"White Spirit Bones, also known as False Spirit Bones, may allow for cultivation, but the speed is extremely slow. Often, decades pass without even breaking through the 'Opening Gate' realm. They're not much better than those without Spirit Bones," Zhao Linglong sighed.

"If it’s determined that I have White Spirit Bones, does that mean I won’t be able to become a disciple of the Seventh Peak?" Xu Taiping hesitated before finally asking the question that had been weighing on his mind.

In his view, while the pill his grandfather left him might have allowed his name to appear on the Spirit Bone Monument, it might not be enough to deceive the Qingxuan Sect’s rigorous Spirit Bone assessment.

After all, he was very aware that he didn’t actually have a Spirit Bone.

"Technically, yes, but since you’ve been chosen by the Spirit Bone Monument, even if you don’t have a rare Heavenly Spirit Bone, you’re at least guaranteed to have a Gold Spirit Bone, or at the very least, a Black Spirit Bone. There’s no way it could be a White Spirit Bone," Zhao Linglong said confidently.

"Your Senior Sister is right. Disciples chosen by the Spirit Bone Monument are usually Gold Spirit Bones or even Heavenly Spirit Bones. There’s no need to worry too much, Junior Brother," Qingxiao added with a reassuring smile, patting Xu Taiping on the head.

"Exactly! Even if it turns out to be a White Spirit Bone, there’s no need to worry. Disciples with White Spirit Bones can still train at the base of the mountain for three years. If they pass the assessment after those three years, they can still become disciples of the Seven Peaks," Zhao Linglong said with a smile.

"Okay." Xu Taiping nodded, forcing a faint smile on his face.

Hearing that even those with White Spirit Bones wouldn’t be immediately expelled gave him a small sense of relief.

A Short While Later

Qingxuan Sect, Dragon Gate Hall

The Dragon Gate Hall was a grand temple located on a floating mountain. The surrounding mountains were adorned with vibrant flowers, and rare, exotic beasts roamed freely. The path leading to the mountaintop temple was extraordinarily steep. If not for Zhao Linglong and Qingxiao accompanying him, Xu Taiping doubted he would’ve been able to reach the top, even if given several days.

"Who goes there?"

As soon as they stepped onto the open ground before the temple, an ancient yet authoritative voice rippled out from within the hall like waves across water.

"Seventh Peak, Dugu Qingxiao."

"Seventh Peak, Zhao Linglong."

"Sixth Peak, Xu Ziyan."

"Greetings to Elder Black Dragon."

Upon hearing the voice, the three disciples respectfully announced their identities and bowed deeply.

Xu Taiping, unfamiliar with this Elder Black Dragon, followed their lead and made an awkward bow toward the temple.

Meanwhile, Lin Buyu, the quiet little girl, remained calm and composed, standing silently in place.

"What business brings you to the hall today?"

The ancient, commanding voice echoed once more.

"Today, Junior Sister Ziyan from the Sixth Peak and I have each brought back a disciple chosen by the Spirit Bone Monument. We wish to have their Spirit Bones assessed by Elder Black Dragon before returning to our peaks," Qingxiao replied with utmost respect.

"Enter."

Shortly after, the voice echoed again, granting them entry.

Inside the Hall

"So this is… Elder Black Dragon?"

The moment Xu Taiping stepped inside, he was startled by the sight of Elder Black Dragon seated in the middle of the grand hall.

The elder was an unusually burly man, sitting cross-legged on an enormous palm-leaf fan. Standing in front of him, Xu Taiping felt as though he were facing a small mountain.

What was even more intimidating was the elder’s appearance. While his body was clad in a luxurious purple robe and appeared human, his head resembled that of a fearsome water dragon, ferociously monstrous.

"Don’t be frightened," Zhao Linglong whispered, anticipating Xu Taiping’s reaction. "Elder Black Dragon was originally a spirit dragon from the waters of Xunyang River. After 500 years of cultivation, he attained a human form. He later followed the ancestor of our Qingxuan Sect and became one of its Guardian Spirit Elders. Though he looks terrifying, he’s actually very kind-hearted."

"Got it, Senior Sister. I’m not scared," Xu Taiping nodded.

He was more surprised than afraid.

"Ziyan, what a coincidence," a man's voice suddenly interrupted.

A man in white robes, accompanied by an extravagantly dressed young boy, stepped out from beside Elder Black Dragon.

"Jin Hezhi?"

Ziyan frowned the moment she saw him.

"What are you doing here?" Qingxiao asked bluntly, his tone dripping with hostility.

While Xu Taiping didn’t know the reason, it was clear that both Ziyan and Qingxiao strongly disliked this man.

"I happened to be hunting demons in Tianlang Kingdom recently and discovered that this young prince of Tianlang has a Spirit Bone. I brought him here to have it assessed by Elder Black Dragon," the man replied with a smirk.

Throughout his explanation, Jin Hezhi didn’t spare Qingxiao a glance, instead letting his gaze roam freely over Ziyan and Linglong.

"It’s been years, Linglong. I see you’ve blossomed into quite the young lady," Jin Hezhi remarked, his smile carrying a hint of mischief as he stared at Zhao Linglong.

"If you don’t want those eyes anymore, I’ll gladly pluck them out for you," Qingxiao stepped forward, blocking Jin Hezhi’s line of sight.

"Oh? I’d like to see you try—"

"Enough!" Elder Black Dragon, who had remained silent with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, revealing a pair of eerie golden vertical pupils.

"This is not the Seven Peaks or the First Peak. This is my Dragon Gate Hall," Elder Black Dragon declared coldly, his gaze sweeping over both Qingxiao and Jin Hezhi.

"Yes, Elder."

Both Qingxiao and Jin Hezhi immediately stepped back.

"Bring the children forward for the Spirit Bone assessment," Elder Black Dragon commanded. As he spoke, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a Dragon Pearl.

The pearl was as large as Xu Taiping’s head, its crystalline surface glowing like translucent amber. Azure ripples of light radiated outward from it, spreading like gentle waves.

Simultaneously, Xu Taiping, Lin Buyu, and the elaborately dressed young prince stepped forward to stand before Elder Black Dragon.

"You three, step forward one at a time and place your hand on this pearl," Elder Black Dragon said, his gaze briefly scanning the three children.

"I’ll go first!"

Before the elder had even finished speaking, the young prince in his luxurious robes rushed forward and placed his hand on the Dragon Pearl.

Elder Black Dragon frowned slightly but didn’t comment further.

"Close your eyes and concentrate. Do not open them until I tell you to," Elder Black Dragon ordered coldly.

Golden light radiated from the elder’s body, streams of energy channeling into the Dragon Pearl in his hand. The pearl in turn emitted a golden glow that enveloped the young prince.

"Hummm…"

Moments later, a faint hum resonated as the Dragon Pearl’s golden light grew even stronger. Flames began to flicker and dance around it.

"Fire-Element Gold Spirit Bone! A Fire-Element Gold Spirit Bone, hahahaha!" Jin Hezhi burst into laughter, standing beside Qingxiao.

Though Elder Black Dragon frowned at Jin Hezhi’s disruptive joy, he didn’t say anything. After all, having a disciple with a Fire-Element Gold Spirit Bone join Qingxuan Sect was indeed a rare and joyous occasion.

[--------------------------------------------]

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