Everyone followed the direction of his finger and saw an old man who looked as though he might fall over just by walking.
"No way! There isn't a trace of spiritual energy in him, and he looks like he's got one foot in the grave! Why would the Saint Son want to take him in?"
"Maybe the Saint Son has a peculiar taste... Geniuses are bound to have an odd habit or two. Perfectly normal, perfectly normal..."
Whispers rose on every side. Every gaze fell on Startled Shichen, some curious, some confused, but most full of contempt.
The Spirit Sect Leader looked at Startled Shichen, hesitation creeping onto his face.
What was the point of bringing a decrepit old man with no spiritual energy into the sect? To give him a place to retire?
But when he saw that the Demon God of Deception was determined to take the man in, he knew there was no room for discussion. He drew a deep breath and gritted his teeth.
"Fine! This sect can afford to feed one idler. If the Saint Son wants him, we'll take him!"
He turned to Startled Shichen and asked,
"What is your name?"
Startled Shichen answered calmly,
"Sect Leader, my name is Shichen."
"Shichen..." The sect leader repeated the name without giving it much thought, then waved a hand.
"Since you've come to the disciple recruitment ceremony, step forward and take the test. If you have a spiritual root, the sect can choose a cultivation technique suited to you. Once you set foot on the path of cultivation, you might gain a few more years of life."
Startled Shichen remained perfectly calm beneath the crowd's varied gazes.
He smiled, nodded, and slowly walked forward.
Every eye in the Plaza fixed on him. Some waited to laugh