Destiny in Cinders

Catching An Jing's subtle shift in expression, Nian Quan immediately waved his hand and said, "Please, don't take offense, I don't mean anything by it... It's just that, well, this is common knowledge in the city. So if you don't know, then you must be a badlander."

He looked down, eyes fixed on the table, his voice thick with conflicting emotions. "It's because getting a spirit-root appraisal certificate costs money."

"Don't they test for that at birth? I can tell you're already aware you have a celestial spirit root." An Jing was puzzled, prompting Nian Quan to give him a detailed explanation.

"That's right. The assessment doesn't cost anything, but the paperwork does. If I want to collect subsidies or apply for higher education, I have to produce official certificates from both the Central Hospital and the Central Administration Bureau.

"One proves my spirit roots are still in perfect condition. It verifies that no medical issues or accidents have compromised my grade over the last ten years, and shows that I'm still a talent worthy of Deepnight City's investment.

"The second certificate confirms I still possess celestial spirit roots, essentially giving the first one legal weight. It's the most important one. Without this official stamp, no academy or corporation will give me the perks that come with celestial spirit roots."

That's ridiculous! An Jing remained skeptical. "Proof? Celestial spirit roots? You're joking right?"

"No, you've gotten it all wrong." Nian Quan sighed at An Jing's reaction. He was now convinced the youth was nothing more than a brilliant but clueless badlander. "It's simple. Things work differently within city walls."

A flicker of disappointment touched his gaze as he glanced at the lines on his palm. Shaking his head, he said, "In the badlands, tribes are small and resources are few. It's rare for a prodigy to emerge, so lineage doesn't matter. To weather the storm of fey, monsters, and outlaws, the tribe needs a champion. Out there, if you're a genius, you're a rare prize, no proof needed. But in Deepnight City..."

He gave a short, mocking laugh. "With so much talent here, why would celestial spirit roots even matter? Is talent all it takes to be valued? Is it enough to win over a master, become their personal disciple, and skyrocket to the top? As if that's possible!"

Nian Quan chuckled softly, his voice as steady as a placid pond as he shared thoughts that had perhaps haunted him for ages. "Why would those elite cultivators choose me, of all people, to inherit their lifelong knowledge and profound insight? Am I their own flesh and blood? Am I the child of a benefactor or someone they serve, or do I carry some ancient, noble bloodline that has suddenly awakened?

"Why would they let me onto the path of cultivation at all? So I can grow strong enough to challenge their heirs, or worse, become a rival who stands as their equal? And simply because I have celestial spirit roots? That makes no sense. Powerful clans might not have many like me, but they're never short on geniuses with mutated spirit roots who are almost just as good.

"It's true that celestial spirit roots cost less to nurture, but since their own children lack that edge, and resources are limited, they would surely prioritize their own flesh and blood. My mother believed I missed out on Mysticnine First Middle School because we couldn't afford the certificates. In truth, everyone knows the school only takes descendants of immortal clans, or at the very least, underprivileged students with a Purple Mansion ancestor to their name.

"I'm just a cultivator with celestial spirit roots from the southern part of the city. Forget the aid of pills and spirit artifacts; I don't even have enough spirit qi for daily cultivation, and my family's only 'legacy' is an ocular technique. How could I study with them?"

Despite his calm tone, a profound hopelessness bled through. "So what if I have celestial spirit roots and exceptional talent? Even if I'm brilliant, even if I can master any skill and dissect techniques with ease, does that magically put resources in my hands? What a joke!

"Geniuses are everywhere, but opportunity and resources are rare. They're always in short supply, and they were never meant for me anyway. My mother... didn't have to push herself so hard. I know she risked everything just to save for my future... but she didn't have to. It's useless. All I ever wanted was for us to be safe, together."

There were no tears. Instead, Nian Quan buried his face against his arm, choking back his sobs. The boy had seen the truth long ago. These were the words he had carried for years, silenced only by the expectant look in his mother's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to shatter her dreams, so he buried them within his heart.

But before those stifled words could be spoken, that very hope became his mother's undoing. Nian Quan was consumed by a sudden, bitter loathing. He hated his own celestial spirit roots that had given her a reason to hope and lured her onto such a dangerous path.

"I understand." An Jing understood, at least in part.

Skysource was once a thriving world of cultivation, home to advanced methods and a vast wealth of secret techniques. It achieved the unthinkable, reaching a level of universal cultivation, where the path to immortality was open to all.

Even those without spirit roots or the ability to refine qi and reach the Foundation Building Realm could still refine their qi essence to forge a stronger body and live up to 120 years. This was the baseline for the majority of Skysource, and they were all considered cultivators.

But after the great calamity, the world collapsed. Fiend qi corrupted the land and resources dwindled. Yet, the population of spirit-root bearers remained surprisingly large. Sects and clans abandoned the search for external talent, choosing instead to nurture their own and fortify their positions in this shattered world. They were no longer competing to become the best. Instead, the whole world was racing to the bottom.

"How disgusting." In perfect synchronicity, An Jing and Yvelbane spoke in unison.

"No, no, no, this is normal." Thinking An Jing was indignant on his behalf, Nian Quan quickly reached out to pour him some tea. "It was presumptuous of me to speak with such familiarity... Please, just forget I said anything." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

At the same time, Yvelbane began to speak to An Jing.

"Plant a karmic seed?" An Jing communicated mentally. "What are you suggesting? That I help this boy with celestial spirit roots? I wouldn't be against it. He and his mother share a connection with me, and she's given me some money. But I'm short on spirit stones myself. Besides, simply handing them to him would probably do him more harm than good. The most I can do is leave him a few protective talismans."

"You don't have to give him spirit stones. That's not what he's missing." Yvelbane said. "As my wielder, you're naturally my first priority when resources are concerned. That young man is correct. In an age of scarcity, people take care of their own first. Just as they prioritize their kin, I will always prioritize your growth above all else.

"Disheartening as it is, the natural hierarchy of competition thrives in Skysource. In such a chaotic age, who would risk their limited resources on an outsider? There's no guarantee that a foreign genius won't simply drain their resources and defect to another house.

"I was just thinking, An Jing," Yvelbane said in an uncharacteristically solemn voice, "Your Seven Ruins Arc is set to bring about world-shattering upheaval... Could we use it in this situation too?"