A Peerless Talent’s Unforeseen Unveiling

The whole place fell into dead silence.

“Gold, gold… extremely… extremely good bones!” It was not until the deacon who was recording announced it tremblingly that everyone woke up from their dream and the whole audience was in an uproar!

Peerless Root Bone!

This was a cultivation talent found only once in ten thousand, promising incredibly fast cultivation and the potential to become a grandmaster.

Throughout the Xuan Nv Sect’s history, disciples possessing such prodigious talent were exceedingly rare, each one ultimately becoming a legendary figure within the sect.

The elders rose almost in unison, their gazes burning like torches as they fixed upon Liu Ruyan.

Undisguised surprise and urgency bloomed across their faces, as if they had just witnessed the very hope of their sect’s future.

“This child’s talent is so exceptional, she must be taken as my disciple!” a brown-robed elder declared first, her voice imbued with an undeniable authority.

“Hmph, how can she be so easily assigned to any single person?

She must be nurtured by the sect as a whole to maximize her potential!” another elder retorted, a shrewd glint sparkling in her eyes.

“Absurd!

To not focus such talent on a single path would be a waste of both time and effort!

I am willing to dedicate my full power to cultivating this girl, ensuring she brings glory to the sect!

For this, I would even relinquish all my priority slots for future disciple recruitment!” the green-robed elder retorted without an inch of concession, her tone laced with unyielding resolve.

The elders bickered back and forth, their arguments growing increasingly heated, and the atmosphere steadily grew taut.

Just as the elders’ dispute intensified, a crisp, authoritative voice suddenly cut through the air: “Enough!”

Like a celestial melody descending from the nine heavens, it instantly quelled all clamor.

The elders fell silent one after another, their gazes uniformly snapping towards the source of the sound—the crystalline palace at the far end of the plaza.

Immortal Qing You, seated at the head of the dais, heard the declaration and her brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing her eyes.

The palace gates slowly parted, and a figure of breathtaking beauty emerged.

She was clad in a pristine white immortal robe, its sleeves fluttering gracefully, her face exquisitely beautiful.

Her golden eyes gleamed with a piercing intensity, and her presence was exceptionally cold and aloof, as if a celestial being had descended.

Though she appeared to merely walk, in a few blinks of an eye, she had traversed thousands of steps, arriving directly before Liu Ruyan.

“Such talent is rarely seen in a century,” her voice, clear and low, resonated.

“I am Mu Qingli, the Sovereign of the Xuan Nv Sect.

Are you willing to become my personal disciple?”

Her voice carried an undeniable resolve, as if her decision was divine will itself, daring none to defy her.

Yet, at that very moment, a chilling voice suddenly broke her authoritative silence: “Acting Sovereign, this matter concerns the sect’s future; it requires careful consideration.”

Grand Elder Qing You also flashed onto the testing platform, a cold sneer gracing her features as her gaze met Mu Qingli’s directly, seemingly challenging her authority.

Mu Qingli’s expression subtly shifted, but she swiftly regained her composure.

A frigid glint flashed in her eyes: “Grand Elder, I have my own discretion in this matter.

Liu Ruyan’s talent is not to be underestimated.

If she were to become my personal disciple, I would certainly cultivate her with all my might, ensuring her meteoric rise.”

However, Qing You showed no signs of backing down, her tone imbued with a hint of stubbornness and scorn: “Acting Sovereign, do not forget the backlash from your Profound Yin Body (TL Note: A rare and powerful cultivation physique, but one that can cause severe harm to the cultivator if not properly controlled).

You yourself are barely managing; how could you possibly have the energy to instruct a personal disciple?”

At these words, the entire assembly erupted in an uproar.

Who in the world did not know of the Xuan Nv Sect’s supremacy, its power unchallenged?

The title of ‘Foremost Immortal Sect of the Xuan Nv’s’ had been seized through sheer strength alone.

And as for the strength of one who could hold the position of Sovereign, it went without saying.

She herself was the very embodiment of power.

Yet, with these words now uttered, the entire plaza was once again thrown into an uproar.

This caused countless disciples to murmur amongst themselves.

Mu Qingli’s expression grew even more frigid, a flash of anger igniting within her eyes.

‘This was a blatant slap to her face!’

However, her fury was ultimately suppressed.

Qing You wielded immense and deeply entrenched influence within the sect.

Even setting aside such considerations, purely in terms of strength, suffering from the backlash meant her own power was greatly diminished; she might not even be Qing You’s match now.

To act now would be irrational, and would only serve to make a spectacle for the disciples.

She drew a deep breath, then, with a trace of reluctance, spoke softly: “Since that is the case, it shall be as the Grand Elder wishes.

Liu Ruyan, you shall enter Qing You’s tutelage.

May you live up to expectations and bring glory to the sect in the future!”

Having gained the upper hand, Qing You showed no inclination to concede, instead sneering: “Acting Sovereign, why don’t you take Ji Xue as your disciple?

Though she cannot compare to my Liu’er (TL Note: An affectionate term, literally ‘my little Liu’) in talent or looks, she would be more than sufficient as your disciple.”

Upon hearing these words, Ji Xue felt a surge of bitterness within her heart.

However, being of humble status, she could only steel herself and say: “Disciple Ji Xue thanks the Grand Elder for her recommendation and approval.

It is merely that Ji Xue has heard the Sovereign cultivates the Sword Dao (TL Note: The Way of the Sword, a path of cultivation focused on sword techniques and philosophy), a path Ji Xue is not adept at, and thus fears she would be unworthy of the Sovereign’s guidance.

Moreover, Ji Xue has already pledged herself to a master whom she has admired for many years; now that her wish has been granted, Ji Xue humbly begs to decline.”

Ji Xue bowed in gratitude, her tone neither servile nor arrogant.

She had offered the Sovereign a graceful out, without offending the Grand Elder or her own master.

After this series of actions, she had, in fact, earned the admiration of both the Grand Elder, the Sovereign, and her own master.

Mu Qingli nodded in satisfaction, first casting a sharp glare at the Grand Elder, then speaking with a tone of helplessness and regret: “Ji Xue is quite right; your talent is exceptional, but it does not align with my path.

However, as compensation, I shall bestow upon you a cultivation technique that will aid you in achieving mental clarity and progressing further in your cultivation.”

“Thank you, Sovereign!”

Since the Sovereign had already made her gesture, the Grand Elder naturally could not simply stand by.

She then announced: “Upon your advancement to the Golden Core (TL Note: A significant stage in cultivation where a ‘golden core’ is formed within the practitioner’s dantian, granting immense power) stage, I will personally guard your breakthrough, and at that time, I shall bestow upon you a high-grade magical artifact.”

‘What exactly did a high-grade magical artifact entail!?’

Lin Mo had no idea, but judging by the uproar around him, it must be something extraordinary.

It was akin to getting into a prestigious university, being recognized by a renowned professor, and then having a wealthy relative grandly declare they’d buy you a car.

“Thank you, Grand Elder!”

Ji Xue’s master, not to be outdone, immediately spoke: “Since you have earned the appreciation of both the Grand Elder and the Sovereign, I have truly taken on a splendid disciple!

Once you reach the Foundation Establishment (TL Note: A foundational stage in cultivation where a practitioner builds a stable base for future growth) stage, I, your master, shall also present you with a defensive magical artifact.”

“Thank you, Master!”

The entire plaza erupted in renewed clamor, countless envious gazes falling upon Ji Xue.

What was expected to be a dramatic showdown had, thanks to Ji Xue’s deft maneuvers, transformed into her personal commendation ceremony.

‘What incredible luck.’

Lin Mo couldn’t help but sigh in amazement.

He had initially assumed Ji Xue was merely one of those minor cannon fodder characters in traditional novels, meant for the protagonist to hone their skills on.

Yet, it now seemed she was the one holding the protagonist’s script.

‘She secured the favor of three major figures right from the start—how fortunate!’

‘Wait, no, if I’m opposing her, does that make me the villain?’

Yet, observing Ji Xue, Lin Mo couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t as delighted as one might expect.

‘It must be an illusion, right?’

‘After all, to gain the attention of powerful figures right from the start—her immortal path surely lay bright before her.’

As for himself, whether he would even survive was still uncertain.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan was also suffering, caught in the eye of the storm between two formidable figures.

Standing between these two powerful elders, enduring their unspoken power struggles and subtle tests of strength, she was like a rabbit encountering a lion—trembling uncontrollably, not daring to utter a single word, utterly at a loss for what to do.

Overwhelmed by tension, tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes.

Grand Elder Qing You, however, didn’t seem to mind.

Social graces could be learned, but a golden-grade Root Bone (TL Note: A rare and superior type of cultivation aptitude, often denoted by its color) was not something one could acquire.

Qing You was seen gently stroking Liu Ruyan’s head, offering comfort.

Ultimately, Mu Qingli gained nothing.

She could only sigh, turn around, cast a sweeping glance over the crowd, and say softly: “Today’s proceedings conclude here.

The disciple recruitment ceremony is hereby concluded.”

‘It’s over?! It ended before it even got to me!?’

‘Fantastic!’

Lin Mo’s excitement was irrepressible!

‘It all came so effortlessly!’ he thought, ‘Not only did I get to witness some major drama, but I also get to leave the mountain!’

‘This is a damn good deal!’

‘System! Here I come! Just watch me lay low until you activate!’

Just as Lin Mo was practically dancing with joy, a faint voice reached his ears.

“Wait!” Liu Ruyan called out weakly, seemingly having mustered all her courage, her body trembling uncontrollably: “Sister Lin Wan’er hasn’t been tested yet!”

That single sentence struck Lin Mo like a bolt from the blue!

He instantly petrified and cracked, his entire body rigid, making for a comical sight.

‘Ruyan! You truly are that Ruyan the Great!’

‘You damn well only repay kindness with malice!’

Lin Mo glared at her, tears threatening to fall, yet unable to weep.

‘But it’s come to this, what else can I do?’

‘I’ll just face it with a smile!’

However, the young girl clearly misunderstood, believing Lin Mo’s expression was one of tears of joy.

She then mouthed silently: “Go, Sister Wan’er!”

‘Go to hell, you little brat!’

Nevertheless, since matters had come to this, he could only force a smile.

“Acting Sovereign, why the rush to conclude?

What if this is your next disciple?” the Grand Elder said with a smile.

Mu Qingli said nothing, merely wishing she could tear Qing You to shreds with her gaze.

However, with everyone watching, abruptly ending the ceremony because one person was left untested would indeed be inappropriate and damage the sect’s reputation.

She didn’t need to worry about how those above would view it, but if those below also looked down on her, her position as Sovereign would truly be over.

She could only steel herself, looking at Lin Mo, and say: “My apologies, I was feeling unwell and overlooked you.

I will offer you compensation.

Now, the Mystic Maiden Sect’s final probationary disciple will begin their test!”

Now he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to advance or retreat.

He could only steel himself, his hand trembling as he touched the floating testing stone.

He silently prayed.

‘The most rubbish Root Bone!’

‘Give me the most rubbish Root Bone!’

‘I want the most rubbish Root Bone! Please!’

Lin Mo’s trembling fingertip touched the testing stone.

But the moment his fingertip made contact, the spirit stone emitted a five-colored radiance.

Heavenly phenomena manifested.

The clear sky suddenly changed, becoming overcast with dark clouds, thunder, and lightning.

Streaks of purple lightning tore across the heavens, as if the very firmament was shaken by this power.

On the crystalline pillars surrounding the plaza, ancient runes suddenly blazed with light, like ancient powers awakened, beginning to flicker intensely.

The light emitted by these runes resonated with the five-colored radiance of the Root Bone testing stone, forming beams of light that shot straight into the sky.

The entire ice crystal plaza seemed enveloped by a mysterious shimmering barrier, radiating dazzling light, utterly awe-inspiring.

Mu Qingli’s expression instantly underwent a drastic change, her gaze fixed intently on Lin Mo, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief: “This is…”

Grand Elder Qing You also displayed a shocked expression, her voice trembling slightly: “This is impossible…”

Just then, a clear dragon’s roar suddenly echoed from the sky, and a massive golden dragon shadow emerged from the clouds, circling above the Mystic Maiden Sect.

The dragon shadow let out a long cry, its voice filled with boundless majesty and shock, as if proclaiming something.

‘Holy crap, such a huge commotion?! Are you messing with me?!’ Lin Mo himself was bewildered.

The Grand Elder, who had been smug moments before, saw Lin Mo, and suddenly Liu Ruyan in her hands no longer seemed as precious.

She immediately opened her mouth, about to say something.

But Mu Qingli reacted even faster.

The instant the Grand Elder spoke, Mu Qingli instantly conjured an ice ball and, with lightning speed, hurled it at the Grand Elder’s face, its size perfectly fitting to plug her mouth.

Immediately after, an even more jaw-dropping scene unfolded.

Mu Qingli actually grabbed Lin Mo directly, tucked him under her arm, and transformed into a streak of light, rushing back into the palace and sealing the grand doors.

One defensive array after another instantly rose, layering upon each other, totaling more than a dozen layers.

The Grand Elder was so enraged that she bit through the ice ball, her furious roar echoing through the skies of the Mystic Maiden Sect: “MU QINGLI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”