spirit Root?! That's a talent unseen in centuries!"

Elder Mo took a deep breath before announcing, "Han Ye, you have passed."

Han Ye clenched his fists, feeling the weight of countless gazes on him.

'This is just the beginning.'

With this, he had already shattered the expectations of everyone present.

But the trials were far from over.

"The first test is complete. Those who passed, prepare for the second trial!"

The real challenge was just about to begin.