"I... I can't sense any spiritual root."
The already silent crowd plunged into an even deeper stillness. For a few moments, no one dared to breathe, let alone speak. Then, like a dam breaking, the air filled with an uproar of murmurs and exclamations.
"What does the elder Jin Yuxian mean by saying he can't sense any spiritual root?"
"Isn't he one of the best on the continent at assessing spiritual roots?"
"How can there be no spiritual root in a person?"
"Elder, you must try again!"
Amidst the chaos, the first elder Jin Zhenhai abruptly rose from his seat. His normally composed expression was pale, his brows furrowed in disbelief. His voice, though deep, carried a trembling edge. "Elder Yuxian, you must check again! How can there be no spiritual root?"
The elder Jin Yuxian lowered his head, shaking it solemnly. "1st elder, it's pointless. I've already tried multiple times. The result is the same—nothing. I can't sense even the faintest trace of a spiritual root."
The elder Jin Zhenhai's face darkened as waves of emotions battered his heart. How could he, the grandfather of Jin Long, accept such a fate? His only grandson, destined for greatness, now stood on the precipice of despair. Since the dawn of cultivation, there had never been a recorded case of a human without a spiritual root. Even the weakest mortals, alive or dead, possessed one.
Sensing the turmoil in his elder brother's heart, the second elder Jin Mingyan stepped forward. Gently placing a hand on the elder Jin Zhenhai's shoulder, he said in a calm, reassuring tone, "Big brother, don't despair. This situation is unprecedented, yes, but that doesn't mean there's no solution. Perhaps we can study this anomaly and uncover a path forward for little Long."
The elder Jin Zhenhai clenched his fists, his reluctance evident in his tightened jaw. Unable to restrain himself, he left his seat and descended toward the stage. His every step was weighed with both determination and sorrow. The elder Jin Mingyan sighed inwardly, choosing to remain silent.
Standing behind Jin Long, the elder Jin Zhenhai placed a hand on his shoulder. His voice, though soft, was resolute. "I'll examine this myself. I refuse to accept such a verdict without seeing for myself."
He positioned his palm on Jin Long's back, speaking with quiet reassurance, "Don't worry, child. I won't let you suffer such a tragic fate."
Channeling his spiritual energy, he directed it toward Jin Long, probing for the elusive spiritual root. But no matter how deeply he searched, he found only emptiness. The elder Jin Zhenhai's face grew paler with each attempt. Desperation drove him to intensify his efforts, forcing more spiritual energy into Jin Long's frail body.
At first, Jin Long felt warmth spreading through him, but it soon turned unbearable. His mortal body couldn't withstand the intensity of his grandfather's energy. Pain wracked his small frame, and he struggled to suppress the groans threatening to escape his lips. His vision blurred, and his legs trembled as his strength waned.
"Enough, elder Zhenhai!" the elder Jin Yuxian barked, stepping forward to intervene. Grasping the elder Jin Zhenhai's wrist, he forcibly pulled his hand away from Jin Long. "If you continue, you'll kill him!"
The elder Jin Zhenhai staggered back, his shoulders slumping as the reality struck him. Lowering his gaze, he muttered, "No spiritual root... how can this be?"
The crowd's whispers grew louder as the news spread like wildfire. Jin Long's condition wasn't just a personal tragedy; it was an anomaly that defied the natural order. His family was steeped in grief, their expressions a blend of shock and helplessness.
But amidst the turmoil, Jin Long stood silently. His calmness was unnerving, his expression devoid of the despair expected of someone in his situation.
He turned to his grandfather, his small hand resting gently on the elder's trembling arm. His voice, though soft, carried an air of confidence. "You don't need to worry, first elder. I can handle this. It's nothing. Please allow the 9th elder to continue with the assessments."
The elder Jin Zhenhai looked at his grandson, his eyes misting with both shame and pride. A 15-year-old child had shown more composure than he, a seasoned cultivator. Nodding reluctantly, he returned to his seat, where the elder Jin Mingyan offered quiet words of comfort.
Jin Long descended from the stage, his steady gait and calm demeanor silencing many of the murmurs in the crowd. However, some whispers persisted.
"He doesn't understand the gravity of his situation."
"Poor child. He doesn't realize what kind of calamity this is."
Jin Long paid no attention to their words. His thoughts were focused inward, grappling with the storm within.
Sigh. Perhaps I set my expectations too high. It's only natural to stumble after walking so far. Fortune comes with misfortune, after all. I was lucky to escape that assassination attempt and survive. But heaven doesn't give blessings without demanding a price in return. Even so... there's still hope.
His gaze lifted, landing on his twin sister, Jin Yuehua. She stood nearby, her jade-like complexion radiant, her golden eyes filled with worry. Her long black hair, with a single golden strand framing her face, swayed gently in the breeze. Her delicate features exuded a fairy-like charm that captivated everyone around her.
Jin Long approached her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His voice, firm yet gentle, broke through her unease. "No need to worry about me. Go ahead and finish your assessment. We'll deal with my issue later."
His eyes carried a quiet determination that eased some of Jin Yuehua's fears. Before she could respond, Jin Long gave her a small push toward the elder Jin Yuxian.
The elder Jin Yuxian, despite his earlier concerns about Jin Long, redirected his focus to Jin Yuehua. Placing his hand on her back, he began the assessment. Moments later, his expression shifted—his eyes widened, and his lips parted in astonishment. His face reflected a mix of shock and overwhelming joy.
"She... she has a Rank 9 golden beast-type spiritual root!"
The Ninth Elder's loud announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd. For a brief moment, there was absolute silence before the air exploded with excitement. Gasps, cheers, and exclamations filled the space, as everyone's attention zeroed in on Jin Yuehua.
Even Jin Yuehua herself was stunned, but beneath her shock was a flicker of happiness. However, that joy was short-lived. Her thoughts quickly turned to her brother, Jin Long. Searching the crowd, her golden eyes scanned desperately, but he was nowhere to be found. Worry clouded her heart—she feared he would be constantly compared to her and become a target for bullying.
The First Elder, Jin Zhenhai, was visibly elated at the announcement. Before he could say anything, someone from the crowd shouted, "What kind of beast is it?"
The Ninth Elder, Jin Yuxiang, stepped forward, his tone calm but full of authority. "It is a flying-type beast."
The crowd fell into hushed murmurs. While it was known that spiritual roots could not be fully identified until the Spiritual Awakening Realm, a Rank 9 spiritual root was a rare marvel. Such a root was an undeniable indication of extraordinary potential. If nurtured properly, Jin Yuehua would likely reach the Immortal Rebirth Realm and might even step into the legendary Heavenly Sovereignty Realm.
Now, Jin Yuehua was the center of everyone's attention. Following the Jin Clan's tradition, the assessment stage would be followed by the sect recruitment phase. Every sect present was now determined to recruit her.
One by one, the sect representatives began stepping forward, each trying to outbid the others.
A representative from the Heaven Splitting Sword Sect declared, "Our Heaven Splitting Sword Sect will take both Jin Yuehua and Jin Leihao. We guarantee you core disciple status and personal guidance from our Sect Leader, Grand Elder, and Supreme Elders at critical stages of your cultivation. Additionally, we'll provide ample resources for your growth."
Not to be outdone, a member of the Heavenly Resonance Sect spoke up. "Our Heavenly Resonance Sect will offer everything promised by the Heaven Splitting Sword Sect. In addition, we will gift you a Heaven-grade weapon that perfectly suits you and a Heaven-grade pill to assist in breakthroughs across major realms."
A senior disciple of the Emerald Sunset Palace then stepped forward with an alluring smile. "Little Yuehua, you should know that the Emerald Sunset Palace is the best choice for you. We excel in nurturing female cultivators. Not only will you never lack resources, but we will also secure you a core disciple seat and numerous other benefits."
Finally, a representative of the Shadow Demon Sect sneered, "While the other sects have made enticing offers, know this: our Shadow Demon Sect is unparalleled in resources and techniques. Should you join us, we'll guarantee you an Elder position in the future once your cultivation meets the requirements."
One offer after another left Jin Yuehua overwhelmed. The sudden flood of promises and attention left her unsure of what to say or do. She glanced nervously at her fellow clan members.
Sensing her distress, the First Elder, Jin Zhenhai, stepped forward with a commanding presence. "My apologies, everyone. I will need to borrow these four individuals for a moment to discuss our next steps."
Without waiting for a response, he motioned for Jin Yuehua, Jin Leihao, Jin Ronghua, and Jin Xiaoyu to follow him. They retreated to a private chamber, away from the prying eyes of the crowd.
Once they were seated, the First Elder began, his tone calm but firm. "You have five choices in front of you. The four sects have presented their offers, and there is also the option of joining the Alchemist Association as a disciple of one of their elders. While our clan would prefer you to join the Alchemist Association, the final decision is yours. We won't force you."
The Second Elder, Jin Mingyan, who stood beside him, added, "If you choose one of the four sects, consider your decision carefully. The Shadow Demon Sect's offer is indeed tempting, but remember, it is a demonic faction, and joining them comes with its risks. The Emerald Sunset Palace would be an excellent choice for you, Yuehua, given their resources and expertise. However, I believe that if all four of you stay together, you can protect and support each other. Cultivating as a group might benefit you all more in the long run. That said, the decision is yours, and we will respect it."
The four young clan members exchanged uncertain glances, their eyes silently communicating their thoughts and concerns. Even Jin Leihao, who was often brash and arrogant, remained quiet, lost in deep contemplation.
After a few moments, Jin Leihao broke the silence. "We need time to think. I propose we let the banquet proceed for now. By the end of the evening, we'll make our decision and announce it publicly."
The other three nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting both determination and hesitation.
The First and Second Elders exchanged a glance, their expressions softening with pride. The maturity these children displayed warmed their hearts. Which parent wouldn't feel joy seeing their children grow into responsible individuals?
With a slight smile, the First Elder addressed them, "Very well. Take your time, but think carefully. We'll announce your decision during the banquet."
He then stepped out to inform the sect representatives and the rest of the guests of the children's decision to deliberate further. The evening's banquet resumed, but all eyes were now on the four youths who held the weight of their futures in their hands.