Faced with the oppressive questioning of the Time Master's Past Incarnation, Lin Yi felt his chest tighten, his breathing abruptly catching.
He knew clearly that, as he had said before, choosing a disciple was a two-way choice.
If his answer failed to satisfy the Time Master now, this seemingly heaven-sent opportunity to become a disciple would likely be voided on the spot.
Lin Yi steadied himself, bowed with cupped hands, and replied sincerely yet neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Time Master, this junior's journey has had its occasional hardships and setbacks, but it has generally been smooth. I have never experienced true despair. As for the word 'ambition,' this junior would not dare speak of it rashly. I have only always held one thought in my heart—to climb a higher peak, look down upon all the mountains, and see a different view."
"What a fine 'look down upon all the mountains and see a different view'!"
A trace of interest flashed through the Past Incarnation Time Master's eyes as he pressed on, "What if that mountaintop is already the end, with no road beyond it?"
Lin Yi raised his eyes, his gaze resolute. Though his voice was not loud, every word was clear. "If there is no road, then I will carve one out with my own hands! So long as my heart wishes to walk on and my feet dare to take that step, the road will naturally lie beneath them!"
"Not bad. Such a temperament does meet my standards for taking a disciple."
Upon hearing the Time Master's words, Lin Yi only relaxed slightly, but the Great Elder beside him visibly let out a breath.
Over the years, Lin Yi was not the only Academy Disciple to have summoned forth the Time Master's Future Incarnation. Yet among those who