Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Spirit Testing Convention

In the Phoenix Flame Kingdom of the Heaven Ruins Continent, the most highly anticipated event is the annual Spirit Testing Assembly, co-hosted by the four great clans.

Whenever this time arrives, the entire kingdom is immersed in an atmosphere of nervous excitement. From the bustling streets to the quiet courtyards of noble estates, the upcoming assembly is the primary topic of conversation. It is not only crucial for the future development of each clan but also serves as the ultimate stage for countless young cultivators to showcase their strength and potential.

On this day, the magnificent Spirit Testing Hall is already teeming with a restless, boisterous crowd. People arriving from all directions have packed the once-spacious hall to capacity. Expectantly, they cluster around the elevated platform at the center, their gazes fixed upon the four clan heads—the leaders of the Ouyang, Ao, Xia, and Lu clans—who sit with composed, calm expressions. Before them rests a massive crystal ball emitting an eerie, shimmering light. Behind the crystal ball stand five crystalline pillars, piercing the sky like towering sentinels, each reaching a height of five or six meters.

Below the stage, the crowd has formed a long, orderly queue. One by one, young cultivators ascend the platform with solemn, slightly anxious expressions to undergo their spiritual power tests. For many gifted individuals, this assembly is undoubtedly the pivotal turning point of their lives.

Once they stand out among the many participants, demonstrating exceptional talent and strength, it signifies that they will henceforth be highly valued by their respective clans and granted access to rare and precious cultivation resources, thereby embarking on a smooth path toward greatness.

At first, no one turned their attention to the siblings Ouyang Xiaoyue and her brother. However, as time passed and the highly anticipated direct descendants of the four great clans made their appearances, people began to notice the pair, and hushed whispers began to circulate.

"In my opinion, they probably don't have the guts to come here and make a fool of themselves!" a sharp voice drifted from the crowd.

"Indeed! Both siblings are useless waste with no talent for cultivation. Even if they dared to show up, they would only become a laughingstock," another agreed, their tone dripping with disdain and mockery.

Soon, these idle remarks spread like a tide through the crowd, drawing bursts of laughter from those nearby.

Just then, someone suddenly pointed toward the platform and shrieked, "Heavens! Look, that's a Fifth-Rank Water-Type Spirit Master!"

The shout instantly grabbed everyone's attention. As they followed the direction of his finger, they saw a graceful young maiden standing on the platform, surrounded by a faint blue spiritual glow. It was the third young lady of the Ouyang clan—Ouyang Chenxi.

"That third young lady of the Ouyang clan looks to be only fifteen years old! To reach the realm of a Fifth-Rank Spirit Master at such an age, her talent is truly rare!" someone exclaimed in admiration.

Hearing the praise from the crowd below, a surge of uncontrollable pride swelled within Ouyang Chenxi. She lifted her chin slightly, a triumphant smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Just as she was about to say a few humble words to display her refinement, another wave of discussion erupted from below.

"What is so rare about that? I heard that the young lady of the Ao clan was already a Seventh-Rank Spirit Master at fifteen! Compared to her, Ouyang Chenxi’s achievement is like a mere hillock beside a mountain!"

The moment these words were spoken, the entire venue fell into an uproar. The praise that had surrounded Ouyang Chenxi ceased abruptly, replaced by murmurs of shock and skepticism.

"True, true! And the young masters of the Ao and Lu clans—they are the true dragons among men!"

"Not only that, the young master of the Ao clan is an Artifact Refiner!" This revelation exploded through the crowd like a thunderclap.

Immediately, more voices rose in astonishment and awe. It must be known that on this continent, Artifact Refiners and Alchemists hold equally pivotal status. Because they can forge various powerful weapons and refine precious pills, they naturally command the attention of the masses.

Standing above, Ouyang Chenxi, who had moments ago been the center of attention, felt an indescribable sense of humiliation as she watched the crowd's interest shift away. She bit her lip tightly, struggling to suppress her emotions, but the fury in her eyes burned like a raging fire, growing ever more intense.