Elder Jin’s words to Ling Xiao were clear: the Sect Leader wouldn’t even consider core disciples, so who was Ling Xiao, a mere outer disciple with only a rare-grade treasure body, nothing but a nobody, to make such a request?
“Whether I’m qualified isn’t for Elder Jin to decide. If the Sect Leader refuses, I won’t pester her. Though I’m just an outer disciple, a mere ant, even ants have dignity, unlike some who’ve discarded their shame!” Ling Xiao was no longer fazed by Elder Jin’s oppressive aura. The first time, he might have trembled or been injured, but this was the third time Elder Jin had tried this tactic. Ling Xiao’s Mountain and River Martial Soul had adapted, instantly converting the aura into nourishment, strengthening his soul.
“You!” Elder Jin was so furious he nearly spat blood. He hadn’t expected Ling Xiao to dare retort in front of everyone. Even stranger, his terrifying aura failed to intimidate Ling Xiao, which was the real issue.
“Enough, Law Enforcement Hall Head! Since when do you meddle in my affairs? Are you tired of your position and fancy being my steward instead?” Chang Yueying’s voice was cold. She was utterly disappointed in Elder Jin, though his influence in the Yuehua Sect made him difficult to remove easily. Elder Jin had truly shot himself in the foot, perhaps too blinded by his hatred for Ling Xiao to think clearly.
Ling Xiao awaited Sect Leader Chang Yueying’s response. He was merely testing the waters, if she agreed, all the better, if not, he could make another request, perhaps apprenticing under another inner sect elder to study martial arts. This attempt was a calculated risk with no downside.
However, after stopping Elder Jin’s pressure on Ling Xiao, Chang Yueying fell silent, her face showing a trace of sorrow, as if lost in thought. “Hahaha, Ling Xiao, why not take me as your master? I’ll teach you all my skills! The Sect Leader doesn’t dislike you, she has her own reasons for not taking disciples!” Jinguang Tianzun’s hearty laugh broke the tense atmosphere like a warm spring breeze.
Taking Jinguang Tianzun as a master wasn’t a bad option, Ling Xiao liked his personality. But Jinguang Tianzun couldn’t suppress Elder Jin, which Ling Xiao could see, so he hesitated. “Jinguang, don’t make things hard for the boy. If the Sect Leader can’t take him, I will,” Guanghan Tianzun said with a smile.
“If possible, I’d also take him as my disciple,” the Life-Death Tower Master suddenly spoke.
“Don’t fight me for him. I noticed this boy’s potential when he chose martial arts in the inner sect’s Yuehua Tower. His future won’t be less than those with divine-grade treasure bodies. Let me have him,” the Yuehua Tower Master chimed in.
“You inner sect old-timers want to steal a disciple from my hall? He’s an outer disciple, and I’m the Outer Sect Hall Master. Wouldn’t it be perfect for me to take him?” Wugou Tianzun grew anxious, unwilling to let others snatch the disciple he’d been nurturing.
Suddenly, five Heavenly Human Realm experts wanted Ling Xiao as their disciple, shocking those unfamiliar with him. “No need to fight, Ling Xiao can train under our Law Enforcement Hall’s five Supreme Elders!” Elder Jin’s eyes flashed with a strange glint as he declared loudly. He might fear Sect Leader Chang Yueying, but not the others, so no one could outbid him for a disciple.
“Thank you for the kind offer, Elder Jin, but I’ve no intention of apprenticing under someone I don’t like!” Ling Xiao knew this statement would make him and Elder Jin irreconcilable enemies. But he had no intention of reconciling. The one who should be afraid was Elder Jin, not him! Though his cultivation was currently inferior, with the Mountain and River Martial Soul and the Ancient Golden Dragon’s inheritance, his potential far surpassed Elder Jin’s by countless times. Apprenticing under him would teach Ling Xiao nothing and likely ruin him. Anyone with sense could see that.
“Well said!” A ethereal, melodious female voice suddenly echoed through the hall. Ling Xiao trembled with excitement, he recognized it as the voice of the blue-clad woman he’d met in the Fulong Mountains, her words still vivid in his memory.
“Hehe, Chang Yueying, if you won’t take him, how about giving him to me?” The voice continued, though no one appeared. “Your Highness Moon Maiden!” Chang Yueying stood abruptly, kneeling in reverence. The other sect elders followed suit. Ling Xiao was dumbfounded, who was this “Moon Maiden” that even the Sect Leader knelt to? It was too outrageous!
“Rise, Chang Yueying. I know you swore never to take another disciple after your husband’s death, vowing to focus on raising your son. I understand, so how about giving him to me?” the voice said again.
“If Your Highness Moon Maiden is willing to take him, it’s his fortune of ten thousand years. But are you truly set on this? Didn’t you say you’d only take someone with peerless talent to nurture as the Yuehua Sect’s future hope?” Chang Yueying asked, puzzled.
Though Ling Xiao’s talent was impressive, it wasn’t peerless. The Moon Maiden, awakened for over ten thousand years, had seen countless geniuses but never chosen one. What made Ling Xiao special? Chang Yueying was both confused and astonished, as was Ling Xiao himself. He’d only met the Moon Maiden once, and while his recent performance was outstanding, without the Mountain and River Martial Soul and Ancient Golden Dragon, he wasn’t peerless. Why would she choose him?
After the initial excitement, Ling Xiao calmed down, weighing whether to accept her as his master. Clearly, her status in the Yuehua Sect surpassed even Chang Yueying’s. Becoming her disciple would not only fulfill his original plan but likely bring greater benefits. But was there truly no catch to such a heaven-sent opportunity?
