Daoist Taishi smiled faintly and continued, "Poor Daoist has a younger sister named Houtu. She is a supreme existence within the Primordial Wilderness.
"The path she walks is exceedingly compatible with yours.
"If you are willing, Poor Daoist may accept you as her disciple on her behalf. Once we reach the Primordial Wilderness, you may decide whether to formally take her as your master."
"Houtu..." Little Nannan softly murmured the name, a trace of curiosity flashing through her eyes.
The five prodigies fell silent for a long while, exchanging glances.
In the end, Shi Ritian drew a deep breath and bowed deeply to Daoist Taishi.
"Senior—no, Master, this disciple Shi Ritian is willing to enter Master's sect!"
Daoist Taishi nodded with a smile, but raised a hand to tell him not to be hasty.
"Poor Daoist is an incarnation formed from the fusion of the Sanqing.
"The Sanqing are Taiqing, Yuqing, and Shangqing, each with their own Daoist Tradition.
"By entering Poor Daoist's sect, you are in truth entering the lineage of Taiqing among the Sanqing."
Taishi looked at Shi Ritian and pondered for a moment.
"You follow the path of solitary supremacy through eternity, of transforming into freedom and transforming through eternity. Your temperament is steady, and you excel at strategizing from afar.
"You are suited to the path of 'the Dao follows nature' in Taiqing's lineage.
"We Sanqing came to the Perfect Universe World because we sensed a bond of master and disciple with the three of you."
Without hesitation, Shi Ritian said, "This disciple is willing to enter Master Taiqing's sect!"
Daoist Taishi nodded, then looked toward the Martial Ancestor.
The Martial Ancestor respectfully said, "This disciple was already Master's disciple. Whichever lineage Master enters, this disciple shall enter as well."
"You shall enter Taiqing's sect alongside