Chapter 99: Superior Superior

Besides, there's also aptitude and bone structure!

Most orthodox sect cultivators undergo detailed testing before joining, even getting concrete data on their technique affinity, then they independently pick their fundamental and auxiliary arts!

Bai Xianyin mentioned this, unusually solemn.

Zhang Jian laughed, 'It seems the sect isn't just generally professional about this!'

Isn't this just targeted cultivation!

Bai Xianyin blinked slightly. 'Professional?'

She immediately nodded: 'Exactly professional—use the least resources to strengthen the sect as much as possible, putting every bit of strength where it counts; this is the patriarch's iron teaching!'

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly.

He wasn't surprised either.

Wherever there are strong ones, they naturally can grow and thrive; if they're good for nothing, how can they stand among the heroes?

The two flew all the way into the depths of Divine Mountain, using a forbidden law, passing one altar after another; Zhang Jian could sense that inside some of those altars were cultivators of differing temperaments who noticed their presence, gazing at them with curiosity or indifference.

Seeing this scene for the first time, Zhang Jian remained relatively composed, not looking around wildly.

But Zhang Jian could see that the Divine Mountain's Dao lineage was quite prosperous; even just the tip of the iceberg, he had already detected the presence of over a hundred cultivators.

Soon, using the forbidden law's power, the two arrived before a grand hall's loft on the mountainside.

This is the place!

Bai Xianyin pointed at the huge plaque.

"Spirit-Testing Mountain Abode!"

This name is quite unique, like a hermit's retreat for a high cultivator; outside, four or five young figures in the Zhi clan's azure robes saw Bai Xianyin and Zhang Jian arrive, instantly turning their gazes, smiling, and greeting them, obviously familiar with Bai Xianyin.

"Aunt Xianyin, is this a newcomer of the Slay Demon Lineage?"

Among them, the leading cultivator, a slightly older youth, had smiling eyes.

It seems Bai Xianyin has good relations within Divine Mountain.

This youth was quite enthusiastic, though still a bit curious when looking at Zhang Jian.

Obviously the Slay Demon Lineage already has a new true-transmission disciple, and the news has spread.

Bai Xianyin strode forward boldly and said, 'Yang Zhen, is it your turn on duty this time?'

That's perfect; hurry up and register us, and activate the formation—our young master needs to test his spiritual root, aptitude, and technique affinity, three things; speed it up, for the young master is a soul that has come, and lingering will harm his flesh!

The cultivator called Yang Zhen nodded and said.

"Aunt Xianyin, don't worry, it won't take long!"

Zhang Jian's gaze swept over these cultivators; a faint ripple appeared in his eyes. He noticed that most of these cultivators had not undergone the Fate-Testing Foundation Establishment, only Yang Zhen and another stern-dispositioned disciple had completed it, appearing to be the person in charge here.

These disciples hurriedly rose to act; some pushed over brush and ink for Zhang Jian to fill out, though their glances occasionally lingered on him with a hint of curiosity; facing those gazes, Zhang Jian also gave a slight glance back in acknowledgment.

"It seems the cultivation atmosphere within the Divine Mountain Lineage is still quite good; although resources are scarce, there's some involution, but disputes are not obvious—this is quite good!"

Zhang Jian thought to himself!

Cultivation isn't like collecting a wage; it's a matter of life and death. Having this atmosphere shows that the Divine Mountain Lineage's interior is relatively united.

But this situation will inevitably lead to a scenario: if one wants to gain benefits within the sect, they must truly follow the sect's rules, displaying sufficient aptitude and ability.

Zhang Jian pondered, this is the best.

Of course, if it were a purgatory-level involution model, frankly he wouldn't be afraid either.

Not long after, Zhang Jian was first arranged into a room filled with a forest of steles inside.

In the spacious room, those stone steles varied in color, also entwined with various kinds of spiritual light of different attributes.

Yang Zhen beside him briefly explained a few sentences, and Zhang Jian then knew how to test.

The test is simple: as long as one's divine sense resonates with a stone stele, just step forward and test.

Meanwhile, someone nearby follows the markings above to tally.

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly, his expression somewhat solemn; he knew this test concerned his future.

But on this point he was still quite confident.

Earlier he had sensed that he possessed outstanding aptitude in the fire and lightning dual affinities.

Furthermore, after eating so many Heavenly Treasury Rare Treasures, many of them are able to cleanse marrow and hair, enhance divine wisdom, and even affect the spiritual root.

Under the gazes of several Spirit-Testing Mountain Abode disciples, Zhang Jian first approached a red spirit stele, then tried them one by one; shortly after, he saw the spirit steles burst forth with light, and several markings appeared respectively.

Just a glance, and Bai Xianyin's eyes lit up instantly.

"Spirit root fire, lightning: Superior Superior."

"Spirit root metal, wind: Superior Inferior!"

"Pure Yang spirit root: innate unknown? Possibly a special physique; suggest deepening examination of bone and aptitude!"

Zhang Jian had already seen the manifested results!

Zhang Jian also noticed the posted notice on spiritual root aptitude beside him, which gave a detailed explanation: generally, spiritual root aptitude is divided into nine grades, from inferior inferior, inferior middle, inferior superior, through middle inferior, middle, middle superior, then to superior inferior, superior middle, and superior superior.

He had two superior superiors, undoubtedly allowing him to major in fire and lightning techniques; cultivating those attributes yields tremendous bonuses.

The metal and wind attributes are superior inferior, indicating that choosing those techniques is also possible, though cultivation speed may be somewhat slower.

But they also belong to the range of excellent attributes!

However, spiritual root aptitude has never been absolute.

As long as one has that aptitude, it's enough; more importantly, comprehension matters.

"Congratulations, this junior brother has detected four spirit roots, all of superior quality!"

Yang Zhen beside him also wore a smile.

Zhang Jian returned a slight salute, and the approaching Bai Xianyin also showed a delighted expression.

But her gaze was dark and bright as she stared at the last line of text on the paper, urging aloud.

「Continue, the affinity likely doesn't need testing; we can directly test the physique!

「」

Beside him, Yang Zhen nodded.

Seeing Zhang Jian's gaze turn toward him, he smiled and said: 「Junior Brother, affinity only has yang and yin; water attribute can be divided into Gui water and Ren water, wood attribute can be divided into Jia wood and Yi wood; since Junior Brother you possess a pure yang spiritual root, your affinity must be yang. In future cultivation, try to choose yang attribute techniques to cultivate—for example, choose Bing fire for fire, not Ding fire; for metal, choose Geng metal, not Xin metal! 」

「These are just minor details; they can help avoid taking unnecessary detours! 」

Zhang Jian nodded; although he said so, these are all based on experience.

Afterward, the two directly entered the final stage.

The final test was even more mysterious, taking place in a room filled with mirrors, where even the floor was covered with ancient mirrors.

Zhang Jian took his stand inside; meanwhile, Bai Xianyin stood at the doorway, also waiting for the result. Seeing Zhang Jian looking around, she smiled and spoke.

「Young master, don't be anxious; these treasure mirrors are bone-reflecting mirrors, they can reflect the bones, souls, and even the state of innate qi stored within cultivators' bodies, causing no effect on cultivators!

Although you have not come in your true form, the Heaven and Earth Mystic Gate will simulate the bones and innate qi within your body, causing no discrepancy! 」