Chapter 5: Half a Year

After the ceremony of entering the clan genealogy concluded, Ye Qingxuan and the others were taken to a courtyard and assigned living quarters.

The very next day, someone came to teach them the fundamentals of cultivation.

The curriculum covered everything from the Ye clan rules, the division of cultivation realms, spiritual roots, meridians and acupoints, cultivation taboos, the interpretation of scriptures, to cultivation techniques, and more.

On the first day of formal study, Ye Qingxuan learned about the division of realms in this world.

There are ten realms in total

Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Purple Mansion, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Severing, Void Piercing, Void Meditation, Tribulation Transcendence, and Mahayana!

In the days that followed, Ye Qingxuan found that he had already learned a small portion of the teaching material back at the library in Ye Clan Immortal City.

Coupled with his extraordinary memory and comprehension, he was able to master these basic concepts almost as soon as he learned them.

Consequently, Ye Qingxuan’s learning progress was astonishing, far outpacing everyone else.

Fortunately, Cloud Mist Mountain also had a library, so Ye Qingxuan did not have to waste his time.

The collection of books within Cloud Mist Mountain was incomparable to that of Ye Clan Immortal City, covering a vast array of knowledge related to cultivation.

No matter where one is, knowledge is an indispensable asset.

If he wanted to go further, he had to accumulate more knowledge.

Spiritual herbs, demonic beasts, heavenly treasures, alchemy, artifact refining, formations, talismans, and even spiritual planting—these were all subjects.

Although Ye Qingxuan might not necessarily choose these auxiliary paths in the future, there was no harm in learning about them in advance.

During these six months, Ye Qingxuan was either studying or on his way to study.

In the meantime, many clansmen who were originally strangers began to grow closer, forming small circles as they made friends.

Even Ye Qingxuan, who had been buried in his studies, managed to get to know a few clansmen through the introduction of Ye Qingxiao, with whom he had become close friends, though their relationships remained superficial.

Six months of living and studying together had also significantly increased everyone’s sense of belonging to the Ye clan!

Perhaps this was one of the reasons why the Ye family had everyone live and study together for half a year.

Busy times always pass quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the assessment arrived.

"Qingxuan, you have to treat me once you get the reward for first place in the assessment!"

On the way to the assessment site, Ye Qingxiao threw an arm around Ye Qingxuan and said boisterously.

Looking at Ye Qingxiao, who was draped over him, Ye Qingxuan couldn't help but roll his eyes

"Fine, fine, fine! I'll treat you to a big feast when the time comes!"

As he spoke, Ye Qingxuan couldn't help but swallow his own saliva.

The ingredients in this world were nourished by spiritual energy, and their deliciousness was incomparable to anything from his previous life.

Especially the meat of demonic beasts; it didn't just ignite the taste buds, but every cell in the body.

Unfortunately, resources like demonic beast meat were extremely scarce. In the past six months, Ye Qingxuan and the others had only eaten it a few times, a taste they still couldn't forget.

Although this assessment wasn't a major event, the Ye family had prepared some small rewards.

The first-place winner would receive a bottle of Qi-Inducing Pills and three hundred low-grade spirit stones.

Whether it was the Qi-Inducing Pills or the three hundred spirit stones, both were vital resources for the early stages of Qi Refining.

For those who had yet to step onto the path of cultivation, the attraction was self-evident.

Ye Qingxuan was usually low-key, but as one of his few friends, Ye Qingxiao understood his capacity for study and his frantic pace.

He practically lived in the library.

He was certain that the first place in the assessment belonged to Ye Qingxuan.

But someone else was not convinced.

Ye Qingshuang, who was not far from them, heard Ye Qingxiao’s words and let out a cold snort

"Hmph, it’s not certain who will take first place yet!"

Although she was refuting Ye Qingxiao, her gaze was fixed fiercely on Ye Qingxuan.

Ye Qingshuang was also a regular at the library.

Ever since she accidentally learned of Ye Qingxuan’s learning progress from Ye Qingxiao, she had started competing with him.

In the end, she followed Ye Qingxuan’s lead, started running to the library, and began to work herself to the bone.

Over time, the two became friends who were also rivals, though Ye Qingshuang remained unconvinced.

Hearing Ye Qingshuang’s words and feeling her gaze, Ye Qingxuan raised an eyebrow. He didn't speak, but his eyes revealed unhidden confidence as he walked toward the assessment site.

He left behind an exasperated Ye Qingshuang, who was stomping her feet in frustration.

Furious and gritting her teeth, Ye Qingshuang muttered to herself

"Ye Qingxuan, just you wait, I will definitely surpass you! Hmph!"

With a final cold snort, she hurried toward the assessment site as well.

After Ye Qingxuan arrived at the examination hall, many people had already gathered. On the high platform, he saw a familiar face!

The person in charge of the assessment was none other than Ye Yonglun, the one who had tested his spiritual roots.

Seeing Ye Yonglun, Ye Qingxuan didn't act inappropriately by going up to greet him; instead, he stood honestly in line to wait.

Once everyone had arrived, the assessment began immediately.

The duration of the assessment was one hour. For those who knew the material, it was more than enough; for those who didn't, no amount of time would help.

After receiving the test paper, Ye Qingxuan began to answer immediately. The entire process was smooth and fluid, without a single pause.

The first half of the questions covered what had been taught over the past six months, while the latter half involved extended knowledge.

The rule for the assessment was simple: as long as one answered the taught material correctly without errors, they would pass.

But to rank at the top, one had to answer the extended questions correctly.

The two hundred or so people in the hall were mostly buried in their work, not troubled by the initial questions.

Those born with spiritual roots were not lacking in talent; as long as they had been diligent, these basic common-sense questions posed no difficulty.

Ye Qingxuan finished the assessment quickly; to him, these questions were child's play.

However, he had no intention of showing off by handing in his paper early, so he sat in his seat and closed his eyes to rest.

Time passed.

Soon, the assessment time was up.

"Alright, put down your pens! Everyone stand up where you are and don't move!"

As Ye Yonglun’s words fell, everyone stopped writing and stood in place, not daring to move around.

Seeing that everyone was following the rules, Ye Yonglun nodded.

He stood up, and as his divine sense surged, all the test papers floated into the air.

After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Ye Yonglun withdrew his divine sense. He gave Ye Qingxuan a look of surprise before speaking calmly

"There were two hundred and fifteen participants in this assessment. Two hundred and twelve passed, and three failed!"

Hearing Ye Yonglun’s words, most of the people in the hall, confident in themselves, remained calm. Only a small number changed color, fearing that they were the ones who had failed.

One or two even had bitter expressions, clearly knowing their own standing.

Ignoring the reactions in the hall, Ye Yonglun continued coldly

"The standard for passing is not difficult. If you are diligent and careful during the assessment, it is easy to pass.

If you cannot even manage this, I advise you not to step onto the path of immortality."

At this point, the aura on Ye Yonglun became even more chilling, making everyone in the hall feel a sense of coldness.

After scanning the room, Ye Yonglun said solemnly to everyone

"The path of immortality allows for no regrets. Sometimes, one wrong step leads to eternal damnation. I hope you will keep this in mind and not make mistakes easily."

"Yes, thank you for your teachings, Elder. We will keep them in mind."

Hearing Ye Yonglun’s instruction, everyone in the hall bowed in unison and replied.

Even Ye Qingxuan agreed deeply with Ye Yonglun’s words and secretly took them to heart, thinking to himself

"Although I possess eternal life, the margin for error on the path of cultivation is too small. Longevity cannot protect me from all disasters. Before I have sufficient strength, I must be cautious, cautious, and even more cautious."

Seeing that everyone had taken his words to heart, Ye Yonglun’s expression softened slightly as he continued

"Alright, you must walk the path ahead yourselves; I have said all I can.

Ye Qinglu, Ye Qingxi, and Ye Qingcheng, step forward. From today on, the three of you will go to the library to study on your own. Only when you can pass the assessment will you proceed to the next step of cultivation!"

As soon as he finished speaking, two men and one woman walked out of the crowd, each with a look of shame.

After stepping forward, the three said in unison

"Yes, Elder!"

Then, with flushed faces, they left the examination hall.

Once the three had left, Ye Yonglun continued to announce

"First place in this assessment: Ye Qingxuan, rewarded with ten Qi-Inducing Pills and three hundred low-grade spirit stones!

Second place in this assessment: Ye Qingshuang, rewarded with five Qi-Inducing Pills and two hundred low-grade spirit stones!

Third place in this assessment: Ye Qingying, rewarded with three Qi-Inducing Pills and one hundred low-grade spirit stones!

Someone will deliver your rewards tomorrow.

Alright, the assessment is over. Congratulations, you may now begin to touch upon cultivation. Tomorrow, someone will arrange for you to go to the Scripture Hall to choose your cultivation techniques!"

After saying this, Ye Yonglun flew away on his sword.

"Yay, that's great! Hahaha!"

"Finally, I can start cultivating. I can't wait."

As soon as Ye Yonglun left, the crowd began to cheer wildly.

Hearing the cheers, Ye Qingxuan couldn't help but smile, suppressing his inner excitement with a look of anticipation in his eyes.

An arm suddenly wrapped around Ye Qingxuan’s neck. Ye Qingxuan looked helplessly at the hand on his shoulder as a familiar voice rang in his ear again

"Qingxuan, not bad! You didn't let me down. Let's go, let's go, treat me, hahaha!"

Ye Qingxuan crossed his arms and ignored Ye Qingxiao’s words entirely.

Just kidding, he hadn't even received his reward yet; what was he supposed to treat him with?

At this moment, Ye Qingshuang pushed through the crowd and came to Ye Qingxuan’s side, fuming, and picked up his test paper.

After reading it, she slammed it hard onto the table.

"Slap!"

Then she left a harsh warning

"Ye Qingxuan, don't get cocky. We are people who are going to cultivate immortality; in the end, it’s about the speed of cultivation, not these minor paths.

Starting tomorrow, I will definitely surpass you, hmph!"

Without waiting for Ye Qingxuan to reply, she walked away angrily on her own.

Ye Qingxuan was left dumbfounded, shaking his head

"Young people these days, why is their competitive spirit so strong? Not mature at all. I never agreed to compete with you."

Ye Qingxuan wasn't stupid. Ye Qingshuang had a three-element spiritual root, while he only had a single-element one. How could his cultivation speed possibly compare to hers?

Ye Qingxiao, standing nearby, heard Ye Qingxuan backing down and hurriedly patted his chest

"Don't worry, Qingxuan, I'll compete with Ye Qingshuang on cultivation speed for you."

After making the promise, Ye Qingxiao added

"Qingxuan, you can't go back on your word. You promised to treat me to a big feast."

Ye Qingxuan rolled his eyes at him in frustration

"Eat! Eat! Eat! All you know is eating! I haven't even received my reward yet! What am I supposed to treat you with?"

Hearing this, Ye Qingxiao scratched his head in embarrassment, but still gathered the courage to continue

"It's fine, eating tomorrow is okay too."

Ye Qingxuan slapped his forehead, his head full of black lines. Just let it all end!

(End of chapter)