Yuanshi's gaze lingered briefly on Ling Yan before he glanced at Tongtian.
"Third Brother, I have to say, Junior Brother Beiming has far better judgment in accepting disciples than you do."
"Ling Yan truly is outstanding."
Tongtian refused to yield and glared back. "She is also far superior to the disciples under your sect, Second Brother."
This time, Yuanshi did not retort.
He had no desire to argue over objective facts.
Moreover, when it came to aptitude like Ling Yan's, Yuanshi truly felt an undeniable envy.
Her foundation was that of Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots, at the level of an Innate God. Even among the Guests of Zixiao Palace back then, she would have ranked among the finest.
In comparison, the disciples of the Chan Sect immediately seemed somewhat inferior.
Nanji Xianweng, Yun Zhongzi, and the Twelve Golden Immortals were all Innate Living Beings, but they ultimately could not be mentioned in the same breath as Innate Gods.
If he could take in a disciple like Ling Yan into the Chan Sect—
She would likely become Yuanshi's sole favorite. Even all the Spirit Treasures and opportunities bestowed upon his other disciples combined might not equal what she alone received.
At present, the Chan Sect truly did have one Innate God.
Randeng's foundation was an innate coffin, and he had also once been among the Guests of Zixiao Palace.
Although he had joined the Chan Sect as its Vice Sect Master, Yuanshi could tell that his affinity with the Chan Sect was ultimately limited and would not last long.
Thus, Yuanshi had promised that he could leave whenever he wished. Correspondingly, Yuanshi had never given Randeng much special care.
Aside from allowing him to listen to Sage Preaching and learn Yuqing Immortal Techniques, Yuanshi had not bestowed Spirit Treasures or other