The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the small town of Littleleaf, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets.

It was a town like any other—quiet, unassuming, with little to distinguish it from the dozens of other villages that dotted the landscape.

But today, Littleleaf buzzed with excitement. A representative from the Celestial Sovereign Sect was coming to test the children for spirit roots, and the entire town was abuzz with anticipation.

Feng Yao walked through the streets, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

At sixteen, he was the right age to be tested, but the prospect of possibly possessing spirit roots had kept him awake the night before.

He was aware of the immense honor it would be to join one of the most prestigious sects in the empire, but he also understood the pressure that came with it.

The expectations of his family, the whispers of the townspeople, and the looming shadow of his brother-in-law's failed cultivation journey weighed heavily on him.

As he neared his family's restaurant, Feng's Delight, the familiar scent of savory dumplings and a fragrant beef stew filled the air, momentarily easing his nerves.

He pushed open the door and was greeted by the warm, bustling atmosphere that always accompanied the morning rush.

His mother, Zhou Li, was at the counter, her nimble hands expertly folding dumplings while she chatted with a regular customer.

She looked up as Feng Yao entered, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Yao'er, you're up early!" she called out, using the affectionate nickname she had for him.

"Did you sleep well?" Feng Yao forced a grin, trying to mask his unease. "As well as I could, Mother."

Zhou Li gave him a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, she gestured towards the kitchen. "Your father's in the back. Go say hello before you leave."

Feng Yao nodded and made his way to the back of the restaurant, where the clanging of pots and the sizzle of cooking oil announced his father's presence.

Feng Ren was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a gruff exterior, but those who knew him understood that beneath his stern facade lay a heart of gold.

He was at the stove, carefully stirring a large pot of niu rou mian, the restaurant's famous beef noodle soup, when Feng Yao entered.

"Morning, Father," Feng Yao greeted him. Feng Ren turned, his serious expression softening at the sight of his son. "Morning, Yao'er. You ready for today?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Feng Yao replied, trying to sound confident. Feng Ren studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly.

"Good. Just remember, no matter what happens, we're proud of you. You've worked hard, and that's all that matters."

"Thanks, Father," Feng Yao said, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. It was comforting to know that, regardless of the outcome, his family would stand by him.

As Feng Yao left the kitchen and headed back towards the front of the restaurant, the savory aroma of the niu rou mian followed him.

It was a dish the restaurant was renowned for, attracting customers from all over Littleleaf and beyond.

The preparation of niu rou mian was a process his family had perfected over generations.

It began with selecting the finest cuts of beef, typically shank or brisket, known for their rich flavor and tenderness.

The beef was first blanched to remove impurities, then simmered slowly with a blend of spices including star anise, ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.

This slow cooking process allowed the flavors to meld together, creating a broth that was deep and aromatic.

After several hours, when the beef was tender and the broth had developed its signature complexity, fresh wheat noodles were added to the pot.

These noodles were hand-pulled, a skill passed down through the Feng family, giving them a chewy, satisfying texture that perfectly complemented the rich broth.

The dish was finished with a garnish of fresh cilantro and pickled mustard greens, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the savory beef.

The niu rou mian was a dish that encapsulated the heart and soul of Feng's Delight, and it was often said that those who tasted it would never forget the experience.

As Feng Yao returned to the front of the restaurant, he caught sight of his older sister, Feng Xia, and her husband, Chen Wei, sitting at a table by the window.

Feng Xia, at thirty, was a beauty with delicate features and a gentle demeanor.

Despite being eight months pregnant, she moved with a grace that belied her condition.

Chen Wei, her husband, was a strikingly handsome man with a strong jawline and piercing eyes.

He had once been a promising disciple of the Celestial Sovereign Sect but had returned to Littleleaf after failing to advance beyond the Qi Gathering stage after ten long years of effort.

"Little brother," Feng Xia called out, waving him over. "Come sit with us before you go. We were just talking about you."

Feng Yao smiled and joined them at the table, feeling a pang of guilt as he saw the strain in Chen Wei's eyes.

He knew that today's events would stir up old memories for his brother-in-law, memories of a dream that had never fully materialized.

"Are you nervous, Yao'er?" Chen Wei asked, his voice kind but tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"A little," Feng Yao admitted, unable to lie. "But I'll do my best."

Chen Wei nodded, his expression unreadable. "Just remember, the path of cultivation isn't easy. It's filled with trials and tribulations, and sometimes the road is longer than we expect. But don't let that discourage you. If you have the roots, the Celestial Sovereign Sect will give you the tools to grow."

Feng Xia reached out and placed a comforting hand on her brother's arm. "We believe in you, little brother.

No matter what happens, we'll be here for you." Feng Yao felt a surge of gratitude for his family.

They had always been his rock, supporting him in everything he did.

Today, more than ever, he wanted to make them proud. Just as Feng Yao was about to respond, the sound of bells echoed through the streets, signaling the arrival of the sect's representative.

The murmurs of the townspeople grew louder as everyone began to gather in the central square.

Feng Yao felt his heart skip a beat. It was time. "Go on, Yao'er," Feng Ren's voice came from behind him.

"We'll be there soon." Feng Yao nodded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.

With a final glance at his family, he made his way out of the restaurant and towards the square, where the other children were already lining up.

The square was bustling with activity as parents and children alike gathered for the event.

The Celestial Sovereign Sect's representative was a middle-aged man with sharp features and an air of authority.

His robes, adorned with the sect's emblem, marked him as someone of importance, and the crowd fell silent as he stepped forward.

"Greetings, people of Littleleaf," the representative began, his voice carrying over the crowd.

"I am Elder Li of the Celestial Sovereign Sect. Today, I have come to test your children for spirit roots. Those found worthy will be given an invitation to our sect's recruitment trials in the capital."

The crowd murmured with anticipation as Elder Li motioned for the first child to step forward.

The process was simple: Elder Li placed his hand on the child's forehead, and after a moment of concentration, he would either nod or shake his head, indicating whether or not the child possessed spirit roots.

One by one, the children were tested, but each time, Elder Li shook his head. As the line grew shorter, the tension in the air became palpable.

The townspeople whispered among themselves, their hopes dimming with each failed test.

Finally, it was Feng Yao's turn. He stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. The crowd fell silent as Elder Li placed his hand on Feng Yao's forehead.

For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. Feng Yao felt a strange sensation, like a warmth spreading through his body, and then it was over.

Elder Li withdrew his hand and looked at Feng Yao with a neutral expression. "You have spirit roots," he announced, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made the words echo in Feng Yao's mind.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Feng Yao felt his heart leap in his chest. He had done it.

He was the only one in the entire town who had spirit roots. The crowd buzzed with excitement, but there was also a murmur of something else—gossip.

Feng Yao heard snippets of conversation as he walked back to his family.

"Did you hear? Feng Yao has spirit roots, just like his brother-in-law Chen Wei…"

"Let's hope he doesn't meet the same fate. Ten years in the sect and no progress beyond Qi Gathering…"

"Maybe he'll be different. He seems more determined…"

Feng Yao tried to block out the whispers, focusing instead on the letter of invitation that Elder Li handed him.

The scroll felt heavy in his hands, a tangible symbol of the opportunity that lay before him.

As he turned back towards his family, he saw the pride in their eyes.

His father's stern expression had softened into a rare smile, and his mother's eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Feng Xia was glowing with pride, her eyes shining as she looked at her brother.

Despite the exhaustion from her pregnancy, her joy was palpable.

She reached out and enveloped Feng Yao in a warm hug, her embrace both comforting and reassuring.

"I knew you could do it, little brother," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "You've made us so proud."

Chen Wei, though his face remained somber, gave Feng Yao a supportive nod.

"You've got a chance now, Yao'er. Make the most of it. Show them what you're made of."

Feng Yao's chest swelled with a mix of relief and pride.

The road ahead was uncertain, but this moment marked a significant milestone. With his family's support, he felt a renewed sense of determination.

As the crowd around the central square began to disperse, the excitement of the day slowly faded into a quiet hum.

Feng Yao and his family made their way back to their restaurant, their steps light despite the day's intensity.

They spoke little, each lost in their own thoughts, but the sense of accomplishment was shared among them.

Back at Feng's Delight, the restaurant was still bustling with activity. Zhou Li had returned to her work, her hands deftly preparing dishes for the evening rush.

The aroma of her cooking filled the air, a comforting backdrop to the day's events.

Feng Yao settled into a quiet corner of the restaurant, where his family joined him.

They sat together, savoring a simple meal of dumplings and the last of the beef stew.

The food, while not as elaborate as the dishes they served to customers, was rich with the flavors of home and filled Feng Yao with a deep sense of comfort.

As the evening drew to a close, the restaurant gradually quieted down.

The last few customers left, and the staff began cleaning up. Feng Yao helped his family tidy up, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day.

The invitation from Elder Li lay on the table, a constant reminder of the opportunity that awaited him in the capital.

After the day's work was done, and the restaurant was closed for the night, Feng Yao prepared to retire for the evening.

The weight of the day's events and the anticipation of what was to come made it difficult to unwind.

He took a final look around the familiar surroundings of his family's restaurant, the place that had been his home for as long as he could remember.

In his small room, Feng Yao prepared for bed. The room was modest but cozy, with a simple bed and a small window that let in the cool night breeze.

He lay down, the day's excitement slowly giving way to a sense of calm.

The gentle hum of the night outside, combined with the faint aroma of the dishes from earlier, created a soothing environment.

As he closed his eyes, Feng Yao thought about the path ahead. The trials and tests in Shanggu were just the beginning.

He would face new challenges, meet new people, and perhaps discover new aspects of himself along the way.

But for now, he allowed himself to rest, knowing that the first step of his journey had been completed successfully.

With a deep breath and a final, hopeful glance at the invitation letter, Feng Yao drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with the possibilities of the future and the promise of new beginnings.