90: Chapter 90 Blood Spirit Root

Above the Spiritual Testing Platform, a blood-red light was slowly rising.

It rose extremely slowly, as if it had just awakened from a long slumber, carrying a near-languid composure. Yet wherever it passed, the two rays of gold and green light could not even struggle before being swallowed inch by inch.

In just a few breaths, the gold and green light had completely disappeared, replaced by a pillar of blood soaring into the sky.

The blood light was so thick it seemed almost tangible, churning and swirling under the sunlight, dyeing the entire lotus pond a crimson red.

A faint smell of blood permeated the air—primitive and pure, like soil soaked in blood on an ancient battlefield finally seeing the light of day again.

"What kind of Spiritual Root is this?!" Wang Zhongzhao's face turned instantly pale, his voice rising to a high-pitched screech.

Wang Shouren's pupils contracted sharply.

At that moment, the black lotus between his eyebrows felt as though it had been struck violently; its petals snapped open, and a throb far stronger than any before surged from between his brows.

Without time to think, he shouted sternly, "Grandfather, activate the Formation!"

Wang Zhongzhao's hands formed hand seals with lightning speed, and the Formation runes on the Spiritual Testing Platform flared brilliantly. A pale green light barrier rose from around the pond, completely shrouding the Spiritual Testing Platform along with the soaring blood light.

The Great Clan-Protecting Formation was temporarily triggered. The light of the Formation runes made the pond water shimmer and securely concealed the blood-red pillar of light inside the barrier before it could fully bloom.

However, that fleeting glimpse of the phenomenon had already been seen by many.

Wang Yaowen rushed out of his courtyard gate draped in an outer robe, Wang Yaowu was alerted before he could even put his shoes on properly, and several young Disciples of the 'Shou' generation ran over from various places, gathering around the lotus pond and discussing animatedly.

The blood light slowly receded, and Wang Zhongzhao removed the Formation's concealment. Wang Qingxin remained standing on the Spiritual Testing Platform, looking blankly at the growing crowd of clan members below, then down at her hands, seemingly oblivious to what had just occurred.

"Could this color be... a Blood Spiritual Root?"

Wang Zhongzhao's voice was dry. He turned to Wang Shouren, his Adam's apple bobbing several times before he squeezed out the rest of his words.

"The legendary Blood Spiritual Root... In my nearly two hundred years of life, I have only seen it recorded in ancient texts. Those possessing this Spiritual Root are born bloodthirsty, using blood as a catalyst and slaughter as their Dao.

Their Cultivation speed cannot be measured by common logic because their method of Cultivation doesn't even require drawing in Qi to meditate.

Kill one person, drink a mouthful of blood, and their Cultivation increases by a degree. The more they kill, the faster it rises."

He paused, took another look at Wang Qingxin standing on the Spiritual Testing Platform, and lowered his voice, "Whether the appearance of this Spiritual Root in our Wang Family is a blessing or a curse, even I cannot say for sure. However..."

His gaze fell upon Wang Shouren, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes. "Why is this girl close only to Shouren? Reason dictates that the Lightning Spiritual Root naturally counters all foul and evil things, making the Blood Spiritual Root and Lightning Spiritual Root mortal enemies by attribute. Shouldn't she be terrified of him?"

Shaking his head as if talking to himself, he looked again at Wang Qingxin's eyes, which were still fixed on Wang Shouren, and suddenly sighed, "Perhaps I am overthinking it. What does a little girl under ten years old know about Spiritual Root attribute conflicts? Who she likes or dislikes is merely a child's Heart-Nature."

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire crowd was shaken.

Wang Yaowen sucked in a breath of cold air, Wang Yaowu nearly dropped the pipe in his hand, and the watching Disciples of the 'Shou' generation boiled over in commotion.

Some turned green with envy, some exclaimed in astonishment, and others showed expressions of worry.

Several white-haired elders of the clan spoke almost at the same time, "This child, I am willing to take her as a personal Disciple!"

Another aged voice immediately followed, "With your meager Cultivation, you have the nerve to take a Disciple? If this child follows me, she can charge for the Qi Refining Peak within ten years!"

These elders were responsible for the clan school; although their own Cultivation was not high, they had a deep obsession with teaching the clan's Geniuses.

Seeing them argue until they were red in the face, refusing to yield an inch.

Amidst the clamor, Wang Qingxin walked down from the Spiritual Testing Platform. She was not stupid by nature and had already realized she possessed an incredible Spiritual Root.

"I have a Spiritual Root now... I can finally follow Master."

Stepping past those elders who were eagerly reaching out to her, she walked straight up to Wang Shouren.

Wang Qingxin looked up, her once hollow eyes now reflecting only a single person's silhouette. Her voice was soft, yet clear and firm, as if stating an unalterable fact: "I will only follow him."

The clan elders, who had been arguing fiercely, all fell silent at once.

Wang Shouren looked down at the little girl who only reached his waist. After a moment of silence, he let out a somewhat helpless sigh, "Alright, then I will teach you."

The corners of Wang Qingxin's mouth curved slightly—the arc was very small, almost imperceptible, but it was her first genuine smile since stepping through the gates of the Wang Family.

Wang Qingcheng had somehow squeezed her way to the very front of the crowd. Grabbing Wang Qingxin's hand, she said crisply:

"Qingxin, don't be scared! My brother is soft-hearted despite his sharp tongue. He says it's a hassle out loud, but inside he's definitely secretly delighted. He's the absolute best, really!"

Held by her hand, Wang Qingxin felt it was much warmer than her own. She looked down at their joined hands, then raised her head and gave a soft response.

Seeing her big brother accept her, Wang Qingcheng's mood brightened immensely, and she grew chatty.

With the matter of the Blood Spiritual Root settled, Wang Yaowen and Wang Yaowu exchanged a glance, naturally knowing what to do.

"The Clan Chief is in secluded Cultivation. We two execute the Clan Chief's Order on his behalf: regarding today's matters, everyone shall take this to their grave. Not a single word about the Blood Spiritual Root is to be disclosed to outsiders!"

The voice rang loud and clear, and all members of the Wang Family voiced their agreement in unison.

Concerning the prosperity and glory of the Family, as children of the Wang Family, they understood what should be said and what should not.

"The Blood Spiritual Root develops through the consumption of blood. If she stays with the Family to bitterly Cultivate day and night, it would indeed waste such magnificent talent."

Night fell. Wang Shouren stayed in his study, with the constrained Wang Qingxin sitting opposite him.