Although it was called the Main Family Compound, in reality, it was a structure comparable to an inner city.

Without sufficient status and rank, one simply could not enter.

Henry Carter, holding the waist token of a direct descendant of the Rong family, brought his son into the compound and walked straight to a tall building.

William Carter looked up and saw three large, flamboyant characters written on the building.

Testing Hall.

Henry Carter smiled and said, “William, this is the place in the family where the younger generation is tested for their true qi and aptitude. Heh, as long as you pass the test, you’ll be recognized as an inner hall disciple and can enter the academy to further your martial arts studies.”

William Carter responded softly, his heart filled with boundless longing.

Henry Carter, on the other hand, sighed inwardly; his experience was far beyond that of his son.

Although his son had finally refined true qi, it was only just before turning fifteen. While he would certainly be able to enter the inner hall to cultivate, and his future achievements would far surpass his own, it was unlikely he could stand out among the many talented members of the family.

Entering the Testing Hall, Henry Carter composed himself, glanced around, his eyes lighting up as he led his son toward an elderly man.

Coming to the old man’s side, he respectfully said, “Uncle Clark, it’s been a long time. Your nephew has come to see you.”

Chapter Six: Testing Hall

The old man sat with his eyes half-closed, reclining on a lounge chair, leisurely crossing his legs, as if resting with his eyes shut.

Upon hearing Henry Carter’s words, his brows furrowed slightly. He opened his eyes, his face showing impatience as he said, “Oh, it’s Henry. What are you here for?”

He did recognize Henry Carter, but the problem was that this kid had long been sent off to a remote estate of the family, out of the main family’s sight for over a decade.

Although Henry Carter’s biological father was considered a fierce general in the family—someone even he would have to show respect to—

Because Henry Carter had never refined true qi, he was not favored by his father.

Such a minor figure naturally wasn’t worth David Carter’s attention.

Henry Carter bent down and respectfully said, “Uncle Clark, it’s been a long time since I last saw you, so…”

“Enough with the nonsense.” David Carter frowned slightly, waved his hand to cut him off, and said, “You wouldn’t be thinking of me for no reason. Hmph, just say what you want. For your father’s sake, I’ll help if I can.”

Though his words sounded forthright, the meaning was clear.

He’d help if he could, but if he couldn’t, that was the end of it.

Henry Carter nodded repeatedly, saying, “Of course, of course…” He turned and beckoned to William Carter, pulling him in front of the old man and said humbly, “Uncle Clark, this is my son William. William, quickly greet Grandpa Clark.”

William Carter responded and said loudly, “Grandpa Clark.”

David Carter looked William Carter up and down and laughed, “A fine young man. Heh, are you here to take a test?”

After decades in the Testing Hall, the old man naturally guessed their purpose.

Henry Carter quickly said, “Exactly, Uncle Clark, your insight is as sharp as ever.” He put on a flattering smile and said, “Uncle Clark, this child has practiced boxing diligently since childhood, and just a few days ago finally succeeded in refining true qi, so I brought him here to take a look.”

“Oh, he’s already refined true qi?” David Carter’s expression shifted slightly, and for the first time, a hint of warmth appeared in his eyes as he looked at William Carter: “William, how old are you this year?”

William Carter answered without hesitation, “In three months, it will be my fifteenth birthday.”

“Three months left?” David Carter’s face twitched slightly, and the warmth in his eyes faded considerably.

Being able to refine true qi before fifteen was a great achievement for Henry Carter and his son. But for David Carter, who had spent decades in the Testing Hall and seen countless outstanding Rong family youths, refining true qi at this age was nothing to boast about.

Such disciples could enter the inner hall, but their future prospects were very limited—not worth currying favor with.

Of course, with David Carter’s experience, he wouldn’t offend a future inner hall disciple for no reason.

He cleared his throat and said, “Since you’ve refined true qi, according to the rules, you’re eligible for a free aptitude test.” He stood up, raised his voice, and called out, “Go, bring the testing stones for me.”

Though not much in the whole Rong family, here he was a veteran martial artist.

At his command, someone hurried out. Moments later, the person returned, holding two jade stones of different colors.

The two jade stones were about the same size, each as big as a fist. However, one was slightly yellowish, while the other was pure white, even faintly shimmering with a soft glow.