Chapter 24: Four Out of Five

Ji Youyun went on to examine another seven or eight youths in one breath. Although the reviews were mixed, he no longer directly suggested any of the Nascent Soul cultivators take a disciple as he had with Lin Suoyue earlier. The youths from the Talisman Diagram Sect were all quite promising, but it was evident that Dai Mingchi had already thoroughly searched among them and found none to his liking. Since Xing Wuyai had accepted Lin Suoyue, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would not choose another disciple from the Talisman Diagram Sect. The remaining one, Jin Donglou, sat with his eyes half-closed, impossible to read.

As expected, Xing Wuyai browsed through the candidates, his attention lingering on disciples from sects like Immortal Mist Cavern and Mingchuan Sect. Ultimately, he selected Ji Youyun's favored candidate, Ji Nanpu, the chief disciple of Immortal Mist Cavern, and stated with satisfaction, "That's all for me. The rest of you can rack your brains at leisure. If someone doesn't make the cut, just send them out—no need for so much trouble."

Ji Nanpu was sturdy and stood taller than those beside him. To be taken in by a Nascent Soul cultivator who regarded human lives as trivial, he wondered whether it was a blessing or a curse. Standing next to Lin Suoyue, his face betrayed his nervousness.

Ji Youyun had already used his mysterious secret technique to observe nearly ten people today. Leaning back in his chair, he couldn't hide his fatigue.

Lingxuzi noticed and asked with concern, "Master Ji, would you like to rest for a while?"

Ji Youyun nodded slowly.

Jin Donglou smiled, "Sect Leader Dai, you haven’t found a suitable candidate yet? I think the youth from Mingchuan Sect is quite good—let him stay." He turned to the young man from Mingchuan Sect who had been called forward. "Leng Yu, would you like to join the Pill Cliff Sect and become my personal disciple on Splendor Peak?"

These youths, having reached the Hall of Huanhua, all came from sects eager for such opportunities. There were no obstacles in their way. Pill Cliff Sect was a prestigious and renowned school, and Jin Donglou was a learned and established Nascent Soul cultivator. To follow him was even more enviable than being chosen by Xing Wuyai. Leng Yu never imagined such luck would befall him; he was overjoyed and, hearing Jin Donglou’s gentle inquiry, immediately knelt before him, overwhelmed and unable to speak.

Jin Donglou stroked his beard with satisfaction and continued, "Brother Xing has already made his choice. If Sect Leader Dai doesn’t act soon, he’ll be left with the candidates we don’t pick. Ha! Now, Zhang Yu from Pill Cliff Sect and that little girl—"

Hongjian was startled, but fortunately Jin Donglou named, "Qi Xiuning, you two step forward." He appraised them, saying, "Neither of you performed outstandingly, but you’re passable. Since I am from Pill Cliff Sect, I should let you benefit. Go ask Master Ji to examine you—whoever shows more promise for the future will follow me to Splendor Peak."

Such blatant favoritism left everyone dumbstruck, yet no one could object.

Sun Yougong teased, "Uncle, it looks like you’re about to have another little female disciple."

Qi Xiuning had ranked low in the sect’s assessment, and with Fei Chengji favoring those with wood spiritual roots, she entered the hall much later than Zhang Yu. To be mentioned alongside Zhang Yu by Jin Donglou showed she had an excellent memory and performed well in the second round.

Jin Donglou was not put off. "That’s fine. A clever little girl can make tea for me and tell me jokes."

Though he joked, when Ji Youyun began his examination, Jin Donglou grew serious, clearly valuing Ji Youyun’s opinion.

After finishing, Ji Youyun smiled and said, "Peak Master Sun’s insight is sharp and accurate. It’s rare for Elder Jin to give a female cultivator such a chance—she’s very suitable. Let it be her!"

Ji Youyun announced the result directly. Qi Xiuning tried hard to keep a straight face, but her eyes shone brightly.

Zhang Yu’s feelings at that moment went beyond mere disappointment. To be publicly dismissed—this mysterious Elder Ji had predicted his future achievements would not even match those of a little girl he’d never looked at directly. His face burned with shame and fury.

Hearing this, Jin Donglou was quite pleased and was about to speak, when Dai Mingchi interrupted, "Hold on. Youyun, I also think highly of this girl. You’ve examined so many people and always said they and I have no fate as master and disciple. What about this one?"

Ji Youyun pondered, "Sect Leader Dai, this one is indeed worth trying."

Jin Donglou hadn’t expected Dai Mingchi, with his discerning eye, to suddenly intervene for a female cultivator. Jin Donglou’s intent in taking Qi Xiuning was simply to uphold his sect’s honor; if Dai Mingchi wanted her, he was actually glad. Hearing Ji Youyun’s affirmation, Jin Donglou waved his hand and laughed, "Fine, I’ll let you have this girl. I’ll pick another from your Talisman Diagram Sect."

In today’s two competitions, the Talisman Diagram Sect’s Qi Condensation apprentices clearly outmatched those from other sects. Dai Mingchi, knowing his people were of little use to himself, still brought them—not to show off, but hoping the other two Nascent Soul cultivators would find suitable disciples among them.

Jin Donglou’s choice from the Talisman Diagram Sect was not solely to curry favor with Dai Mingchi or strengthen ties between their sects. At this point, the more promising apprentices stood before them, and aside from the youths of the Talisman Diagram Sect, there really wasn’t much else to choose from.

Dai Mingchi smiled at Jin Donglou’s response, "It’s truly these children’s good fortune. Should we listen to Youyun’s advice?"

Soon, under Ji Youyun’s guidance, Jin Donglou selected a Qi Condensation sixth-layer apprentice from the Talisman Diagram Sect, a fifteen-year-old named Xie Yaofei. He appeared obedient and clever. Jin Donglou asked him a few questions, found his answers witty, and knew he was intelligent. With a kindly expression, he nodded, seemingly satisfied with his second disciple of the day.

Thus, Jin Donglou and Xing Wuyai, the two Nascent Soul cultivators, had each chosen two disciples and showed no intention of picking more. Those still waiting in the hall suddenly realized that if Sect Leader Dai of the Talisman Diagram Sect also planned to take two disciples, aside from lucky Qi Xiuning, only one spot remained.

This grand selection had stirred all the major sects, who prepared long and hard for it. Now, except for the Talisman Diagram Sect and Pill Cliff Sect, only Immortal Mist Cavern and Mingchuan Sect had one apprentice each selected. It seemed several sects would have to return with their original teams. When there were more opportunities, everyone hoped, "If not chosen this time, maybe next time." But with only a sliver of hope remaining, the apprentices not yet noticed were all eager, their breathing heavy, except for Hongjian, who harbored secret guilt. She wished Dai Mingchi would, like the other Nascent Soul cultivators, casually point to whoever stood in front to make up the six and quickly end it, letting her leave this dangerous place.

Unfortunately, reality never granted her wish. Dai Mingchi handed the final choice to Ji Youyun, who sat upright and even revealed his pair of deep, sharp eyes from beneath his hat brim. He scrutinized each candidate repeatedly, and after a long while, finally made his decision: "From Qianyun Sect—you, come forward. I haven’t examined you yet."

He pointed, and it was none other than Shi Qingxiang, who had been forgotten by everyone for quite some time.