Today marked the long-awaited Spiritual Root Testing Day, a moment of destiny for many children and their families. It was also the day my younger sister, Fu Hui, would undergo the test. I went to the testing ground primarily to encourage her.
When she saw me, she rushed forward, her eyes wide with anxiety. "Brother," she whispered, her voice barely steady, "What will happen if I don't have a spiritual root? Will everyone send me away to the mortal world?"
"Fu Hui, listen to me," I assured her, gently taking her hand. "Your brother would never abandon you, whether you have a spiritual root or not. You will always be my best sister. No one has the right to send you to the mortal world, and if they try, I will follow you there without a second thought."
At that, my father stepped forward, his tone booming with confidence. "My lovely daughter will absolutely have a spiritual root! But even if you don't," he added, pulling her into a warm embrace, "your father has enough power to protect you." My sister hugged him back tightly, her tension finally breaking into a relieved giggle.
A few other family members were present for the testing:Fu Yu's brother, Fu Jun, is one of the kids who was testing the spiritual root; the other one isFu Rong, the male protagonist's sister. She is a supporting character in the original novel, but an important one—a true sister, born of the same mother and father (not a concubine's child). In the original story, she was jealous of the heroine because the person she liked favored the female lead.
Before my sister, two others had their results announced:Fu Ai displayed a Double Spiritual Root. Fu Jun had the Three Spiritual Roots.
Then, it was my sister's turn. I knew from the original novel that she was a real genius, no less talented than the male lead himself. Tragically, she was destined to die while taking revenge for me, her brother. My hand clenched into a fist. In this life, I must protect my sister and the family I have been reborn into.
Just as this thought crystallized in my mind, a voice rang out with the results: "94% purity, single Fire Spiritual Root!"
My father, the ultimate "daughter-slave," was ecstatic. "I knew my daughter was the best!" he cried. My mother, too, was overjoyed. My sister, still in my father's arms, giggled again. "Brother," she said, looking straight at me, "when I become strong, I will protect you, Father, and Mother!"
Hearing her pure promise, I quietly reaffirmed my vow: I clenched my fist again. In this life, I will protect you.
This year is significant not just for the Spiritual Root Test, but because it is also the year the Four Major Sects open their gates to accept new disciples. This sect recruitment, which happens only once every ten years, will begin in two months.