Before the Supreme Elder in the coffin could speak, Zhan Hongyuan continued, "The Myriad Paths Sect is unparalleled in the cultivation world. Other sects certainly don't want to see us dominate. The strange phenomena in the mortal realm were so obvious before, it's no wonder they had some designs on us."

"In that case, Sect Master, do you still want Ruan Qing'an to go?"

The Supreme Elder paused: "That girl's talent is among the best in the entire Myriad Paths Sect. You chose her?"

Zhan Hongyuan nodded slightly: "That's right, Elder Ruan and Shen Changlin are both people I chose. It's necessary to make a choice."

Inside the coffin, the voice fell silent.

After a long pause, the Supreme Elder said, "I only have the strength to fight left. I will only come out to fight for the sect when the Myriad Paths Sect faces a life-or-death situation. I am no longer able to stop you."

"If the sect leader insists on doing this, then so be it. I have only one request: do not destroy the Myriad Paths Sect."

Upon hearing this, Zhan Hongyuan bowed in greeting.

"This junior, Zhan Hongyuan, will certainly live up to the expectations of the Supreme Elder."

...

Meanwhile, Shen Changlin had followed that disciple to the outer disciples' residence—the territory of the Myriad Paths Sect was vast, but the number of outer disciples was not that many.

Shen Changlin took the key and asked, "May I ask, senior brother, there don't seem to be many people in the outer sect. Are they all not in the sect?"

"Of course not, there aren't many people in my Myriad Paths Sect."

Since it was Zhan Hongyuan who personally gave the order, the disciple was happy to explain a few more words to Shen Changlin, as a way of showing goodwill and befriending him, so that he could have something to say if he became successful in the future.

The disciple then said, "Our sect doesn't have many disciples, only about half the number of other sects, but we would rather have fewer than fewer of them."

As he said this, a hint of pride appeared on the disciple's face: "The disciples of the Myriad Paths Sect, even the outer disciples, far surpass the disciples of other sects. They focus on quality."

"After leaving the outer sect, one has the opportunity to become an inner sect disciple of a certain peak and enjoy better treatment. However, among the disciples, the personal disciples of the elders of each peak are still the most important, as they hold the highest status and are the most powerful."

Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin asked in return, "May I ask, senior brother, do you know which peak Elder Ruan is from?"

"Elder Ruan?"

For a moment, the disciple's expression turned strange. He glanced at Shen Changlin and said, "If you want to join Elder Ruan's Yanlai Peak, then you should forget about it. Elder Ruan doesn't accept disciples."

"You've undergone multiple entrance tests, but Elder Ruan hasn't even shown up. Her Yanlai Peak doesn't have a single disciple, and even the janitors who usually take care of things have been driven away. And even if Elder Ruan really intends to take on a disciple, your chances are slim."

Shen Changlin was taken aback, his expression solemn: "Why is that?"

The disciple gave a helpless bitter smile: "To put it this way, firstly, Elder Ruan himself is unwilling to accept disciples, and secondly, there are many people eyeing this opportunity. Some have even rejected invitations from other elders, wanting to become Elder Ruan's disciples."

"But unfortunately, Elder Ruan is focused on cultivation and spends most of his time on Yanlai Peak. Even when he leaves occasionally, it's only because of a summons from the sect. He has no intention of taking on any disciples."

Hearing his disciple say this, Shen Changlin was stunned: "Elder Ruan is actually... so popular?"

"This is not a popular thing."

The disciple smiled and said, "Elder Ruan is too amazing. She is the youngest among all the elders and has the most outstanding talent. Although she is only at the early stage of the Void Refinement realm, which is the lowest level, she ranks among the top elders in terms of combat strength alone. Given time, she will definitely be able to suppress everyone."

It's possible that in the future, even the position of sect leader is possible.

Who wouldn't want to take a gamble if they could follow a master like that?

After a moment, Shen Changlin realized what was happening and couldn't help but smile bitterly. No wonder Ruan Qing'an didn't even glance at him—she was just as talented as him, so what was he?

At this point, the disciple seemed to remember something: "Speaking of which, the one who wanted to become Elder Ruan's disciple is still stuck in the outer sect. He's not a direct disciple, but he's better than one."

"Was Junior Brother Shen brought back personally by Elder Ruan?"

Shen Changlin nodded slightly: "I wonder how you knew, Senior Brother? Elder Ruan returned to the peak after bringing me back."

"Elder Ruan rarely leaves, so there are plenty of disciples waiting for him."

But the disciple's tone suddenly changed, and his voice turned serious: "Junior Brother Chen, the news that Elder Ruan brought you back personally will probably spread soon. Be careful of that person."

Who is it?

“Yang Lin has always wanted to become Elder Ruan’s disciple, but he just couldn’t find the right way. It’s almost become an obsession. Now, Junior Brother Shen, you are just an ordinary person, yet Elder Ruan has personally brought you back.”

The disciple paused, then said, "Yang Lin will definitely be unwilling. Before the sect entrance test, Junior Brother Shen should avoid confrontation for now."

Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin immediately bowed and paid his respects.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother."

"You're too kind."

Having said that, the disciple who brought Shen Changlin left first.

Shen Changlin remained bowed until the disciple's figure completely disappeared before he finally straightened up. The respect and obedience on his face vanished, and his eyes darkened slightly: "Yang Lin..."

When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it.

Shen Changlin no longer worried or feared anything.

Because—if he had the chance to become Nguyen Thanh An's disciple, he would never give it up to anyone!

He first returned to his room and tidied it up a bit. On the way, Shen Changlin had asked the disciple if there were only three days left until the sect entrance test.

Although he most wanted to stay at Yanlai Peak in three days, he still had to be prepared for both possibilities, and the outer disciples' residences also needed to be tidied up.

By the time Shen Changlin finished his work, it was already dark outside. Ruan Qing'an had brought him back from the mortal realm, and after all that trouble, it was already night.

Since Shen Changlin had nothing to do, he decided to rest early.

But just then—

'Knock knock knock.'

A knocking sound suddenly rang out.

Shen Changlin was slightly taken aback, then asked in a loud voice, "Who is it?"

"Yang Lin, you should know me."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin narrowed his eyes. He hadn't expected Yang Lin to receive the news so quickly. It seemed that he had indeed been keeping an eye on Ruan Qing'an's whereabouts and was about to arrive.

As he was thinking, Shen Changlin opened the door.

A young man in a white robe stood outside the door. He was handsome, with a hint of arrogance between his brows. He looked down at Shen Changlin and asked, "So you are Shen Changlin?"

"...Is there anything I can help you with, Senior Brother Yang?"

He bowed slightly, a smile playing on his lips.

Yang Lin lowered his voice: "You haven't even entered the sect yet, nor are you my junior brother. Besides, entering the sect is not easy, and you are just a mortal—"

He paused, a hint of sneer in his voice.

"The sect entrance test will be difficult for you. You might not be able to call me 'Senior Brother' even in three days."

"Elder Ruan brought you back, but he didn't say you could join the sect."