The Apprenticeship Ceremony

The morning mist over Weifei Land had yet to be swept away by the sea breeze when footsteps went thudding through Whatever Temple.

At dawn, the group from Yunkui Mountain had gathered in the courtyard before the main hall. Yixuan stood in the center, her expression solemn, nothing like her usual easygoing self.

Ye Shiyuan and Pan Yinhu stood on either side of her. Even Wise stood quietly behind them.

Pulchra had dragged Belle over in a rush. Belle's eyes were barely open, her shoelaces trailed on the ground, and she muttered, "Senior Sister Fufu, what's going on so early?"

Before she could say more, Belle spotted everyone in the courtyard. "What are you all discussing at this hour?"

Pan Yinhu explained, "Junior Sister Belle, Master needs to return to Yunkui Mountain. After that, we're going into the city for a meeting to explain things to the Municipal Government."

Yixuan smiled at Belle. "So, Belle, you and Wise will need to look after Whatever Temple for a while. But before that, there's one more thing!"

"Oh? What is it?"

Belle was about to ask when Pulchra gave her a push from behind and handed her a bowl of tea. "Junior Sister Belle," she whispered, "it's time for your formal apprenticeship ceremony!"

"Huh?"

"No need to be surprised. Everyone has seen how determined you and your brother have been these past few months."

Yixuan explained, "Leaving you here as disciples in name only wouldn't be right. So, are you willing to formally become my disciple and a full-fledged disciple of Yunkui Mountain?"

"Yes! Of course I am!"

Belle froze for a moment, then accepted the tea and offered it to Yixuan with both hands. "Master, please have some tea!"

"Mm!"

Yixuan took the bowl, sipped her tea at her leisure, and