Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2790 - 1033: Envoys from the Daoist Palace, the Name of Luo Chen

The venue for the Spirit Testing Ceremony buzzed with anticipation.

Energetic young boys and girls poured in from the outside, forming small groups across the expansive square.

A higher vantage point would reveal that even amongst their peers, these youngsters had already congregated into distinct cliques.

The most boisterous gathering naturally surrounded Zhou Yu Hao, while the most distinguished group consisted of merely three individuals.

Not far off, a substantial crowd of boys also clustered around Zhou Yuqi, attempting to gain his favor.

This dynamic might initially appear incongruous.

After all, anyone possessing the potential to detect a Spirit Root could embark on the path of immortal cultivation. The journey ahead was dictated by individual destiny and dedicated effort, negating the need to flatter contemporaries.

In the face of absolute strength, apparent status and fame diminish into insignificance.

However, absolute strength itself is a product of cultivation, and cultivation demands resources.

These resources encompass not only Spirit Stones, Elixirs, and residences within Spiritual Veins, but also the invaluable guidance of Elders and instruction in cultivation techniques.

The reason these three particular groups attracted so much attention stems from a shared trait: each has a relative who has attained the Golden Core Realm.

Moreover, their families are well-established with Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Zhou Yu Hao’s grandfather is Zhou Xiaocheng, the small group of three is supported by the Zhou Family Head, and Zhou Yuqi’s current popularity is linked to his father’s recent ascension to the Golden Core Period.

Gaining their favor now would undoubtedly smooth the path for future cultivation after detecting a Spirit Root.

Naturally, not just anyone could aspire to become a follower.

The dozens of mortal offspring brought from Coral Town couldn’t even get close to these groups, confined to watching with envy from the periphery.

Suddenly!

A ripple of activity went through the crowd as individuals from two of the prominent groups began to stir.

The trio associated with the Family Head’s lineage, along with the seven or eight cultivators led by Zhou Yu Hao, surged towards the entrance, their movement signaling the arrival of a man and a woman.

The group of ordinary boys from Coral Town looked on in confusion.

"Who are those two people?"

"Why are the descendants of the Family Head and Elders showing deference to them?"

"Gasp, could that man be the legendary prodigy of our Zhou Family?"

"Are you referring to the exceptionally gifted Zhou Fuqiu, who was adopted by the Family Head himself and was once hailed as a genius?"

Disregarding the astonishment and curiosity of the Coral Town boys, Zhou Fuqiu and his sister were immediately enveloped by their peers upon entering.

"Boss, you've finally arrived!" Zhou Yu Hao exclaimed, waving enthusiastically.

Zhou Fuqiu cast a brief look in his direction, offered a slight nod, and said nothing.

Zhou Yu Hao chuckled, unfazed, and turned his attention to the girl accompanying Zhou Fuqiu.

"Sister Mao Mao, you look absolutely stunning today! What do you all think, isn't she beautiful?"

The assembled juniors chorused in agreement, "Beautiful!"

Zhou Qingyu smiled, her eyes crinkling, "Little Haozi, you certainly know how to flatter."

Their current cordial interaction gave no indication of the harsh words and fierce altercations they had shared six years prior.

But such is reality.

Following that past incident, Zhou Yu Hao had made a conscious effort to befriend Zhou Fuqiu and his sister.

While Zhou Fuqiu maintained a reserved demeanor, his sister Zhou Qingyu quickly warmed to their company.

Zhou Fuqiu did not object; he understood this aligned with Grandpa Cheng’s wishes – that they remained friends, like brothers!

Furthermore, his sister had always been somewhat lacking in close friends and had endured a solitary childhood.

Having this group to accompany her would prevent her from becoming overly withdrawn.

After a brief exchange, Zhou Qingyu inquired, "Haozi, are you feeling confident today?"

Zhou Yu Hao lowered his voice, "I am confident! My father tested me privately, and I possess Water Wood Dual Spiritual Roots. While not a Heavenly Spirit Root, it's the finest combination among the dual roots!"

Zhou Qingyu blinked, a subtle hint of envy visible in her eyes.

She asked with curiosity, "Why is the Water Wood combination considered superior among all dual spiritual roots?"

Because, according to the principles of the Five Elements Generating cycle, water nourishes wood. Possessing such dual spirit roots would ensure one achieves double the results with half the effort when cultivating Wood Element Techniques, a thought that crossed Zhou Fuqiu’s mind.

He then turned his attention away from the boasting Zhou Yu Hao and observed the three individuals from his uncle’s family.

They each greeted Zhou Fuqiu in turn.

"Brother Fu You!"

Zhou Fuqiu managed a smile; though tinged with awkwardness, it was a response nonetheless.

Subsequently, Zhou Fuqiu surveyed the entire venue, taking in the sight of all the boys participating in the Spirit Testing Ceremony.

Approximately a hundred in total!

The family archives indicated this was the most abundant grouping recorded in recent memory.

Furthermore, it was anticipated that a significant number of young males within this cohort would possess Spirit Roots.

Once the Zhou Family regained its full strength, these numbers were expected to flourish even more.

Zhou Fuqiu's gaze gravitated towards a particular individual.

His childhood companion, Zhou Yuqi.

Beneath the scrutiny of the assembled crowd, Zhou Yuqi turned in his direction, his expression a mixture of emotions.

Ever since the Family Head declined to formally adopt Seventh Uncle's lineage, Zhou Fuqiu's ties with them had gradually weakened, leading to his absence from their gatherings.

It appeared Zhou Yuqi had also received directives, as he too seldom engaged with Zhou Fuqiu.

His sole confidant was now a stranger!

A sense of melancholy washed over Zhou Fuqiu, yet he harbored no regrets.

Regarding the matter of those supplements from before, he vowed to settle the score with Seventh Uncle eventually. Maintaining an overly close bond would only impede his future endeavors.

"Silence!"

A commanding voice suddenly echoed through the area.

Subsequently, cultivators at the Qi Refinement Stage emerged from various points, diligently organizing the boys into orderly lines.

Simultaneously, five cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage occupied positions at the five designated corners of the platform.

"Is it about to commence?" Zhou Fuqiu whispered to himself, observing these preparations.