"What is this?!"
Chen Xiao's eyes widened in surprise, Tong Nuonuo gasped, and Xi Yunqing stood up, while Du Rong's wine cup, which he had just lifted, slipped from his hands, spilling wine all over himself, but he didn't even notice.
After adjusting to the sudden intense light, Chen Xiao could finally see it clearly, this light was an exceptionally pure, clear blue, reminding him of the vast ocean blending perfectly with the sky.
Xi Yunqing's expression turned serious as he slowly walked around the table and approached Ah Shou. Ah Shou was completely stunned in place; he had not expected that his gifted spiritual root would emit such brilliant, dazzling light.
Ah Shou placed his hand on the inkstone, not daring to move. His body stiffened, and he turned to the others, asking, "Is it just because it's so dark outside that it looks this bright?"
Tong Nuonuo couldn't hold back and retorted, "There are torches around, it's not dark at all!"
Xi Yunqing glanced at Chen Xiao with a complex expression before saying, "A single, outstanding spiritual root, water attribute, with a mutation... ice."
"So it's a single spiritual root with a mutated water attribute!" Du Rong exclaimed. He stood up, patted the wine-soaked clothes on his back, and gave Ah Shou two hearty slaps on the back, laughing, "Ah Shou, Ah Shou! You really keep your talents hidden! No wonder I could never outdo you. So it's like this! I'm convinced! I'm really convinced!"
Ah Shou, still in disbelief, slowly began to feel the reality of the situation after Du Rong's slaps. He chuckled, "Heh heh heh! Hahaha!!! I'm a single spiritual root! And an outstanding one!!" But as he laughed, tears began streaming down his face. Everyone thought he was crying from joy. But as Ah Shou cried harder, he collapsed to the ground, sitting cross-legged on the stage, his mouth wide open, head tilted back, wailing.
Tong Nuonuo was puzzled by Ah Shou's tears. He quietly stood up and leaned toward Chen Xiao, whispering, "Is he crying from happiness? Doesn't seem like it."
Chen Xiao's expression grew serious as he shook his head. "It's not happiness. He's truly heartbroken."
At that point, no one could eat or drink. The four of them could only watch as Ah Shou cried, waiting for him to vent his emotions. Ah Shou, knowing his tears weren't appropriate for the occasion, still couldn't control himself. Between sobs, he hiccupped and said, "I've ruined the mood with my tears. I'm sorry, everyone. I apologize."
With that, he stood up and quickly bowed to the group. Before they could say anything, he suddenly "thudded" down onto his knees in front of Xi Yunqing, giving him a respectful kowtow. "Immortal Immortal Master Xi, thank you for your kindness today! You've uncovered a mystery that has troubled me for many years."
Xi Yunqing's voice was calm as he replied, "The courtesy has been received, please rise."
Du Rong quickly stepped forward to help Ah Shou up and gently guided him back to his seat. "Ah Shou, brother... if you don't mind me calling you that, then I'll call you 'brother.'"
Ah Shou stood up again, his eyes red and swollen, his voice nasally, but he said seriously, "How could I mind! We are brothers! No matter what my spiritual root is, that can't change."
Du Rong, still feeling the jealousy of Ah Shou's extraordinary talent, smiled and said, "Good! Good!" Then, he furrowed his brows and asked, "Ah Shou, brother, with such a great spiritual root, such excellent cultivation potential, you should have already reached the peak of your foundation-building, right? But when I observe your cultivation, you only seem a little stronger than me. How is that?"
Ah Shou shook his head. "After they died, I lost all motivation for cultivation. It's been a half-hearted effort, just practicing whenever I feel like it, so this is the result."
Du Rong couldn't help but feel envious. Here he was, working tirelessly in his cultivation, just to barely reach the later stages of body refining, while Ah Shou, with little effort, was already far beyond him. Yet, Du Rong didn't envy him in a traditional sense. He knew that without opportunity, Ah Shou would remain stuck in this small village for the rest of his life.
At that moment, Xi Yunqing spoke sternly, "You really are foolish!"
"Huh?" Ah Shou turned around, confused, looking at Immortal Immortal Master Xi.
"If you were one of the respected peers back then, and those who stayed behind in the village, aside from hiding your whereabouts, likely wanted you to guard the village as well. After all, there are others with poor talents who need your guidance. You didn't think of fulfilling the wishes of the deceased, but instead wasted your time in ignorance, this is a grave mistake!"
Ah Shou felt as though he had been struck with a heavy blow, and he stood frozen in place. After a moment of contemplation, he lowered his head, ashamed, and said, "Immortal Immortal Master Xi, you're right! I was foolish! I got caught up in my own resentment and regret, and forgot to do what I should have."