Sect Master Zhang Qing gave the group a measured look and issued a brief instruction to those beside him. Several stewards in cyan robes quickly stepped forward, gesturing politely for the eight to enter the hall. Lin Feng was the first to straighten his attire and move ahead, his composure and confidence returning as he naturally took the lead, fully assuming the role of their representative.
Finn and Kofi walked at the rear of the group. He deliberately slowed his pace to avoid drawing attention, quietly observing the grand hall. The walls were carved from entire slabs of green jade, towering dozens of zhang high. Suspended high in the center was a gilded plaque bearing the three characters "Sword Control Sect," emanating a faint yet sharp sword intent, as if countless strands of sword qi resided within it. The surrounding buildings featured intricate carvings and upturned eaves, with spiritual light flowing everywhere. In the distance, ancient trees rose skyward, lush and dense, while unknown birds perched among the branches, singing crisp melodies. The spiritual qi in the air was so dense it almost felt tangible—one breath brought a soothing sensation through the meridians, far more nourishing than even the purest air of the apocalypse.
"Is this… truly a paradise?" Winnie murmured, her fear gradually replaced by curiosity.
"This is Spiritual Qi—the foundation of cultivation," Lin Feng said, his tone brimming with excitement, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for power. "Earth has long since been depleted of it. There's no comparison."
The others either glanced around at passing cultivators or silently calculated their own thoughts, each harboring different intentions.
Finn, however, paid little attention to the surroundings. His focus was entirely on the conversation with Sword Stone in his mind.
"To think the Sword Control Sect has fallen to such a state…" Sword Stone's voice carried a hint of regret. "The Sect Master is only at the Nascent Soul Stage, and most elders are at the same level. As for these disciples—they're hardly worth mentioning. Back when I last awakened, the Sword Control Sect was the number one sect in the Xuanyuan Realm. Any elder could dominate an entire region. How has it declined to this? Has the entire cultivation world regressed?"
"Nascent Soul Stage… what do those levels mean?" Finn asked.
"The cultivation hierarchy of the Xuanyuan Realm," Sword Stone explained. "It goes: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, Void Refinement, Integration, Mahayana, and Tribulation Crossing. Each stage is divided into early, middle, late, and peak phases. Back in the day, someone at Soul Transformation would barely qualify as an outer elder. Now one has become Sect Master. Truly, each generation is worse than the last."
Before Finn could ask more, the group arrived before a flight of jade steps. The council hall before them was even more magnificent—white jade steps, golden brick flooring, and dozens of luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling, casting a soft yet authoritative glow. The pillars were carved with coiling dragons exhaling mist, lifelike and faintly radiating draconic might. Rows of disciples in uniform stood solemnly on both sides outside the hall.
Sect Master Zhang Qing spoke slowly, his voice resonant:
"This is the ancient immortal sect—the Sword Control Sect. I am Zhang Qing, its Sect Master. Though you come from another world, you were brought here by our sect's formation, and thus share a connection with us. Today, you will undergo a Spirit Root test to determine your aptitude. Those with Spirit Roots will be accepted into the sect and receive its protection. Those without… must seek their own path."
Lin Feng, standing at the front, immediately bowed. "Thank you, Sect Master." The others followed his example. Turning back, he translated swiftly in English and Japanese:
"They will test our Spirit Roots. Spirit Roots determine our ability to cultivate. The better your aptitude, the more resources and status you'll receive. Follow my lead—I'll secure the best possible outcome for everyone."
The group nodded, both nervous and expectant. In this unfamiliar world, with no support to rely on, the results of this test would determine their future. As such, they tacitly accepted Lin Feng's leadership.
"That kid truly has outstanding talent," Sword Stone remarked. "Extremely high Spirit Root potential—one in ten thousand. But the others aren't bad either. Anyone chosen by an ancient teleportation array must possess extraordinary fate. Could it be… this array was meant to recruit talent for the sect? Strange—I don't recall such a function."
"All seven of them… are geniuses?" Finn asked inwardly.
"More or less," Sword Stone replied casually. "But compared to your Chaos Body, they're nothing."
"Chaos Body… is it really that powerful?" Finn finally voiced his doubt.
"Chaos is the primordial energy of the universe—formless, beginningless, endless. It devours all and gives birth to all. The Chaos Body is the only vessel capable of containing such power. What do you think?" Sword Stone's tone carried a trace of pride. "Once you awaken it, even top-grade single Spirit Roots will be fit only to carry your shoes."
Finn had never imagined his physique to be so extraordinary. At twenty years old, who wouldn't dream of standing at the peak? A spark of pride rose within him, and he couldn't help but imagine a scene where the Sect Master and elders fought over him during the test.
Once Lin Feng finished translating, Sect Master Zhang Qing waved his sleeve. A white jade platform, about one zhang tall, appeared in the center of the hall. At its center was a sphere the size of a human head, radiating flowing spiritual light and auspicious energy—it was the Spirit Testing Platform, a treasure passed down through the sect for thousands of years.
Inside the hall, hundreds of inner disciples, elders, and stewards stood on either side, their gazes fixed on the eight newcomers, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
"So this is the Spirit Testing Platform… the supreme treasure recorded in my family's ancient texts?" Lin Feng exclaimed, unable to hide his excitement.
Sect Master Zhang Qing and the elders took their seats in the center of the hall. His gaze swept across the eight as he declared:
"The Spirit Root test determines your future. Take it seriously. Who will go first?"
Before his words had fully settled, Lin Feng stepped forward boldly.
"Sect Master, I will go first."
Finn stood quietly in the corner, his eyes calm as he watched the glowing sphere atop the platform, silently observing Lin Feng stepping forward.
He wanted to see for himself—just how far these so-called geniuses were from his Chaos Body.