Time flowed by incrementally, until nightfall, with not a single person giving up halfway through, each one enduring, that almost unbearably painful sensation.
"That’s great! I finally made it through. That feeling was truly worse than death! I never want to try this again in my life."
"I made it! I feel like I’ve been reborn or something, my whole body feels so relaxed! But why is there this stinky smell?"
"Fantastic! I passed the test, hahaha..." As one person succeeded, more and more eyes sprung open in succession.
Upon discovering a thick layer of black mud on their bodies, everyone realized where that unpleasant odor was coming from. They quickly stood up, bowed to Luo Shu, and ran toward their rooms.
Luo Shu withdrew her gaze, looking at those who were still striving, her face revealing a satisfied smile. Although they hadn’t passed yet, enduring such a long time meant they were already close to success.
Just as it was nearing Zi Hour, the last person finally succeeded in passing this trial.
Luo Yan opened her eyes and looked around, realizing that apart from herself, only Luo Shu was nearby. Seeing Luo Shu open her eyes, she asked, "Did everyone make it?" At that moment, her heart was a mix of disappointment, excitement, agitation, and emotion...
Luo Shu nodded with a smile, "Congratulations!" Everyone passing the trial made her feel very gratified. Their patience was a blessing for the Divine Doctor Family.
"But I was the last one," Luo Yan said somewhat downcast. Naturally, she was happy to have passed, but being the last one left her wondering if her talent was the worst among everyone.
"What does that matter? Simply passing is already a victory, isn’t it? As long as you have the heart of a strong person, one day you’ll become a strong person," Luo Shu said encouragingly with a smile.
"I understand!" Luo Yan nodded firmly, stood up, and gave Luo Shu a deep bow, "Thank you! I will definitely work hard to become a strong person!"
Luo Shu nodded with a smile, "Go back and rest well! Tomorrow we’ll start the official training."
"Okay!" Luo Yan smiled, waved to Luo Shu, and ran towards her room.
Behind her, a patter of footsteps echoed, and turning her head, Luo Shu saw Luo Xiuyi standing behind her with a smile, "Dad! Why aren’t you sleeping so late?"
"I can’t sleep, just came to check on you," Luo Xiuyi said as he draped his coat over Luo Shu’s shoulders, "Are you hungry? Let’s grab something to eat." Seeing her work so hard, he truly felt reluctant.
"Sure!" Luo Shu took Luo Xiuyi’s arm, walking with him toward the dining room.
Upon entering the dining room, they saw Luo Xiuran and Luo Qianyu, engrossed in a game of chess in the adjacent living room.
Luo Shu and Luo Xiuyi exchanged a glance and walked over. Both of them staying up so late was surely because they were waiting for them.
On seeing them come in, Luo Xiuran returned his chess piece to the box, smiling warmly at Luo Shu, "Shushu, you’ve worked hard this time. Go have something to eat first; we’ll talk later." He had intended to wait until the next day, but seeing that everyone had passed the trial, he was too excited to sleep.
"Big uncle! I’m not hungry yet; maybe we can talk first?" Luo Shu said. How could she let him wait for her?
"Even if you’re not hungry, you have to eat. Your health is most important," Luo Xiuran said sternly.
"Alright!" Luo Shu nodded reluctantly and quickly ate something in the dining room before returning to the living room.
Luo Xiuran gestured to the seat opposite him, indicating for Luo Shu to sit there.
Luo Qianyu tactfully slid to one side. He sighed in relief internally, glad that he no longer had to endure his father’s chess onslaught. It was almost killing him!
Luo Shu smiled faintly and sat down opposite Luo Xiuran. To her, her grandfather was much like how he’d been in her previous life, just a bit younger.
"I hear from Qianyu that your chess skills are not bad. Join me for a game; we can talk while we play," Luo Xiuran said looking at Luo Shu cheerfully.
"Sure!" Luo Shu nodded in agreement. Her chess skills were taught by him, so beating him wouldn’t be easy.
After both had chosen their pieces, they began to play. Both moved quickly, neither giving an inch, back and forth with each move.
"Shushu, who taught you to play chess?" asked Luo Xiuran, surprised as he noticed her moves somewhat resembled his own. The matter he wanted to discuss with Luo Shu was momentarily forgotten.
"My grandfather!" Luo Shu said with a smile.
"Your grandfather knows how to play chess?" Luo Xiuyi asked in astonishment. He’d met Luo Gensheng once, and apart from recognizing some herbs, Luo Gensheng seemed no different from the other villagers in Luo Family Village.
In her heart, Luo Shu considered whether this was the moment to reveal her true origins. But glancing at Luo Xiuyi, she ultimately decided against it. Revealing her secret now would only hurt him.