Brian Jefferson scanned the crowd and said, “Today marks the Jefferson family’s annual gathering. During this meeting, we will test everyone’s Soulseed potential. Those who meet the requirements will be allowed to join the Jefferson family for training.”
The announcement caused a wave of excitement among the attendees. For the branch descendants of the Jefferson family, the opportunity to train with the main household was a rare and coveted honor.
Brian continued, “Those with qualifying Soulseeds may stay. Those without will be eliminated.”
Chris stepped forward, curiosity etched on his face. “Pardon me, Patriarch, but what exactly is a Soulseed?”
Chris knew nothing about Aetherbinding and had no idea what a Soulseed was. His confusion mirrored that of many others in the audience. Most branch family members had lived ordinary lives, far removed from the world of Aetherbinding.
Brian glanced at Chris and explained, “To practice Aetherbinding, one must possess a Soulseed. Only with a Soulseed can one perceive the presence of spiritual energy. Soulseeds come in various types-gold, wood, water, fire, earth, and rarer special kinds. In short, a Soulseed is essential for Aetherbinding. As for the specifics of the Aetherbinding world, those who qualify and join the Jefferson family will learn more in time.”
Chris wanted to ask further questions but was silenced by Brian’s curt response. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the crowd, looking for Lindsay Windson. It didn’t take long for him to spot her standing at the front, seemingly unaware of his presence.
After Brian’s explanation, Rafael Jefferson stepped forward. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said. “I am Rafael Jefferson, the Jefferson family’s Master Moonstone. I will be reading the names for the Soulseed testing. When your name is called, step forward and place your hand on the crystal orb.”
As he finished speaking, a large crystal orb was brought forward. Its purpose was clear-it was the device for testing Soulseeds.
Chris studied Rafael closely and felt his pupils contract. Despite his own considerable strength, he couldn’t gauge Rafael’s power. It was evident that Rafael, like Brian, was a formidable practitioner.
One by one, names were called, and individuals stepped forward to place their hands on the crystal orb. The orb would light up according to the type of Soulseed detected:
– Blue light signified a water Soulseed.
– Green light represented a wood Soulseed.
– Yellow light indicated an earth Soulseed.
– Red light meant a fire Soulseed.
– Gold light revealed a metal Soulseed.
If no light appeared, it meant the individual had no Soulseed.
Most participants showed no reaction from the orb, indicating they lacked a Soulseed. Even those who did have one often displayed mixed colors, signifying hybrid Soulseeds. Such Soulseeds were considered inferior, with the quality of the Soulseed diminishing as the number of colors increased. A single-color Soulseed was the most desirable, representing the highest potential.
As one person after another was tested and rejected, the previously confident crowd grew increasingly anxious.
Rafael remained impassive. “Do not lose heart,” he said. “Having a Soulseed is extremely rare. It is perfectly normal not to possess one.”
The Jefferson family had long been accustomed to such results. Even within the main household, many lacked Soulseeds. Those without were typically relegated to roles as servants or laborers, while hybrid Soulseeds were often assigned as guards. Only those with single-element Soulseeds were deemed worthy of further cultivation.
Finally, it was Lindsay Windson’s turn. She stepped forward and placed her hand on the orb. Instantly, it emitted a dazzling green light.
“An exceptional wood-element Soulseed!” Rafael exclaimed, his face breaking into a rare expression of joy.
Though Chris didn’t fully understand what an “exceptional wood-element Soulseed” meant, Rafael’s reaction made it clear that such a Soulseed was incredibly rare and valuable. Unsurprisingly, Lindsay was immediately accepted into the Jefferson family.
Chris frowned. Lindsay’s acceptance into the family meant that her life as an ordinary person was over. The Jefferson family would undoubtedly train her to become an Aetherbinding practitioner. Whether this was a blessing or a curse for Lindsay remained unclear.
The testing continued, with one branch family member after another stepping forward. For some reason, most of those with Soulseeds were from the main branch of the Jefferson family. In contrast, the majority of branch family members showed no reaction from the orb. The disparity was obvious and likely linked to their environments-while the main family lived in the secluded valley, the branch families lived outside in the polluted world. According to Brian Jefferson, Earth had entered a “post-magic era,” where the prevalence of Soulseeds had drastically declined. Someone like Lindsay, with her extraordinary talent, was one in millions.
But Chris couldn’t shake a nagging question: Was the Jefferson family still on Earth? If not, where were they?
“Esther!” Rafael’s voice cut through Chris’s thoughts as he called the next name.
Chris’s heart tightened. If Esther possessed a Soulseed, she would have to stay with the Jefferson family-a prospect Chris couldn’t bear.
“Darling…” Esther looked at Chris with a pitiful expression.
Chris placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Esther. No matter what happens, I won’t abandon you.”
Esther nodded firmly before stepping forward. She placed her hand on the orb, which lit up with three colors: green, blue, and red.
“Water-wood-fire hybrid Soulseed. Rejected,” Rafael declared without emotion.
For the Jefferson family, hybrid Soulseeds held little value. The family already had many such individuals, and their potential was limited compared to single-element Soulseeds. Keeping Esther, a woman, as a guard was deemed unnecessary.
Esther returned to Chris’s side, visibly relieved. Chris, too, felt a wave of relief wash over him.
“Chris Shelby!” Rafael called out suddenly.
Chris froze. What was going on? He wasn’t even a member of the Jefferson family. Why was his name being called?
Esther looked at him curiously. “Darling, are you going to test your Soulseed too?”
Chris was equally confused. “I have no idea. I’m not even part of the Jefferson family-I’m just the son-in-law. Why would they call me?”
But with his name announced, Chris had no choice but to step forward. As he walked toward the orb, he noticed Brian Jefferson watching him with an enigmatic smile.