"Yes, Zhou Yan's mother was an extraordinary beauty, and when Zhou Yan was young, he was incredibly handsome, as crystal clear as spirit jade. It's normal for you to feel inclined to be close to him. Even now, beyond his good looks, he has a unique wild charm. Combined with his rebellious nature, he certainly attracts attention!"
The man offered his indifferent commentary, while the girl seemed to have some inexplicable feeling of panic.
"But, Ying'er, you shouldn't get involved with Zhou Yan in the future. You should spend more time with Zhou Yuntian, so you can have some status, and others won't dare to bully you. Of course, if you can undergo another two transformations, then even Zhou Yuntian won't matter to you. As the Elder said, in this world, no matter how talented one is, death reduces them to nothing. Zhou Yan has faced many hardships, and his father is a reckless man who has offended many. If you become friends with him, you'll bring a lot of trouble upon yourself. Until you become a genius capable of controlling your own fate, don't invite trouble for yourself, understand?"
"Father, how can you say that?"
The girl, who still moments ago had a heart pounding with inexplicable feelings, now appeared somewhat displeased, her face turning colder. Her beautifully furrowed brow seemed to speak of her father's unkindness.
"Ying'er, I am not forbidding you to like him!"
"Father, who, who said Ying'er likes that arrogant fool?"
The girl's face immediately flushed red.
"This Zhou Yan is a superb man among men, with all the advantages of his parents. It's not wrong for you to like him. But have you thought about it—if you have no ability to protect all this, it will become extremely troublesome! My daughter, you are also stunningly beautiful, on par with Zhou Ting! With your talent in the Great Zhou Family, there must be many handsome youths who like you! If you dislike anyone, just show that you like someone else, and I guarantee that person will end up terribly."
"Uh! Father, are you praising your daughter or disparaging her?"
The girl Ying'er pouted, stomping her foot playfully, feeling somewhat defiant.
The middle-aged man's eyes, however, were filled with worry.
Such seemingly playful words were meant to temporarily ensure that his daughter would not get entangled with Zhou Yan.
Others did not know the secrets involved, not even many in the Great Zhou Family.
But in truth, the middle-aged man vaguely knew something about Zhou Wangchen's wife's origins!
That woman once caused a domain to collapse, of incredible origin! If Zhou Yan were acknowledged with such a status, his daughter would have a good future.
But would that power recognize Zhou Yan with only three transformations?
Without the backing of that force, Zhou Yan was just another genius in the Great Zhou Family. Were his daughter to follow him, there might be no safety...
He couldn't help but worry and sigh.
…
"Yan'er, be very careful!"
At this moment, Gu Yan's words were choked with emotion.
Facing countless strong opponents, he felt more and more powerless!
This feeling gnawed deeply at his heart, and he fully understood the nearly desperate, yet immensely guilty gaze of Xiao Zhan.
In that dim Forbidden Chamber, Xiao Zhan didn't even mention his daughter's name anymore!
He no longer had the face to mention his once-proud daughter in front of Zhou Yan!
At this moment, Gu Yan fully understood it all.
Previously unable to grasp it deeply, because the stimulus wasn't strong enough and his daughter hadn't wronged Zhou Yan, he still had some comfort in his heart!
Now, seeing the tyranny, ruthlessness, and cruelty of these people, a sudden decision formed in his heart.
"Yes, Uncle Gu, I understand!"
Zhou Yan said, turning to walk up to the testing platform.
He didn't know how to test the Qi Column, nor did he understand this concept of transformation. He didn't know these things, and no one had mentioned them to him!
It seemed that even Zhou Wuzhen didn't know these things before.
But Zhou Wuzhen's final words about needing to test the Qi Column made Zhou Yan regard it with more importance!
He instinctively felt that his dual Qi Column must not be known by others.
Hence, he sent his soul out, carefully sensing the Qi Columns of others, and finally, Zhou Yan was astounded!
Earlier, his sensing ability made him easily perceive, and almost everyone only had one Qi Column with one section!
Yet, upon further internal sensing of Zhou Lingyi, he discovered strangely that Zhou Lingyi actually had two sections in the Qi Column!
And Zhou Lingyao also had two sections!
Zhou Xian, this person, actually had three sections!
This result greatly surprised Zhou Yan, as he initially thought his transformation was unique, but others also displayed such anomalies! Even more surprising was that Zhou Xian likely didn't even know his own condition! Probably, he thought everyone's Qi Column like his was the same with three sections!
Sensing this, Zhou Yan hesitated—should he reveal his dual Qi Column?
He wavered, unable to make up his mind.
He naturally understood the huge advantages of demonstrating exceptional talent, but he didn't want others to know about the trump card of his dual Qi Column with four sections each.
These feelings were conflicting, as he felt a desire to excel yet was reluctant to expose too much!
However, falling short in this test made him unwilling.
When he took the stage for testing, this hesitance showed on his face.
This hesitation made the cold smiles on the faces of the elegant man and woman beside the elders even more pronounced.
"A waste afraid to even take the test—probably accumulated his realm with some elixir or similar,"
The man sneered, seemingly talking to himself.
"Afraid of testing, surely knowing his condition can't withstand scrutiny. Otherwise, what incredible reason could there be?"
The woman said disdainfully.
"Zhou Yuan, Zhou Ting, cease your chatter, just watch!"
The Great Zhou Elder sternly spoke, slightly serious, finally curbing the unruly pair who were completely unconcerned about Zhou Wuzhen's expression.
"Yes, Elder."
Zhou Yuan and Zhou Ting, displeased, reluctantly bowed respectfully.
The Great Zhou Elder nodded slightly, squinting as he continued to observe the Zhou Family's testing.
"Zhou Shan, eighteen, Sword Energy Three Realms, not qualified!"
"Zhou Lingyao, sixteen, Sword Origin Second Layer Heaven, qualified!"
"Zhou Lingyi, fifteen, Second Level of Sword Qi peak, qualified!"
…
Test after test resulted in three out of ten being directly eliminated.
"Zhou Yan…"
Finally, it was Zhou Yan's turn for testing.
The one conducting the test was Zhou Wuhen, the original Second Elder of the Zhou Family.
With a sinister gaze, he coldly scrutinized Zhou Yan, who then walked to his side.
At this time, he held a special Sword Spirit in his hand, specifically used to test age and realm.
This testing method was already the most accurate.
"Zhou Yan, fifteen, Second Level of Sword Qi peak… qua… qualified!"
Zhou Wuhen suppressed his inner fury, gritting his teeth as he uttered these words.
At that moment, as many in the Zhou Family looked towards Zhou Yan, their eyes were filled with blessings.
Knowing that Zhou Yan was not 'abandoned' by the Family Head but instead was not truly an 'abandoned child,' many within the Zhou Family stood by Zhou Yan's side.
After all, no matter what, Zhou Yan was a member of the Zhou Family, and among the Zhou Family, many of the three generations were very united.
"Hehe."
Zhou Yan gave a sinister smile to the Second Elder, not showing the respect usually owed to an elder.
These people, Zhou Yan thought, were unworthy!
Meticulously scheming yet making him feel guilty, blaming himself for being a burden, and just accepting death.
To use fake familial love to scheme against him; how could he still respect these people?
Zhou Yan's eyes held a spirited yet cold smile, which made the Second Elder's expression become uncertain.
The Second Elder took a slight step back, looking at Zhou Yan with deep fear in his eyes.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable panic and apprehension in his heart, and announced loudly: "In accordance with the Heavenly Sword Spirit's test, those who meet the requirements are eight. Next will be the comprehension test! The Great Zhou Elder has provided a piece of Jade Essence, containing a unique Sword Intent Profound Meaning. I will place it here, and everyone stand ten meters away and sense it. After a stick of incense's time, you will each perform the Secret Technique you've comprehended to compare your comprehension abilities. Then, the Great Zhou Elder will personally evaluate and categorize your talents."
The Second Elder, under immense pressure, spoke a series of words, then began the second round of testing.
This time, it tested comprehension and individual sensing ability.
Standing ten meters away, unaffected by others' sensing power while precisely comprehending the Sword Intent Profound Meaning within the Jade Essence seemed not just difficult but almost unthinkable!
Even without interference, how much could one comprehend in a stick of incense's time?
Not to mention, it was with interference from not just one person. To comprehend Sword Intent Profound Meaning within a stick of incense's time?
It's unrealistic!
Many disciples already knew the rules, and they were aware that it was an impossible task, but since this wasn't set by their elders but by the Great Zhou Elder, how could they entertain any thought of defiance?
Even if it was impossible, they had to try their best!
…"