Luofu Mountain's ascension ceremony follows a relatively traditional format. Apart from the fundamental physical assessment, there are two main tests: the Heart-Examining Mirror and the Sky-Climbing Ladder.
The former uses magical artifacts to construct illusions that test the character of those entering the formation, while the latter distinguishes the quality of spiritual roots based on the number of white jade steps climbed.
The white jade steps total one hundred. Climbing up to the twentieth step indicates a Four-Element Mixed Spiritual Root, like Xu Sui, capable of cultivating in only one element.
Reaching the fortieth step indicates a Three-Element Mixed Spiritual Root, an awkward aptitude, falling short above and having surplus below, essentially stuck at this level.
Reaching the sixtieth step indicates a Dual Spiritual Root, and without any accidents, it is certain to become a pillar of Luofu Mountain.
Reaching the eightieth step indicates a Celestial Spiritual Root, representing the hope of the entire sect. Once someone with such aptitude appears, all major peaks will compete for them. Each step climbed implies a higher level of talent.
"I wonder who will stand out in this ascension ceremony."
At the main seat, an elderly man with white hair murmured to himself while looking at the images in the water mirror. This was a routine conversation before each ascension ceremony.
The purpose is to pre-allocate resources for disciples, preventing last-minute disputes and making a mockery of themselves.
Xu Sui naturally had no room to interject into such matters, taking advantage of no one paying attention to him, he quietly began to cultivate.
The Gathering Spirit Array on Luofu Main Peak is much better than the one on the Asking Sword Peak, and it allows him to freeload a bit.
At the same time, the characteristic of the Empty Spiritual Root is change. With a thought, Xu Sui emitted the spiritual energy fluctuations of the Four-Element Mixed Spiritual Root, not worrying about being discovered.
If nothing unexpected happens, for the next few hours, Xu Sui will be ignored like air.
But as normal people know, when things go as expected, something unexpected is about to happen.
"Senior Brother Chixia, you've already obtained the precious natural treasures to improve aptitude. Why bother competing for the disciple with the best aptitude this time?"
"Natural treasures are individual opportunities, while assigning disciples is a matter for the sect. There is no reason to mix public and private matters."
Chixia Zhenren's face darkened. He had already accepted the fact that the Clear Source Divine Water was stolen overnight, but now it was brought up again.
He couldn't help but get angry for a moment, especially since the person speaking was the head of the Alchemy Peak.
If he rashly offended him, the medicines of the Yunxia Peak might be squeezed hard, and the whole peak might be wiped out.
At this moment, a sudden change occurred in the water mirror image. Someone stepped onto the hundredth layer of white jade steps and stood at the summit.
The hall fell into silence, and Fuyi Zhi, the head of the sect, reached out, grabbing the person directly from the water mirror to the main hall.
"Good child, what is your name?"
"Xiaoshui Country, Xie Yushu."
There was a trace of confusion in Xie Yushu's eyes, but she quickly understood the situation and regained his composure. Such adaptability would be praised by anyone.
"Xie is the surname of Xiaoshui Country. No wonder such talents can emerge. Are you willing to join my Luofu Main Peak?"
Fuyi Zhi nodded in satisfaction. He had taken the initiative earlier to bring this talent to Luofu Main Peak, making him a closed-door disciple.
After all, the other party is a genius who can climb the hundred layers of white jade steps. Even if it's not Luofu Mountain, some sacred places will allocate resources.
The other peak masters showed normal expressions but were somewhat unwilling in their hearts.
Unexpectedly, Xie Yushu shook his head. Then he spoke, "Master, I appreciate your favor, but I have a congenital strange illness. I cannot store spiritual energy in my dantian. Even the royal family has no solution. Therefore, I came to Luofu Mountain in the hope of finding a glimmer of hope."
Xie Yushu did not hide his own problems. His words gradually turned his expectations into disappointment. She understood that she might not be able to cultivate in this lifetime.
The foundation of a cultivator's extraordinary achievements lies in the use of spiritual energy. Xie Yushu has unparalleled talent, but he cannot store spiritual energy, making his future achievements not even comparable to Xu Sui's Four-Element Mixed Spiritual Root.
"Pity about your Thunder Spiritual Root."
Fuyi Zhi's face lost its enthusiasm, and difficulties had already surfaced. Xie Yushu's situation did not seem suitable for cultivation, but he publicly announced the matter of accepting disciples just half an
hour ago. Naturally, he couldn't let the other party leave empty-handed.
He then turned his gaze to Xu Sui.
In any case, he had to give Asking Sword Peak a 'waste.' To whom he gave it didn't matter. Moreover, in Xie Yushu's situation, he was almost like a waste compared to Xu Sui, who could cultivate in just ten years, let alone master a celestial spiritual root.
"Do you, junior sister, have any interest in practicing at Asking Sword Peak?"
"Sure, Asking Sword Peak is also good. The peak master, Li Qingyi, is currently breaking through to the Divine Transformation stage. It wouldn't be a waste to go to Asking Sword Peak."
A smile returned to Fuyi Zhi's face. After a few pleasantries, he allowed them to leave.