Chapter 70: Three Spiritual Roots

The cultivation world was vast.

For the first time, Chen Luo truly felt the enormity of this realm.

At the speed of the flying boat, it would still take half a month to return to the Divine Lake Immortal Sect. This alone demonstrated how expansive the territory controlled by the sect must be, with each of its three subordinate kingdoms being larger than the Yue Kingdom where Chen Luo originated.

After two days aboard the flying boat, they made a stop at White Jade City to pick up another group of individuals.

Including both groups, the total number approached nearly two hundred, highlighting the population size within these three kingdoms. Only such a substantial populace could produce so many talented individuals with aptitudes for cultivation.

Fortunately, the flying boat was spacious enough that even with this large gathering, there was no sense of crowding.

One morning,

Just as Chen Luo finished his Qi Refinement practice, he sensed information transmitted from the water drop mark on his chest.

This symbol served as the identity token for disciples of the Divine Lake Immortal Sect. The tokens were differentiated by color based on their level; currently, Chen Luo and the others held temporary ones, marked in the lowest rank’s hue.

“Assembly? Is the elder finally going to address us?”

Chen Luo swiftly rose and stepped out through the door.

In the central White Jade Plaza of the flying boat, people had already gathered densely. Arriving late, Chen Luo could only find a seat towards the back.

He also spotted Xie Shuang and Du De among others; they had arrived early and were positioned at the front of the crowd.

Unwilling to deal with the hassle, Chen Luo didn’t join them.

“Is everyone here?”

Elder Brother Fang, dressed casually, appeared at the front. Scanning the crowd, he roughly verified the numbers before beginning roll call.

“Well then, let’s commence.”

“Commence what?” Someone in the crowd couldn’t help but ask.

“We have ten days until we reach the sect. First, I need to assess your spiritual root attributes to recommend suitable mountain peaks, ensuring you don’t practice incorrect Qi Refinement techniques.” Elder Brother Fang yawned widely, appearing lethargic, likely due to his late-night activities.

“What does Qi Refinement have to do with spiritual root attributes?”

Elder Brother Fang cast an impatient glance at the questioning disciple.

“Don’t tell me you think cultivation is like learning martial arts, where you can simply be given a manual and practice it on your own?”

“But isn’t that how it works?” The disciple looked utterly confused.

In his understanding, immortal cultivation involved learning a technique, returning home to cultivate by absorbing spiritual energy, and for those with means, using spirit stones or medicinal pills to accelerate progress.

“Even in the mundane world, medical practitioners specialize in internal and external treatments. Blood, bones, flesh, qi vessels, divine souls—each with distinct ailments requiring different methods of care. Why would you think the pursuit of longevity through cultivation is simpler than the healing arts practiced by mortal physicians?”

These words left the questioning disciple speechless.

After reprimanding the disruptive disciples, Elder Brother Fang resumed his seat at the front. He then took out a brush and made a few sweeping gestures on the table.

As ink flowed, the parchment paper upon it illuminated, revealing numerous small, jet-black butterflies emerging from the image.

The butterflies appeared lifelike; after circling once, they spontaneously flew towards the surrounding disciples. A single dark butterfly approached Chen Luo, merging seamlessly into the water drop mark. In that instant, a peculiar force coursed through the mark into his body, initiating the assessment.

This was Chen Luo’s first encounter with such a method.

He had expected the aptitude evaluation to resemble those described in novels, where individuals step forward one by one to touch a stone for testing.

“Those who have already embarked on the path of cultivation, please come forward.”

Elder Brother Fang yawned nonchalantly, displaying a casual attitude towards this task.

Noticing the absence of other Divine Lake Immortal Sect disciples, Chen Luo observed that most active individuals were those who had accepted missions, while those without tasks remained within their rooms practicing cultivation. This gave him some insight into the atmosphere of the Divine Lake Immortal Sect.

Out of over two hundred people, around thirty stood at the front. Chen Luo and Du De were among this group.

“Not bad.”

Elder Brother Fang glanced briefly before lifting his brush and pointing at several individuals among the thirty.

“You, you, and you. All five of you, move to the back.”

The faces of those singled out turned pale as they enviously looked at others nearby before silently moving to the rear. Du De’s expression also darkened, as he was one of the five chosen. Although unsure what being sent to the back signified, it clearly wasn’t favorable.

“Elder brother,” Du Jian and the others appeared anxious.

“Follow the instructions and don’t act recklessly,” Du De advised before turning to join the back. Since they hadn’t officially joined the Divine Lake Immortal Sect yet, adhering to the given directions was the most rational course of action.

“Starting cultivation at such an old age? Clearly destined for mediocrity,” Elder Brother Fang muttered under his breath, waving his brush once more.

The butterflies, which had earlier merged with each person’s body, now emerged and hovered above their heads.

“Those with more than two colors, step forward.”

This time, without needing Elder Brother Fang’s explanation, everyone understood the significance of these colors.

Spiritual Root Attributes!

In terms of cultivation aptitude, fewer colors indicated higher potential. A single spiritual root, an unparalleled rarity, denoted an exceptional genius, while dual spiritual roots signified top-tier talent.

Three or four colors represented moderate spiritual root aptitudes.

The poorest were five and seven colors.

Five-colored spiritual roots meant possessing all five attributes, but with each being diluted and intermingling, leading to exceptionally slow Qi Refinement speed. Without extraordinary determination and immense fortune, such aptitude made progress exceedingly difficult. Seven-colored roots were even worse, considered utterly inferior, surpassing only those with five elemental spirit roots. With this, one would likely remain stuck within the first three layers of Qi Refinement for their entire life.

Under envious gazes from the crowd,

two figures stepped forward.

These two were the man and woman who had boarded the ship through connections earlier, also the only cultivators among the new disciples at the second layer of Qi Refinement. Their esteemed status among their elders indeed reflected some notable abilities. The resources of their cultivation clans gave them an advantage over most others since birth.

“Truly gifted,” murmured Elder Brother Fang, casting them an extra glance but showing no trace of surprise on his face.

Having conducted numerous apprentice selections, little could astonish him anymore. Potential, however abundant, remained just that until realized; few took it seriously before tangible results were achieved. Moreover, these two had greeted him upon boarding, so he was already aware of their abilities.

“You both take this booklet,” Elder Brother Fang said with noticeably more warmth, handing each of them a pamphlet. “It contains suitable cultivation techniques and information about the main peaks fitting for your aptitudes.”

“Many thanks, Senior Brother.” The pair bowed courteously, displaying impeccable manners, devoid of any airs typical of prodigies.

“The rest, those with three to four colors, please stay here. Others may return to the cabins.”

Evidently, Elder Brother Fang did not intend to individually examine everyone further. The Divine Lake Immortal Sect was vast, admitting countless servant disciples each year. Among them, only a handful would succeed in cultivation. Out of these two hundred people present, it was uncertain how many would remain after two years. After identifying the prodigies, there was no need to waste time on those deemed less capable.

The path of immortality is not one where effort alone guarantees success.

Without aptitude and resources, no amount of diligence can change one’s destiny.

“Three spiritual roots,” Chen Luo glanced at the three colors above his head, his eyes flickering momentarily.

Among these individuals, having three spiritual roots was neither exceptional nor poor. It could be considered slightly above average, offering hope for immortal cultivation.

If it were genuine three spiritual roots, he would undoubtedly be overjoyed.

However, Chen Luo’s three spiritual roots had an unconventional origin. Before absorbing the Royal Brain, he couldn’t even perceive what spiritual energy was. Later, after assimilating the Nineteenth Prince’s brain, his aptitude stabilized, catching Longevity Daoist’s attention.

What truly altered his fate was acquiring the mummy’s brain from within the Great Mausoleum.

Even now, the changes brought about by the mummy’s brain to his body have yet to fully conclude. He wonders what his aptitude might reveal if tested again in some time; perhaps it could even transform into dual spiritual roots, who knows?