Wuji stood behind his new master, Bai Xuanfeng, on the platform where the elders sat. He could feel the curious glances of other elders on him, but Bai Xuanfeng had a calm, satisfied expression. Wuji felt the same rush of excitement bubbling inside him, though he kept his composure. It was no small feat to be noticed by an elder, let alone be taken as a direct disciple. The battle inside the pagoda had tested his limits, but his mutated three-elemental spiritual root had been his true ace.

The spiritual root test resumed as more candidates stepped forward to test their roots. The process was becoming routine—hands placed on the transparent crystal ball, colors flashed indicating the elements, and then the final color showed the quality of the root. Many participants had already tested, with mostly inferior or human-grade roots appearing, leading to murmurs of disappointment from the crowd.

It wasn't long before Zhao Shan’s turn arrived. The moment his name was called, a ripple of excitement spread through the participants. He was, after all, a member of the prestigious Zhao Family, one of the Four Great Noble Families of the Golden Lotus Dynasty. His family’s reputation for producing strong cultivators meant that Zhao Shan had started cultivating long before this test, and everyone knew he was aware of his spiritual root.

Zhao Shan ascended the platform with a composed confidence that bordered on arrogance. He bowed to the elder and placed his hand on the transparent crystal ball. The crowd held their breath as they waited for the result.

For several seconds, the crystal ball remained clear, but soon a faint glow began to appear. The color gradually became more distinct, and the light blue hue that emerged became unmistakable—it was the color of the ice element. A murmur of appreciation spread through the crowd as they recognized his elemental affinity. Ice, a rare and powerful element, especially in combat. After a moment, the blue light faded, and the crystal ball took on a yellow hue.

“An Earth-grade single-elemental ice root,” someone in the crowd muttered.

The onlookers were in awe. Single-elemental roots were highly valued for their purity and efficiency in cultivation, and Earth-grade spiritual roots were rare. Zhao Shan’s spiritual root was superior to many of the participants present, but the comparison to Wuji soon followed.

“That kid, Wuji, had an Earth-grade root too,” one candidate whispered. “But his was three-elemental. Isn't a single-elemental root better than a multi-elemental one?”

Another candidate nodded in agreement. “Yeah, three-elemental roots are harder to cultivate because they spread your Qi across multiple elements. Zhao Shan has it easier.”

Bai Xuanfeng, sensing the conversation, sent a telepathic message to Wuji. 'Do not be swayed by their words. Your spiritual root is no ordinary three-elemental root. It is a mutated form, far more powerful than what they understand.'

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Wuji’s heart steadied at his master’s words. He remained outwardly calm but felt a renewed determination within. His spiritual root was unique, and he had a feeling that Bai Xuanfeng’s words were not mere comfort—they were a fact. Yet, it was still too early for him to understand the full potential of his mutated root.

As Zhao Shan left the platform with his head held high, it was Qin Yulan’s turn. Like Zhao Shan, she hailed from one of the Four Great Noble Families—the Qin Family, known for their powerful cultivators and, vast and secretive information-gathering network. Qin Yulan moved with the grace and poise expected of a noble daughter, and her beauty, combined with her composed demeanor, attracted the attention of many.

When she placed her hands on the crystal ball, the familiar silence settled over the arena. Moments passed, and then two colors began to emerge—red and green. The red signified fire, and the green represented wood. Fire and wood—a powerful combination often associated with offensive techniques and healing capabilities. Once the elemental colors faded, the crystal ball turned yellow, revealing that she too possessed an Earth-grade spiritual root.

“Fire and wood,” someone in the crowd whispered. “A dual-elemental Earth-grade spiritual root!”

“Looks like the noble families are living up to their reputation,” another candidate remarked. “First Zhao Shan with a single-elemental ice root, and now Qin Yulan with fire and wood. It’s no wonder they dominate the mortal world.”

Wuji watched the proceedings with quiet focus, his mind analyzing the results. Earth-grade spiritual roots were rare enough, but the fact that three had already appeared today was remarkable. Zhao Shan’s single-elemental ice root was powerful, but Qin Yulan’s dual-elemental fire-wood root had its own strengths. Both would be formidable opponents if they ever crossed paths in the future.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, but as more participants took the test, the results became less impressive. Inferior and human-grade spiritual roots dominated the remaining tests, though two more Earth-grade spiritual roots appeared—both belonging to participants with four and five elements. However, their multiple elements meant their cultivation would be slower and more difficult than those with fewer elements, with the same grade of their roots.

As time passed, there was one name on everyone’s mind—Wei Jun. The burly boy, a commoner with no noble lineage or resources, had shocked everyone by ranking among the top three every time in all the tests conducted. Though he had already started cultivating, most people believed he had been using flawed techniques that may or may not aligned with his true spiritual root. Now, the moment had come to reveal the truth.

Wei Jun stepped onto the platform, his expression calm but focused. His presence commanded attention, and the crowd went silent as he placed his hands on the crystal ball.

For a few agonizing moments, nothing happened. The crystal ball remained clear, and some people in the crowd began to murmur in confusion. But then, slowly, a faint glow began to form. The light grew stronger, and finally, a single color appeared—gold.

“A metal spiritual root…” someone whispered. Metal was known for its strength and resilience, often associated with offensive and defensive techniques that could break through an enemy’s defenses.

But the test wasn’t over yet. The color of the element had appeared, but the true test was still to come—the quality of the spiritual root. Would Wei Jun, the commoner who had defied expectations at every turn, also possess a high-quality root?

The crowd held its breath as the golden light of the metal element faded. Then, slowly, another color began to emerge.

The entire arena watched in stunned silence as the color intensified.