Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1034 - 721: Smoke Dragon and Celestial Phoenix, Special Appointments (Double-Length)

The area before the mountain's summit buzzed with activity, and the vast square atop it was equally vibrant. At this precise moment, close to three hundred youngsters were gathered, awaiting their turn before the square.

A stark contrast to previous years, when the Ye Family's search for Immortal Seedlings necessitated secrecy, this year's examination was conducted in the open. This public display was deemed the most effective method for spurring greater participation and effort from the clan members.

In addition to the Ye Family's own kin, numerous village chiefs from mortal settlements were also in attendance. Dressed in simple garments, they dared not cast even a fleeting secondary glance, their entire bodies quivering not solely from apprehension but also from sheer nervousness.

Their anxiety was amplified by the announcement that the ten villages which produced the highest number of Immortal Seedlings would receive special commendation from the Ye Family. Furthermore, these villages would be bestowed with Spirit Pills – concoctions that, while incapable of granting cultivation abilities, could enhance their health and provide them greater vigor than ordinary mortals.

This prospect filled them with even greater exhilaration. Having already conducted preliminary tests for Immortal Seedlings within their respective villages, they were confident that all the candidates present today possessed Spirit Roots.

The emergence of nearly three hundred Immortal Seedlings, all endowed with Spirit Roots, simultaneously was a truly breathtaking spectacle, evoking awe in both the mortal guests and the Ye Family themselves.

Upon the expansive square, cultivators from the Ye Family had already commenced the organizational proceedings. The temporary charge for this significant event fell to the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall, with Ye Xingxiao, the Vice Hall Master, presiding. Despite his remarkable Alchemy Skills, the Pill Hall was overpopulated with cultivators, leading to his reassignment to oversee Clan Studies within the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall.

This strategic placement was also intended to reintroduce female cultivators into the Ye Family's affairs. At Lingyun Peak, the gender ratio favored female cultivators; however, in other branches, external marriage alliances could potentially disrupt the Ye Family's Inner Hall's intricate beast communication arrangements. Such alliances might even lead to the inadvertent disclosure of the Ye Family's highly guarded Beast Communication Patterns.

However, within the confines of the Desert Sea, such concerns were entirely negated. Any cultivator aspiring to marry a female member of the Ye Family would be required to marry into the clan, with no possibility of marrying out. This stipulation naturally preempted any such worries.

Ye Jingcheng, accompanied by Chu Yanqing, observed the proceedings from the elevated platform of the observatory, gazing down at the Immortal Ascension Conference unfolding below.

"In another ten years, our child will also be ready!" Chu Yanqing declared, her voice radiant with joy. Compared to her former self, she exuded a much gentler aura, now tinged with a deeper sentimentality.

As the Ye Family members kept watch, the auspicious hour finally arrived. Before the assembled Immortal Seedlings stood three imposing incense burners, each adorned with double ears. Within these burners, copious amounts of sandalwood were being consumed by the flames.

The fragrant smoke billowed upwards, forming ethereal smoke dragons that ascended towards the heavens. These dragons danced in majestic harmony with a Celestial Phoenix gracing the sky, creating a panorama of unparalleled grandeur and magnificence.

Both the members of the Ye Family and the assembled village chiefs adopted expressions of solemn reverence. This moment represented the most sacred and significant ceremony belonging exclusively to the Ye Family.

With the 'academic' generation currently engaged in deep seclusion, Ye Haicheng, as the current patriarch of the entire Ye Family, stood resolutely at the forefront. He commenced the recitation of the sacrificial text, and concurrently, a gentle spiritual rain, symbolizing auspiciousness, began to descend from the firmament.

The Celestial Shadow Peak, where the Ye Family resided, boasted a Tier Five Spiritual Vein, rendering the ambient spiritual rain a seemingly minor occurrence. This type of spiritual rain possessed minimal impact on established cultivators, as the Ye Family meticulously regulated its concentration. However, for the Qi Cultivation Race members, the Immortal Seedlings, and the mortal village chiefs, it left an indelible mark, prompting them to bow repeatedly in profound reverence.

At this juncture, acting upon Ye Haicheng's directive, the other Ye Family members joined in the solemn act. Soon after, as the three smoke dragons converged, the spiritual rain gradually ceased, signifying the conclusion of the sacred ceremony.

"The Immortal Ascension Conference commences now..." Ye Haicheng announced in a powerful voice!

Ye Xingxiao gestured with her hand, releasing ten small seals from her sleeve. These seals materialized into ten distinct Immortal Ascension Platforms upon the square. All the gathered Immortal Seedlings began to step forward sequentially to undergo their tests.

Positioned before the Immortal Ascension Platforms were not only the Spirit Testing Stones but also a basin. Every Immortal Seedling was required to immerse their hands in this basin prior to placing them upon the Spirit Testing Stones. While appearing as a simple ablution ritual, this process was, in fact, the Ye Family's method of scrutinizing bloodlines.

Crucially, the basin was ensconced within a Forbidden Array, rendering its true function invisible to the casual observer. Only through specially enchanted mirrors, held by certain elders of the Ye Family, could its purpose be discerned. The integrity of the bloodline was intrinsically linked to the Ye Family's Inner Hall, their Beast Communication Patterns, and the overall stability of the clan. Consequently, its examination was a matter deemed necessary for clan elders alone.

As if pre-arranged, among the initial ten chosen, three possessed Dual Spirit Roots, while the remaining seven displayed Three Spirit Roots.

Yet, to Ye Jingcheng's subtle dismay, a mere five carried the esteemed Ye Family bloodline.

And among those with the family bloodline, only one demonstrated Dual Spirit Roots.

The subsequent selection process proceeded without a hitch.

From a total of two hundred and eighty-seven Immortal Seedlings identified, one hundred and nine bore the Ye Family bloodline, with one hundred and seventy-eight lacking it.

This recruitment yielded no Celestial or Abnormal Spirit Roots, but it did uncover eight individuals with Dual Spirit Roots and over fifty with Three Spirit Roots.

For the Ye Family's current standing, this outcome was deemed quite satisfactory.

Following this, surnames were formally conferred, and those without the Ye surname began adopting it.

Naturally, within the extensive Ye Family genealogy, these bestowed surnames were duly noted.

These newly surnamed clan members were permitted to wed members of the Ye Family, opening a path for their descendants to potentially inherit Ye Family bloodlines.

Once the pronouncement regarding Immortal Seedlings concluded, Ye Xingxiao proceeded to announce the top ten villages.

Among these ten distinguished villages, six hailed, as expected, from the Celestial Phoenix Oasis, with the remaining four originating from other significant oases.

Before the assembled crowd, the ten chosen mortals gratefully accepted the Spirit Pill rewards bestowed by Ye Xingxiao.

Overwhelmed with joy, the selected ten were on the verge of tears.

Meanwhile, the observing mortal village chiefs secretly resolved to redouble their efforts, presumably preparing to encourage greater procreation upon their return.

Even if only one in a thousand individuals possessed a Spirit Root, they held faith that a larger population would inevitably lead to more Immortal Seedlings!

Upon the mortal village chiefs receiving their commendations, cultivators were assigned to escort them back to their respective villages.

"Very well, the next item on the agenda is the announcement of the Ye Family's future clan allowances, revised clan rules, and the establishment of the ten halls..." Ye Haicheng commenced detailing the comprehensive plan formulated by the Ye Family leadership.

For every member of the clan, this moment represented the utmost importance. This newly devised plan made no distinction between Hidden Peak and Lingyun Peak, effectively dismantling all former barriers within the Ye Family.

The previously designated Hidden Peak was now integrated into the Hidden Hall, offering enhanced allowances and welcoming any cultivator deemed capable of joining.

Naturally, the prerequisite was possessing sufficiently robust skills.

Incentives were introduced for childbearing, advancements in cultivation competitions, and provisions for the Four Skills of Cultivation, serving to galvanize all clan members.

Indeed, every clan member present felt a surge of motivation.

Those blessed with high aptitude were encouraged to diligently cultivate and vie for victory in competitions; individuals of robust health were urged to contribute assiduously to the Ye Family's prosperity; even for those for whom these paths held little appeal, the option to master the Four Skills of Cultivation remained; and as a final resort, joining one of the Ye Family's ten specialized halls was an available choice.

"Next, we shall announce the appointments for Hall Masters and Vice Hall Masters for each respective hall..." Following the exposition of clan rules and allowance policies, Ye Haicheng moved on to the crucial hall assignments.

Ye Jingcheng was officially appointed as the Hall Master of the Pill Hall.

To Ye Jingcheng's considerable surprise, Chu Yanqing was designated as the Hall Master of the Artifact Hall, a decision stemming from earlier deliberations that indicated a shift in the intended candidate.

Within the Ye Family, the pinnacle of skill in artifact refining belonged undeniably to Chu Yanqing and Ye Haicheng.

Chu Yanqing, initially momentarily taken aback, ultimately accepted the significant responsibility.

Ye Jingcheng swiftly comprehended the underlying strategy: even those marrying into the Ye Family could attain influential positions, thereby encouraging desirable unions.

Of course, Ye Jingcheng recognized that Chu Yanqing's appointment primarily served as a powerful example, given her unparalleled artifact refining prowess.

Aspiring to similar positions would present immense challenges for others.

This was because the Ye Family would not permit individuals holding critical roles to lack the core Ye Family bloodline.

Even though Chu Yanqing assumed the leadership of the Artifact Hall, her role was largely honorary, with Ye Xingyu appointed as the substantive Vice Hall Master.

Ye Xingyu, currently at the Foundation Establishment Peak, stood on the cusp of a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm and possessed extensive experience within the Ye Family's structure.

With all assignments finalized, the entire Ye Family erupted in animated discussion, relishing the momentous occasion.

A significant number, however, harbored silent determination, concerned about the potential scarcity of clan Spirit Stones and thus eager to swiftly capitalize on the benefits of the Ye Family's new edicts.

After all, they reasoned, securing the initial advantage would pave the way for subsequent successes.

Concurrently, certain cultivators were discreetly strategizing to secure positions within the more advantageous halls.

These included the Law Enforcement Hall, the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall, or, failing those, the Foreign Affairs Tower.