After Daoist Xian Ding dispersed Jin Zhixing's avatar, he walked out of the hall. He glanced at the two terrified disciples still standing at the entrance and asked, "Are you Jin Zhixing's disciples?"
"Yes."
The two disciples were trembling with fear. As members of Nether City, rebellion was practically commonplace, and they had seen plenty of it. From the commotion inside just now, they immediately knew that their master had likely fled.
Their hearts were full of resentment, but they mainly resented their master for not taking them with him, not for betraying Nether City.
Daoist Xian Ding said evenly, "As disciples of a rebel, by rights, you cannot be spared. But I will permit each of you to name one ability. If it proves useful, I may spare your lives. Otherwise, I cannot think of any reason to keep you."
One of the disciples immediately raised his head and said, "Exalted One, Jin Shi found me when I was twelve and took me as his disciple. Jin Shi said that my aptitude was exceptional, far surpassing those of my generation.
"I have cultivated for just over twenty years and have already reached the Fourth Chapter Book. To conceal me, Jin Shi publicly claimed that I was already over sixty years old. Jin Shi said that I possessed immense potential and would very likely break into the upper realm in the future and become a Profound Venerable."
Daoist Xian Ding had not truly examined him before, but now he gave him a look and nodded. "Not bad. You were not speaking falsely."
He said pleasantly, "Though your intellect and natural endowments are not peerless, they are far beyond ordinary people. Among those I have seen, at your age, only a scant few can compare with you."
The disciple was instantly