Chapter 240: Spirit Testing Ceremony
The fifth day of the second month in the twelfth year of Zhengei.

His Majesty has issued a special imperial decree to hold the "Spirit Testing Ceremony"!
[The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: There are immortals in the world, and I have also obtained them. However, the people of the world are my subjects, and I also want to teach them.]

[However, the Way of Heaven has fifty, and it can escape one. Therefore, when Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility on a man, it must first make his mind and will suffer, his muscles and bones tired, his body hungry, and his actions frustrated, so as to stimulate his mind and harden his nature, and increase his ability to do what he cannot do.]

[Those who cultivate immortality must have spiritual roots. Those without spiritual roots will never be able to become immortals. ]

[For this reason, I have specially held a spiritual testing ceremony. All children between the ages of five and sixteen in the capital area can go to the Shangwu Division to register and choose a day to hold the spiritual testing ceremony! ]

[Whether court officials, royal relatives, common people, or peddlers, everyone is eligible to participate in the Spirit Test Ceremony! ]

[Anyone who passes the Spirit Testing Ceremony will be trained by the court to serve as the guards of Dayu and also as a cultivator! ]

【I hereby decree!!!】

When this imperial edict was issued from the Imperial Household Department, it was like dropping a high-explosive bomb into a calm pond, instantly causing strong winds and huge waves.

"Test, Test the Spirit Ceremony!"

"Your Majesty, what are you going to do?"

"Your Majesty is going to announce the method of cultivation?!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"You are worthy of being the most wise and enlightened monarch in history!"

"Quickly, quickly notify the tribe members and bring all the children to the capital!"

"The Spirit Testing Ceremony...Spiritual roots, I wonder if I have any?"

"What a pity! My son is already over sixteen years old, I don't know..."

"The imperial edict only mentioned the capital area, what about the other states and counties..."

"My son can also participate in the Spirit Testing Ceremony? That's great!"

"Your Majesty is so wise! As long as my son has that spiritual root, he will be able to ascend to heaven in one step!"

"This is easier than the imperial examination..."

For a time, everyone from the royal family, civil and military officials to the common people and peddlers were discussing this matter.

In just half a day, all the locations of Shangwu Division were crowded with people who came to register.

Some people even tried to take advantage of the situation by stuffing older people in, but unfortunately they were all beaten out.

For a time, the entire capital, surrounding counties, villages, and even the surrounding states and counties heard the news, and countless people rushed to the capital.

In just a few days, the capital was crowded with people and news was flying everywhere.

Even the content of this imperial edict was spreading to other states and counties at a rapid speed, and countless people were discussing it.

cabinet.

Several cabinet ministers had no intention of working at all. They all gathered together and looked at each other, not knowing what they were thinking.

They were still maintaining the court and the war in the south, but they didn't expect that His Majesty would suddenly cause such a big thing.

For a moment, everyone was a little confused.

In the end, it was the experienced Lu Xiangqing who took the lead and said, "My dear colleagues, what do you think of His Majesty's matter?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Xuanyue took the lead and said, "You don't talk about strange things, supernatural powers, and the matter of cultivating immortals... I am skeptical!"

"Your Majesty's decree clearly states that once it is confirmed that one has spiritual roots, he will be supported by the court and can even serve as an official. This matter... is really absurd!"

"After ten years of studying hard, how could I be suppressed by a useless spiritual root..."

Lu Xiangqing was the first to shake his head and said, "Mr. Zheng, there are indeed people who cultivate immortality in this world. I have seen it with my own eyes."

"This……"

Zheng Xuanyue was stunned. His whole view was turned upside down for a moment and he couldn’t believe it.

A scholar who has studied hard for more than ten years is actually not as good as a child with spiritual roots. This...

Lu Xiangqing looked at Wang Anshi and said, "Master Wang, what do you think?"

Wang Anshi remained calm and said, "Since your majesty has issued the imperial decree, there is nothing we can do even if we object."

"The most urgent task is to prepare for and deal with the aftermath of the Spirit Testing Ceremony."

"As far as I know, only one in ten thousand mortals have spiritual roots. They are extremely rare."

"How many ordinary people are there in the capital? Two million at most. There are no more than two hundred people with spiritual roots, or even fewer."

"It will take them at least ten years to grow up, and the impact on the court and the world is not that great."

"What we need to do now is to ensure the stability of the southern army's logistics, food and supplies."

"Lord Xu's previous memorial has already indicated that Prince Chen, Tianlong Temple, and the remaining rebels in Yunmengze have gathered in Xuzhou. The war... is about to begin!"

Wang Anshi's words made everyone present feel a little relieved.

However, Lu Xiangqing looked at Wang Anshi deeply. How did he know so many things?
It seems that it is time for his family to secretly look for some cultivators.

For some reason, an idea suddenly popped up in Lu Xiangqing's mind.

The future of Dayu...will be dominated by cultivators!

Just then, a figure trotted in, but it was Cai Dashi who had disappeared long ago.

He first chuckled and bowed respectfully to several cabinet ministers, then came to Wang Anshi and Yuan Qichang and whispered, "Lord Wang, Lord Yuan, His Majesty invites you."

"His Majesty?"

Wang Anshi's expression changed, and he immediately stood up and said, "Your Majesty has summoned me, and I will take my leave now."

"Easy to say."

Wang Anshi, Yuan Qichang and Cai Dashi left one after another, and soon only Lu Xiangqing, Zheng Xuanyue, Li Changfeng and others were left in the cabinet.

Zheng Xuanyue asked curiously, "What is Lord Wang going to do?"

"I don't know."

"Your Majesty, are you calling me? Perhaps it's about the Spirit Testing Ceremony."

Several people discussed in a low voice, but were obviously absent-minded. They then made excuses and returned to the mansion. They quickly gathered the children of appropriate age in the clan, gave them earnest instructions, and sent people to register with the Shangwu Division.

Some people wrote letters to their relatives who were far away, asking them to rush to the capital with their children of school age.

In the palace, Wang Anshi asked curiously, "What is the matter that your majesty has summoned us for now?"

Yuan Qichang was also confused and shook his head, saying, "I don't know either."

Cai Dashi smiled and said, "This is what a young eunuch told me. It seems that there is a great opportunity...waiting for us!" "Oh?"

Baiyu Jingnei.

Zheng Yi was resting with his eyes closed, while outside the room, teams of Shadow Guards and Imperial Guards were entering the exclusive room under the guidance of special personnel.

But more people were waiting for something in different rooms of Baiyujing.

These people have all been brainwashed since childhood and are loyal to Zheng Yi's Shadow Guards.

As well as those whose identities have been tested and who are extremely loyal to Zheng Yi, such as the palace guards and members of the imperial party.

The Spirit Testing Ceremony is scheduled to be held in a month.

Of course, Zheng Yi was not being kind-hearted and giving away the cultivation resources for free.

Instead, enlarge the plate!

The more monks you gather under your command, the stronger your power will be and the more benefits you will gain.

The identities of the children with spiritual roots found in the Spirit Testing Ceremony a month later were definitely a mixed bag.

But Zheng Yi doesn't care about these.

After all, in Zheng Yi's view, they were just outer disciples, or even menial disciples.

Only those who are extremely talented, loyal to him, and have gone through the test of a great deal of time can enter and become 'inner disciples'.

But before that, he had to search for those with spiritual roots among all the Shadow Guards, Palace Guards, and members of the Imperial Party, so that they could become 'inner disciples' in advance!
As for his children, they are of course 'core disciples'.

The entire Dayu will become Zheng Yi's exclusive sect of cultivation!
At this moment, Chen Zhongyi came out with six figures.

"Greetings, Your Majesty~!"

Chen Zhong, Chen Xiao, Chen Yi, Chen Li, Chen Ti, Chen Zhi and other six innate warriors knelt on the ground respectfully.

"Flat body."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The six people stood up respectfully. There were more than 500 Shadow Guards in total, including more than 400 people undergoing physical examinations, and only more than 100 palace maids.

But only these six people successfully advanced to the innate realm by relying on the "Black Lotus Manual"!
Even their names were given by Zheng Yi, and they were honored and favored by the highest level.

Chen Liancang said in a drawn-out voice: "Your Majesty is wise, and I have specially conducted a spiritual test for you before the spiritual test ceremony to determine whether you have spiritual roots."

"If you have spiritual roots, His Majesty will personally bestow upon you the cultivation method."

"From now on, you can become a cultivator, your strength will be doubled, and even your life span will be increased."

"You must remember to be loyal to His Majesty and to Dayu."

The six people said respectfully: "We dare to die for your majesty!!!"

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "Chen Xiao, you are physically disabled, are you sure you want to test your spirit?"

Shadow Guard Chen Xiao cut off his left arm due to the Taizu zombie, and his martial arts skills have reached their limit.

I didn't expect that he would come this time when the Shadow Guard tested the spirit.

Chen Xiao knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to swear allegiance to you until my death!"

"I hope Your Majesty will be tolerant of the matter of testing my spirit. If I really have spiritual roots, I will never forget your teachings!"

"Okay, I will naturally give you a chance."

Zheng Yi waved his hand and said, "Mr. Chen, let's begin."

"promise!"

Chen Liancang said respectfully that Zhuang Yuheng had already taught him the art of spirit testing, so today he was the one to carry out the spirit testing of many Shadow Guards, Palace Guards, Emperor's Party, and Embroidered Uniform Guards.

As for the women in the Shadow Guards and the palace maids in the harem, they were handed over to several concubines such as Cui Xiabing.

After all, they are concubines, so it is naturally impossible for them to come into contact with other men's bodies.

Even if it's a eunuch, it's not allowed!

This is really hard for Chen Liancang.

Fortunately, Tian Xingzi will come to the spirit-testing ceremony in a month to assist him in the spirit-testing.

Chen Liancang came to Chen Zhong first. Chen Zhong looked steady, but his eyes showed excitement that could not be concealed.

After such a long period of seclusion and practice, his cultivation had already reached the third level of Qi training.

It is only one step away from the middle stage of Qi training.

His hands were as fast as lightning, and he tapped Chen Zhong three times in quick succession.

Three strands of magic power entered his body. In the midst of Chen Zhong's excited eyes, Chen Liancang shook his head and said, "No spiritual roots."

Chen Zhong's expression became visibly depressed, but he quickly reacted.

"Thank you for your hard work, godfather."

"Next one, Chen Yi!"

Using the same trick again, three strands of magic power entered his body, and Chen Liancang sensed it carefully.

"Chen Yi, no spiritual roots!"

"Chen Ti, no spiritual roots!"

"Chen Li, no spiritual roots!"

"Chen Zhi, no spiritual roots!"

Five people in a row, all without spiritual roots, the faces of everyone present looked even uglier.

Only Zheng Yi was still leaning on the dragon throne with a calm look on his face.

The concept of spiritual roots is illusory. Even though the six people present did not have spiritual roots, he was not surprised at all.

Finally, Chen Liancang came in front of Chen Xiao, tapped with one hand, and three strands of magic power surged out.

Everyone around looked at Chen Xiao, even Zheng Yi looked over with interest.

Chen Xiao, do you have spiritual roots?

After a few breaths, Chen Liancang turned around and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, Chen Xiao... has no spiritual roots!"

(End of this chapter)