Incense smoke drifted through the grand hall.
The Sect Master sat upright in the central seat, imposing even without anger. The four Peak Masters sat on either side, their auras heavy and solemn.
As Qi Chong and Han Wuyan recounted in detail how Fang Chen had triggered the Blood Prison phenomenon and obtained the Body Refinement inheritance, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned subtle.
The expressions on several faces varied.
Spear Peak's Peak Master, Lu Weichuan, had already slightly furrowed his brows. His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.
Fist Peak's Peak Master, Cao Zhen, was broad-shouldered and possessed a thick, powerful aura. He, too, had knitted his brows, evidently pondering something.
The Sect Master seated at the head of the hall, however, curled his lips slightly, revealing an intrigued smile.
His gaze swept across everyone below as he spoke in a clear voice: "With such aptitude, even I am somewhat tempted to make an exception and take him as a disciple."
"Hmm?!"
At these words, Qi Chong and Han Wuyan below suddenly froze.
They almost raised their heads at the same time, their faces filled with astonishment and disbelief.
This wasn't right!
We came to take in a disciple, not to send one away!
Besides... this completely violated the rules!
According to tradition, the Sect Master did not accept disciples during the disciple selection process!
Usually, after observing and testing the many true disciples for years, he would eventually choose one to establish as the future Sect Master!
He would cultivate that person as the Sect Master of the future!
If the Sect Master accepted a disciple now, wouldn't that mean he intended to establish Fang Chen as the future Sect Master?
Just as Qi Chong and Han Wuyan's thoughts raced,
"Bang!"
A soft sound rang out as