Chapter 009

Chapter 9: Difference in Treatment

Wei Ling Yue’s hand, which was holding the teacup, stiffened for a brief moment upon hearing those words. Could he admit he hadn’t prepared anything? Facing his daughter’s expectant gaze, he felt too embarrassed to speak.

Wei Yun Xi could guess with just her toes that this scum father had prepared nothing for her at all. But that didn’t stop her from asking for something, so she deliberately said in a disappointed tone, “Father, surely you didn’t forget to prepare a birthday gift for your daughter, did you? When Elder Sister Yun Qing had her birthday, you gave her a gift. That red silk ribbon was so beautiful, yet Elder Sister wouldn’t even let me touch it.”

After saying this, Wei Yun Xi began building tears in her eyes. If her scum father dared admit he’d prepared nothing, she was ready to cry for him to see. After all, she was just a child now, and children had the right to throw tantrums.

Wei Ling Yue immediately realized he was in trouble. Hurriedly, he rummaged through his storage pouch and fished out an egg. The egg was only the size of a chicken’s egg, its white shell dotted irregularly with black spots. It resembled a quail egg, only twice as large.

“Yun Xi, this is a spirit beast egg I chanced upon during my travels,” Wei Ling Yue said hastily. “When you can begin cultivation, keep this egg close to nurture it. Once it hatches, it will recognize you as its master and remain forever loyal to you alone.”

Wei Yun Xi rolled her eyes inwardly. Did he really think she couldn’t tell he had just pulled this out randomly to trick her? She guessed this spirit beast egg was probably dead. If it were genuinely valuable, this scum father wouldn’t be so generous.

Still, Wei Yun Xi knew better than to push her luck. Immediately she took the flashy egg with delight, carefully placing it into her storage pouch, and happily returned to Bright Splendor Courtyard.

After sending his daughter away, Wei Ling Yue went back to Begonia Courtyard. Du Ruo Lan was still waiting for him.

Wei Yun Xi had a good night’s sleep. Early the next morning, Chun Yu dragged her out from under her blankets. After washing up, dressing neatly, and quickly having breakfast, she was carried to the Wei family ancestral hall.

By the time Wei Yun Xi arrived with Chun Yu, several people had already gathered inside the ancestral hall. Each adult had one or two children older than five years beside them, all direct or branch descendants of the Wei family. Today was the day to test spiritual roots, to decide the path each child would take.

Wei Yun Xi spotted Wei Yun Qing standing proudly at the front. Being the legitimate daughter, Wei Yun Qing stood confidently beside her mother. Her gaze wandered arrogantly around the room before landing on Wei Yun Xi.

She curled her lips disdainfully, withdrawing her gaze as if it was beneath her dignity to pay attention to her younger sister.

Wei Yun Xi rubbed her small round chin, smiling innocently on the surface, though inwardly she mocked, [Right now, Wei Yun Qing is still young and inexperienced. Her petty schemes are easy to read and easier still to deal with.]

However, with Du Ruo Lan beside Wei Yun Qing guiding her, Wei Yun Xi knew she likely wouldn’t gain any advantage in direct conflict. Especially after today, when she’d officially be identified as having medium-low aptitude triple spiritual roots, it wouldn’t be wise to confront them head-on.

“Silence,” a clan elder announced loudly. “We will now begin testing spiritual roots, starting with branch descendants. Children whose names are called, step forward.”

“Wei Zi Nan!”

“Here.”

A young boy nervously stepped forward, nearly stumbling. He placed his small hand on the testing orb, but nothing happened.

“No spiritual roots! Next, Wei Cong Shan!”

Hearing he had no spiritual roots, Wei Zi Nan slumped away to find comfort from his father.

Wei Cong Shan, the second child tested, had water, wood, metal, and fire spiritual roots. The root values were uneven, ranging from thirty-five to fifty, with none above sixty. His aptitude was thus low-grade, slightly above average.

Despite his mediocre talent, Wei Cong Shan was still delighted he could cultivate.

After one hour, the branch descendants’ tests concluded. Most had four or five spiritual roots. Only three children had triple roots. Then it was the direct descendants’ turn.

Wei Yun Qing confidently took the first spot. She tested as having dual water-wood spiritual roots, each root with a value of eighty-five—upper-middle grade aptitude. Both Wei Yun Qing and Du Ruo Lan were very satisfied with the result.

The clan elder was pleased too. Patting Wei Yun Qing’s head kindly, he said, “Yun Qing has very good aptitude. Be diligent in your cultivation.”

“Yes,” Wei Yun Qing replied sweetly, “Yun Qing will certainly work hard and never embarrass the Wei family.”

“Good! Good!” the elder praised happily.

Returning to her place, Wei Yun Qing threw Wei Yun Xi a provocative look.

Wei Yun Xi inwardly rolled her eyes again. Then she pretended to be nervous, stepped forward hesitantly, and rubbed her palms before placing her small hand on the testing orb. Moments later, three lights appeared.

The clan elder was somewhat disappointed but announced loudly, “Wei Yun Xi, water-wood-fire triple roots, each with a root value of sixty-five.”

Only then did Wei Yun Xi breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed her actual spiritual roots had been successfully concealed. Feigning innocence, she asked, “Clan Elder Grandpa, are Yun Xi’s spiritual roots very poor?”

The elder patiently explained, “Yun Xi, although you have triple spiritual roots, don’t be discouraged. Your roots mutually reinforce each other, much better than roots that clash. Furthermore, your spiritual roots suit alchemy, so you can inherit your mother’s legacy.”

His words were impartial and genuinely considerate.

Wei Yun Xi finally smiled, realizing the Wei family wasn’t all terrible. At least this elder sincerely cared about the younger generation’s future.

“Thank you for your guidance, Clan Elder Grandpa. Yun Xi will surely cultivate diligently and master alchemy.”

Then, she politely bowed before stepping back to Chun Yu.

Chun Yu, hearing the elder’s words, felt relieved. Though her little master didn’t have top-tier spiritual roots, her aptitude was decent. With alchemy skills backing her up, her cultivation path shouldn’t be difficult.

Du Ruo Lan relaxed after hearing Wei Yun Xi’s results. Even though the elder had encouraged Yun Xi, Du Ruo Lan dismissed it. Everyone knew dual roots cultivated faster than triple roots. Perhaps Wei Yun Xi would struggle forever at the Golden Core stage, just like Feng Clan Ancestor, who used pills to forcibly ascend but could progress no further, eventually resigning himself fully to alchemy.

Du Ruo Lan imagined Wei Yun Xi becoming the clan’s alchemist, supplying resources for her daughter’s cultivation. Just thinking about it made her happy.

Besides, her husband had mentioned after today’s testing, the clan would finalize the list of disciples headed for Grand Righteous Sect. Her daughter’s chance to make the list was high. She intended to discuss this carefully with him later. Her own life was set, but her daughter, with such good talent, must have a strong start.

Wei Ling Yue stood aside, considering both daughters’ futures. His elder daughter had dual spiritual roots; without incident, reaching Nascent Soul was assured. Naturally, she must be sent to Grand Righteous Sect.

As for his younger daughter, he hesitated. He leaned towards keeping her at home for alchemy cultivation. The elder’s words had reminded him: Yun Xi’s spiritual roots were ideal for alchemy.

The Feng family was unwilling to share their core alchemy techniques with the Wei family. But if Yun Xi went to learn, perhaps they couldn’t refuse.