Rarer than a Red-grade talent

Mo Zue shocked the entire class with her talent, to the point where even Master Wu was attempting to recruit her into his institution.

"Little girl, I can represent Dao University in offering you a contract. We're prepared to provide you with an upfront payment of $100 million, three Meridian pills, and... I can even try to secure an aura for you as soon as you enter the academy!"

"AURA!?" The class erupted into excitement.

"Aura... that's a rare substance capable of doubling or even tripling one's meridian capacity, depending on its grade. It's typically reserved for the geniuses of major factions. To think that Mo Zue would be offered such an opportunity!"

"Well, she is a potential Red-grade talent. This year, our country can count the total number of Red-grade talents on just two hands!"

Even the usually composed Miss Chen regarded Mo Zue with amazement.

"Hurry and accept Master Wu's offer, Mo Zue. With these resources, you can reach your third meridian before the Genius Trials in two months. With that level of strength, you'll receive numerous opportunities and may even open another meridian!"

"Four meridians in two months? That's an astonishing pace. Many senior cultivators who have graduated are still at two or three meridians after an entire year!" exclaimed an enthusiastic female student.

While all this was happening, Mo Zue was lost in thought.

"But if I join Dao University, Brother Zuo won't be able to get in... I don't want to be separated from him so soon."

She glanced over at Zuo Ling, who was smiling at her. With a slight nod from him as confirmation, she reluctantly spoke, "Okay, I'll join Dao University, on the condition that I can bring along three people."

Master Wu's initial smile brightened upon hearing her acceptance, but it slowly faded as he heard the second part of her condition.

"Uh, may I inquire about the grades of these individuals?" he inquired.

"Green and the other two haven't been tested yet," Mo Zue replied decisively.

Master Wu adopted a knowing smile as he turned his gaze toward the remaining students. "I'll provide my answer to your condition after everyone is tested. Deal?"

Mo Zue nodded as she walked over to stand behind Master Wu, and the testing process resumed.

Before Master Wu, a teenager with disheveled brown hair and a handsome face extended his wrist and touched a tablet adorned with ancient runes. The tablet quickly shone with a deep yellow hue.

"Yellow grade, well done. You can gain admission to one of the top universities," Master Wu nodded.

"Congratulations, Brother Cheng!" a soft voice chimed in from behind Master Wu. "Oh? Do you know him?" Master Wu asked.

She nodded.

Jiangcheng, who had initially appeared passive, broke into tears and walked over to the side of the class, approaching Zuo Ling. "Well done, Old Cheng. You won't have to worry about money soon; in fact, you'll have so much that you won't know where to spend it!" Zuo Ling patted Jiangcheng's shoulder. "Hopefully," he replied.

The students continued to take their turns, with some feeling elated and others crestfallen, until it was nearly over. Luo Feng was the last to approach.

"Alright, place your palm on the tablet," Master Wu instructed.

Luo Feng extended his hand with high hopes. 'Give me orange... or at least blue... come on...' He waited anxiously for about a dozen seconds, but nothing happened.

Master Wu regarded Luo Feng with an unusual expression. "Young man, it seems you are even rarer than a Red-grade talent. You possess no talent for cultivation. I'm sorry."

The class fell into a somber silence. While in other circumstances, some might have laughed, the gravity of the situation sank in, evoking pity for Luo Feng.

"What? How is that possible? I even had demon meat. There must be an error!"

Mo Zue stepped in. "Yes, Master Wu, could you please allow Brother Feng to try again?"

The old man sighed. "Alright, you may try again."

Luo Feng placed his hand on the tablet and exerted all his effort to muster his Qi, hoping for a different outcome.

It remained blank for a moment before finally showing a response, confirming that Luo Feng had no talent for cultivation.

Luo Feng's expression darkened.

Just as he was about to walk away, he felt a sudden pull on his consciousness, and everything went dark.