C5 Spirit Assessment

For Yang Rui at this moment, strength was paramount. Without it, even his system wouldn't be enough to save him. After all, death is final, and not even a Crowning Golden Immortal could change that. He was eager to grow stronger, but he knew better than to rush things. Getting cocky because of the system would only lead to disaster.

Luckily, the beautiful woman harbored no suspicions. She simply believed that her Rui had narrowly escaped death and was now determined to become powerful. Yang Rui's stepfather, Yang Zhantian, had long since stopped caring about him since Rui showed no interest in cultivation and preferred a life of leisure. Thus, it was impossible to see through the ruse that Rui was not who he appeared to be. Yang Rui had no qualms about treating them as his real parents; having a formidable father was always comforting.

The immediate priority was to understand how to gain experience points through the system. Without a clear method, the acquisition would be inefficient, and the system would level up too slowly.

"Rui, you should rest up," the beautiful woman advised. "I'll go find some pills to help fortify your foundation. You've started cultivating quite late, after all." She caressed Yang Rui's forehead before turning to the maids, "Take good care of Rui. I need to prepare a few things."

"Yes, Madam!" the maids replied dutifully. Despite the woman's gentle demeanor, her wrath was something no one could withstand.

With the woman gone, Yang Rui breathed a sigh of relief. These two were the people closest to him, and any slip-up could spell trouble. But perhaps he was overthinking it; despite the soul switch, he was essentially the same person, indistinguishable to others. Still, caution was never a bad thing, and it was wise to be considerate of such risks.

"My current physique may be lacking, but as I continue to level up, that will change. I'll only grow stronger, especially with my passive buffs. Tsk, I can hardly fathom how powerful I'll become!" Yang Rui chuckled to himself, lost in thoughts of his future strength.

The two maids exchanged a silent glance. Could the young master have been addled by nearly drowning?

No, he mustn't get ahead of himself! Yang Rui quickly snapped back to reality and gestured to one of the maids, "Chuncao, come here."

Chuncao hurried over to Yang Rui with a smile, "Young Master Rui, what can I do for you?"

"How long have I been out?" Yang Rui inquired, the significance of the answer weighing on him. If he had been dead for only a short while, it would be manageable. But if it had been a long time, that would pose a serious problem.

Chuncao giggled behind her hand, "Young Master Rui, you've only been out for half a day."

"Yes, Young Master Rui was found shortly after falling into the river. It's been less than half a day," Yixia added from the side. "But in just that half day, the Master has already taken on all the family heads in Chiba City!"

'Whoa! Is my stand-in dad really that fierce? To have taken on all the heads of Chiba City? That's quite the revelation! It looks like my stand-in dad is the undisputed boss of Chiba City. Life is about to get a lot easier.'

"This..." Yang Rui was at a loss for words. He decided to drop the subject and go for a walk instead, "Chuncao, Yixia, let's step outside."

"Hey! Young Master Rui, you're not well yet!" Chuncao and Yixia protested in concern.

"Hahaha, relax, I'm completely fine. Did you think the Returning Spring Pill was just a sweet?" Yang Rui leapt out of bed, laughing heartily, "Come on, let's get some fresh air."

"Okay, but please take it slow." Realizing their protests were futile, they flanked Yang Rui, one on each side, and accompanied him outside.

Meanwhile, Yang Zhantian was deep in thought in the main hall until the arrival of a beautiful woman caught his attention. He turned to her and asked, "Jiao'er, do you believe Rui is serious this time?"

The beautiful woman took a seat beside Yang Zhantian and offered him a gentle smile, "Whether he's serious or not, we should take it seriously. Rui has fallen behind in his cultivation. I'm considering requesting the Five-Colored Marrow-Cleansing Pill from the clan for him."

Upon hearing those words, Yang Zhantian felt a jolt in his heart. It wasn't the mention of the Five-Colored Marrow-Cleansing Pill that caused his reaction, but rather Sikong Jiao's desire to return to her clan!

Sikong Jiao hailed from one of the most powerful families within the Celestial Deriving Dynasty, wielding significant influence. As the most gifted prodigy of the Sikong family, she had survived an ambush by a rival family during the Divine Path Trials fifteen years prior. Fortuitously escaping death, she was transported near Chiba City, where Yang Zhantian rescued her. Having lost all her cultivation and impressed by Yang Zhantian's integrity, she eventually married him. Yang Zhantian was always acutely aware that the Sikong family would never truly abandon their most talented member, even if she were incapacitated.

So, when Sikong Jiao brought up her family, Yang Zhantian immediately sensed trouble. His concern wasn't that Sikong Jiao wouldn't return, but rather that the Sikong family might confine her or even retaliate against the Yang family. Such were the ways of powerful clans, and he had grown accustomed to them.

Sikong Jiao, understanding what was on Yang Zhantian's mind, reassured him with a smile, "Don't worry, we haven't reached the worst-case scenario yet. Perhaps Rui's talent is just as astonishing? I'm only discussing a last resort."

Yang Zhantian took Sikong Jiao's delicate hand with conviction, "If it ever comes to that, I'll be by your side."

"Fool, why would you do that? Want to make things worse?" Sikong Jiao chuckled. "Relax, it's not the end of the world. By the way, when do you plan to test Rui's spirit?"

"Just a little while longer," replied Yang Zhantian.

Sikong Jiao blinked in surprise, "That soon?"

"Yes. I'm eager to see the extent of Rui's resolve."

Meanwhile, Yang Rui was casually wandering the courtyard with Chuncao and Yixia when a servant hurried over, calling out from a distance, "Young Master Rui, your father requests your presence at the Blade House."

"Understood," Yang Rui responded nonchalantly. "Chuncao and Yixia, it looks like Father is getting impatient. Come with me, will you?"

"Of course, Young Master Rui."

The entourage made their way with purpose to the Blade House, the Yang family's training ground. Given the family's martial heritage, it was only fitting that their training ground was named the Blade House. Presently, the Blade House was crowded with key members of the Yang family: the great elder, the second elder, the third elder, and the elders from the Law Enforcement Hall, among others. It was a significant event—the family's son was undergoing his spirit test, and they all had to attend. Yet, their presence wasn't for celebration; they were there to witness what they expected to be a farce.

The third son had always been known for his lack of scholarly or martial prowess, his only talent seemingly lay in his fondness for wine. It would be a surprise if he managed to demonstrate any notable abilities. If it weren't for Yang Zhantian's formidable strength, his position as family head, supported only by his two daughters and this so-called good-for-nothing son, might have been precarious. An opportunity like this was too good for the family to pass up.

Yang Rui's elder and second sisters were absent, presumably occupied elsewhere.

As Yang Rui entered the Blade House, he could feel the weight of numerous stares fixed upon him. Damn, the scrutiny was almost unbearable!