“Last up, Nangong Huan.”

The testing grounds were already packed with eager candidates, but in a corner, a girl in black combat attire drew everyone's disdain like a snake. 

She was strikingly beautiful, with bright, sparkling peach blossom eyes and porcelain-like skin. However, a large black mark on her face marred her otherwise perfect features.

As her name was called, the girl stepped forward with an indifferent expression, but a wave of laughter erupted around her.

“If that ugly freak can score above level three, I’ll eat my own words!”

“I’ll wash my hair upside down!”

“Qian’er just tested at level nine! If this ugly creature can even reach one-ninth of that, it would be a miracle!”

“She can’t even condense spiritual energy. She’s just a waste, not even worth comparing to Qian’er’s hair!”

Nangong Qian’er, mentioned in the jeers, pouted and said, “Don’t say that about Sister Huan. She’s been working hard on her cultivation.”

At that, the crowd quieted down, but no one noticed the smugness flickering in Nangong Qian’er’s eyes.

Nangong Huan stood tall, her expression unchanging, treating the ridicule as if it were mere passing clouds.

She fixed her gaze on the three-meter-high testing crystal, her eyes steady as she placed her hand upon it.

Time passed, and still, no sign of spiritual energy appeared.

“Talent level zero, quality: none.” The instructor’s expression was disdainful, his tone laced with contempt. “You can’t condense spiritual roots; you might as well become a martial artist and strengthen your body.”

In the Xuanling Continent, everyone could test their talent at the age of sixteen. Only those with a quality of level three or above could condense spiritual roots and begin formal cultivation. Those with higher levels were revered as powerful beings, with the highest recorded level being ten spiritual roots.

Nangong Huan smiled slightly. “Thank you, instructor, but I have other plans.”

“I want to become a Spirit Conjurer.” Her voice was clear and melodious.

At this declaration, the surroundings fell momentarily silent before erupting into even louder laughter.

“I’m dying of laughter! I almost forgot that profession existed!”

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“Truly a waste without parents, and yet she claims to be a noble daughter. She’s bringing shame to the Nangong family!”

“The odds of succeeding as a Spirit Conjurer are even lower than my chances of running naked through the city!”

The instructor’s expression was one of utter disdain. “Are you sure? I’ll have to record this.”

“Absolutely.” Nangong Huan nodded, fully aware that in this world, being a Spirit Conjurer meant merely translating for spirit beasts.

After the advent of beast language potions, that profession had become a dead end; no one wanted to learn it. The best one could hope for was to become a stable hand.

Only Nangong Huan heard the angry voice of an elderly spirit echoing in her mind: “A bunch of ignorant fools!”

Nangong Huan chuckled inwardly. “Don’t be angry, Spirit Elder. I’ve already found out where the last magical herb for building my Spirit Platform is—it’s in the Winter Forest. Soon, they’ll see what a true Spirit Conjurer is capable of.”

Once a top assassin in the twenty-second century, she had found herself transported to this mystical continent after a botched assassination three years ago.

Upon awakening, she discovered she had been left crippled by Nangong Qian’er, her dantian destroyed. It was the Spirit Elder who emerged from her ancestral ring, granting her a second chance—if she would take him as her master and cultivate his legacy.

While others condensed spiritual roots, she needed to build a Spirit Platform!

Just one final herb stood between her and shedding her wasteful identity to embark on her cultivation journey.

A glimmer of defiance flashed in her peach blossom eyes.

The Spirit Elder snorted, falling silent.

The air was still thick with ridicule, but Nangong Qian’er approached her, offering comfort. “Sister Huan, don’t be sad. If you ever need help, just tell me. I’ll always support you.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, her eyes warm as spring, but Nangong Huan could clearly see the mockery hidden beneath.

Around them, voices filled with envy and flattery rang out. “As expected of the family’s first beauty, Qian’er is so kind and beautiful—nothing like this ugly freak.”

Hearing those compliments, Nangong Qian’er felt pleased but pretended to scold, “Don’t say that about Sister Huan. She’s actually very gentle.”

Nangong Huan smirked inwardly, what a fine vintage of deceit.

With a slight smile, she raised an eyebrow at Nangong Qian’er. “I actually need help right now. Can you assist me, Qian’er?”

“It would be my honor to help you, Sister Huan.” Nangong Qian’er’s smile grew sweeter.

“I need to use the restroom. Can you help me?” Nangong Huan said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Nangong Qian’er’s face momentarily faltered. Was this waste of space joking with her?

“Sister, you’re really funny! How could I help you with something like that?”

“If you can’t help, just say so. Here I thought you were the kindest.” Nangong Huan feigned sadness, a glint of cunning in her eyes.

Nangong Qian’er’s expression darkened. This was simply unreasonable!

“Alright, I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. Qian’er, please stay.” With that, Nangong Huan turned and walked away, leaving Nangong Qian’er’s next words stuck in her throat.

The Winter Forest, here I come!

Not long after Nangong Huan set off toward the Winter Forest, an unusual phenomenon appeared in the sky!

Brilliant, colorful clouds spread across the horizon, exuding an aura of auspiciousness, a majestic force sweeping across miles!

“It’s the Winter Forest! A spirit beast cub is about to be born inside!” a disciple shouted excitedly.

Nangong Qian’er gazed at the colorful light of the spirit beast, her expression turning ecstatic as she clenched her fists, revealing a determined look!

Only by contracting a spirit beast could one truly become a Spirit Conjurer.

The instructor hurried to her side, saying eagerly, “Qian’er, it’s perfect that you’ve chosen to study Spirit Conjuration. That spirit beast is a perfect match for you! Let’s head out now!”