Term Bonanza

【Target: Cui Hao】

【Purple Trait: Unshaken Heart】

【Purple Trait: Innate Brilliance】

【Blue Trait: Loyal and Righteous】

【Blue Trait: Wealthy Connections】

【Does not meet disciple criteria】

Chu Xingchen stared at Cui Hao for a moment, his earlier hesitation stemming from the fact that this young man’s traits were genuinely decent. He had been considering whether to take him as a disciple.

The trait 【Wealthy Connections】 was particularly enticing.

Cui Hao’s answers had also been quite impressive—he seemed like a capable individual, likely with some business experience.

This kid had something going for him.

A sweep of his divine sense revealed that Cui Hao possessed a lower second-grade spiritual root. While not top-tier genius material, it was still passable.

Though he didn’t meet the system’s disciple criteria, recruiting such talent wouldn’t be a bad move. The sect could delegate certain tasks to him.

As for cultivation techniques, that wasn’t much of an issue. The only limitation was that Chu Xingchen couldn’t provide the absolute best immortal methods.

Being a Nascent Soul cultivator, obtaining a few decent manuals wasn’t too difficult—he could even request a couple from the Demon Suppression Bureau.

The real challenge would be the effort required to nurture him.

Moreover, his cultivation progress would inevitably lag far behind those who met the criteria.

But while true prodigies were rare, individuals like Cui Hao were also hard to come by.

A slower pace wouldn’t be a problem.

Compared to other sects near Yuzhou City, none could match the dedication of his own sect in nurturing disciples.

After a brief contemplation, Chu Xingchen reached out and patted Cui Hao’s shoulder.

“I know you. You’re the one from the preliminary test… the ‘matchmaking enthusiast,’ right?”

Cui Hao’s expression immediately fell, unsure how to respond.

This was indeed an embarrassing incident—one that had reached legendary levels of absurdity.

He had only made it to the retest because his antics were too outlandish to ignore.

The other participants turned to stare at him in confusion…

Matchmaking? They had no idea the illusion trial even included such a thing.

Under their collective gaze, Cui Hao could only offer an awkward smile.

“It’s fine. Talented individuals often stand out. I understand.”

Noticing his discomfort, Chu Xingchen offered a reassuring nod before moving on to the next candidate.

Cui Hao’s performance made the others reconsider their earlier assumption that Chu Xingchen had designed the test to be deliberately obtuse.

Turns out, cultivation required more than just brute force—you had to be well-read too.

But after Cui Hao’s display, the remaining candidates, faced with equally abstract questions, began spouting whatever came to mind, whether it made sense or not.

Some answers were so disjointed they bordered on nonsense.

It was a case of “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks”—better to say something than nothing at all.

Chu Xingchen simply smiled and nodded encouragingly at each attempt.

Finding suitable cultivation candidates was inherently a one-in-ten-thousand endeavor.

From spiritual roots to compatibility, then to character—each step filtered out swathes of applicants.

At least three-quarters of those present were only here to glimpse the scenery.

Cultivation was inherently unfair, heavily weighted toward innate talent.

Once Chu Xingchen finished questioning everyone, he returned to his seat and sent a private message:

“Yingling, distribute fifty taels of silver to each retest participant.”

The sheer number of people at the foot of the mountain made universal distribution impossible, but for this small group, it was manageable.

After all, those who made it this far were at least somewhat competent. A token of appreciation was warranted.

Besides, the silver might incentivize more participants next time—consider it promotional funding.

Li Yingling nodded in understanding and stepped forward.

“The retest is concluded. Everyone, follow me.”

At the illusion control station, Chen Baiqing monitored the proceedings with unwavering focus.

This was a task assigned by her senior sister, and it concerned the sect’s future.

She couldn’t afford to slip up.

“Baiqing, tired?”

Hearing the voice, Chen Baiqing turned to see her master approaching leisurely.

Her face brightened into a smile. “Not at all. It’s almost over for today.”

“Any promising candidates?”

Chen Baiqing shook her head slightly, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“None… just a few with questionable mental faculties.”

She then tilted her head and asked, “Master, how did the retest go? Do I have any new junior brothers or sisters?”

Chu Xingchen chuckled and patted her head.

“You do. Little Baiqing is about to become a senior sister. Feeling the pressure?”

“A little! But I’ll do my best, just like Eldest Senior Sister.”

“Well… don’t emulate her too much. Just be yourself—that’s more than enough for me.”

Chen Baiqing looked puzzled but nodded obediently.

This batch marked the final group, and Chu Xingchen had already scanned their traits.

Some of them… had disturbingly human-like traits.

Back when he first transmigrated, Chu Xingchen had enjoyed casually scanning people with his system, even knowing they weren’t cultivation material.

Even if they’d never cross paths again, curiosity drove him to check their traits.

Until he met one particular individual…

It was during a trade. The other party was a burly man with a thick beard—the epitome of rugged masculinity, the type who’d greet you with two solid punches.

Without hesitation, Chu Xingchen scanned him.

【Feminine Heart in a Masculine Body】

【Overwhelming Lust】

The moment those traits appeared, Chu Xingchen froze. His gaze snapped back to the man.

The once-stern eyes now seemed… unsettlingly tender.

The more he looked, the more uncomfortable he felt.

Chu Xingchen hastily concluded the trade and fled without another word.

After that, he encountered several more “human-like” traits that turned his stomach.

Truly, the more people you met, the more you realized how many “gems” existed in the world.

Some individuals, judged solely by their traits, were only connected to humanity by their outward appearance.

Since then, Chu Xingchen rarely scanned others unless it concerned his interests.

This recruitment event was no exception. With large numbers came a higher chance of encountering… garbage.

He said nothing more, quietly standing by as Chen Baiqing wrapped up the illusions for this batch.

No one from this group passed. Ning Qianqian, accompanied by two or three Demon Suppression Bureau members, began escorting the rejects out.

Some, upon realizing their hopes of immortality were dashed, might resort to extreme actions.

Though Chu Xingchen had set up protective formations, having actual guards added an extra layer of security.

Taking Chen Baiqing’s hand, he led her toward the main hall.

Inside, Cui Hao and Lin Luoyu stood to the side while his eldest disciple gave them a brief orientation.

As Chu Xingchen entered, his eyes settled on Lin Luoyu.

【Target: Lin Luoyu】

【Orange Trait: Righteous Aura】

【Purple Trait: Sword Prodigy】

【Blue Trait: Unwavering Resolve】

【White Trait: Enduring Hardship】

【Black Trait: Childhood Nightmare】