the grand platform, City Lord Luo Tian stood proudly, his voice echoing across the stadium.
> "Next—Di Yu! Cang Yo!"
From the Cang and Di clans, two nervous figures stood up. Di Yu and Cang Yo, both about eight years old, slowly walked toward the glowing crystal ball at the center of the stage.
The crowd's chatter softened as everyone leaned forward, waiting.
City Lord Luo Tian's calm, powerful voice rang out,
> "Place your hands on the crystal. Do not resist the flow of energy."
Both nodded in unison.
> "Yes, City Lord."
They extended their small hands and touched the crystal sphere.
For a moment, nothing happened—then whoosh!—the crystal burst into light, glowing with faint streams of qi.
Words appeared within the glowing sphere:
> Root Grade: 3
Martial Spirit Grade: 2
The crowd murmured in surprise.
> "A third-grade root!"
"And Di Yu's martial spirit is grade three? That's quite rare for Luo City!"
Di Yu's face brightened with pride, a small smile forming. Beside him, Cang Yo clenched his fists, jealousy flashing in his eyes.
> "Hmph… it's just one grade higher," he muttered under his breath.
The two bowed respectfully and returned to their clan seats.
City Lord Luo nodded slightly, then glanced at his attendant.
> "Continue."
The announcer began reading the next names.
Children after children stepped forward—some trembling, some crying, some smiling as their results glowed faintly.
Finally, after more than a hundred names…
> "Number 115—Di Min!"
The crowd grew louder. A handsome youth with calm confidence stepped forward. His black robe fluttered lightly as he approached the crystal sphere.
Without hesitation, Di Min laid his hand on the crystal.
A heartbeat later—BOOM!
Golden qi exploded from the sphere, flooding the entire platform in dazzling light.
Gasps filled the arena as elders and clan leaders rose from their seats.
> "Golden qi?! That's—"
"Impossible! Could it be… a high-grade root?!"
Even City Lord Luo Tian's expression changed for the first time. His sharp eyes narrowed, golden light reflecting in them.
The entire Luo City fell silent, staring in awe at the blinding golden glow that filled the sky…