Bai Yetian nodded solemnly, feeling quite grateful. Bi Qing's encouragement was naturally vital to him. At least having someone encourage him in this way boosted his confidence. The previous setback had left him subdued for a long time, and now, testing the Heavenly Dao Stone again, he was determined to give his all.
Approaching the Heavenly Dao Stone, spiritual energy surged from Bai Yetian's palm. In that instant, the stone lit up. However, just as everyone expected it to indicate a pass, the stone instantly dimmed, as if his spiritual energy had no effect on it.
The Ninth Elder glanced at it and felt a sense of helplessness. He knew Bai Yetian well; for years, he had been the top disciple of the East Courtyard. Unfortunately, he couldn't pass the Heavenly Dao Stone's test, meaning he could never become a Saint.
"Impossible, this is absolutely impossible!"
Bai Yetian was on the verge of collapse. He had reached the peak of the Half-Saint realm, only one step away from becoming a true Saint. Yet, he couldn't pass the Heavenly Dao Stone, which was utterly unacceptable to him.
"The Bai family has two sons, but unfortunately, one is a waste!"
Within the West Courtyard, mocking laughter erupted. The crowd looked at Bai Yetian with utter disdain.
In the entire West Courtyard, Bai Yelong was the undisputed number one disciple, a peerless prodigy. Compared to his brother, Bai Yetian was far inferior.
"Just an impure-blooded mongrel!"
Bai Yelong said coldly, "I thought he might pass the Heavenly Dao Stone this time, and then I could have mentored him a bit. But it seems I was mistaken!"
He was half-brother to Bai Yetian. Bai Yetian's mother was merely a maid, which explained the vast difference between them.
From childhood, Bai Yelong had never treated Bai Yetian kindly. Now, he was overbearing, his eyes filled with mockery.
Bai Yetian clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with unwillingness. He had been looked down upon since childhood, so he had always cultivated diligently. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't achieve the results he desired, nor could he surpass Bai Yelong.
Perhaps this was fate, but he refused to accept it.
"In this world, there are many ways to become a Saint. The Heavenly Dao Stone's test might not be the only way!"
Lu Fan offered words of comfort, "You don't need to dwell on it too much. Perhaps Tongtian Academy isn't the right place for you!"
Bai Yetian was slightly stunned, and Lu Fan's words suddenly seemed to hold some truth.
"That's right, the Heavenly Dao Stone's test isn't necessarily definitive!"
Bi Qing consoled him, "As long as you cultivate diligently, you will eventually forge your own unique path!"
"Thank you for the reminder!"
Bai Yetian steadied his emotions, filled with gratitude. If not for Lu Fan's timely words, he might have lost control and considered ending it all.
But he wouldn't now, because he had come to a realization. The world had countless great daos, not just the Heavenly Dao. If he truly couldn't become a Saint, he would forge a new path and ensure he was stronger than any Saint.
"Are you questioning Tongtian Academy?"
A woman from the West Courtyard said coldly, "This is Tongtian Academy's Heavenly Dao Stone. How could it possibly be flawed?"
She was the only female Saint in the West Courtyard, named Lin Jiaojiao. She was quite arrogant and never took disciples from the East Courtyard seriously. In fact, she was quite an imposing figure even within the West Courtyard.
"We are merely offering comfort and not questioning Tongtian Academy!" Lu Fan stated. "Senior Sister, please don't make baseless accusations. Although you are a senior sister from the West Courtyard, you should still be mindful of your words to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings!"
"Who do you think you are? What right do you have to speak to me?" Lin Jiaojiao sneered, radiating Saintly aura.
"And who do you think you are!"
Shen Yehong stepped forward, his eyes filled with displeasure. He detested condescending individuals the most, as if they were mere beasts in their eyes.
Lin Jiaojiao's expression instantly turned icy, a chilling glint rising. No one in the West Courtyard had ever dared to speak to her like this, let alone these people from the East Courtyard.
"Today is the East Courtyard's assessment day!"
Lu Fan stated directly. "Senior Sister from the West Courtyard is displaying such imposing pressure. Do the elders of the West Courtyard not intend to intervene?"
The elders of the West Courtyard exchanged glances, and a powerful aura emanated from them, forcefully pushing Lin Jiaojiao back. "This is the assessment site, not a place for your antics. Hurry and leave!"
Lin Jiaojiao glared fiercely at Lu Fan, filled with resentment, but she couldn't lash out at this moment. The elders of the West Courtyard were exceptionally powerful, beyond her ability to contend with. If she were to act here, the elders would not let it slide.
After rounds of testing, Liuli and Shen Yehong also approached the Heavenly Dao Stone. However, to their surprise, the stone did not indicate they had passed, meaning they were fated to be without Sainthood.
"How could this be!"
Shen Yehong looked bewildered. "Why is this happening? Does this mean we can't enter the West Courtyard?"
"Indeed, our talent is insufficient to become Saints!" Liuli said with a wry smile. "It seems we are ultimately too weak. This might be the end of our journey!"
"Don't be discouraged. Didn't someone just say that this is merely the Heavenly Dao Stone's test? And whether one becomes a Saint or not depends on their own destiny. As long as you work hard," Han Xiaoxiao offered comfort.
"Easy for you to say!" Liuli chuckled bitterly. "You passed the Heavenly Dao Stone's test. But the radiance of your test seemed different!"
"That radiance is the light of a Saint!"
An elder disciple explained. "Only true Saints can make the Heavenly Dao Stone emit such a glow!"
"A Saint!"
Liuli and Shen Yehong looked astonished. Although they knew Han Xiaoxiao had the Magical Item Store behind him and was likely exceptionally talented, they hadn't expected him to be a Saint.
"Alas, there's nothing to be done. I knew that in the end, I would be the one to follow him."
Han Xiaoxiao looked helpless. Now that the two women brought by Lu Fan could only stop at the East Courtyard, in the future, only he would be able to spend time with Lu Fan daily. In fact, only he would be worthy of Lu Fan, which was what he anticipated the most.
"The prophecy of Shenji Mountain ultimately failed to materialize!" Shen Yehong said with a wry smile. "Once Lu Fan enters the West Courtyard, he probably won't remember us!"
"Don't worry, we are friends. How could I forget you!" Lu Fan said with a light smile. "You must work hard so you can reach greater heights in the future!"
With that, Lu Fan stepped onto the Heavenly Dao Stone, exuding confidence. When he placed his hand on the stone, it finally emitted a dazzling radiance that shot towards the sky, causing everyone present to retreat.