As the incantation concluded, the pale red array in the air dissipated, replaced by a white array pattern beneath the boy's feet.
The Examiner sighed quietly; a white array pattern indicated the summoning of a Tier 1 Spirit Beast.
On the Myriad Spirits Continent, Spirit Beasts are divided into nine tiers, each tier's summoning array having a different color: white, yellow, green, blue, purple, orange, red, silver, and gold, from Tier 1 to Tier 9.
Sure enough, the Spirit Beast that stepped out of the white summoning array was a Tier 1 One-Eyed Ox, similar to Chu Wangshan's Natal Spirit Beast, though this One-Eyed Ox was much smaller, appearing as if it had just been born.
The boy, however, was not disappointed. He happily hugged the little ox's neck. Even if it was only Tier 1, he still had a good chance of becoming the village chief in the future.
Since most people did not possess the qualifications to become a Spirit Master, the examination proceeded quickly. It was almost Chu Qingyao's turn. Their group had already tested over twenty people, but only three had shown any potential, and their Natal Spirit Beasts were all Tier 1.
Chu Qingyao grew increasingly nervous. She had boasted to her parents, and if she failed to show any potential, it would be a huge embarrassment.
Chu Shaoye noticed her anxiety and patted her shoulder. "Just let it be."
Chu Qingyao bit her lip. "Brother, if I don't show any potential, you can't laugh at me."
Chu Shaoye smiled gently. "There isn't just one path in life. It's a pity if you can't become a Spirit Master, but there are many other roads you can take. Don't be afraid."
His soft voice was reassuring, and Chu Qingyao felt much less afraid, her mood lightening considerably.
Her parents wouldn't abandon her just because she couldn't become a Spirit Master.
Chu Qingyao smiled. "Brother, you're right. Most people don't become Spirit Masters, and they still live well, don't they?"
Chu Qingyu quietly released the wrinkled hem of her clothes she had been clutching. Though she didn't show it, she had been anxious for some time.
Chu Qingyu's parents were not Spirit Masters, so her chances of having the potential were low, but she really wanted to become a Spirit Master.
If she became a Spirit Master, she and her mother could escape their hard life and live better, at least having enough to eat every day.
But after hearing Chu Shaoye's words, Chu Qingyu suddenly felt enlightened. Even if she didn't become a Spirit Master, it was okay. She already knew how to do embroidery and could earn money to help with household expenses. Life for her and her mother would only get better.
For the first time, when Chu Qingyu looked up at Chu Shaoye, she wasn't shy. "Thank you, Brother Chu. I'm not nervous anymore."
Chu Shaoye smiled. Due to her family circumstances, Chu Qingyu was sensitive and somewhat self-conscious, keeping everything to herself. It was good that she could see things clearly now.
The two people before her had not shown any potential, and Chu Qingyao breathed a sigh of relief, trying to remain calm as she stepped forward, placing her soft, fair hand gently on the Spirit-Sensing Beast's back.
The Spirit-Sensing Beast emitted a "chirp" sound, like a chick just breaking out of its shell, and its body color quickly changed.
The transparent body gradually turned white, but unlike the pale white of those who had shown potential before, this time the Spirit-Sensing Beast's body became a semi-transparent dense white.
The Examiner's face showed surprise. "With this transparency, young lady, your talent is very high. Your Natal Spirit Beast should be at least Tier 3!"
He eagerly led Chu Qingyao to the center of the plaza, wanting to verify his judgment.
Chu Qingyao was also very surprised, a bit dazed as she was led by the Examiner. Did she not only have the potential to be a Spirit Master but also high talent?
Chu Qingyao could hardly believe it, feeling a bit elated. She glanced back at Chu Shaoye, who gave her a reassuring nod.
Feeling much more at ease, Chu Qingyao followed the Examiner's instructions to begin the summoning ceremony.
The blood-formed summoning runes gradually dissipated, and in the center of the plaza, a massive magic array slowly rose from the ground, covering nearly a quarter of the area.
"This green light means... a Tier 3 Spirit Beast!"
Examiners from other teams in the plaza also looked over, their eyes full of surprise. Who would have thought that such a remote town could produce a genius?
Born at Tier 3, the growth potential was undoubtedly high.
For most Spirit Beasts, the higher the growth potential, the higher the tier at birth. Although this tier was temporarily nominal, with a little training, the strength could improve rapidly.
Chu Qingyao's Natal Spirit Pet was already Tier 3 upon summoning; she could soon become a Tier 3 Spirit Master.
At the center of the array, much larger and more complex than the Tier 1 summoning array, appeared a small, egg-sized ball, emitting a tender "chirp."
Chu Qingyao crouched down and picked up the ball. Her Natal Spirit Pet looked just like a chick, but with vibrant plumage: yellow head, white chest, green neck, blue wings—a true kaleidoscope of colors.
Though a bit flashy, it was very cute. Chu Qingyao couldn't help but nuzzle it with her cheek. "So cute."
The Examiner checked the Spirit Beast Compendium and identified the little colorful chick. "This is a Rainbow Plume Luan, a single Light Attribute Spirit Beast. It starts at Tier 3 and could reach Tier 6 in adulthood. Congratulations."
His tone was full of envy. After all, he was only a Tier 3 Spirit Master himself, and he had reached his limit, never to touch the threshold of Tier 6 in his lifetime.
Perhaps he could defeat Chu Qingyao now with experience, but in the near future, her strength would undoubtedly surpass his.
Without yet understanding her own talent, Chu Qingyao thanked the Examiner and happily carried the little colorful chick over to Chu Wangshan, raising her hand to show him.
Chu Wangshan didn't quite understand these things, only knowing that his daughter's Natal Spirit Pet was impressive. He kept praising it. To be honest, he himself had average potential and never expected his daughter's talent to be so outstanding.
The mayor of Qingwu Town had been watching the examination process with boredom, not expecting that just as it was about to end, such a genius would emerge.
He quickly came over to make small talk, inviting Chu Wangshan and Chu Qingyao to rest at his place.
Chu Wangshan waved his hand to decline. "Thank you for your kind offer, Mayor, but the children from our village haven't finished testing yet. I'll wait here."
The mayor then had chairs and a sunshade brought over, inviting the father and daughter to sit. Chu Wangshan, unable to refuse the kind gesture, sat down with Chu Qingyao.
After a brief shock, everyone resumed the examination. Chu Qingyao waved at Chu Shaoye, mouthing, "Brother, good luck!"
Chu Shaoye smiled slightly.
The mayor observed their interaction and said to Chu Wangshan, "Brother Chu, who is that handsome young man?"
Chu Wangshan smiled warmly. "That's my son."
The mayor clapped his hands in admiration. "Brother Chu, you're truly blessed. Both your children are exceptional. I imagine your son's Natal Spirit Beast won't be of a low tier either."
Chu Wangshan, a bit embarrassed, scratched his head. He wasn't used to talking to someone as important as the mayor. With a humble smile, he said, "I don't expect them to become extraordinary Spirit Masters. I just want them to be safe and happy."
The mayor nodded, continuing to flatter him. "Brother Chu, you truly have the heart of a loving father."