Song Daren's Dilemma

Great Bamboo Peak.

Shou Jing Hall.

"Mistress."

"The other child is named Zhang Xiaofan."

A barely perceptible smile flashed across Ye Xuan's eyes.

The protagonist, huh.

Even though he looks unremarkable now, like a block of wood.

But the destiny surrounding this kid is practically on par with the Heavenly Dao's favorite son.

Even without Puzhi's teachings or the Blood Devouring Pearl, this kid is still a promising prospect.

Most importantly, Great Bamboo Peak needs someone who's good at cooking.

"This Zhang Xiaofan... his aptitude is quite ordinary."

Ye Xuan spoke the truth.

"Ordinary?"

"My Great Bamboo Peak doesn't accept... cough, doesn't accept mediocre talents."

"Since his aptitude is ordinary, then let him be a mortal and live a peaceful life."

Tian Buyi instantly lost interest.

His Great Bamboo Peak already had enough mediocre talents.

He didn't want to take in another ordinary disciple.

"Master."

"In the path of cultivation, aptitude is certainly important, but one's character is even more crucial."

"I've observed this Zhang Xiaofan, and his character is as steadfast as a rock. Though he appears dull, he is actually wise enough to seem foolish."

"Furthermore..."

"I've studied physiognomy, and I can see that this child's destiny is immense; he is a fortunate general."

"If we take him in as a disciple, even if he can't achieve greatness, he can still stabilize the destiny of Great Bamboo Peak and ensure the prosperity of our lineage."

Ye Xuan lowered his voice, as if revealing a world-shattering secret.

Tian Buyi's mouth twitched.

Physiognomy?

You're practicing the Tai Chi Xuan Qing Dao, when did you switch careers to become a fortune teller?

If anyone else had said this, Tian Buyi would have slapped them away.

But these words came from Ye Xuan...

Shangqing Realm at twelve years old.

This kid is a miracle in himself.

His words carry significant weight.

"Fine then."

"Since you've said so much, let's take him in."

"It's all the same whether we herd one sheep or two."

"As for that Lin Jingyu, if he's truly as good as you say, I'll personally teach him."

"As for Zhang Xiaofan..."

"If he really can't grasp the Dao, then let him help out in the kitchen. I see the sixth disciple is quite tired from cooking all day."

A moment later.

Tian Buyi spoke slowly.

Although he didn't believe in talk of destiny, he believed in Ye Xuan.

"Song Daren."

Then.

Tian Buyi roared.

His voice was full of vigor, making the roof tiles seem to jump.

Not long after.

A tall and sturdy figure rushed in.

"Master, you called for me?"

Song Daren scratched his head with a simple and honest expression.

"Go to Caomiao Village."

Tian Buyi cleared his throat, putting on his Master's air.

"Caomiao Village?"

Song Daren was taken aback.

That was a small village at the foot of Qingyun Mountain.

Normally, besides buying some vegetables and fruits, they had little interaction.

"Go and bring the children from two families up the mountain for me."

"One is named Lin Jingyu, and the other is Zhang Xiaofan."

Speaking of this.

Tian Buyi paused, seemingly weighing his words.

If he were to take in disciples as usual, they would either be orphans found by chance or selected through a unified recruitment process.

This was the first time he had ever specifically named individuals and gone to a mortal village to "snatch" them.

"Remember."

"Be polite."

Tian Buyi emphasized.

"Take some gold and silver, and then go to the storeroom to get two bottles of body-strengthening pills."

"Speak to their parents properly."

"Tell them that these two children have extraordinary potential and are fated to join my Qingyun Sect. I wish to take them as disciples and teach them the methods of eternal life."

"If their parents are unwilling..."

Tian Buyi narrowed his eyes, revealing a hint of danger.

Song Daren's heart skipped a beat.

Did Master want him to use force?

"If they are truly unwilling, then you will pester them!"

"Stay at their doorstep and refuse to leave until they agree!"

Tian Buyi huffed and puffed, his beard bristling.

That Lin Jingyu was a once-in-a-million prodigy.

If you missed this chance, you wouldn't get another.

If Cang Song, that old fellow from Dragon Head Peak, found out, he would surely pounce like a mad dog to snatch them.

Strike first and win, strike last and lose.

Tian Buyi understood this principle better than anyone.

"Ah?"

Song Daren's mouth fell open, his face blank with shock.

A dignified cultivator resorting to pestering at a mortal's doorstep?

This was too...

"What 'ah'!"

"Hurry up and go!"

"If you can't bring them back, don't bother coming back either. Just stay and farm in Caomiao Village!"

Seeing Song Daren's astonished expression.

Tian Buyi kicked Song Daren in the backside.

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"This disciple will go now!"

Song Daren rubbed his backside and scrambled out of the room.

Although he didn't know why Master was suddenly so concerned about two village children.

But a Master's command was not to be defied.

And judging by Master's urgent demeanor.

Those two children were probably truly extraordinary treasures.

"Buyi, you're too impatient."

"Since Seventh Brother has taken an interest in them, they won't slip away."

Watching Song Daren's disheveled retreat.

Su Ru couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

"What do you know?"

"That old Daoist Cang Song has a nose sharper than a dog's."

"If he knew there was a gem of a talent under the mountain, he'd fly down on his sword to snatch them up."

"Never mind."

"I need to go to Heaven-Piercing Peak first."

"I have to discuss Puzhi's matter with the Sect Leader Senior Brother."

Tian Buyi snorted.

After speaking.

He walked to the door with his hands behind his back, flicking his sleeve.

The Crimson Flame Sword was unsheathed.

Tian Buyi flew onto the Crimson Flame Sword and headed straight for Heaven-Piercing Peak.

As Tian Buyi left.

Shou Jing Hall instantly became quiet.

Only Su Ru and Ye Xuan remained.

Su Ru turned around, her gaze falling on Ye Xuan.

Her originally gentle eyes now held a hint of scrutiny and affection.

She slowly walked in front of Ye Xuan, extending her slender fingers to gently pinch his shoulders and arms.

"You've lost weight."

"You must have suffered a lot while you were out for the past year, right?"

Su Ru sighed, her voice full of heartache.

Although the current Ye Xuan was already a master of the Shangqing Realm.

In Su Ru's eyes, Ye Xuan was still the child Song Daren had brought back.

"Mistress, I'm not a mortal."

"At my realm, I'm impervious to cold and heat; how could I feel suffering?"

Hearing Su Ru's words.

Ye Xuan smiled and shook his head, conveniently helping Su Ru to sit down.

Of course, he couldn't say that he had lived an incredibly comfortable life outside for the past year.

Relying on the skills rewarded by the System.

He had become a master of Alchemy, a master of Artifact Refining, and a master of formations.

With these abilities.

He only needed to stay at home, and people would bring treasures to his door.

Was this considered training?

This was simply lying down and reaping benefits.

But he couldn't say these things.

If he did.

Where would his Mistress's overflowing maternal love be placed?

"You stubborn child."

"Tell me, Mistress, what did you encounter on your journey?"

"Did you encounter any danger?"

"If anyone bullied you, just say the word."

"Although I haven't made a move in a long time, my strength hasn't regressed."

"..."

Su Ru gave Ye Xuan a look.

But her tone was full of concern.

Protecting one's own was a fine tradition of Great Bamboo Peak.

From Tian Buyi to Su Ru, and then to the disciples below, it was passed down through generations.