“…” Lin Xiao stood there utterly stunned.
Although her words were somewhat vague, their meaning was blatantly obvious.
He could not help coughing awkwardly twice before replying, “I’m tired from the journey and need to rest and adjust. I won’t trouble Miss Bi Yao any further.”
“In that case, Little Brother Xiao, if you need anything at all, just call for me anytime. I’ll be staying in that guest peak right there.” Bi Yao pointed shyly at another nearby mountain, her voice dripping with bashfulness. “I won’t disturb your rest any longer.”
With that, she floated away as though carried by a gentle breeze, drifting gracefully towards the other peak.
Lin Xiao remained dazed for a moment. He observed her carefully and noticed that there was indeed something strange about the way Bi Yao flew, yet he still could not pinpoint what it was.
As for her staying on the neighbouring peak, that left him rather speechless.
This whole area was clearly meant for guests. With a single glance, he could see the plaques hanging on the other buildings.
It was obviously not her usual residence. She had only moved there because he was staying here.
Still, Lin Xiao did not dwell on it.
He took the plaque, opened the door, and stepped inside.
The guest quarters surprised him a little. The rooms were filled with all kinds of fresh food, as though freshly prepared.
Had this place been readied in advance for another guest and then simply reassigned to him?
Without overthinking it, Lin Xiao closed the door, flew up to the top floor, sat cross-legged on the ground, and began regulating his breathing and cultivating.
…
About half an hour later, Bi Zhuang’s voice suddenly called from outside. Lin Xiao quickly rose, hurried downstairs, opened the door, and stepped out.
Yet the moment his foot crossed the threshold, he froze in shock.
Standing in front of the building, besides the short and skinny Bi Zhuang, was a neat row of elderly men.
Every one of them had white hair and faces full of deep wrinkles; they were clearly one or two hundred years old.
Their auras were completely restrained, so Lin Xiao could not sense their cultivation, but each carried an unmistakable air of authority that brooked no disrespect.
It was the natural dignity that came from immense power and long years holding high position.
“You are Lin Xiao?” The moment he appeared, one of the elders asked. His gaze swept up and down Lin Xiao. Unable to detect any aura from him, a look of extreme astonishment appeared on the old man’s face.
“This junior is indeed Lin Xiao,” Lin Xiao confirmed, glancing speechlessly at Bi Zhuang.
What on earth had this fellow told them to draw all these elders here?
“Even I cannot probe your cultivation. You really do have some skill,” the white-haired elder remarked.
“This junior merely carries a treasure that prevents others from sensing my aura,” Lin Xiao explained.
“Being able to obtain such a treasure already proves your ability.”
Another elder, the most robust-looking despite his age, stepped forward. “Enough talk. Lin Xiao, we have all taken notice of your talent. We are the peak masters of the Azure Dragon Sect’s nine branches. Which branch do you wish to join?”
Lin Xiao was instantly dumbfounded.
These nine people were the peak masters of the nine branches, meaning they were the strongest experts in the sect aside from the sect leader himself?
All nine of them had noticed him and wanted him in their own branch?
But he had clearly told Bi Zhuang he had no intention of joining the Azure Dragon Sect. Yet the man had acted as though he were definitely here to join, putting Lin Xiao in an awkward position.
If he rejected them outright, he had no idea whether some of them might lose their temper…
“Lin Xiao, all nine branch peak masters are ninth-level Martial Emperors. The peak masters of the first five branches are all half-step Martial Saints. I told them about what happened and about your talent, but before I could explain that you don’t plan to join the sect, these old fellows couldn’t wait and rushed over.”
Bi Zhuang sent him a sound transmission, a trace of excitement visible on his face.
Lin Xiao was speechless. Was Bi Zhuang deliberately messing with him, or trying to annoy these “old fellows”?
He could not afford to offend them.
Five half-step Martial Saints alone made for terrifying strength.
The Azure Dragon Sect truly deserved its place among the top three powers in Yang Province.
“Lin Xiao, our First Branch is the main branch of the Azure Dragon Sect. We have the most resources, and the very best geniuses all belong to the First Branch. Joining us would be enormously beneficial for your growth.”
The oldest-looking elder standing in the centre spoke. “It has been a long time since this old man last took a personal disciple. This time, I will make an exception and accept you as my direct disciple.”
Before Lin Xiao could respond, the elder at the very end stepped forward and immediately began cursing. “Old fogey, who says the strongest geniuses are in your branch? Long Tutian is in our Ninth Branch! In terms of talent and strength, who surpasses Long Tutian? When it comes to comprehending the sect’s core technique, the Nine Dragons Canon, not even the sect leader can match him! Moreover, Long Tutian has said he will only give pointers to disciples of our Ninth Branch. Lin Xiao, join the Ninth Branch, and you can cultivate the sect’s strongest martial art to its highest level.”
“Also, Bi Zhuang is in the Ninth Branch. At the very least, you’ll have someone to look out for you.”
The oldest elder’s face darkened.
Before he could speak, the white-bearded elder beside him jumped in. “The Nine Dragons Canon may be the strongest, but it is also the hardest to master. It may not suit everyone. Even the sect leader has not reached an extremely high level in it. The other core technique of the Azure Dragon Sect, the Solitary Dragon Art, is nearly as powerful. Among the nine branches, the Second Branch has cultivated the Solitary Dragon Art to the deepest level. Come to our Second Branch, and this old man will likewise take you as a personal disciple and personally teach you the Solitary Dragon Art.”
As soon as he finished, another elder on the opposite end could not hold back. “Our Eighth Branch has the number one genius beauty of the Azure Dragon Sect, Luo Qianqiu, an eighth-level Martial Emperor. Join the Eighth Branch, and she will often guide you and lead you on training expeditions.”
The moment he spoke, the other elders all began talking at once, offering all kinds of pills, treasures, and even genius female disciples. Soon they were actually quarrelling amongst themselves.
Lin Xiao was left completely speechless.
Were these really the supreme experts of a super sect in Yang Province?
Nine peak masters, throwing away all dignity to recruit him?
Meanwhile, Bi Zhuang stood off to the side, clearly trying hard not to laugh.
Lin Xiao no longer knew what to say.
Finally, the eldest peak master in the centre spoke again. “Quiet, all of you! Peak masters of the grand Azure Dragon Sect’s nine branches, acting so crudely. What a disgrace!”
He turned to Lin Xiao. “Lin Xiao, no matter which branch you choose, you will be a disciple of our Azure Dragon Sect. Any of us peak masters can guide you. So, which branch do you wish to join?”
Lin Xiao’s expression grew awkward. Under the direct gaze of all nine, he hesitated, then finally steeled himself and said, “Many thanks for the kindness shown by all the peak masters. The truth is, this junior already has a sect and a master. I have no intention of joining another sect. I hope the various peak masters will forgive me.”
“…” The scene fell deathly silent. The nine elders looked ashen.
Bi Zhuang, standing nearby, was struggling so hard not to laugh that his face was practically contorted.
