No matter how many times she watched it, Chen Shuangbai still felt that... every time Exalted Cultivator Huo appeared, his entourage was incredibly ethereal and otherworldly.
Although it looks really pretentious, it certainly has enough of a showy presence.
Just like the many descriptions of immortals in folk tales.
As Exalted Cultivator Huo swept his whisk down, the entire palace was enveloped in a golden and water-colored magical light, preventing those outside from entering and those inside from leaving.
Exalted Cultivator Huo, "The traitors who activated the demonic beasts of the Heart-Eroding Stronghold intended to wipe out the geniuses of my sect, but seeing that you are all safe and sound, I am very relieved."
Just as Cao Xiuyan said.
The Heart-Eroding Stronghold used its spies planted within the Jade Spring Sect in an attempt to eliminate them, but none of them succeeded. Instead, they suffered a great misfortune, implicating many others.
Chen Shuangbai guessed with his toes that Abyss Suppression Hall must have already taken some action.
Exalted Cultivator Huo continued, "Your ability to discern people's hearts is excellent; it means you'll have a higher chance of survival on the brutal battlefield ahead!"
As Exalted Cultivator Huo finished speaking, he was already observing the reactions of the others.
When the topic of war came up, the expressions on their faces changed slightly.
Only Wei Zheng!
A hint of eagerness appeared on his face; it was clear he was a warmonger.
That's understandable.
The practice of physical cultivation often involves many inhuman torments.
Being able to clash with one's peers is indeed an excellent form of training for physical cultivators.
Exalted Cultivator Huo looked again.
Fu Qianlan frowned slightly, but her expression remained unchanged.
Lin Jingtao and Ji Ruohua each had their own thoughts, which were reflected on their faces—some were nervous, some were deep in thought—but none showed any fear.
This pleased Exalted Cultivator Huo somewhat.
War is indeed terrible, but it is also part of spiritual practice.
If you're too timid and hesitant, how will you ever break through the Foundation Establishment stage?!
He looked at the last person, the champion of this Martial Edge Trial, someone who greatly pleased the Foundation Establishment cultivators— Chen Shuangbai!
Then I saw it.
Chen Shuangbai, her eyes clear and her posture upright, like a pine tree standing proudly in the wind and snow.
His expression was calm, without a trace of fear or worry in his eyes; there was only a sense of "let him be strong, I'll remain calm like a gentle breeze on the mountain."
Exalted Cultivator Huo secretly praised him.
Being neither arrogant nor impatient, neither fearful nor overconfident, this kind of mindset is truly rare.
Suddenly intrigued, he asked, " Chen Shuangbai, you don't seem to have much emotional reaction to the upcoming battle?"
"Was this something we expected... or did we have other plans?"
All eyes immediately focused on Chen Shuangbai.
Chen Shuangbai pondered for a few moments, then stepped forward, performed the disciple's salute, and said in a clear voice, "Reporting to you, Master, this disciple has no expectations for war, but also no fear."
" The Heart-Eroding Demon Beast, with its relentless desire to destroy me, stirs up trouble and slaughters mortals; as the saying goes, those who commit many evil deeds will surely perish."
"As a disciple of Jade Spring, it is my duty to defend the sect and slay demons and monsters; it is also what my Daoist heart desires."
Exalted Cultivator Huo's admiration deepened.
He had expected Chen Shuangbai to say something grand and eloquent, but her straightforwardness and sincerity truly showed her to be a talented individual.
Wei Zheng grinned and gave Chen Shuangbai a thumbs-up, clearly agreeing with her.
The others also seemed to be deep in thought.
Next, the main event.
According to the previously established rules, the first place winner can directly choose to become a disciple of any one of the three True Person in the sect, the second place winner can freely become a disciple of any of the twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the third place winner has the qualification to be given priority in being chosen as a disciple by the twelve Foundation Establishment.
This made Lin Jingtao and Ji Ruohua look at Chen Shuangbai and the other two with envy.
First, it was Fu Qianlan.
Exalted Cultivator Huo looked at this remarkable female cultivator, who was no less capable than any man. She gracefully bowed and said, "I am willing to become your disciple..."
And at that very moment,
As if sensing something, Exalted Cultivator Huo raised his hand and waved it. A female cultivator in Ziyi gracefully flew in from outside the palace. She stepped forward, bowed to Exalted Cultivator Huo, and took out a talisman, saying softly, " Martial Uncle Huo, my master's token is here. He intends to accept Fu Qianlan and Chen Shuangbai, who participated in this Martial Edge Trial, as his disciples."
Exalted Cultivator Huo was somewhat taken aback and asked, "Was it the True Person... who said it himself?"
The Ziyi nodded and then handed the talisman to Exalted Cultivator Huo. The latter held the talisman, feeling the Sword Qi proudly amidst the frost, and his expression changed slightly.
A moment later, he looked at Fu Qianlan and smiled, "You're quite lucky."
The others were utterly shocked.
They recognized the Ziyi cultivator as Fan Mianchun, an inner disciple of True Person Mei, one of the sect's three Golden Core True Person, and a woman with a refined reputation both within and outside the sect.
Chen Shuangbai is one thing, but that's fine too.
After all, he was the leader and had the right to choose his master at will.
But Fu Qianlan...
Oh, this person has also cultivated Sword Qi and even mastered the special techniques of Sword Qi, such as Sword Light Differentiation. It seems that his talent in swordsmanship is in no way inferior to Chen Shuangbai's.
Thinking about it this way, everyone probably understood why True Person Mei had included her as well.
only...
Under everyone's gaze, Fu Qianlan did not immediately kowtow to express her gratitude. Instead, she seemed somewhat conflicted, standing there for a long time without responding.
Fan Mianchun was also somewhat taken aback.
She didn't understand what Fu Qianlan was hesitating about.
This is a disciple personally accepted by Golden Core True Person!
What a great honor!
If it were any of the others, they would probably have agreed on the spot, then knelt and bowed three times and nine times, declaring that they would definitely serve their master from now on.
But Fu Qianlan hesitated.
Fu Qianlan mustered her courage and bowed to Exalted Cultivator Huo and Fan Mianchun as a disciple, then frankly asked, "Could you... allow me some time alone to think this over?"
Exalted Cultivator Huo looked at Fan Mianchun when he heard this request.
"Nephew Fan, what do you think?"
Although Fan Mianchun was somewhat puzzled, he still asked Fu Qianlan to go to a side hall to calm down.
In her opinion, Fu Qianlan would think it through.
Next up is Chen Shuangbai.
Fan Mianchun looked at Chen Shuangbai and saw that this future junior brother was indeed handsome, and what was even more rare was his calm demeanor and excellent swordsmanship talent.
" Junior Brother Chen," Fan Mianchun spoke, her voice still gentle, "Your swordsmanship talent surpasses even that of Junior Sister Fu. Would you be willing to become my master's disciple?"
The hall fell silent once more.
All eyes were on Chen Shuangbai, awaiting his answer.
Exalted Cultivator Huo was also looking at him.
In his view, Chen Shuangbai shouldn't have had any chance to refuse.
After all, given Chen Shuangbai's demonstrated talent in swordsmanship, only by becoming a disciple of True Person Mei can he receive the most beneficial training.
In the silence, an invisible pressure fell upon Chen Shuangbai.
Chen Shuangbai bowed deeply, her gaze calm and sincere, and looked at Fan Mianchun, cupping her hands in greeting, "Senior Sister Fan, I am deeply grateful for True Person Mei's kindness. As you said, Master Shuangbai 'True Person is unparalleled. If I could receive guidance True Person Master Mei, it would be an unparalleled fortuitous opportunity, something that any aspiring swordsman would dream of."
"But..."
The single word "but" caused everyone's expression to change.
Chen Shuangbai slowly said, "Before participating in this Martial Edge Trial, I had already made a promise to become a disciple of Exalted Cultivator Yi, one of the twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators in our sect."
I'm ashamed to have failed True Person kindness.
[PS: Third update! Please give a 5-star review to boost the rating! Please!]