"Hey, look at that guy, he must be over twenty, right? Isn't he past the age limit?"

"Yeah, someone his age taking the test with a bunch of teenagers, it's shameless."

"Come on, that's a bit harsh. I say, having dreams is admirable for anyone! Even if he's older, if he has a spiritual root, he might just get accepted by the Dao Heaven Sect, and then you won't be laughing."

"Tch, at his age, he's starting too late in the path of cultivation. Even if he's lucky enough to have a spiritual root, the Dao Heaven Sect wouldn't take him."

"......"

The chatter among the townsfolk only made Zhao Ting more nervous, especially when he noticed some of the younger ones glancing his way, causing him to blush. But he took a deep breath, choosing to ignore the comments and stares.

Idle gossip is endless, but if you don't listen, it doesn't exist. He was determined to pursue his dream.

Zhao Ting couldn't help but turn to look at Chen Xun, and the next moment, he was stunned, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things, completely dumbfounded.

There was Chen Xun, grinning maniacally, causing the townsfolk around him to back away in fear.

Zhao Ting was at a loss.

How did the calm and witty Chen Xun turn into this in such a short time?

"Silence! The City Lord is here!"

At this moment, the captain of the guards shouted.

Zhao Ting's body trembled, and he had to shift his focus away from Chen Xun.

The entire Central Plaza fell into complete silence.

Soon after, an elderly man with an immortal aura entered the plaza, accompanied by a bowing middle-aged man.

Following the elder and the middle-aged man were six young disciples in sect robes, walking with an air of ease.

The middle-aged man was undoubtedly the City Lord of Celestial Clarity City.

And the elder and the six young disciples were cultivators from the Dao Heaven Sect.

Countless townsfolk watched the Dao Heaven Sect cultivators intently, marveling at their presence, which made them stand out like cranes among chickens.

The young boys and girls in line were filled with longing; they too wished to have such presence and status.

Look, even the City Lord of Celestial Clarity City, which governs tens of thousands of people, was being so respectful in front of the Dao Heaven Sect immortals...

It could be said that having a spiritual root truly meant soaring to great heights!

Zhao Ting clenched his fists tightly, so nervous that his palms were sweating.

Meanwhile, Chen Xun was holding the hand of a middle-aged man with a dark complexion, solemnly saying:

"Oh my, I see from your palm that your lifeline is long, but that's odd. Your face clearly shows you've done a lot of bad things, the kind that would get you struck by lightning. How can this be? Could it really be that good people die young while scoundrels live for a thousand years? This doesn't make sense, why is it like this?!"

The man initially felt pleased hearing Chen Xun's first few words, but his face darkened instantly upon hearing the rest, as if hit by the truth. He yanked his hand away from Chen Xun and turned to leave.

Chen Xun, however, was unaware of how piercing his words were in the now silent plaza.

Countless strange looks were cast his way.

To read the uncut version, go to [pawread.com].

Even the elder and the disciples from the Dao Heaven Sect frowned slightly and glanced over.

City Lord Xu Hai's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed to the elder in apology, then stood up and shouted, "Who is causing a disturbance? Where are the guards?!"

"Here!"

The captain of the guards was startled, breaking into a cold sweat, and immediately led two guards toward Chen Xun with a fierce demeanor!

Zhao Ting, who had been in a daze, snapped back to reality with difficulty and hurriedly ran out of the line, bowing in fear, "Please wait! City Lord, this is my friend. His mind has been a bit unclear lately; he didn't mean any harm. I beg for your mercy!"

Oh?

Upon hearing this, Xu Hai frowned and, along with countless others, looked over to see the young man who had been making a ruckus now sucking his index finger with relish, curiously observing his surroundings with a peculiar, almost fanatical gaze...

His demeanor was so natural, it didn't seem like an act.

Many townsfolk watched this scene with pity, sighing inwardly at the sight of such a handsome young man turning out to be a madman, both crazy and foolish—a truly pitiable soul.

The elder and the disciples from the Dao Heaven Sect, seeing this, relaxed their brows considerably.

With so many mortals watching, they naturally wouldn't bother with a madman.

"City Lord Xu, since he's a madman, let it be. Let's proceed with the test quickly," the Dao Heaven Sect elder said, waving his hand with grace.

Xu Hai felt relieved upon hearing this, quickly bowing in thanks, then sternly addressing Zhao Ting, "Hmph, keep an eye on your friend. If he acts out again, even if the immortal masters are lenient, I will not hesitate to punish him."

"Thank you, immortal master, thank you, City Lord!"

Zhao Ting let out a sigh of relief, then quickly got up and ran to Chen Xun's side, glancing at him awkwardly and whispering, "Brother Chen, I don't know why you've suddenly become like this, but you must be careful from now on. If anything happens, I'm afraid I won't be able to help you much."

Seeing that Chen Xun ignored him, Zhao Ting sighed inwardly and quickly returned to the line.

Next, five disciples from the Dao Heaven Sect stepped forward, each heading to the front of the five lines to begin the spiritual root testing phase.

Seeing this, countless parents grew nervous.

Testing for spiritual roots was quite simple and straightforward, using a special instrument. The person being tested only needed to place their hand on it, and the result would be immediate.

Because it was so convenient, they could test all the boys and girls in one day.

"Steward, that person is clearly over the age limit."

A young male disciple standing beside the Dao Heaven Sect elder pointed at Zhao Ting.

In fact, they had noticed Zhao Ting earlier.

From the young male disciple's words, it was clear that the elder was a steward of the Dao Heaven Sect.

The elder, Shen He, stroked his beard and nodded, "Hmm, it's fine, no need to chase him away. The test is quick, one more won't make a difference."

"Yes," the disciple replied, bowing.

Shen He stood up, looking at the boys and girls present, and said calmly:

"Listen up, children. The spiritual root test is quick. Just place your hand on the instrument held by the disciple in front of you. If it lights up, you have a spiritual root and should step aside. If not, leave quickly and don't delay the test. Understood?"

The boys and girls, intimidated by Shen He's presence, quickly responded in unison, "Understood, immortal master!"

Shen He nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, "Very well, disciples, prepare. The spiritual root testing begins!"