As the exploration of the [Li Huo Palace] pressed on, the second phase of the Demon Spirit Realm trials commenced.
However, this time it lacked the fervor of the first, as the participants were not the renowned prodigies with exceptional talent.
For the general populace, insufficient strength meant less spectacular skill effects, lacking a strong visual impact and consequently diminishing the viewing experience.
Presently, a peculiar group had gathered near the [Qualification Assessment Stone].
A group of individuals with congenital physical defects and disabilities, under the organization of the Xia Kingdom's authorities, arrived at the plaza for qualification assessment.
This world held immense possibilities for them.
Whether due to deafness or blindness, many tasks that others accomplished with ease were, for them, impossibly out of reach.
Following the precedent of Li Qingyun, who had recovered from late-stage cancer through cultivation, people were eager to see if these individuals with innate disabilities could also achieve miracles through cultivation.
Yet, this notion was somewhat flawed. For instance, those with crippled legs, who spent most of their lives in wheelchairs, would experience long-term muscle atrophy in their meridians, progressively worsening their cultivation aptitude.
Cancer, on the other hand, was not a condition that caused blockages in the body's meridians. Coupled with Li Qingyun's cultivation of wood-attribute techniques, various factors contributed to his simple recovery.
Consequently, many of these individuals with disabilities possessed only mediocre or low-grade aptitudes, and even those with special physiques were unable to activate them.
Among this group stood a particularly special young girl.
Clad in a white dress, she stood in the wind, serene and elegant, exuding an exceptional aura.
Regrettably, her eyes were clouded and indistinct, lacking the clear demarcation between black and white.
This made her akin to a slightly flawed work of art, yet she drew a multitude of gazes.
Her name was Shen Yingxue. When she was very young, she could see.
But around the age of five, she was seemingly exposed to a reflective laser, plunging her world into darkness thereafter.
Upon visiting the hospital, she was informed that her eyes were essentially dead and beyond any hope of recovery.
However, Shen Yingxue was remarkably accomplished. Despite her blindness, she never sought pity. She wrote essays, poems, and novels.
She had won numerous awards and served as essay material for many students.
Her mother, Tang Hong, tenderly brushed a stray strand of hair from Shen Yingxue's face and whispered, "Little Xue, you are so outstanding. Heaven will not be so cruel to you. Others can recover from cancer; you can see the light of day again!"
Shen Yingxue smiled and replied, "It's alright, Mom. I've gotten used to it."
For reasons unknown, even though she couldn't see, she often sensed when people were looking at her.
And now, she felt countless gazes focused upon her, making her slightly shy, as she had never seen her own appearance and wondered if it measured up to the public's ideal of "beauty."
As the staff member called out with a microphone, "Next group!"
Tang Hong, holding her daughter's hand, exclaimed excitedly, "It's our turn! This is your chance for recovery!"
"Mom, don't be too nervous. Everything is fine now."
"But we want to become even better!"
Supported by her mother, Shen Yingxue approached the [Qualification Assessment Stone].
"The [Qualification Assessment Stone] is right in front of you. Reach out and touch it to have your aptitude assessed."
Shen Yingxue was still a little nervous, despite hearing many people speak of the world's entry into the era of immortal cultivation.
Moreover, those around her no longer discussed celebrity gossip but instead spoke of figures like Brother Qingyun, Brother Wei, Brother Da Teng, and so on. The world felt unfamiliar.
She suddenly felt a desire to see what this world had become.
Thus, as her hand gently touched the cool stone, a dazzling radiance erupted from her.
Tang Hong was startled, and then overcome with ecstasy.
Having followed the news for so long, she knew what this meant – a celestial phenomenon was occurring, signifying at least superior aptitude!
If she could achieve transcendent talent, it would be even better. Then, she could catch the eye of an immortal brother, and even if cultivation couldn't cure her eyes, an immortal brother could assist...
As she mused, a sea of flowers appeared in the sky, followed by a rain of petals, as if brightly colored butterflies were dancing in the air.
Witnessing so many geniuses triggering celestial phenomena, everyone couldn't help but sigh, declaring this truly the most beautiful phenomenon.
Everyone felt as if they were bathed in a sea of flowers.
Then, a bell sound echoed.
"Myriad Blossom Eyes!"
"Transcendent Talent!"
Tang Hong became even more excited. Her daughter possessed transcendent talent!
This was on par with superstars like Wang Teng, Meng Zibin, and Bai Nianchen. With such talent, why worry about her eyes not being cured?
However, at this moment, an unexpected change occurred.
Shen Yingxue suddenly clutched her eyes and collapsed to her knees in pain.
She felt an intense throbbing pain in her eyes!
Tang Hong's expression changed drastically. She quickly rushed forward to embrace her, asking anxiously, "Xue'er! What's wrong? Don't scare me!"
From between Shen Yingxue's fingers covering her eyes, a large amount of blood suddenly seeped out!
"Mom, my eyes... they hurt..."
The onlookers also noticed the anomaly and began whispering amongst themselves.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhicheng, who had been observing the situation, was initially pleased to see a transcendent talent appear. However, this individual seemed to have suddenly encountered some trouble.
He quickly directed the somewhat chaotic scene.
"Make way, make way! Get her to rest first!"
But at that moment, a gust of wind swept through.
Chu Yang's figure appeared as if by teleportation, standing before Tang Hong and Shen Yingxue.
Seeing Chu Yang's arrival, everyone immediately fell silent, refraining from making loud noises.
Tang Hong, upon seeing Chu Yang, quickly kowtowed. "Immortal Brother! Please look at my Xue'er. After assessing her aptitude, she suddenly became like this..."
Scanning her with his [Eye of Insight], Chu Yang frowned.
"I'll take her away for a moment. It's nothing serious."
The next moment, Chu Yang, carrying Shen Yingxue with blood seeping from her eyes, vanished from their spot and reappeared within the medicinal garden, the [Valley of Myriad Scents].
"She lost her eyes and awakened eye-based talents. Don't worry, this is easily resolved. We'll just grow a new pair for her..."