飘零影音

Chapter 78 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 78: Single Spiritual Root

Translator: Lynn

Inside the jade disc, a ray of green light illuminated its core. It began with a grassy green color before gradually transforming into a gentle blue light, spreading outward continuously and becoming lighter in hue. Eventually, the entire jade disc displayed a faint blue color, exuding warmth and tranquility. It was as if a thin veil of green covered it, providing a soft and uniform appearance without any imperfections…

“The jade disc isn’t variegated! Is it another single spiritual root?”

“This Xu Ziqing also possesses a single spiritual root! And it’s an even rarer single wood spiritual root!”

“The Loose Cultivator Alliance has two single spiritual roots this year!”

“When did there become so many single spiritual roots? It’s unbelievable!”

People were astonished, particularly because Xu Ziqing’s spiritual root was a genuine natural single spiritual root, unlike those purified by the red flame fruit. This “Xu Ziqing” was relatively unknown, yet his appearance had caused such a stir. It was inevitable for people to discuss the matter. Moreover, Xu Ziqing’s spiritual root was undoubtedly an authentic single spiritual root!

Tang Wenfei raised an eyebrow and remarked, “Since Xu Xiaoyou possesses the qualifications of a single spirit root, you should hold the Green Token instead of the White Token.”

With a humble tone, Xu Ziqing responded, “I previously underwent a test that judged my aptitude to be low. This junior is unaware of the true circumstances. Please forgive me, Senior Tang.”

Tang Wenfei sneered, “I don’t know where this testing method originated, but it is truly ignorant and superficial!” His voice softened when addressing Xu Ziqing, “Nevermind, you can sit next to Su Xiaoyou. The two of you being members of the Loose Cultivator Alliance should make for easy conversation.”

Xu Ziqing smiled and bowed, “Thank you, Senior Tang.” After speaking, he turned and walked towards the right.

In contrast to Su Xin’s fiery demeanor, Xu Ziqing strolled leisurely, exuding a natural calmness. His words and actions were gentle and amiable, instantly leaving a gentle and likable impression.

As soon as Xu Ziqing sat beside Su Xin, the latter playfully punched him on the shoulder.

Su Xin laughed and scolded, “Brother Ziqing, you weren’t loyal enough to keep this from me!”

Xu Ziqing shook his head and smiled, “I genuinely didn’t know. I didn’t keep it from you intentionally.”

Raising an eyebrow, Su Xin asked, “You didn’t hide this, but were there other things you concealed? Who judged your aptitude so hastily?”

With a soft sigh, Xu Ziqing replied, “The past involved many matters, and I’ve long since forgotten about it. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but I don’t know how to explain…”

Su Xin wasn’t genuinely interested in digging up his past; it was all in good fun. Smiling, she said, “The Loose Cultivator Alliance is now in the spotlight, Brother Ziqing. Those so-called renowned sects have always looked down on us, but now you can see the looks on their faces. It’s truly gratifying!”

Glancing briefly, Xu Ziqing also smiled and replied, “Young brother Ah Xin, let’s not be too boastful. Senior Tang is still watching.”

Su Xin subsequently restrained herself slightly, although the joy in her eyes was still evident.

Meanwhile, meeting two single spiritual roots from the Loose Cultivator League in succession left the disciples feeling jealous. As for the teachers sent by other sects to protect and support their disciples, they had various thoughts and concerns.

Among them, the Xu siblings were the most emotionally affected, particularly Xu Zitang.

Upon seeing Xu Ziqing stand up to test his spiritual root, she immediately recognized him.

At that time, tensions between the Tian family and the Xu family had reached a boiling point. The Xu family had no inkling of the severe disadvantage they would ultimately face, let alone that the wolf-like Tian family harbored ambitious plans and would annihilate the Xu family when the opportunity arose.

Xu Zitang had been rescued by a young man in green attire from the Linyuan Small Secret Realm. She expected to find him upon returning to the Xu family, but to her surprise, the young man had vanished without a trace. After searching for a while, just as the clan’s leader, Xu Zhengtian, was about to investigate further, the Tian family stormed in, causing the matter to gradually fade away.

Now, on Tenglong Peak, she encountered the young man in the green shirt once again.

Xu Zitang finally saw the young man’s face, discovering that he was as handsome and gentle as his temperament. However, she never expected the young man to be blessed with Wood Single Spirit Root!

This left her wondering whether the young man wasn’t truly from the Xu family if he had deceived her, or if the Xu family had lost such a talented individual without even knowing it. Moreover, the name “XuZiqing” sounded familiar to her.

Equally shocked was Xu Zitang’s elder brother, Xu Zifeng, who also recognized the name. Although the memory was somewhat hazy, he could recall someone kidnapping a young boy named “Xu Ziqing” to blackmail him. He had relinquished the boy due to the family’s interests, leaving a deep sense of guilt within him. The Xu family had forsaken them due to the Tian family’s demise, and Xu Zifeng was present at the time, which made him feel inadequate.

Upon careful consideration, the young man bore some resemblance to this Xu Ziqing. Could it be another twist of fate? If that were the case, he had inexplicably let go of a peerless talent capable of revitalizing the family. The person who had wrongly judged Xu Ziqing’s aptitude would face severe punishment!

However, were these two Xu Ziqings the same person?

The siblings harbored their own thoughts, and their expressions became somewhat complicated.

They exchanged glances, and Xu Zitang conveyed the news of her rescue from the secret realm to her elder brother, Xu Zifeng. The latter furrowed his brow, increasingly convinced… Nevertheless, Xu Ziqing’s dantian had been abolished, and he had now joined the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Moreover, he had become friends with the young leader of the alliance… It would be exceedingly difficult to win him back.

Regardless of what the Xu siblings contemplated, Xu Ziqing did not harbor many thoughts.

The identities of Su Xin and Xu Ziqing had been established, and they were not as anxious as the other monks. All that remained was to wait for the completion of the spiritual root testing for everyone, after which they could enter Tenglong Peak together.

After a while, Tang Wenfei finished reading all the spiritual roots. Apart from Xu Ziqing’s exceptional case, there was nothing noteworthy among the remaining monks. A smile emerged on his face as he stood up and declared, “Thank you for your cooperation. We shall proceed to Tenglong Peak immediately.” The monks also stood up, relieved that there were no additional tests. They felt a sense of peace and relief.

Tang Wenfei continued, “For those who choose not to enter based on their spiritual roots, the accompanying teachers are not allowed to enter the peak. Farewell.”

Consequently, many senior monks with cultivation bases above the foundation stage stepped forward. Behind the few people on the right, the rest followed suit. Between Elder Peng and Elder Wu, they were originally planning to leave just one person to accompany Su Xin, but due to Xu Ziqing’s unexpected single wood spirit root result, both of them could stay.

Both Elder Peng and Elder Wu were delighted by Xu Ziqing’s unexpected talent.

The high-level monks bid farewell to their fellow disciples and gracefully ascended the cloud road, which swiftly carried them away.

Those who remained looked at Tang Wenfei, waiting for the next instructions.

Tang Wenfei smiled and said, “If you have beast pets, bring them forth. Otherwise, you may not be able to enter Tenglong Peak.”

Upon hearing these words, everyone exchanged dismayed glances.

Embarrassed, Xu Ziqing, upon realizing the words were directed at him, flicked his fingers and let out a whistle.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the air, and a black shadow descended rapidly. The black shadow halted abruptly as it reached Xu Ziqing’s body.

It was Xu Ziqing’s beast pet once again!

As everyone looked on, they saw a magnificent eagle adorned with golden feathers, proudly perched on Xu Ziqing’s right shoulder. Its regal appearance evoked admiration.

After organizing his thoughts, Xu Ziqing apologized, “Thank you, Senior Tang, for the reminder.”

Tang Wenfei nodded, unperturbed. “Everyone, remain still. I will now perform the spell.” With his words, everyone nodded, and the next moment, the sky darkened. It seemed as though they had been transported into an extremely dark place. The surroundings felt solid, and when they reached out to touch it, it seemed peculiar.

Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “This is the ‘Sleeve Universe’ spell! Senior Tang possesses such profound spellcasting abilities!”

Xu Ziqing was also surprised. Could it be that they were currently within Tang Wenfei’s sleeve? He tentatively reached out to touch the “wall” and discovered it was flexible, resembling cloth. However, it was also smooth, emitting a metallic sound when tapped.

To cast such a spell that involved hundreds of people at once, one must possess an exceptionally high level of cultivation.

Those favored individuals remained within the sleeves for only a brief moment, akin to a few breaths, before the sky brightened once again. Their feet lost stability, and they descended from the airtight sleeves to the ground.

Upon looking up, they beheld a grand hall carved meticulously from a massive rock, without a single gap in sight!

What a wondrous sight! Truly a marvel!

Amazement aside, the doors of the hall stood wide open, revealing a spacious interior that exuded a simple and grand ambiance.

Within the hall, numerous long tables were arranged, divided into left and right sides. In the middle sat a main seat, while another long table stood in front, mirroring the size and style of those on the left and right.

Tang Wenfei entered the hall and proceeded straight to the main seat. He lifted his garments and sat down.

Although seats were available in the hall, the monks refrained from taking them without instruction.

Tang Wenfei spoke first, “Xiaoyou Su, please take a seat. Xiaoyou Xu, you may occupy the first two seats on the right. The rest of you can choose your own seats.”

Acknowledging Single Spiritual Root’s exceptional aptitude, he treated them differently, causing no discontent among the monks. Su Xin took the first seat, with Xu Ziqing on his left. Xu Ziqing’s adjacent seat was occupied by Xu Zitang.

Xu Zifeng stepped back and assumed a cross-legged position on the cushion behind his sister, adhering to the rules.

The seats were not too far apart, and Xu Zitang’s possession of one thick and one thin spiritual root did not create any awkwardness. Although Xu Ziqing held great admiration for Xu Zitang, sensing her hurried arrival, he felt a strange sentiment. It seemed as though she had come for him. And Xu Zitang was indeed approaching him.

As Xu Zitang settled into her seat, she turned her head and whispered, “Two years ago, this brother saved my life. Why didn’t you bid farewell? Zitang searched the entire Xu family, but couldn’t find you. I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

Xu Ziqing gazed at Xu Zitang, his expression slightly complex.

Within the Xu family, he held a favorable impression of the Xu siblings. Xu Zitang was headstrong and unreasonable, while Xu Zifeng was resolute and capable. Although Xu Zifeng had abandoned him for the sake of the family, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he met Brother Yun and hatched Chonghua. Consequently, he felt more disappointed than resentful.

Now, meeting the two of them under these circumstances…

He let out a sigh and softly replied, “Miss Zitang, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.”

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