Rhubarb: I Am So Old

Da Huang gave Chen Chang'an a bewildered look. Can demonic beasts participate? Then why did Chen Chang'an say that he and Xiao Yao weren’t suitable and shouldn’t join?

"What are you looking at me for?"

"When did I say you couldn’t participate?"

"But you clearly said… Oh, you meant ‘not suitable.’"

"Big bro, what about me isn’t suitable?" Da Huang asked, somewhat frustrated.

"Your cultivation is a bit lacking."

"But if you want to take the test, it’s not impossible."

"I’d also like to see how your combat power measures up."

After all, Da Huang was from the Qilin clan. Even though his current cultivation was only at the peak of the True Immortal Realm, his combat prowess couldn’t possibly be too weak.

"Fine, I’ll go test then. Let this guy get a good look too."

"Acting all high and mighty every day, more shameless than even me."

Da Huang shot Sun Niantang a disdainful glance before strutting over to the testing monument. He raised his paw and placed it directly on the stone, drawing quite a few curious onlookers.

However, the moment his paw touched the monument, he suddenly remembered something incredibly awkward. Turning back to Chen Chang'an, he said, "Big bro, I forgot something."

"What?"

"I… I think I’m over the age limit."

Da Huang had always been by Chen Chang'an’s side, witnessing his growth over the years. Over time, he’d instinctively assumed his own age wasn’t far from Chen Chang'an’s.

But before Mu Yunyao brought Da Huang to the Tai Xuan Realm, he had already lived for over twenty thousand years before even meeting Chen Chang'an. His total lifespan had long exceeded thirty thousand years.

Da Huang had always thought of himself as Chen Chang'an’s childhood companion. Turns out, he was actually the old-timer who had watched him grow up.

"Ugh."

"I always thought I grew up with you."

"Turns out, I was just watching you grow up."

"Damn… this is embarrassing."

Da Huang was mortified. He never imagined he’d forget something as basic as his own age.

"HAHAHAHA!"

"Where’s all that arrogance from earlier?"

"Weren’t you looking down on me?"

"And now? You don’t even qualify to take the test!" Sun Niantang burst into mocking laughter.

"Damn it!"

"Just because I can’t test doesn’t mean I can’t beat you up!"

"Come on, step outside with me. I’ll bite you to death today!"

"You think I’m scared of you?"

"A measly peak True Immortal, you—"

Wait.

Peak True Immortal?

Sun Niantang froze. If he remembered correctly, when he first encountered Chen Chang'an’s group a month ago, Da Huang’s cultivation had only just broken through to the True Immortal Realm. How had he suddenly reached the peak?

Glancing at Shen Yunfei and the others, he realized their strengths had also improved.

Could it be… the delicacies from the Heavenly Pride Pavilion?

At this thought, envy burned in Sun Niantang’s eyes. Why did they have so many immortal spirit stones? Because of their wealth, they could indulge in the Heavenly Pride Pavilion’s finest dishes and boost their cultivation so drastically.

Jealousy. Resentment. Hatred.

"Da Huang, no need to waste time on someone like him."

"Brother Shen, why don’t you go test first?"

"Alright, I’ll go."

Shen Yunfei nodded and stepped forward to place his hand on the testing monument.

"Name: Shen Yunfei. Age: 17,895 years. Cultivation: Golden Immortal Realm, Third Layer. Combat Power: 45,231 Stars. Qualification: Met."

"Holy crap! Shen Yunfei has over forty thousand stars in combat power?"

"I remember now! I’ve heard of him—a talented cultivator with no backing, relying purely on his own efforts."

"Golden Immortal Third Layer with over forty thousand stars? That’s terrifying. He might even make the Heavenly Pride Rankings!"

"He definitely will. I recall ranks 45 to 50 having lower combat power than him."

"Does that mean he could break into the top 40? A lot of factions will be trying to recruit him now."

"Some already tried before, but Shen Yunfei refused. Wonder if he’ll change his mind this time."

Shen Yunfei’s results caused quite a stir. Though not as shocking as Yun Zhilan’s, they were still impressive enough to command respect.

Shen Yunfei himself was satisfied—even pleasantly surprised. He wasn’t delusional enough to compare himself to monsters like Yun Zhilan. His goal was simple: make the Heavenly Pride Rankings, gain recognition, and increase his own value.

Previously, factions had approached him, but their offers were meager because they didn’t see much potential in him.

"This result is better than I expected."

"Ugh… I regret turning down the Zhou Family now." Shen Yunfei walked back to Chen Chang'an with a bitter smile.

Meanwhile, Sun Niantang had quietly slipped out of the testing hall unnoticed.

"Hey, that guy ran off."

Da Huang had been ready to mock him but found no trace of him.

"Just a clown. No need to bother with him."

"Qingluan, it’s your turn to test."

"Yes, Master."

Qingluan nodded, though nervousness flickered in her heart. Her cultivation journey had been short, and she wasn’t sure if her results would meet Chen Chang'an’s expectations.

Taking a deep breath, she approached the monument and slowly placed her palm on it.

"Big bro, Qingluan’s cultivation progressed too fast, and she’s never been in a real fight. Do you think her combat power will suffer?" Da Huang asked worriedly.

"It will."

"But this is just a test. Qingluan is still young—she has plenty of time to make up for it." Chen Chang'an replied calmly.

"HOLY SHT!"

"Am I seeing things?!"

"Did you all see that?!"

"We saw!"

"If the testing monument isn’t wrong, then this person…"

"Yun Qingluan? Is she from the Yun Family too?"

When Qingluan’s results appeared, shock rippled through the crowd once more—but this time, not because of her combat power, but her age.

"Name: Yun Qingluan. Age: 135 years. Cultivation: Golden Immortal Realm, First Layer. Combat Power: 23,598 Stars. Qualification: Met."

She let out a relieved sigh. If she had failed, she wouldn’t have known how to face Chen Chang'an, feeling like she’d disgraced her master.

"Hmm…"

"Why is everyone acting like this?"