“You people, you’re really missing the forest for the trees!”
Yue Nü’s voice rang out again, “A person’s potential isn’t cold data, nor is it the result of a test, but rather the process of their growth and improvement.”
Pausing for a moment, she continued, “You probably don’t know, but I once met this child, Ling Xiao, by chance. Even back then, I could tell this child had his own destiny. Who would have thought that just a few months later, we’d meet again in the Yuehua Sect? This must be fate.”
“Ling Xiao, are you willing to take me as your master?” Yue Nü asked.
“This disciple is naturally willing, but does Your Highness Yue Nü have other conditions for accepting a disciple?” Ling Xiao inquired.
“Heh, you’re a sharp one, aren’t you?” Yue Nü said with a smile, “Indeed, to become my disciple, you must accomplish one task, or there’s no hope.”
The senior elders present immediately understood. As expected, how could Yue Nü accept a disciple so easily? Without conditions, it would be impossible.
“Please speak, Your Highness Yue Nü, this disciple is listening,” Ling Xiao said, feeling oddly reassured by her words.
“In truth, my condition is simple yet difficult. You only need to achieve first place in the Tower Climbing Ceremony during the Yue Lin Festival to pass,” Yue Nü said lightly.
To the senior elders, however, this seemed like an unreasonable demand for Ling Xiao. After all, he was only at the early stage of the Third Mortal Realm. Perhaps with his formidable combat ability, he could complete the Tower Climbing Ceremony, but to take first place? That was simply impossible, a deliberate challenge.
Yang Danlin and Guanghan Tianzun’s expressions darkened, while Elder Jin and others showed delight. So, Yue Nü was just toying with Ling Xiao.
“Ling Xiao, I’m not forcing you. You have the right to choose: either take first place in the Tower Climbing Ceremony and become my disciple, or choose another inner sect elder as your master,” Yue Nü’s voice echoed again. “I’ll give you three days to consider. Think it over carefully, discuss it with your close friends, and don’t make a hasty decision.”
“No need to consider, Your Highness Yue Nü. This disciple is willing to take you as my master and will definitely take first place in the Yue Lin Festival’s Tower Climbing Ceremony!” Ling Xiao stood, his gaze brimming with unshakable confidence.
From the Ling family to now, his journey had been fraught with hardships, but no matter the difficulty, he had persevered. What others deemed impossible, he pursued with relentless effort. He might fail, but if one lacks the courage to try, they can forget about becoming exceptional and should settle for being an ordinary disciple.
“Arrogant!” “Overestimating himself!” “Ignorant of his limits!” “Reckless and impulsive!” The senior elders had already labelled Ling Xiao in their minds. Even Yang Danlin and Guanghan Tianzun sighed and shook their heads, wondering why the boy was so stubborn.
“Heh, your response doesn’t surprise me at all,” Yue Nü chuckled. “Back in the Fulong Mountains, when I saw you being chased by a peak eighth-level beast, your cultivation was only at the fourth or fifth level of the Martial Vein Realm. Yet you managed to escape death and seize a rare opportunity. You may seem reckless, but you’re meticulous at heart.”
“Your Highness Yue Nü flatters me. If you hadn’t saved me that day, how could I have survived? I still vividly remember your life-saving grace,” Ling Xiao said, bowing with clasped hands.
“A trivial matter, no need to dwell on it. In any case, we are fated. Once you take first place in the Tower Climbing Ceremony, I will appear to meet you, and you can formally become my disciple,” Yue Nü said with a smile. “Oh, and a word of warning to everyone present: I’ve taken a liking to this child. If anyone schemes against him before he becomes my disciple, don’t blame me for being merciless! Carry on, I won’t disturb you further.”
With that, her voice faded completely.
“We respectfully bid farewell to Your Highness Yue Nü!” Chang Yueying and the others finally stood. She looked at Ling Xiao with a sigh, “This sect cannot take you as a disciple, but you have an even greater opportunity. Since that’s the case, go back and train diligently. The Yue Lin Festival is near, and taking first place among the inner sect disciples’ fierce competition will be no easy feat!”
“This disciple understands, but I will strive hard,” Ling Xiao nodded.
“Effort is good,” Chang Yueying smiled. Perhaps Yue Nü’s appearance made her see Ling Xiao in a new light. Maybe this boy truly had something special. Otherwise, with Yue Nü’s discerning standards, why would she take an interest in him?
Ling Xiao, too, was filled with emotion. He had originally planned to take the Yuehua Sect’s leader as his master to counter the pressure from Elder Jin, Moyan Tianzun, and others. Unexpectedly, Yue Nü appeared out of nowhere, clearly of higher status than the sect leader. Becoming her disciple would undoubtedly be more effective. Though unexpected, it aligned perfectly with his plans, even surpassing them.
“What dog luck, finding such a powerful backer!” Elder Jin fumed inwardly, realizing that dealing with Ling Xiao would now be far more difficult. He could still contend with Sect Leader Chang Yueying, but Yue Nü’s exalted status was beyond both of them. If Ling Xiao succeeded in becoming her disciple, it would spell trouble. Even now, with Yue Nü’s warning, he could no longer openly target Ling Xiao without risking her wrath.
At that moment, Ling Xiao felt a surge of satisfaction. Master Baiyun had advised him to quickly become an inner sect disciple to gain the sect’s attention and elevate his status to avoid being bullied. Though not an inner sect disciple, he was now an outer sect disciple who commanded more attention than most inner sect members. Baiyun also suggested finding a backer to counter Moyan Tianzun. Instead, Ling Xiao secured not one but multiple backers—Yang Danlin, Guanghan Tianzun, and Yue Nü—whose collective influence faintly surpassed Moyan Tianzun’s. Even Elder Jin was beginning to fear him.
In the following days, Chang Yueying kept her promise to Ling Xiao. She personally sent word to Master Baiyun, ensuring his name was recorded on the inner sect disciple list. To her, it was a minor matter, but for Baiyun, far away in Tianfeng City, it was monumental. He knelt and wept for a full hour.
“Ling Xiao, your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. Even if it costs me my old bones, I, Baiyun, will protect your Divine Sword Sect and ensure no harm comes to it!”
