Chapter 32: How could my master know so much about my affairs?
Ye Xiuzhu felt utterly depressed, as if his chest was tightly blocked by a thick ball of cotton, making him feel suffocated and extremely uncomfortable.
He didn't really want to take on apprentices; he just wanted to join in the fun. After all, he already had many apprentices, so having a few more would just be adding another pair of chopsticks, and wouldn't cause any real harm.
But this absolutely does not mean that Ye Xiuzhu can tolerate the humiliation of being intercepted every time. As the dignified Peak Master of Qi Peak, he also has face and dignity!
"I'm talking to you two!" Ye Xiuzhu glared angrily at Song Wenzhuo and Gu Zhinan, but the words caught in his throat as if an invisible hand had grabbed his throat, and he stopped abruptly, unable to continue.
He shrank back, looking aggrieved. The aura emanating from the two people was like ancient ice, so cold it could freeze a person to death. He couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only mutter his anger to himself, daring not to speak out.
What's going on here?! Are these three kids really that sought after? First, the grandmaster took Yin Lisheng away, and now Song Wenzhuo and Gu Zhinan are vying to take him as a disciple. This is just too outrageous!
Qiu Nan and Yan Shuangwan stood to the side, their bodies stiff as withered grass struck by frost, not daring to move, completely bewildered and looking utterly lost.
They couldn't figure out what was going on with this tense situation. After the sect leader and Peak Master Gu finished speaking, they fell into a deathly silence, staring at each other without moving. Did they really intend to fight?
"You two," Wen Xun said, strolling over slowly with a folding fan in hand. The ink bamboo on the fan swayed gently with his movements, his posture elegant. "Don't just stand there like idiots, okay? At least explain things clearly. Are you trying to recruit the same person?"
His voice broke the oppressive silence, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
"Oh right!" Ye Xiuzhu suddenly slapped his forehead, only then realizing this crucial issue, and was filled with regret. "Stop keeping quiet, everyone! Just say what you have to say!"
In the end, Song Wenzhuo was the first to give in. With a gentle expression and unhurried steps, he walked up to Yan Shuangwan and spoke softly, "I already have two disciples. My eldest disciple, Yu Jiangheng, is currently away on a mission. You should have met my second disciple, Yin Simiao, before. If you don't mind, would you be willing to become my third disciple?"
Yan Shuangwan's eyes widened in disbelief, as if she had heard a fairy tale. Hesitantly, she pointed to herself, her voice trembling with uncertainty, and asked, "Me...me?"
Her eyes were filled with surprise and doubt, finding it hard to believe that such a good thing would happen to her.
"Yes," Song Wenzhuo nodded slightly, answering affirmatively.
A group of disciples who were secretly watching the commotion were filled with envy, their expressions brimming with resentment and bitterness.
Yin Lisheng and Qiu Nan are one thing, after all, they caused quite a stir on their very first day of training, clearly destined for greatness and a bright future. But what about Yan Shuangwan? She had been following those people around, her presence barely noticeable, like someone who picked up a bargain. Who would have thought she would be chosen by the sect leader at first glance?
Since taking in the two geniuses Yu Jiangheng and Yin Simiao two years ago, the sect leader has not accepted any new disciples. Yan Shuangwan is his first female disciple. What incredible luck did this girl surnamed Yan have to receive such favor from the sect leader? Everyone felt resentful.
"Is it okay?" Yan Shuangwan's voice was soft, with a hint of timidity, as if she was afraid that this sudden good thing was just a dream that would shatter at the slightest touch.
Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes, her eyes filled with cautious anticipation.
“Of course.” Song Wenzhuo raised his hand and gently patted her head.
“Si Miao keeps saying she wants a junior sister. Although you performed adequately in this assessment, I can see that you are a loyal, righteous, and resilient girl.”
"I'm willing!" Yan Shuangwan wasn't oblivious to the situation. Song Wenzhuo had already put it this way, and this was a tremendous opportunity. She nodded hurriedly in agreement, afraid of missing this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
With a new, well-behaved little apprentice, Song Wenzhuo was in an exceptionally good mood. His eyes crinkled with a smile as he looked at Gu Zhinan and teased, "What, did I beat you to it?"
Gu Zhinan shook his head slightly, his gaze passing over everyone and landing on Qiu Nan, who had been lost in thought for too long. His voice was low and deep: "I've taken a liking to him."
"Huh?" Qiu Nan turned her head blankly, her face full of confusion, wondering why Gu Zhinan would suddenly choose her.
Unfortunately, Gu Zhinan was a naturally taciturn person. After saying this, he kept his lips tightly shut and didn't say another word, causing the atmosphere to become somewhat stagnant.
All eyes turned to Qiu Nan and Gu Zhinan, eager to see their reactions.
“Peak Master Gu,” Qiu Nan raised an eyebrow, “Although I am just an insignificant nobody, I still have principles. If you choose me as a second choice just because Li Sheng didn’t go with you, then I absolutely cannot agree to that.”
“No,” Gu Zhinan frowned slightly, as if he was thinking about how to express himself. After a pause, he uttered a few words, “Perhaps it’s… fate?”
Qiu Nan instantly wore a complicated expression, thinking to himself: What do you mean by fate? This sounds like a perfunctory answer. Is it because we both have the character "Nan" in our names? That reason is far too far-fetched.
Who would have thought that Qiu Nan's casual glance would reveal that Song Wenzhuo had actually lowered his head and was thinking seriously.
"Seriously? This is utter nonsense, and you actually believed it, Master Song? You really trust him that much?"
Qiu Nan was filled with shock and confusion, and was very puzzled by the behavior of the two people.
In truth, Gu Zhinan wasn't joking. From the moment he first saw the young man, a strange feeling welled up inside him. Now that his grandmaster had taken on disciples, Gu Zhinan was thinking that he should also find a suitable successor, and this young man before him seemed quite good; they were destined to meet.
"Alright then," Qiu Nan shrugged indifferently, his posture casual. "If you say it's fate, then it's fate. Anyway, it doesn't cost me anything."
Thus, the entrance examination came to a successful conclusion, and the elders, who had found disciples they liked to some extent, returned home satisfied.
Oh no, there's another person who's very unhappy—Elder Chen of Beast Taming Peak.
After Pan Hongru died, his workload increased dramatically, and he became so tired that his face turned pale. Not to mention, because of Pan Hongru's death, very few people were willing to come to the Beast Taming Peak this year. How hateful!
He was filled with helplessness and resentment, but had nowhere to vent it.
Elder Chen was on the verge of tears, and once again murmured in his heart: Peak Master Du, when will you come back? Beast Taming Peak needs you!
On the other side, Fu Yunshu brought Yin Lisheng back to Tingxue Peak. The stone steps wound upwards, with lush bamboo forests on both sides. The bamboo leaves swayed gently in the wind, making a rustling sound, and the air was filled with a faint bamboo fragrance that was refreshing.
Yin Lisheng followed behind Fu Yunshu, but felt a little uneasy.
He still felt a little unreal. The number one immortal in the world, Huaiwei Immortal Venerable... had really become his master?
After walking for about half an incense stick's time, the view suddenly opened up before us.
A simple bamboo house stands in a clearing surrounded by a bamboo grove. The house is small, but it exudes elegance in every detail, reflecting the owner's taste and style.
“This is my residence,” Fu Yunshu stopped and turned to look at Yin Lisheng. His voice was clear and cold, like a mountain spring. “I’ve always been the only one at Tingxue Peak. You can stay with me for a few days. After your residence is completed, you can move there. What kind of house do you like to live in?”
"This disciple is all welcome," Yin Lisheng replied respectfully. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes revealing humility and obedience.
He didn't actually like sleeping with people, and his encounter with Su Yun was also for a purpose.
Thinking of Su Yun, Yin Lisheng felt a pang of regret. Although he didn't know the guy's true identity, after spending several days together, Yin Lisheng had genuinely taken him to heart and considered him a friend. Who would have thought that the man would leave without a word, so despicable!
I wonder where he is now? Is he alright? Will I ever have the chance to see him again?
Fu Yunshu had no idea that his little apprentice was thinking about his other identity; he was still actively introducing Tingxuefeng.
“Tingxue Peak has always been quiet. Apart from you and me, only some spirit beasts occasionally appear. If you like liveliness, you may find it a bit uncomfortable.”
Yin Lisheng quickly shook his head: "No, this disciple likes it very much here."
Fu Yunshu glanced at him, a barely perceptible hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. He pointed to the bamboo house and said, "Let's go in and take a look."
Yin Lisheng followed Fu Yunshu into the bamboo house, which was simply furnished. In the center of the main hall was a bamboo tea table with a set of celadon tea set on it, decorated with exquisite patterns.
Next to it was a bamboo recliner with a soft blanket draped over it, and a traditional Chinese ink painting hung on the wall.
A bamboo bed sits by the window, covered with plain white bedding embroidered with delicate patterns, giving it an elegant and understated look. A celadon lamp sits beside the bed, its shade painted with stalks of green bamboo. The light filtering through the lampshade casts a soft glow, filling the room with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Beside the window was a wooden desk, on which were neatly arranged writing implements, ink, paper, and inkstones, each item of stationery placed in an orderly fashion. The bookshelves next to the desk were filled with ancient books.
“Oh, right,” Fu Yunshu remembered, “there’s a hot spring in the back mountain. If you’re really bored, you can go there and have some fun. Soaking in the hot spring is quite comfortable.”
"This disciple understands," Yin Lisheng replied, nodding slightly in a respectful tone.
Fu Yunshu thought carefully and, after confirming that nothing had been overlooked, said, "There's not much else to say. The layout here is quite simple."
"Although your current cultivation level is at the ninth stage of Qi Refining, it is the result of external forces. Your physique has not kept up. The most urgent task is to strengthen your body first."
Yin Lisheng's gaze suddenly sharpened as he stared intently at Fu Yunshu: "Master emerged from seclusion yesterday, and we only met for the first time today. How could you know so much about my affairs?"
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Author's note: I'm a bit tired today and want to rest early, so the word count is a little low. I apologize for that.
The truth will be revealed in the next chapter.
I'm free this weekend, so I'll try to catch up on what I've been catching up on lately.
I've made some major revisions to the synopsis of "Senior Brother," so feel free to bookmark it if you're interested! [heart emoji]
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