Chapter 54: Hu Guzhu has arrived

Little Fatty is indeed destined to have a connection with Tian Feirong, both having three spiritual roots. However, his spiritual roots' purity is slightly better than Tian Feirong's.

Earth Spiritual Root: 34, Water Spiritual Root: 21, Wood Spiritual Root: 13.

Without a doubt, Little Fatty, or Wei Zhengfei, should cultivate earth-based techniques. His aptitude is somewhat better than Tian Feirong, but looking at it, he's only at the fourth level of Qi cultivation, slightly better than Tian Feirong.

Gu Yao gazes intently at the testing device, having taken medicine before and wanting to check his spiritual roots. The local testing devices in Yuan Yang Town are nowhere near as advanced as the one in front of him. He wonders if he'll have a chance to get one. His plan to enhance his aptitude is far from over, and he's eager to know the specific values.

"Can't wait to test, little junior? Come over then," Senior Zhou smiles warmly, extending an invitation to Gu Yao. Every newcomer to the Celestial Academy deserves the best care, or should we say, every one lured into the academy willingly.

Gu Yao glances at Changan Ye, who understands his current state of mind. He encourages him to go for the test. Gu Yao strides over. In the eyes of Jiang Yan and Professor Fang, this scene reveals a hint of peculiarity. Although Changan Ye is officially Gu Yao's attendant at the Celestial Academy, their relationship seems closer than mere friendship.

It's unknown which major family Gu Yao hails from, considering his entourage's cultivation is at the eighth level of Qi. If he decides to join the academy, they would likely make an exception and admit him to the inner courtyard.

Now, as Gu Yao is about to test his aptitude, the attention intensifies. Achieving the fifth level of Qi at such a young age suggests his aptitude might be better than the previous two. Could it be dual spiritual roots?

As Gu Yao places his hand on the testing device, four beams of light shoot out, dazzling Professor Fang and Jiang Yan. The result astonishes Professor Fang, almost knocking him off his chair.

Ignoring the surprised gazes, Gu Yao smiles good-naturedly and examines the displayed values.

Wood Spiritual Root: 28, Fire Spiritual Root: 28, Earth Spiritual Root: 13, Water Spiritual Root: 12.

Gu Yao shows no signs of disappointment, quite pleased with his current aptitude, especially compared to the previous two. He believes that without the aptitude-enhancing potion, his Wood and Fire spiritual roots would probably be around twenty at most.

He is only slightly inferior to the three spiritual roots' aptitude and even surpasses Tian Feirong, whose spiritual roots were tampered with. What's there to be dissatisfied with?

Senior Zhou pauses for a moment, then manages a caring smile, "Although Junior Gu has four spiritual roots, he's not much inferior to those with three. With Wood and Fire as your main roots, you're well-suited for alchemy. Work hard, and you might catch the eye of a teacher in the academy. So, put in your best effort and don't slack off."

Gu Yao, however, feels a sense of goodwill towards Senior Zhou. Uttering words of comfort and encouragement must not come easy for him. Compared to the cold glances he used to receive, he realizes that choosing the Celestial Academy might not have been an undesirable decision after all."

"Senior Zhou misspoke," Chi Changye walked over, smiling, "Little Yao, with his four spiritual roots, reaching the fifth level of Qi cultivation at such a young age, clearly has some reliance. According to Senior Zhou, Little Yao has already entered the realm of alchemy and is considered a renowned alchemist."

Huh? Gu Yao curiously looked at Chi Changye, ignoring all the titles Jiang Yan used for him.

Gu Yao may have ignored it, but Changan Ye isn't easily fooled. He glared disapprovingly at Jiang Yan. This was the first time they met, and he casually started calling Gu Yao "Little Yao." The more displeased Changan Ye became, the colder and more intense his aura grew.

Chi Changye smirked. The new junior disciples they recruited this time are quite interesting. One seems to be an alchemist, and the other, probably a swordsman.

Tian Feirong blurted out, "How does Senior Jiang know?"

"Is it really true?" Senior Zhou exclaimed happily.

Chi Changye, hands behind his back, smiled in the light. "Because there's a unique aura of an alchemist on Little Yao. It's a blend of fire and the fragrance of elixirs. I presume Little Yao has been refining elixirs since arriving in Ten Directions City. He's indeed diligent, which explains his level of cultivation."

Gu Yao raised his sleeve and sniffed. Tian Feirong and Little Fatty also curiously leaned in, but there wasn't much of a smell. However, Jiang Yan couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable sight of the three junior disciples.

Changan Ye, with a dark expression, couldn't detect anything, but Jiang Yan, seemingly with a unique ability, not only knew but could even discern scents better than a dog!

Gu Yao laughed, "Senior Jiang is amazing. I am an alchemist. I improved my cultivation by consuming some elixirs I refined myself."

"That Little Yao's alchemy skills must be excellent. Welcome to join our Celestial Academy," Jiang Yan smiled, presumably considering him at least a ninth-grade intermediate alchemist.

"And us," Tian Feirong and Little Fatty eagerly added.

"Yes, welcome, and also to this friend Chi Changye."

Next, the four were led by Senior Zhou to learn about the glorious history of the Celestial Academy, ensuring that they developed a protective attitude towards the academy. They also met other senior brothers and sisters, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

However, Gu Yao also witnessed the cold reception at the Celestial Academy. After their group of four, Professor Fang continued to sit in isolation. If it weren't for the presence of Gu Yao and the others, he might have exploded in anger and slammed the table.

Suddenly, Professor Fang put his legs down, looked in a certain direction in the air, identified something, and then showed a disdainful expression. "So, the old guy from Cuiyan Valley, Hu Lao, has finally arrived. What a grand scene he's making. Just making pills, what's so impressive about that?"

Sour! That remark sounded really sour!

"Elder, alchemy is not as simple as making pills. Otherwise, alchemists wouldn't be so highly valued," Jiang Yan corrected helplessly. "But now that Master Hu has arrived, I'm sure he won't lack a welcome party from our Celestial Academy." The tone behind this remark was even more resigned.

Little Fatty looked into the distance, his eyes flickering.

Hu, the master of Cuiyan Valley, had just arrived in Ten Directions City. This time, even the lord of the city personally walked out of the lord's mansion to welcome him. Previously, no force that came had been able to stir this mysterious and powerful lord.

Not only the lord himself but also major forces in the city, such as the Northern Star Sect and the Heaven's Gate Sect, had elders and important disciples lining up to greet Hu Guzhu. The only regret was that despite several days of searching, they hadn't found the whereabouts of that Hu Weicai. Although they didn't care much for this second-generation prodigy, who resorted to stealing his grandfather's elixirs to sell, he happened to have a grandparent who was an eighth-grade advanced alchemist.

"Lord Hu Guzhu, your presence is an honor. I apologize for not welcoming you from afar," the city lord, with white facial hair giving him an ethereal appearance, bowed to Hu Ting, who descended from the flying vessel. "Since the delegation from Cuiyan Valley has nowhere to stay, why not be accommodated in the lord's mansion?"

In response to the lord of Ten Directions City's goodwill, Hu Ting naturally accepted. This person is a rare Golden Core cultivator on the Tianlin Continent. If not for his identity as an alchemist, relying solely on his strength in the later Foundation Establishment stage, it would be impossible for the lord to regard him highly.

"With respect, I shall comply. I'll follow the lord's words. The visit of the Cuiyan Valley has indeed caused some disturbance."

"Master Hu, please!"

"Lord, please lead the way!"

Other important figures also received invitations to the lord's mansion and joined the procession. Countless onlookers cast envious and admiring glances.

The commotion also caught the attention of the Gu family. They watched as the flying vessel hovered above the square, saw Hu Guzhu's party disembark, and then witnessed the lord flying down from the sky. This spectacle was beyond anything they could have witnessed in Yuan Yang Town.

Especially given the warm reception of the Cuiyan Valley delegation, their desire to join the Cuiyan Valley grew even stronger.

"Look at the disciples of Cuiyan Valley walking behind Hu Guzhu. They all seem extremely proud. I bet even disciples from the Northern Star Sect would have to treat them with respect. This is the treatment an alchemist should receive," Gu Yang sighed.

The elders of the Gu family were also excited. "Wait and see, maybe Cuiyan Valley will recruit disciples, and then our chance will come."

In their view, descendants of the Gu family who had entered the path of alchemy would undoubtedly have a greater opportunity than other cultivators.

Unfortunately, the influence of the Gu family wasn't significant enough to receive an invitation to the lord's mansion. However, the elder turned his gaze to Gu Yan. Perhaps, after Gu Yan joined the Changxian Sect, the Gu family might one day receive such treatment.

"I wonder where Gu Yao is and if he'll join any sect."

"Forget it, even if he's skilled in refining intermediate pills, which sect would accept a waste with four spiritual roots?"

"That's true. It's a pity. Gu Yao has four spiritual roots; otherwise, he wouldn't be overlooked. It's really a shame. With such excellent alchemy skills, if he had presented them to the family, the family head would surely have highly valued Gu Yao." Someone expressed dissatisfaction, feeling that with Gu Yao's aptitude, they could do better if they possessed his alchemical skills. Joining the Cuiyan Valley would certainly be within reach.

In the lord's mansion, after exchanging pleasantries, they got down to business. Hu Ting had indeed come for his grandson. With only the cultivation base of the Qi Refinement stage and his identity, he couldn't help worrying about his grandson's safety outside, especially considering the mysterious and powerful forces.

"Master Hu Guzhu," Yan Yang approached, offering a jade bottle. "This is a Hua Jing Pill brought back by our junior disciple from outside. I wonder if it's leaked from Master Hu's hands."

Hu Guzhu approvingly looked at Yan Yang. His grandson's aptitude was too poor, just like his father's. None inherited his Wood and Fire dual spiritual roots. With aptitudes like Yan Yang's, he wouldn't have to worry wherever he went.

Regrettably, he withdrew his gaze, opened the jade bottle, poured out the pill, and after inspection, his face changed. "This is a pill I refined!"