Half an hour later.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The sharp sound of blades cutting through the air echoed as three men, each in their twenties with cold and aloof expressions, descended from the sky on flying swords, landing gracefully in front of the Xiao family's grand hall.
"Where is the head of the Xiao family?" one of them demanded, his voice icy. "We are here on orders. Bring the candidates forward immediately."
The trio exuded an aura of superiority, their gazes sweeping over the gathered crowd with barely concealed disdain, as if appraising mere ants.
Hearing the commotion, Xiao Wentian hurried out with the rest of the Xiao family members in tow, his face full of deference. "Honored Immortals, you've come a long way. Please, allow us to offer you some tea in the hall while you rest."
Standing in the crowd, Xiao Chen clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. His heart burned with resolve: One day, I will become a powerful cultivator and make my parents proud.
"There's no need," the leader of the trio said curtly, his brow furrowing slightly. "We are here to escort the candidates for the Treading Immortal Gate test. We will leave immediately."
"Of course! Of course!" Xiao Wentian nodded hastily, not daring to delay.
"Fly!"
The three cultivators chanted in unison, and with a gesture, their flying swords grew larger, each expanding enough to hold several people.
"Step onto the swords, one by one. Don't be afraid," one of the men instructed.
The Xiao family youths, their awe of the cultivators growing by the second, obediently formed a line and climbed onto the enormous swords.
"Ascend!"
Once everyone was aboard, the swords shot into the sky with a burst of speed. The Xiao family estate grew smaller and smaller below, disappearing entirely in a matter of seconds.
As Xiao Chen watched the ground fade into a blur, the rush of wind stung his face. Standing on the rear-most sword, he kept his hands clenched tightly and forced himself to maintain a calm expression, despite the fear churning inside him.
The cultivator controlling the sword glanced back at him, a trace of approval flickering in his eyes.
Suddenly, the wind pressure shifted, growing stronger. Xiao Chen could feel the descent begin.
"We've arrived," the cultivator announced coolly. "Disembark."
The youths hesitated briefly before stepping down, their eyes widening as they took in their surroundings.
The group had landed in a verdant valley, spanning hundreds of feet in every direction. Towering trees swayed gently, their emerald leaves glistening in the sunlight. The air carried a faint, pleasant fragrance, mingling with the vibrant hues of rare flowers and grasses. It was a paradise that seemed untouched by time—a true celestial realm.
Dozens of other youths were already present, both male and female. However, as they turned to observe Xiao Chen's group, their gazes carried a subtle hostility.
"Form pairs and line up quickly. The test will begin shortly," a gruff voice called out.
At the front of the crowd stood a burly elder, his piercing eyes half-closed as he lounged behind a stone table. The three cultivators who had brought Xiao Chen and the others bowed deeply to him before stepping aside.
Xiao Lin, as the clan head's eldest son, had been well-briefed beforehand. He stepped forward, bowed respectfully to the elder, and efficiently organized the Xiao family youths into neat rows.
"Good. We'll proceed in order. Come forward one at a time for the test," the elder said, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.
As he opened his eyes, a glint of light flashed within them, making the youths instinctively lower their heads, unable to meet his gaze.
"Let's start with the Mei family," the elder declared.
From the far-left line, a burly youth stepped forward, his posture strong and confident. Despite his outward composure, a trace of nervousness flickered in his eyes. He bowed respectfully to the elder and extended his hand.
The elder grasped the boy's hand, closing his eyes briefly before shaking his head. "No spiritual root. Stand to the left."
The boy's face fell as though all the strength had drained from his body. He trudged to the designated area, his head hanging low.
"Next!"
A young girl approached cautiously, her movements tentative as she placed her hand in the elder's.
"No spiritual root. Stand to the left."
...
The testing proceeded rapidly. One by one, the candidates were dismissed, the elder's expression growing increasingly impatient.
"Next!"
A young woman stepped forward, her appearance ethereal. Her skin was pale as snow, and her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She moved with the grace of a celestial maiden.
"That's Ji Yuewu from the Ji family!"
"She's the one who could gather spiritual energy at just ten years old! Surely she has a spiritual root!"
"She's destined to become a cultivator. How lucky!"
The murmurs of the crowd grew excited as Ji Yuewu extended her hand.
The elder's eyes widened slightly as he examined her. A smile broke across his stern face.
"Wood attribute spiritual root. Excellent aptitude! Good! Good! Good!" he exclaimed, his tone warm and approving.
Ji Yuewu remained composed, withdrawing her hand gracefully as though the result was only natural.
"Stand to the right. You'll meet the sect master later," the elder said kindly.
She nodded and moved to the right, her every step exuding an ethereal elegance that left the crowd awestruck.
"Next!"
The tests continued. Besides Ji Yuewu, two other candidates—a boy and a girl—were found to possess spiritual roots, though the elder's reaction to them was far more subdued.
"Next!"
Finally, it was Xiao Lin's turn. Straightening his robes, he stepped forward confidently and bowed deeply before extending his hand.
The elder barely glanced at him before taking his hand. After a brief moment, he released it with a shake of his head. "No spiritual root. Not qualified."
Xiao Lin's face paled, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Honored Immortal, my father instructed me to deliver a token of respect. Please accept this gift as a sign of my filial piety," Xiao Lin said, pulling a silk-wrapped bundle from his robes.
The elder's lips curled in faint disdain. However, as he unwrapped the bundle, his expression shifted.
"Iron essence!" the elder exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
After a thorough examination, he nodded approvingly. "This is exceptionally pure. Enough for crafting a magic weapon of considerable power."
Clearing his throat, the elder addressed Xiao Lin with a faint smile. "Very well. I will accept this as a sign of your devotion. I'll take you on as a nominal disciple. If you perform well, you may one day become a true disciple."
Xiao Lin hesitated briefly but quickly bowed. "Thank you, Master! Disciple Xiao Lin greets his teacher!"
"Stand to the right," the elder instructed.
Xiao Lin complied, his initial disappointment replaced by smug satisfaction as he basked in the envious gazes of his peers.
"Next!"
...
Soon, everyone except Xiao Chen had been tested. Apart from Xiao Lin, none of the Xiao family candidates had a spiritual root.
"Another generation with no significant results. The Xiao family's ancient bloodline has long since withered," the elder muttered under his breath. "I'll recommend to the sect leader that we revoke their qualification to participate in the future."
"Last one!" he barked impatiently.
Xiao Chen stepped forward, his heart pounding. His father's hopeful gaze flashed through his mind, along with the memory of the humiliation his father had endured to secure this opportunity.
I must have a spiritual root. I must!
The elder clasped Xiao Chen's hand, closing his eyes briefly before opening them with a cold, detached expression.
"No spiritual root. Not qualified."
The words hit Xiao Chen like a thunderclap. His face turned ashen, his vision swimming as the elder's voice echoed in his ears.
As mocking gazes and quiet laughter surrounded him, Xiao Chen stumbled back to the group, his mind consumed by a single, desperate thought:
How can I face my father?