Xiao Jietian's soul perception detected a palace-like structure ahead, with many people entering, as if it had just opened.
"It seems like it just opened, and quite a few people have already gone inside. There might be something good in there. Let's hurry and check it out."
Xiao Jietian directly grabbed her arm and walked toward the building.
"Those people probably came in with me."
By the time Xiao Jietian and Xuan Qingying arrived, everyone else had already entered, so they also walked into the building.
Once inside, they spoke softly as they reached a hall-like area.
The hall contained many raised platforms, with one person standing on each. Nearly thirty young men, women, and youths already occupied the hall.
As Xiao Jietian and Xuan Qingying appeared, two more platforms emerged. Understanding the implication, they nodded to each other and each chose a platform to stand on.
A youth dressed in black and another in purple robes noticed the woman beside Xiao Jietian.
The Black-Clothed Youth's expression first showed joy upon seeing her, but then, noticing the two talking and laughing, a flicker of deeply hidden anger flashed in his eyes.
The Purple-Robed Youth, however, relaxed slightly, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and he was about to say something.
Suddenly, a deep, mechanical voice echoed in the air.
"Welcome to the Hall of Souls. The assessment begins now. Those who pass will receive corresponding rewards."
"This assessment tests soul talent. Place your hand on the sphere in front of you. The colors are red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, and gold."
"Those who reach cyan or above will receive rewards. The higher the talent, the better the reward. Those below cyan will be directly eliminated without reward."
"You may begin now."
As the voice faded, a crystal ball materialized in front of each person.
One also floated in front of Xiao Jietian.
"This is so similar to that attribute testing device. I'm curious about my soul talent."
Xiao Jietian examined the crystal ball before him, smiling softly.
Not rushing to test, he glanced around at the others. Many had already begun, and colorful lights soon illuminated the hall, rendering it vibrant.
After about five breaths, most of the crystal balls had retracted their light, each having changed color.
Except for ten individuals who had not reached cyan, the rest were cyan or above.
The Black-Clothed Youth and the Purple-Robed Youth both displayed a deep purple, while Xuan Qingying's was purple with a hint of gold.
"Why aren't you testing?"
Xuan Qingying's clear, gentle voice, tinged with a hint of curiosity, reached him.
The Black-Clothed Youth nearby heard her soft tone, and hostility flickered in his eyes. He and she were fellow disciples, yet he had never heard her speak so gently before.
"Little brother, is there something you're worried about? If your talent isn't great, there's no need to fret. Perhaps something in the future can change it."
The Black-Clothed Youth spoke with a gentle expression, but a trace of sarcasm and disdain played on his lips.
Hearing the Black-Clothed Youth's tone, Xuan Qingying's delicate brows furrowed. She vaguely sensed something off in his voice and a slight hostility toward Xiao Jietian.
She cast an apologetic glance at Xiao Jietian, and her impression of the Black-Clothed Youth plummeted.
She had once thought he was a friendly and gentle senior brother.
Xiao Jietian smiled slightly at her, indicating he didn't mind.
A clownish figure like him truly wasn't worth Xiao Jietian's attention. Judging by the man's behavior, Xiao Jietian probably knew who he was.
Xiao Jietian glanced at him and said indifferently, "My talent is not something you need to concern yourself with."
Placing his hand on the crystal ball, Xiao Jietian felt as if his entire being had been scanned.
Instantly, the crystal ball began to emit dazzling light, rapidly changing from red. In less than a breath, it reached purple and began shifting toward gold.
After a few more breaths, the crystal ball in Xiao Jietian's hand turned entirely golden, illuminating the entire space with its radiance.
"Crack!"
A faint sound echoed as tiny cracks appeared on the crystal. Xiao Jietian instantly withdrew his hand.
The light receded, the golden glow illuminating Xiao Jietian's calm face, as if this outcome was only natural.
The others stared at the shimmering golden crystal ball, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"How is this possible? I've never seen such talent from him before!"
"It's terrifying—a golden legend..."
For a moment, all eyes were on Xiao Jietian, and discussions erupted.
"No wonder your soul is so powerful even though you focus on other cultivation. Your talent is this astounding."
Xuan Qingying was also stunned when she saw the golden crystal ball. She took a sharp breath, then spoke with a smile, "I didn't expect your talent to be so high. It truly makes this humble girl admire and envy you."
Looking at Xiao Jietian again, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly: It seems all the good things are with him—top-tier appearance, top-tier talent, and even a Heavenly Flame. It's truly infuriating how some people are just better than others.
The Purple-Robed Youth, on the other hand, looked relieved. Fortunately, he hadn't said anything more, or he would have offended someone for no reason.
The Black-Clothed Youth's face darkened. The situation was not in his favor, and he clearly understood that his previous actions had displeased the woman. His hand clenched inside his sleeve: "I didn't expect little brother's talent to be so extraordinary."
"You flatter me. My talent is just average. Perhaps something in the future will help me improve even further."
Xiao Jietian looked at him calmly and replied.
She secretly rolled her eyes at him, thinking: I didn't expect him to be so vengeful—or rather, to seek immediate payback.
"Those who fail to meet the standard are eliminated."
As the voice fell, those who had not reached cyan vanished from the hall.
Subsequently, clusters of light descended before the successful participants. Most glanced at them briefly before storing them in their spatial rings.
It's best not to flaunt wealth to avoid unwanted attention.
Xiao Jietian reached out and took the light cluster—a scroll containing a seventh-grade pill formula. He didn't examine it closely, directly tossing it into his system space.
As everyone received their rewards, the space distorted, and they reappeared outside the building.
Just after the assessment ended, a vortex-like portal appeared in front of the building.
"Sister, do you want to come out with me? I was so scared when I couldn't find you earlier."
Though the Purple-Robed Youth was her brother, his status within the family was far inferior to hers.
If she was a treasure cradled in the family's palm, he was more like a donkey whipped into service.
Hearing this, she didn't respond to her brother's words but instead looked at Xiao Jietian.
"Do you have any plans? This is the final trial here. You can leave anytime now or wait until the deadline. Do you want to go together?"
The Black-Clothed Youth stood nearby, watching her converse with Xiao Jietian, his face growing increasingly ashen.
He felt the one he loved slipping further away, and jealousy gnawed at him, almost beyond control.
"I don't have any plans. There's still plenty of time, so I'll just look for medicinal herbs. Since you've found your family, let's part ways here."
Xiao Jietian smiled slightly, his gaze deep and resolute.
"Alright then, but remember to come find me if you need anything."
She lowered her head slightly, disappointment flickering in her eyes, but she quickly hid her emotions and nodded gently.