David Carter's expression darkened, and he snorted angrily, "Idiot, why did you bring the Spirit Tester Stone as well? Hmph, do you not know how precious this thing is? If it accidentally gets broken, can you afford to pay for it?"

The young man who had brought the jade over was in his twenties. His face flushed bright red, and he cursed inwardly, Old bastard, if you don't make things clear yourself, how am I supposed to know?

However, even though he was fuming inside, he didn't dare talk back to David Carter here. He could only lower his head and stammer, "Elder Ming, should I put it back first?"

"Hmph, forget it." David Carter hesitated for a moment and said, "You're too careless, it makes people uneasy. Just put it back together later."

He reached out, took the slightly yellowish jade stone in his hand, and handed it to William Carter. Softening his tone, he said, "William, this is the Martial Artist Tester Stone. If you haven't cultivated true qi yet, then grip it tightly, and after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the stone will emit light. The strength of the light can determine your aptitude in martial arts." He paused, then continued, "However, since you've already condensed true qi, there's no need for all that trouble. Hehe, just channel your true qi into the tester stone, and it will immediately reveal your aptitude."

The main hall of the Testing Hall was very large, but since it wasn't the time for mass testing of disciples, there weren't many people present. Still, there were at least a dozen people stationed here year-round. At this moment, these dozen or so people all turned their attention this way.

It was a common occurrence for members of the Rong family to come to the Testing Hall for assessment; they had seen it countless times throughout the year. The only reason they were paying attention now was simply out of boredom, giving them the leisure to watch.

William Carter responded, stretched out both hands, and reverently received the Martial Artist Tester Stone from David Carter. Then, he took a deep breath, and the true qi within his body began to circulate.

The strange power in his dantian surged upward like a soldier obeying orders, instantly reaching his palms and pouring into the tester stone.

William Carter knew very well how powerful true qi was. Even though it was just a tiny wisp, when unleashed, it could send even a giant tiger flying in an instant.

So, as he released his true qi, he was a bit apprehensive. If he accidentally shattered the tester stone, his fate would probably not be pleasant.

However, the hardness of the tester stone far exceeded his expectations.

The true qi from his dantian rushed into the tester stone, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea—there was no effect at all.

But after being stimulated by the true qi, the surface of the tester stone immediately emitted a faint, hazy glow. The light wasn't strong or dazzling; instead, it was thin and barely noticeable.

"Sigh..."

Several sighs sounded softly. The few people who had been watching out of boredom withdrew their gazes. Some shook their heads, while others smiled and said, "I knew it. If you only condense true qi just before turning fifteen, your aptitude can't be that great."

William Carter looked around at everyone's indifferent expressions, and his heart began to pound violently.

He saw a trace of contempt in their eyes, and even David Carter, who had been smiling at him, curled his lips in a dismissive expression.

He immediately understood that his aptitude was not good. At least, the martial artists in the Testing Hall didn't think much of his future.

Henry Carter's face flushed slightly, but he still said, "Uncle Ming, what do you think..."

David Carter replied casually, "It's true that William has condensed true qi, but as for his aptitude..." He shook his head and said, "Being able to condense true qi is already pretty good. Hehe, according to clan rules, as long as you condense true qi before the age of fifteen, you can become an inner disciple."

Upon hearing this, Henry Carter was overjoyed. As long as his son could become an inner disciple, even if it was just barely, it would have an immeasurable positive impact on his life. Of course, he couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

Bowing deeply to David Carter, Henry Carter said, "Thank you, Uncle Ming."

David Carter waved his hand and said, "No need to thank me. I'm just following clan rules." He glanced at William Carter and said in a gentle voice, "But don't get your hopes up too high. For William to have condensed true qi is already not easy, but if he wants to go further, it will be quite difficult."

He had seen too many people who were overjoyed to enter the inner hall, only to end up disappointed in the end, so he poured a bit of cold water to remind them.

Henry Carter was taken aback, then gave a bitter smile and said, "Yes, Henry understands."

His son had only managed to condense true qi just before turning fifteen. Although he was qualified to enter the inner hall, he had long been prepared for the reality of his aptitude and couldn't harbor too much hope.

William Carter lowered his head, his fists clenching involuntarily.

All the excitement and joy from the journey had completely faded at this moment, replaced by a deep sense of powerlessness after being humiliated.

He was unwilling, he refused to accept this.