Chapter 7: The Yielding Elders

After the crowd departed, the two nervously lowered their heads to stare at their toes, fearing Yun Zhi would hold them accountable for their attempted cheating.

Only after a long silence did they hear Yun Zhi speak slowly.

"I did not expect that both of you would pass the trials and become disciples of my Seeking Dao Sect."

"You two ranked among the top in all three trials, especially the third stage, where one took first place and the other second. Combined, your results are the absolute best."

"Yet this does not mean you are the finest performers of this batch. For instance, the ancient barbarian Mangu whom you met, the Ascending Immortal Body Tao Yaoye who ranked behind you, and the Fire Spirit Root Li Haoran... all are geniuses no less brilliant than yourselves."

Meng Jingzhou swelled with pride, winking at Lu Yang: "An Ascending Immortal Body is far rarer than a single spirit root, yet the Eldest Senior Sister's evaluation was 'ranked behind us.' This is a sign of her high regard for us."

Lu Yang explained helplessly: "Eldest Senior Sister most likely meant that during the first stage's queue, the Ascending Immortal Body happened to stand behind us."

"Though your performance was decent, you must not grow arrogant and complacent. Once you formally begin cultivating immortality, you must remain down-to-earth, guarding against pride and impatience."

Hearing the Eldest Senior Sister's increasingly solemn tone, the two hurriedly guaranteed that they would be diligent and conscientious in their future cultivation, daring not to slacken in the slightest.

Seeing that their demeanor was not superficial, Yun Zhi’s expression softened slightly: "Since you gave me a ride, I shall grant you a stroke of fortune."

"Meng Jingzhou, you possess the Pure Yang Spirit Root; your vital energy and blood overflow the heavens, making you the bane of ghosts and phantoms. Among the eight elders, the Third Elder is deeply versed in this path. You may take him as your master."

Overjoyed, Meng Jingzhou bowed in haste and gratitude: "Many thanks, Eldest Senior Sister."

"Lu Yang, you possess the Sword Spirit Root, a natural seed for the Dao of the Sword. Within our sect, the one most proficient in the sword is my master, who is also the Sect Master. You should take him as your master."

"But Senior Sister, you just said earlier that the Sect Master has always disliked teaching disciples..." Lu Yang murmured softly.

He noticed that the Eldest Senior Sister had told Meng Jingzhou "you may take him as your master," but to him, she said "you should take him as your master." The underlying meanings within were not quite the same.

"No matter. The matter of taking a disciple is something I can decide on his behalf." Yun Zhi’s nonchalant tone left Lu Yang stunned, as though the Sect Master had to agree even if he refused to.

"I am merely offering a suggestion. Like the other disciples, you have a one-month adaptation period. You may decide whom to take as your master after the month has passed."

With that spoken, Yun Zhi flew toward Heavenly Gate Peak, where the Sect Master resided.

...

Heavenly Gate Peak, the Assembly Hall.

A pristine water mirror was projected in midair. Altered by spells, its contents could be clearly seen from any direction, displaying the entire process of the three trials.

Eight figures either nodded or shook their heads, praising or scolding, holding different views on the disciples who had passed the trials. At the most heated moment, they nearly came to blows.

Such precedents had occurred before. Not a few among the eight figures were men of passionate temperaments; when arguments failed, they would resort to magical duels. What was meant to be a review of juniors and a selection of disciples would ultimately devolve into emotional disputes and combats between great powers, opening the eyes of the entire Seeking Dao Sect.

In light of this, the true bodies of the eight figures were not present here. Even if they truly grew enraged, they would not actually fight.

"This kid Mangu is not bad. A pure ancient barbarian lineage, a brute strength unmatched in the same realm, and a simple mind. This person is just right to inherit my legacy."

"Pity he is too simple-minded. The ancient barbarians perished precisely because of this. In the future, if opportunity permits, his training can be focused accordingly."

"What do you mean right for your legacy? My artifact-refining lineage has lacked a suitable successor for ages. Mangu is focused in his deeds; coming under my gate is the true path!"

As the two elders spoke, their tempers flared, and then they... rolled up their sleeves and continued to glare at each other.

The other elders ignored these two fools and continued their commentary: "The Ascending Immortal Body, impervious to a myriad of dharmas, stainless and peerless, ascending to immortality. Truly, it has been a long time since we last saw one. Counting the time, when the last Ascending Immortal Body was born, we had only just entered the Seeking Dao Sect."

"A pity the previous Ascending Immortal Body cultivated too hastily. Before making a name in the Central Continent, he rushed to achieve the great completion of the immortal body, causing the fire of impatience to attack his heart, dying of an incurable illness."

"Sixth Elder, among us, you are the most familiar with the immortal body. Perhaps this girl shares a destiny with you."

"The Fire Spirit Root Li Haoran is a good prospect for both alchemy and artifact refining, but his personality is too impetuous; he cannot calm his mind. In the third stage, he pushed himself frantically to climb, bent on surpassing Mangu who was at the very front, exhausting his strength too early. In the end, he was left behind by the others instead, becoming the last one to pass the trial."

"As for this Meng family kid and Lu Yang, one with the Pure Yang Spirit Root and one with the Sword Spirit Root, both are top-tier prospects. Their method of passing the trials was also unique and spectacular, leaving one in awe. For such exceptional talents... Big Brother, why don't you trouble yourself and take them in?"

"Indeed, indeed. You currently have only Dai Bufan as a disciple, and Dai Bufan has already finished his apprenticeship, requiring no further guidance. Taking in two geniuses at this time, when they achieve success in the future, wouldn't it be another beautiful tale?"

"Get lost, get lost, always evading the heavy to touch the light. With their way of passing the trials, once I take the two of them in, I can forget about having peaceful days. Right now, I only wish to retire in peace and become a Supreme Elder. Do not go looking for trouble for me!"

"Second Elder, will you take them?"

"Do you believe I will take you down first?"

The eight elders were exceedingly yielding; facing two single spirit root geniuses, they did not possess the slightest hint of attraction.

Damn it, whoever took these two in could forget about a peaceful life for the rest of their days.

"Eh, look, that girl Yun Zhi is offering suggestions to these two. One to be under the Sect Master, and one under Old Third?!"

Everyone focused their gaze upon the Third Elder. The Third Elder sighed resignedly; Yun Zhi’s suggestion was not wrong, as he was indeed the most suited to nurture a Pure Yang Spirit Root.

Among the eight figures, the Third Elder possessed the most stalwart build, a frame of solid muscle, and a vital energy and blood so robust it resembled a torch in the darkness—a typical body cultivator.

It was said that in his youth, his vital energy and blood were robust to an uncontrollable degree, and he would frequently run into the spiritual fields to push the ox demons aside, pulling the plow to till the earth himself.

"Speaking of which, has the Sect Master not emerged from seclusion for nine years?"

"It seems to be so."

Everyone remembered they still had the position of Sect Master; whether he was present or not seemed to make little difference.

"Then how will the Sword Spirit Root take a master?"

Just as everyone was speaking, they saw a graceful figure flying over upon a cloud. As the mist dissolved, the figure of the Eldest Senior Sister was revealed.

"Yun Zhi pays respects to all Senior Uncles."

Everyone hurriedly rose to return the greeting. Now that the Sect Master was in seclusion, Yun Zhi exercised the authority of the Acting Sect Master, governing the entire sect, placing her status above the eight elders.

"Yun Zhi knows that all Senior Uncles have preferred disciples, but taking a master carries immense karma after all and cannot be forced. I ask that you do not interfere excessively when they choose their masters."

The elders naturally understood this point, chuckling: "Naturally, naturally. However, regarding the Sword Spirit Root entering the Sect Master's gate, is it the Sect Master's intention, or yours...?"

Mentioning the Sect Master, Yun Zhi’s brow furrowed slightly with a hint of displeasure, as she responded coldly: "Is there a difference?"

The eight elders fell silent. Indeed, there was no difference.

What a joke. With a decision made by you, how would the Sect Master dare object?