Inside the guest hall of the Shen Mansion.

When Shen Qingshan entertains guests, naturally it is with the highest standards of the Shen Mansion.

Two pots of fragrant tea were brought in, and the aroma could be smelled from afar.

"Two young friends, please taste and see how this tea that I've brewed fares."

Shen Qingshan's face held a gentle expression. Since these young men came to help, as the Patriarch of the Shen Family, he was courteous towards them.

Moreover, these two were close to Shen Ye and might become his right-hand men in the future.

By showing goodwill, Shen Qingshan intended for them to have a better impression of the Shen Family.

Upon hearing this, the two young men picked up the tea in front of them.

One of them drank heartily, downing the tea in one gulp, and before savoring it, he gave it a "good tea" evaluation.

The young man beside him was more refined.

He picked up the cup and sipped slowly.

Everything was done with ease and nature, unlike some pretentious individuals who have countless rituals to drinking tea.

It was just a moment of savoring the tea.

"General Shen, this tea appears clear and pure, and I thought it was a kind of green tea.

But once it was in my mouth, it had a richer and mellower flavor.

This taste is quite rare.

If I drink a few more cups, I might become tea-drunk."

Hearing what the young man said, Shen Qingshan couldn't help but smile.

"It's rare for a young person to appreciate the quality of my tea.

To be honest, even I have been tea-drunk several times drinking this.

Last year's festive period, I let Ye'Er try this tea, but that child is very particular and never drinks tea."

The young man nodded in agreement.

"Brother Shen Ye indeed never drinks tea, and he doesn't even like soups..."

After some small talk, Shen Qingshan finally broached the main subject.

The clan's talent evaluation is quite important this time.

Shen Qingshan is eager to know if there are any promising young members in the family worth cultivating.

Although they already had Shen Ye, who was exceptionally talented, anyone who doesn't harbor resentment like Shen Han could be nurtured.

A future Shen Family with more support is always welcome.

"General Shen, rest assured. In our academy days, Brother Phoenix Fool and I often conducted evaluations for our peers.

We are well-versed in the skills needed.

This evaluation aims to discover the talents of the young masters and misses of the Shen Family.

We will naturally guide them during the process, and General Shen only needs to carefully observe the performance of the Shen juniors."

Sitting beside the Patriarch of the Shen Family, Madam Shen lovingly remarked, "This clan evaluation should have been overseen by Shen Ye, but since he is away, we must trouble you two young friends."

"Madam, you're too kind.

Back at the academy, Brother Shen Ye took great care of us, and during several difficult points in our cultivation, it was Brother Shen Ye who guided us through.

Today's visit is also to repay Brother Shen Ye's kindness."

After these words, the young man paused briefly and continued, "Moreover, Brother Shen Ye's capabilities now far exceed those of his peers.

If Brother Shen Ye were to spar with the other siblings, even at a tenth of his strength, it's unlikely anyone could withstand a single move from him.

Such a situation would demoralize the other young masters and misses of the Shen Family, making it hard for General Shen to discern much from any spars."

These words brought smiles to the faces of both the Patriarch of the Shen Family and Madam Shen.

In just a few remarks, their admiration for Shen Ye was abundantly clear.

"In any case, for coming to help the Shen Family, I, the patriarch, will certainly remember your kindness.

In the future, if you ever need assistance, just ask."

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on the faces of the two young men.

Such an exchange of goodwill was pleasing to both parties.

Shen Qingshan nodded towards the servants standing nearby, and soon two of them stepped forward.

They escorted the two young men to a guest room to rest.

The clan evaluation would not start until after noon, so there was still time to rest for a couple of hours.

After they left, Madam Shen couldn't help but look towards the Patriarch of the Shen Family.

"Husband, you are being exceptionally generous to these young men...

If you make such promises and they truly seek your help..."

Hearing this, Shen Qingshan simply smiled.

"I actually hope they would seek help from the Shen Family.

Just now, Ye'Er had already informed me about their identities.

The slightly bolder one is named Phoenix Fool.

This young man has excellent cultivation insights, and as his name suggests, the character 'Fool' speaks volumes about his temperament.

Once he's set on something, Phoenix Fool will pursue it with steadfast determination.

Ye'Er mentioned he often enjoys sparring, and if he loses, in three months, he usually reaches a stalemate with his opponent.

Another three months, and he tends to gain the upper hand in sparring."

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen gained some understanding.

Such young talent, when cultivated, could surely achieve greatness, no wonder her husband would speak so highly.

Reflecting on this, Madam Shen was still somewhat uneasy, "Husband, do such genius young men truly wish to follow Ye'Er and our Shen Family?"

This worry was not unfounded; few geniuses were willing to work under others.

In response, Shen Qingshan laughed heartily.

"You're right, few geniuses are willing to serve beneath others.

Unless they meet someone more talented than themselves.

And that person is Ye'Er!"

With a proud expression, Shen Qingshan paused, then continued to explain.

"In the past, Phoenix Fool's chosen rivals were defeated by him in no more than half a year.

But two years ago, when he set Shen Ye as his target, intending to defeat him in a sparring match,

during their first confrontation, Phoenix Fool still managed to endure over ten moves against Ye'Er before losing.

In their second match, within just five moves, he was undoubtedly defeated.

The third, fourth, fifth encounters...

He couldn't even last a single move against Ye'Er.

Phoenix Fool prides himself on his comprehension abilities, yet with Ye'Er, he lost without an excuse.

So tell me, in such circumstances, isn't it natural for him to wish to follow Ye'Er?"

After these words, both Shen Qingshan and Madam Shen had broad smiles on their faces.

Having a grandson like Shen Ye truly brought pride.

"As for the other more refined young man, Ye'Er didn't mention his abilities or talents to me.

But based on his lineage, he's worth befriending.

He's a descendant of the Qianmu Family, by the name Qianmu Fan."

"The Qianmu Family? That reclusive kind of family is willing to let their descendants enter the secular world for cultivation?"

Madam Shen was evidently familiar with the Qianmu Family and was surprised to hear of this person's background.

"Perhaps they're looking to enter the world again; having been secluded for so long, their family foundations have dwindled, and they likely wish to acquire resources for the family."

...

3:00 PM, Wutong Villa.

Whenever Shen Qingshan returned to the Shen Mansion to host a banquet, he always chose Wutong Villa.

It seemed only the wutong trees were befitting company for his banquets.

The clan's talent evaluation was finally about to begin.

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