Chapter Twenty-Seven: Fang Hongjian, Who Does Not Know What Is Good for Her

By this time, who knows how many people were hoping Dai Mingchi would refuse Shi Qingxiang. Yet, to their disappointment, Ji Youyun’s influence proved formidable; Dai Mingchi accepted Shi Qingxiang without a moment's hesitation.

Thus, the grand affair of the Nascent Soul masters taking disciples finally came to its perfect conclusion.

From dozens of cultivation sects, over a hundred young men and women had journeyed to Dan Cliff Sect from distant lands, but in the end, only a handful saw their destinies altered. Among them was Fang Hongjian, who was called upon at the very end of the autumn evening.

At that moment, Hongjian watched as Shi Qingxiang unexpectedly filled the last vacant spot, seizing the final opportunity. Observing Ji Youyun, who seemed to have just recovered from grave illness, she sensed she had narrowly escaped misfortune. Though thanks to Shi Qingxiang’s example, she no longer felt as frightened as before, it was still best not to let that monster place his hand atop her head if she could help it.

Unexpectedly, Ji Youyun, perhaps feeling guilty about troubling Jin Donglou to call her out, though he had already taken the restorative pill and was making a strange gesture to begin meditation, still kept her in mind. He said to her, “I hadn't intended to accept any disciples today, but it’s rare that you happen to possess a water spiritual root as well. Would you be willing to enter my tutelage and learn the Insight Technique?”

Hongjian was stunned.

Even Dai Mingchi, who thought matters were settled, was taken aback, exclaiming, “Youyun, you’ve never taken a disciple before, have you? She hasn’t even established her foundation yet—are you planning to teach her from the Qi Refining stage? Besides, our Talisman Sect has water-root disciples too. Are you saying none of them are worthy of your attention?”

Ji Youyun offered a bitter smile and explained, “My technique is different from others. Once a disciple establishes their foundation, it may already be too late.”

Countless envious gazes turned to Hongjian. Suddenly, everyone realized that, in some sense, this young girl from Dan Cliff Sect might be the luckiest of all today. Three Nascent Soul masters had just taken Qi Refining disciples as apprentices—a rare event. Though many had responded, the stone steps outside the Hall of Splendor nearly worn away by the crowd, none were fools. They guessed there must be hidden reasons, and those who entered the masters’ tutelage would surely face unknown risks. But Fang Hongjian’s case was different. Teacher Ji was clearly drawn to her, intending to make her his sole disciple—and to impart to her this mysterious, unique art.

Though few knew Ji’s true background, the fact that the Nascent Soul masters treated him with respect spoke volumes. The Dan Cliff girl had performed poorly in the second trial, and yet fortune smiled upon her—what a blessed soul, spared from striving!

Having spoken, Ji Youyun seemed certain Hongjian would accept, closing his eyes and entering meditation.

But Hongjian, harboring her own secrets, was destined to disappoint him. She dared not linger, knelt to the ground, and straightforwardly voiced her heart: “Forgive me, elder. I wish to remain in Dan Cliff Sect.”

At these words, the hall could no longer contain its silence. Not only did those who knew her—like Jiang Yan and Zhang Yu—think they were witnessing a fool, even the Nascent Soul masters on the dais were greatly surprised.

Ji Youyun’s eyes snapped open, fixing her with a shadowy, inscrutable gaze.

Hongjian’s heart skipped a beat, but under his scrutiny, she continued as she’d hastily prepared: “Elder, I still have a nine-year-old brother. We are both disciples of Dan Cliff Sect and see each other daily. If I entered your tutelage, wouldn’t it become difficult to meet him in the future? Your secret art is wondrous indeed, but I would rather learn a technique for self-defense, so I hope that after foundation establishment, I might cultivate the ice-root method.”

A flash of anger flickered in Ji Youyun’s eyes, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Before he could speak, Dai Mingchi and Sun Yougong interjected almost simultaneously. Dai Mingchi’s words were harsh: “I’ve never seen such foolish ingratitude! Her mind is full of worldly concerns—how can she ever amount to anything?” Meanwhile, Sun Yougong let out a laugh and said to Lingxuzi, “Sect Master, it seems this girl has her sights set high—she’s after your ‘Accumulated Essence Manual.’”

For a Qi Refining apprentice of Dan Cliff Sect, wishing to learn the sect’s own technique was hardly improper. Dai Mingchi realized he was speaking before Jin Donglou and Lingxuzi, and should mind their dignity. He snorted inwardly and refrained from further reproach.

Meanwhile, Xing Wuyia, observing the scene, couldn’t help but feel curious. In truth, even he coveted Ji Youyun’s unique art. If not for knowing its dangers, he wouldn’t have disregarded past grudges to come to Dan Cliff Sect, nor would he have allowed the arrangement to accept two Qi Refining disciples as burdens. Ji Youyun’s willingness to take a disciple was strange enough; even stranger was the little girl’s refusal, rejecting Ji Youyun himself.

The ‘Accumulated Essence Manual’ was indeed unique to Dan Cliff Sect, but in this vast world, there were four or five top-tier techniques suited to ice spiritual roots, all comparable in power. Besides, the girl had not yet established her foundation to confirm her ice root. Ji Youyun’s art of divining fate was his alone. What kind of fool would make such a choice?

Jin Donglou, in a gentle tone, asked, “Since you wish not to leave the sect, why did you come today? Didn’t some among you already give up? You should have told your master you wouldn’t attend.”

The Dan Cliff apprentices knew Jin Elder meant Yao Zhen, though it was unclear who had informed him. Members of other sects saw the elder speak so lightly, assuming he was glossing over his own sect’s poor showing, favoring his own, and even seizing a moment to boast. For a while, they didn’t know how to react.

Hongjian was quick-witted and knew exactly whom to flatter at this moment. She respectfully replied, “Elder, I still hoped to try my luck and see if I might apprentice under you.”

“Hahaha! Too bad—I’ve already accepted two fine youngsters, no room for you.” Though his words were regretful, Jin Donglou was clearly delighted.

Hongjian’s heart stirred. Elder Jin was the longest-standing Nascent Soul cultivator present, yet he seemed easygoing and much more amiable than the other two.

Ji Youyun’s face remained clouded, though now, as the medicine took effect, he seemed somewhat improved. He exhaled lightly and said, “A pity. But, little girl, even if someone here establishes their foundation and learns Sect Master Ling’s ‘Accumulated Essence Manual,’ it will never be you. If you truly cling to that hope, disappointment is inevitable.”

Earlier, Hongjian had knelt just behind Shi Qingxiang, out of Ji Youyun’s reach. Yet now, meeting his uncanny gaze, she still felt as though she’d been swept by his secret art.