"Xiao Yifeng, Impure Spirit Root, D bottom."

A commotion erupted among the crowd, and a few young boys couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Xiao Yifeng remained expressionless, as if the words weren't about him.

In his previous life, his naive self, upon learning this result, wished he could dig a hole and hide, especially with Ye Jiusi's brilliance overshadowing him.

But now, having been reborn, he felt neither sorrow nor joy.

Ignoring the surprised looks from the young men and women, Xiao Yifeng quietly returned to his original spot.

He was well aware of his poor aptitude, with a chaotic Spirit Root, only capable of cultivation because he had one at all.

If not for the Heaven-Inquiry Sect having only A, B, C, and D grades, he might not have even qualified for D bottom.

Ye Jiusi called out worriedly, "Xiaofeng?"

Xiao Yifeng shook his head and smiled at him, indicating that he was fine.

At this moment, on the high platform, a tall, thin elder beside Master Guangling asked:

"What’s the matter with this Xiao Yifeng? How did a disciple with D-grade aptitude appear?"

Xiao Yifeng's previous master, Su Qianyi, said helplessly:

"What D-grade? This doesn't even count as the lowest grade. With this aptitude, he can only be a menial disciple."

The other hall masters had to admit he was right; indeed, this aptitude only qualified him as a menial disciple. How did he end up among the true disciples?

Although the Heaven-Inquiry Sect had A, B, C, and D grades, since its expansion, the worst aptitude they had accepted was C top.

This was the first time they had taken in a D-grade disciple, let alone one with a questionable D-grade.

Su Qianyi cursed in dissatisfaction, "Which bastard took a bribe to dare shove such mediocrity into our Heaven-Inquiry Sect?"

Liu Hanyan's face slightly stiffened at his words, silently noting down this grievance against Su Qianyi.

She spoke calmly, "Both Xiao Yifeng and Ye Jiusi were recommended by me."

The puzzled crowd turned towards Liu Hanyan, all with expressions of surprise.

If it were anyone else, they wouldn't be so shocked.

But Liu Hanyan was known for her cold nature, indifferent to desires, and most averse to favoritism and corruption.

Master Guangling couldn't help but ask, "What is the relationship between these two and Sister Guanghan?"

Liu Hanyan shook her head subtly and said:

"On the way back with this batch of disciples, I happened to see a wolf demon attacking a village. But as I discovered it late, I only managed to save these two boys, unable to rescue the others in the village.

I conducted a rough investigation and found that both had Spirit Roots. Coincidentally, our sect has been recruiting fewer disciples lately, so I brought them back together. I just didn't expect such a vast difference in their aptitudes."

Su Qianyi's face turned sour upon hearing this, and he scrutinized Xiao Yifeng.

Despite his mediocre talent, the boy had red lips and white teeth, gentle eyes, and a lively aura, with a rather pleasing appearance.

However, possibly due to malnutrition, he looked a bit sallow.

And Ye Jiusi was even more outstandingly handsome, clearly a talented and promising individual.

He couldn't help but recall a rumor about Liu Hanyan, which explained why she would break the rules to recommend these two.

Su Qianyi snorted coldly, "This Xiao Yifeng, with merely an Impure Spirit Root, is truly unfit for the position of a true disciple of our Heaven-Inquiry Sect. I ask the sect master to decide."

Master Guangling pondered for a moment, then smiled, "Junior Brother Qianyi, since this boy has already tested his Spirit Root with the other disciples, it would be inappropriate to go back on our word.

This boy was fortunate to meet Sister Guanghan and be brought into our sect, suggesting he is a person of great fortune.

In our cultivation path, while aptitude is important, fortune is also indispensable. Let's take him under our wing; perhaps there will be unexpected surprises?"

The other hall masters, giving face, nodded in agreement, and Liu Hanyan quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Su Qianyi counted the number of disciples present, "Oh, seventy-eight, not my problem," and said no more.

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Soon, the Spirit Root tests for the boys and girls were completed. Xuanyi bowed to Master Guangling and reported:

"Reporting to Master, and all hall masters, a total of seventy-eight were tested this time: one A top, three A middle, ten A bottom, twenty-one B top, fifteen B middle, twenty-three B bottom, four C top, and one D bottom."

"Mm, you've worked hard. You may step back now," Master Guangling stroked his long beard and said.

"Yes!" Xuanyi returned the salute and stepped back into the ranks.

Master Guangling looked around at the hall masters and said, "According to the True Martial ranking from last year, each pavilion will select disciples in order, with Qiankun Hall having priority this time.

Next is Taiji, Flying Snow, Longevity, Sealed Vein, Confucian Wind... Boundless Hall. Each hall may not exceed ten disciples, and no more than two A-grade disciples per hall."

The tall, thin Guangwei Daoist smiled, "Then I will first select ten disciples, with Ye Jiusi and Mo Ruxuan as the A-grade picks. For the rest, Minghai, you choose for me."

A disciple behind Guangwei Daoist received the order, descended from the high platform, and selected ten names from the group of children, leading them aside.

Ye Jiusi looked reluctantly at Xiao Yifeng, while the confident Xiao Yifeng waved goodbye to him.

He had already reached an agreement with Liu Hanyan, ensuring his admission.

Master Guangling smiled and said, "Xuanyi, you also select ten for me."

Xuanyi received the order, came forward, and called out ten names, leading them aside.

Then Liu Hanyan gave a faint command, and a beautiful woman behind her received the order and descended from the high platform.

The beautiful woman carefully looked around and selected a few girls to step forward.

Xiao Yifeng noticed that the girls she picked were all as exquisite as carved jade, with excellent appearances, while aptitude seemed less important.

Some girls with better aptitude, but darker or less appealing looks, were completely ignored by the beautiful woman.

Xiao Yifeng chuckled silently, knowing from his past life that Liu Hanyan liked beautiful things.

Due to selecting disciples based on appearance, Flying Snow Hall was known as the beauty haven of the Heaven-Inquiry Sect.

Xiao Yifeng couldn't help but look forward to his future life, especially being able to stay with Liu Hanyan.

He was waiting for the beautiful female disciple to call his name, but unexpectedly, she quickly filled her quota of ten and stepped aside.

From start to finish, she hadn't even glanced at him, leaving Xiao Yifeng dumbfounded.

Fairy, did you forget something? What about me? What about me?

Xiao Yifeng wondered if Liu Hanyan had forgotten about their agreement.

He looked towards Liu Hanyan on the high platform, full of confusion!

Liu Hanyan, however, remained expressionless, as if she didn't know him, leaving Xiao Yifeng frustrated.

Liu Hanyan, you actually tricked me!

Xiao Yifeng couldn't believe that he had trusted Liu Hanyan so much, only to be played by his future wife.

On the platform, Liu Hanyan was speechless, regretting not communicating with him due to her recent emotional turmoil.

Why are you in such a hurry? How could I make it so obvious?

Soon, all the halls had come out to select their disciples, each choosing ten.

Surprisingly, the Cauldron Alchemist Hall only selected seven disciples.

In the field, only Xiao Yifeng was left standing alone, with only Boundless Hall yet to choose.

Those who had been selected watched Xiao Yifeng, their eyes either playful or sympathetic.

Only Ye Jiusi looked at Xiao Yifeng with concern, creating an awkward atmosphere.

On the high platform, Su Qianyi looked angrily at a young real person on the right and said:

"Junior Brother Baiyun, what do you mean by this? Why did you only select seven disciples, unlike previous years when you took them all?"

The young-looking Baiyun Real Person awkwardly smiled and said:

"Senior Brother Qianyi, you're joking. I see that your Boundless Hall is short on members, so I thought I'd leave one for you."

Su Qianyi's fair face turned red with anger, "You're talking nonsense. In previous years, you weren't so kind. I'm telling you, I would rather not have such a disciple.

In previous years, you threw C middle and C bottom at me, and I let it slide. But now you're trying to shove such mediocrity at me, treating my Boundless Hall like a dumping ground!"

Baiyun Real Person looked awkwardly at Master Guangling, seeking help.

Master Guangling quickly mediated, "Junior Brother Qianyi, don't be angry. Hasn't your Boundless Hall been without new disciples for years?

This Xiao Yifeng seems to be a person of great fortune. Why not take him under your wing? Perhaps there will be unexpected surprises?"

Su Qianyi forced a smile, "Since Senior Brother Guangling thinks he's so fortunate, why not take him under your wing and teach him well?"

Master Guangling also looked awkward upon hearing this and smiled wryly, "My Taiji Hall has many disciples, so I won't compete with you."

Su Qianyi then turned to Liu Hanyan, "Sister Guanghan, since you brought him back, you must have a connection with him. Why not take him under your wing?"

---

Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan