NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3:
Chapter 3: The Humble Status of the Young Master:
“Hey, Young Master, you’re going to be an immortal who can soar through the skies tomorrow!” Xu Wan’er said with a smile, placing all the jade bottles on the stone table in the courtyard. Her eyes sparkled with joy.
“When I went to see the Patriarch earlier, he gave me permission to participate in this year’s spirit test ceremony,” she continued. “But I’m not as smart as you, Young Master. I doubt I’ll have the same potential.” Her excitement faded, and her long eyelashes drooped sadly.
“You’re going to participate too?” Xu Chuan asked in surprise. But it made sense—she was the right age now. Then, a troubling thought hit him.
What if she awakens Spiritual Roots, but he didn’t?
This thought made his heart race.
“Wan’er… is there a chance that I might not have the qualifications to cultivate?” he asked, trying to hide his anxiety.
Xu Wan’er blinked in confusion before responding. “No way! You’re amazing, Young Master. How could you not be able to cultivate?”
“If that’s the case,” she added with determination, “then I’ll work hard to get stronger, so I can protect you!”
Her words were so earnest that Xu Chuan felt tears welling up. But deep down, he didn’t doubt her sincerity.
He had lived two lives, and in this one, their master-servant relationship had evolved into something deeper. In Xu Wan’er’s eyes, Xu Chuan was capable of anything.
Although Xu Chuan felt a twinge of guilt, he wasn’t about to turn away from this good fortune. He wouldn’t let an opportunity like this pass him by.
“Don’t worry, Wan’er. You won’t need to protect me—I’ll be the one protecting you,” Xu Chuan said, giving her a reassuring smile, even though he secretly worried about his own qualifications.
Cultivation talent was a mystery he couldn’t control. No amount of pills or treasures could change that. His fate would be determined at the spirit test ceremony.
…
A few days later, early in the morning, Xu Chuan was gently awakened by Xu Wan’er.
“Young Master, the spirit test ceremony is about to start.” She said softly, her bright eyes hovering above him.
Groaning, Xu Chuan opened his eyes reluctantly. “Alright, alright… Give me a moment,” he said, rubbing his temples. He hadn’t woken up early in a long time, and it took him a while to adjust.
“Wan’er, wait for me outside.” He said after getting up.
She hesitated, looking like she wanted to say something.
“You don’t need to help me dress or wash anymore,” Xu Chuan added with a gentle but firm tone. “I’ll be a cultivator soon, I have to start doing things on my own.”
After getting ready, Xu Chuan and Xu Wan’er left the courtyard, heading toward the main hall for the ceremony. As they walked, a flash of rainbow light appeared above them.
Suddenly, the light stopped, and an old man emerged from it, accompanied by two young men.
“Xu Chuan greets the Third Elder,” Xu Chuan said respectfully, recognizing the elder. The man was Xu Tianhe, the Third Elder of the Xu family, and a powerful Nascent Soul Realm powerhouse. His strength was such that he could crush entire sects with a mere stomp.
Yet, this formidable figure greeted Xu Chuan with a kind smile. “Ah, it’s Young Master Xu,” the elder said warmly. “You two, come greet the young master,” he ordered, turning to the teenagers.
“Xu Qing greets the young master.”
“Xu Lan greets the young master.”
Though they were around the same age as Xu Chuan, their status was far beneath his. They had no choice but to greet him with respect, despite the frustration on their faces.
“Their status doesn’t compare.” Xu Chuan thought, stifling a grin. This life as a young master was indeed comfortable.
“These two are my direct descendants. They’re here for the spirit test ceremony as well,” Xu Tianhe explained. “The Patriarch is busy overseeing the preparations, so how about we head there together, Young Master Xu?”
“Thank you, Elde.,” Xu Chuan replied, bowing slightly.
Before Xu Chuan knew it, he felt a lightness under his feet as they flew through the air, the mountains and valleys passing below them. The sensation of flying was exhilarating, a reminder of the immense power that separated cultivators from ordinary mortals.
As they flew, Xu Chuan marveled at the longevity of cultivators. Even at the Nascent Soul Realm, a cultivator could live up to 800 years. The elder flying beside him had lived for over 400 years, something unimaginable for ordinary people.
The young men with them were likely more than ten generations removed from their ancestor, the elder. Yet, according to the Xu family records, Xu Chuan himself was only three generations away from the Great Elder. In terms of seniority, Xu Chuan could even be considered an ancestor to those boys.
The seniority of the Immortal World was anything but straightforward.
…
Soon, they arrived at the main peak of Ziyun Mountain, where a grand palace stood majestically. This was the Great Hall, where the annual spirit test ceremony of the Xu family was held.
For cultivator families like the Xu family, raising talented descendants was a top priority. Nearly all of the family’s senior members were present, including the elders.
“Chuan’er, are you ready?” a deep voice called out as Xu Chuan entered the hall. It was Xu Tianyue, his father and the current Patriarch of the Xu family. A man with a powerful aura, he exuded authority as he approached.
With his sword-like eyebrows and sharp eyes, Xu Tianyue looked every bit the part of a powerful Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. Though he was always strict with others, he softened when it came to Xu Chuan, his only son.
Unlike most immortal families, who had many children due to their long lives, Xu Tianyue had only one son—an extremely rare occurrence. And for this reason, he doted on Xu Chuan more than anyone could imagine.
“Ah, isn’t this young Xu Chuan? You’ve grown so much!” one elder said, approaching with a smile.
“Your poetry from a few years ago still impresses me. You truly are a talented young man.” Another elder added.
“I bet he’ll at least have the potential for dual Spiritual Roots!” Another chimed in.
Xu Chuan felt a lump in his throat as they all showered him with praise.
“Thank you, elders.” He said politely, but internally, he was nervous. The more they raised him up, the harder he might fall. If his test results were disappointing, the awkwardness would be unbearable.