Chapter Seven: Simply Pretending to Be Competent—Why Bother Seeking Attention?

Jade Spirit Peak, the courtyard of Jiang Zhuoran.

The two of them stepped into the courtyard, chatting and laughing. Jiang Zhuoran noticed the familiar figure standing upright in the courtyard and asked with some confusion, “Master? What are you doing here?”

He Mo Bai turned around and saw Jiang Zao already by her side, confirming his suspicion.

So she really was with her.

As the master, He Mo Bai would never let his disciple know that he had come only to confirm whether Jiang Zao was with her.

After some thought, he found a suitable reason to explain his presence.

“How is your cultivation of the technique I taught you coming along?”

Jiang Zhuoran performed the disciple’s salute respectfully and replied, “Master, I have already comprehended the first form.”

He Mo Bai nodded and, before leaving, cast a meaningful glance at Jiang Zao.

“If there’s nothing else, take your sister to the Spirit Testing Hall to test her spiritual roots. It will be convenient for her cultivation.”

In the sect of Immortal Inquiry, where everyone is a prodigy, those with four spiritual roots—considered useless—sometimes receive unexpected treatment.

I wonder… how will you respond?

“I understand.”

[That madman He Mo Bai—who knows what he’s really here for? His excuse sounds so noble.]

[If you want to check cultivation, can’t you use the Spirit Transmission Jade? Or can’t your divine sense detect it? Why bother making this unnecessary trip?]

[Totally just putting on a show, trying to boost his presence.]

[Besides, you yourself agreed to bring Jiang Zhuoran here. If you’re looking for me, you’d better keep it to yourself.]

Jiang Zao was annoyed the moment she saw He Mo Bai, her heart sinking with disdain.

And that meaningful look he gave—did he really think she was blind?

As long as He Mo Bai appeared in her sight, she would always keep a close watch on him, until his death.

Jiang Zhuoran, standing beside her, was terrified that her outspoken thoughts might be overheard by their master. If that happened, not only she but even Jiang Zhuoran herself might be slapped down by the master.

Fortunately, her worries were unfounded for now, but she couldn’t guarantee the same for the future. So, for their safety, Jiang Zhuoran decided to correct her mistaken perception of their master.

Master was clearly powerful and earnest in teaching disciples, treating both inner disciples and ordinary students equally. Even those with poor talent received some guidance.

She truly couldn’t understand how the renowned Bai Mo Immortal Lord of the cultivation world was reduced to a mere fraud and madman in Jiang Zao’s mouth.

Though she didn’t know what “fraud” meant, knowing Jiang Zao, it was definitely not a compliment.

“Zao Zao, what do you think of Master?” Jiang Zhuoran cautiously asked, leaning closer.

“My sister’s master is naturally excellent,” Jiang Zao replied without hesitation.

Though she didn’t understand why she asked, there must be a reason.

Jiang Zhuoran felt hopeful she could change her mind and pressed, “Oh? How so?”

---

Jiang Zao counted on her fingers, seriously listing off words one after another: “Powerful, renowned, caring for disciples, like a jade forest and glorious trees, graceful as the rosy clouds and moonlight…” She recited all the words she could think of.

[What nonsense… hypocritical, cunning, and treacherous scoundrel. Killing him would be the highest praise; skinning him alive wouldn’t be too much.]

Jiang Zhuoran, who hadn’t been happy for even two seconds, felt dizzy hearing the unfiltered contempt and disgust her sister harbored for their master.

How could she say one thing to the world but something else behind their backs?

This was hopeless… no saving her!

As long as she kept it to herself, they might live long and well.

Jiang Zhuoran, knowing she was asking on purpose, inquired, “Zao Zao, do you really think that way?”

“Of course.”

[Could it be that I acted too fake and she saw through me?]

[That shouldn’t be…]

Afraid that her sister might keep digging and come up with strange ideas, Jiang Zhuoran grabbed her hand and started walking out, saying as they went:

“I still don’t know if you have any spiritual roots. Let’s go to the Spirit Testing Hall and find out.”

[Why does Jiang Zhuoran seem so guilty?]

[Forget it… no matter.]

[I want to know what kind of spiritual root I have too. If it’s a rare supreme root… hehe, definitely a prodigy.]

[Two days of Qi refining, three days of foundation building—that’s no longer just a dream!]

Jiang Zao was filled with eager anticipation, while Jiang Zhuoran, proud but speechless, thought:

You think supreme spiritual roots are as common as cabbages?

My ordinary spiritual root was praised by master and sect elders as a century’s rarity. Supreme roots are just for you to dream about.

But if you do have a supreme root, your future will be dazzling indeed.

Jiang Zhuoran’s hope and fear for her sister’s spiritual root struggled within her.

Many possess gifted spiritual roots, but many more have mixed roots—and that number isn’t small.

In the great Immortal Inquiry Sect, many disciples have mixed roots but little cultivation resources and often suffer bullying.

If she has mixed roots, what will she do?

And what about me?

With a heavy heart, Jiang Zhuoran led Jiang Zao to the Spirit Testing Hall. Inside, only an elderly man with white hair and a goatee sat with his eyes closed, resting.

Jiang Zhuoran stepped forward and saluted respectfully. “Elder Bai, I would like to borrow the Spirit Testing Platform for a moment.”

Bai Yang slowly opened his eyes. “Who are you?”

“I am Jiang Zhuoran, the fifth disciple under Bai Mo Immortal Lord.”

---

“Oh, Mo Bai’s disciple,” Bai Yang nodded in recognition. “Go ahead.”

“Thank you, Elder Bai.”

Jiang Zhuoran took Jiang Zao to the inner chamber of the testing hall. In the center stood a stone platform about waist-high, its surface sloping and carved with intricate patterns. A palm-sized indentation lay in the middle.

“Zao Zao, place your hand on it and close your eyes, focusing your mind.”

Jiang Zhuoran’s excitement was palpable, while Jiang Zao grew nervous.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Zao placed her hand into the indentation and, following instructions, closed her eyes and concentrated on the energy within her.

The moment she closed her eyes, Jiang Zao felt a change in her body—a comforting sensation like warm winter sunlight shining upon her.

Soon, she entered a trance-like state as many glowing orbs of energy swirled around her, eagerly flowing into her body.

Outside, Jiang Zhuoran watched the platform flicker with golden light, focusing all her attention.

“A Gold Spiritual Root!”

The golden glow was dazzling. Jiang Zhuoran shouted excitedly.

Though Gold Spiritual Roots don’t compare to supreme roots, they mainly strengthen the body, allowing one to achieve an unbreakable physical form. Combined with certain skills, this could yield unexpected results.

She looked up, eager to share this thrilling news with Jiang Zao, only to find her still in meditation, her brows furrowed and a wave of unease washing over her.

Normally, the tester awakens right after the spiritual root is detected. Jiang Zao’s current state indicated the presence of other spiritual roots within her.

Sure enough, just as Jiang Zhuoran feared, the golden light faded from the platform, replaced by a vibrant green glow.

“How is it a Wood Spiritual Root?”

Seeing the lively green, Jiang Zhuoran’s expression darkened further.

Gold and Wood elements nurture and overcome each other.

Cultivation is most hindered by spiritual roots that nurture and counteract each other, which is why the more spiritual roots one has, the harder the path.

Fortunately, having only two types of roots still isn’t too difficult.

Jiang Zhuoran composed herself, continuing to watch. As the green light dimmed, she thought the test was over.

But in the next moment, a scorching red light shattered her hope. She stared blankly at the dazzling red, speechless.

The ordeal was far from over. As the red faded, a pale blue light appeared.

“Fire Spiritual Root, Water Spiritual Root…”

Jiang Zhuoran felt as if she were about to shatter, drained of energy and spirit, her eyes vacant.

“Destroy it all…”