Chapter 837: Separation
More than ninety percent of cultivators lacked a full spirit root, possessing at most one nearing completion. A cultivator with multiple spirit roots rarely had more than one fully developed. Those with full spirit roots were usually single-rooted. Generally, numerous spirit roots indicated lesser talent, unless all were fully developed—a rarity exceeding that of a single spirit root.
"It's not impossible," a man remarked. "I've heard Shang Yun Sect boasts a cultivator with four full spirit roots. He cultivated earth-style techniques yet surpassed pure wood-spirit cultivators in speed. This girl has three full spirit roots—a true genius!"
A woman promptly produced a testing device. "Place your hand on it," she instructed Ye Ling.
Ye Mo remained passive; his power paled in comparison to a Golden Core cultivator. Though sensing no malice, he felt uneasy. Power, he mused, would allow him to take Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu away regardless of others' actions.
Ye Ling's test revealed a full water, fire, and wood spirit root.
"A three-element full spirit root!" the woman exclaimed joyfully. Seeing Song Yangzhu, she added, "Test yourself as well."
"Another metal and water dual spirit root! Her metal spirit root is nearly full!" The woman's delight intensified; finding such gifted disciples so easily was beyond her expectations.
"Are you willing to be my disciples?" she asked, her excitement altering her tone. Despite being a Golden Core Elder of Zheng Yuan Sword Sect, exceptionally talented disciples were quickly claimed by other sects.
Surrounding onlookers displayed envy. Recognizing the woman as a Golden Core cultivator, they understood the allure of such a master. To everyone's surprise, Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling simultaneously shook their heads.
"I am Elder Li Yuqian of Zheng Yuan Sword Sect," Li Yuqian said, concern evident. "As my disciples, you'd cultivate with me at Yan Yuan Peak. Why refuse?"
Another man interjected, "I'm slightly stronger than Elder Li. I'm the peak lord of Die Zhang Peak; you could be my disciples."
"Elder Han, how can you?" Li Yuqian's companion protested, attempting to undermine her.
Song Yangzhu responded quickly, sensing the woman's superior power and her husband's inadequacy. "Forgive me, Qianbei, but I wish to remain with my husband. Ye Ling desires to stay with her brother; we cannot be separated."
"Your husband?" Li Yuqian glanced at Ye Mo, briefly seizing his wrist before releasing it in disappointment. "A mixed, impure spirit root."
Ye Mo was taken aback. His mixed spirit root wasn't impure, and he'd previously assessed Song Yangzhu's dual, though not fully developed, spirit root.
Li Yuqian began to explain Ye Mo's ineligibility for inner sect status but abruptly stopped, modifying her assessment to an outer sect position given Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling's exceptional potential. She then cautioned against the detrimental effects of romantic attachments on cultivation, citing her own decades of pure devotion.
Song Yangzhu started to retort, but Ye Mo intervened. "Yangzhu, I'll join Zheng Yuan Sword Sect. Your and Ye Ling's acceptance of Li-Qianbei as your master is advantageous. I must find Yimo; focus on your cultivation."
Understanding Ye Mo's need to search for Yimo and their own vulnerability, Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling approached Li Yuqian. "Wanbei Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling pledge our service to Qianbei as our master."
Li Yuqian was perplexed by Ye Mo's influence, acknowledging his ordinary power yet remarkable skill in managing women. Dismissing her initial thought, she smiled. "Very well, come with me now."
Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling looked at Ye Mo. Li Yuqian's frown deepened; she found Ye Mo irritating, hindering the future of two gifted cultivators. However, to avoid alienating them, she remained patient, secretly resolving to prevent further interactions between Ye Mo and the girls.
Ye Mo, despite Li Yuqian's impatience, requested a brief delay.
"Qianbei, we're at a nearby hotel. After checking out, we'll proceed to Zheng Yuan Sword Sect," he explained.
Li Yuqian sensed Ye Mo's desire for private conversation but patiently waited, unconcerned about their future reunions. "Go, I'll wait."
She then forcefully dismissed the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, threatening dire consequences for any future disrespect toward her disciples.
Xia Zhongwen, feeling as if he were dreaming, followed them, aiming to strengthen his ties with Ye Mo.
Before departing, Elder Han stopped Xia Zhongwen, conducting a spirit root assessment.
Returning to the hotel, Ye Mo established a sound barrier. "After you leave, we may be separated for a time; cultivate diligently," he instructed.
Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu questioned his absence from Zheng Yuan Sword Sect, unwilling to depart without him.
Ye Mo explained that Li Yuqian would prevent their meetings, emphasizing the importance of reaching Golden Core state. He encouraged their rapid advancement, envisioning a future where they would reclaim their independence, achieved through dedicated cultivation.