The morning sun slowly rose over Windfall City, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold.
For most people, it was another peaceful day.
For the Lin Clan, it was the most important day of the year.
Every year, all sixteen-year-old disciples gathered in the clan square to awaken their Spiritual Roots.
A person’s Spiritual Root decided everything.
It decided whether they would become a respected cultivator or remain an ordinary person for the rest of their life.
Strength ruled this world.
Without strength, you had no future.
Without strength, you had no voice.
Without strength…
You were nothing.
Hundreds of people filled the clan square.
Clan elders stood proudly on a high platform, wearing long blue robes embroidered with silver clouds.
Behind them floated a massive crystal stone that was taller than three grown men.
Strange golden patterns covered its surface, and spiritual energy quietly flowed around it.
The Awakening Crystal.
The treasure that had served the Lin Clan for generations.
Excited whispers spread through the crowd.
“I heard Young Master Lin Hao already reached the peak of Body Tempering.” “He’ll definitely awaken a powerful Spiritual Root.” “What about Lin Tian?” Someone laughed.
“Lin Tian?
He’s the weakest among this year’s disciples.” “I heard he can’t even defeat children younger than him.” Another voice joined in.
“He’s a disgrace to the Lin Clan.” Standing near the edge of the square, Lin Tian heard every word.
He didn’t react.
Instead, he quietly looked at the Awakening Crystal.
Today…
Everything would change.
Or so he hoped.
Lin Tian was sixteen years old.
He had black hair, dark eyes, and simple gray clothes that had been repaired many times.
Compared to the expensive robes worn by the other disciples, he looked like an outsider instead of a member of one of Windfall City’s strongest clans.
His father had disappeared years ago during an expedition.
His mother had died from illness shortly afterward.
Since then, Lin Tian had lived alone inside a small wooden house behind the clan.
Without parents to support him, his status inside the clan became lower every year.
People mocked him.
Ignored him.
Bullied him.
But he endured it all.
Because today was his chance.
“If I awaken a powerful Spiritual Root…” “I can change my fate.” His fingers slowly tightened into fists.
An old man with white hair stepped onto the platform.
The noisy crowd instantly became silent.
It was the First Elder.
His sharp eyes slowly swept across everyone before he spoke.
“Today is the annual Spiritual Root Awakening Ceremony.” “Those whose names are called will step onto the platform and place their hand on the Awakening Crystal.” “The crystal will reveal your talent.” “Remember…” “Talent determines your future.” “No one can escape Heaven’s judgment.” His voice echoed across the square.
The disciples stood nervously.
Some looked excited.
Others looked terrified.
The First Elder opened a golden scroll.
“The ceremony begins.” “Lin Wei.” A young man confidently walked onto the platform.
He took a deep breath before placing his hand on the crystal.
The crystal glowed with a bright yellow light.
Golden symbols appeared one after another.
The First Elder nodded.
“Fourth-Grade Earth Spiritual Root.” The crowd immediately burst into applause.
“A Fourth-Grade Root!” “That’s incredible!” “He’s guaranteed to become an inner disciple!” Lin Wei proudly smiled before leaving the stage.
One disciple after another stepped forward.
Some awakened Third-Grade Spiritual Roots.
Some awakened Second-Grade Roots.
A few were unlucky enough to awaken First-Grade Roots.
Each result changed another person’s future.
As time passed, Lin Tian quietly waited.
His heart beat faster with every name called.
Then…
A loud cheer erupted.
“Young Master Lin Hao!” A handsome young man wearing luxurious blue robes confidently stepped forward.
Unlike everyone else, he wasn’t nervous.
He was smiling.
His parents stood proudly below the platform.
Everyone expected greatness.
Lin Hao casually placed one hand on the crystal.
BOOM!
A powerful blue light exploded into the sky.
The Awakening Crystal shook violently.
Wind began circling around the platform.
The disciples gasped.
The elders immediately stood up.
“Incredible…” The First Elder’s eyes widened.
“Fifth-Grade Wind Spiritual Root!” The entire square exploded with excitement.
“A genius!” “Our Lin Clan finally produced another genius!” “Young Master Lin Hao will surely enter one of the great sects!” Lin Hao slowly looked toward the crowd.
His eyes stopped on Lin Tian.
A mocking smile appeared on his face.
He walked down from the platform and stopped directly in front of him.
“Don’t disappoint everyone.” “I want to see what kind of miracle the clan’s trash can awaken.” Laughter spread through the nearby disciples.
Lin Tian remained silent.
He simply looked at Lin Hao.
One day…
He would answer that insult.
Not with words.
But with strength.
The ceremony continued.
The number of waiting disciples became smaller and smaller.
Soon…
Only three people remained.
The First Elder looked down at the scroll once more.
His voice echoed across the silent square.
“Next…” “Lin Tian.” For a moment…
The entire clan square became completely silent.