Upon hearing this, Hao Miaoling's face flashed with embarrassment. She then glanced at Venerable Han Xiao, lowered her eyes, performed a salute, and withdrew from the Immortal Cave.
Venerable Han Xiao spoke instead:
"Han Lian, you do not like this female disciple?"
Han Lian paused with her teacup in hand, then asked with a smile:
"Why should this disciple like her? Master, are you planning to give this disciple another junior sister?"
Han Xiao waved her hand.
"No. I had not expected the Grand Competition of the Five Regions to allow you to advance to the Spirit Transformation Realm. This far exceeds the normal pace of advancement, so for the next fifty years, you had best focus on consolidating your cultivation.
"Hao Miaoling, meanwhile, is a promising single Ice Spiritual Root seedling I selected. I had intended for you to take her as a disciple and keep her by your side to teach."
Han Lian froze for a moment, then waved her hand.
"Master, you said it yourself: my advancement was too rapid. I will need at least fifty years to consolidate my cultivation. How could I have the time to teach a disciple? Besides, that child was clearly closer to Master. This disciple does not think she would necessarily be willing to enter my branch."
This was a tactful refusal. Having witnessed the might of the Evil Cultivators, all she worried about now was that her cultivation was too low to withstand any retaliating Evil Cultivators. How could she have the mind to take on a disciple?
Han Xiao was taken aback upon hearing this. She also sensed that Han Lian's attitude had become more resolute than before. It was not convenient for her to force the matter, so she changed the subject.
"Han Lian, you sent her away.