Chapter 460: Huang Aotian’s Stuff Isn’t Free!
Originally, Qin Wushuang could have led Yun Zhonghe and the others straight into the Four Beasts Secret Realm today, but out of concern and hope for the four, he decided to give them some more preparation time to get their hands on the powers of the four divine beasts.
“Meanwhile, considering your outstanding performance in this grand competition, the higher-ups of the sect, after much deliberation, have given special approval for Yun Zhonghe and Su Xiaoxiao, two Outer Gate Disciples, to be promoted to Inner Gate Disciples!”
Qin Wushuang delivered news that was utterly shocking.
Of course, this wasn’t much of a surprise to Yun Zhonghe.
Back when he first joined the Xuantian Sect, Qin Wushuang even wanted to immediately make him the Master’s direct disciple.
But Su Xiaoxiao, she was completely flabbergasted and couldn’t get a word out.
“T-that… Master, I… am also promoted to an Inner Gate Disciple?” After a long while, she finally stuttered, her voice trembling.
Her eyes were filled with shock and confusion, and she clearly didn’t believe it, doubting her own abilities.
In the grand competition, Su Xiaoxiao felt she hadn’t done particularly well—she only used a secret technique once to summon tree people, but due to the sheer number summoned, she struggled to control them, nearly ruining the meticulously planned operation set up by Yun Zhonghe and the others.
This performance, in her mind, was far from “outstanding.”
But Qin Wushuang chuckled, “Absolutely! Your performance was superb! Don’t forget, you faced the most elite disciples of my Xuantian Sect, and you held them in check for even a moment—something any ordinary Inner Gate Disciple would struggle to achieve!”
He spoke loudly and formally, lavishing great praise on Su Xiaoxiao, and assured her that this decision was not based on favoritism or inside information, but rather her true talents were being recognized.
Moreover, Qin Wushuang added, “By the way, one of the peak masters has taken quite a liking to you and wishes to make you his direct disciple. It’s entirely up to you if you want to accept.”
The peak master who wished to take Su Xiaoxiao under his wing was none other than Master Zhuhuo, the peak master of Forge Peak.
When they first met, Master Zhuhuo showed immense interest in Su Xiaoxiao and even taught her the bl**d Essence Refining Method.
There’s quite a gap in status between being a direct disciple and a regular Inner Gate Disciple, and the resources provided are entirely different, along with guidance from elders.
If Su Xiaoxiao chose to become Zhuhuo’s disciple, she would undoubtedly have broader opportunities in the future.
Su Xiaoxiao was utterly bewildered, as if in a dream, where everything seemed so surreal.
“Xiaoxiao, congratulations!”
“It’s wonderful, little sister Xiaoxiao! You’re going to be prosperous, with Master Zhuhuo, no more financial worries about spirit stones.”
Everyone congratulated her with awe, something she had never experienced before.
Su Xiaoxiao suddenly felt a wave of joy that brought tears to her eyes.
“Thank you, everyone!”
She took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions, and gave her companions the brightest smile possible.
The former little troublemaker, now transformed into a phoenix, soaring and shining brightly.
Yun Zhonghe genuinely rejoiced for her.
Then, Qin Wushuang discreetly gave Yun Zhonghe a wink and whispered, “Nephew, aren’t you thinking of becoming the Master’s direct disciple?”
These past few months, Yun Zhonghe’s performance was evident to all, especially his role representing the sect which drew countless praises.
In this grand competition, Yun Zhonghe displayed astonishing talent and power.
Now is the perfect moment to become the Master’s direct disciple!
There wouldn’t be any objections.
This time around, Yun Zhonghe had no excuse to refuse.
Back then, he declined the Master’s direct disciple position just to boost Su Xiaoxiao’s confidence, fabricating excuses to move to the Outer Gate.
Times had changed; Su Xiaoxiao had overcome her insecurities and earned the favor of elders, set to become a direct disciple, so Yun Zhonghe had no reason to stay in the Outer Gate any longer.
Furthermore…
“Uncle Qin, um, do you still remember… the monthly million spirit stone allowance we talked about?”
Yun Zhonghe asked again; this was crucial!
There was no help for it; he needed money badly, training was getting expensive.
In the cultivation world, resources were paramount.
Though blessed with remarkable talents, Yun Zhonghe, like the proverbial capable housewife without rice, found his progress hindered without sufficient spirit stones.
“Fear not, it certainly stands; how could it not?” Qin Wushuang laughed.
He didn’t mind at all, knowing whatever he gave to Yun Zhonghe, would eventually find its way to Qin Hongye.
It was merely a matter of taking spirit stones from one pocket and putting them in another.
On hearing Qin Wushuang’s affirmation, Yun Zhonghe rejoiced, realizing he wouldn’t have to worry about spirit stones anymore, focusing on cultivation and self-improvement.
“Great, Uncle Qin, I’m ready to serve as the chief and be the Master’s direct disciple!”
Finally, Yun Zhonghe agreed.
“Good! Good! Good! So be it!”
Qin Wushuang cheered three times, if not for the presence of Mu Jixue and others, he’d have been grinning widely.
However, as one of the ten immortal sects and the top one in the Eastern Continent, electing a new chief requires a grand ceremony.
Given the upcoming secret operation against the demon path, there was no time for such an event; nonetheless, Qin Wushuang decided to hold a celebration later.
For now, Yun Zhonghe can enjoy some benefits of being the chief.
“No objections.”
To Yun Zhonghe, receiving the monthly allowance was enough; he cared little for other perks.
Qin Wushuang felt somewhat guilty for potentially shortchanging Yun Zhonghe.
“Nephew, rest assured, once everything settles down, I’ll arrange a grand, extravagant ceremony for you, letting you bask in glory!”
“Hmm…”
Yun Zhonghe chuckled dryly.
That wasn’t necessary.
“Absolutely must happen!”
Qin Wushuang was adamant.
He felt like he singlehandedly turned the book’s tone into a sweet-and-cute story.
…
With their rewards in hand, the Four Beasts Secret Realm was slated to open in three days.
Yun Zhonghe and the others prepared to return to their quarters.
On the way, Lin Zhongyu and Su Xiaoxiao left early to handle other matters.
Just Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue were left walking together.
Before parting ways, Yun Zhonghe noticed a peculiar interaction between Lin Zhongyu and Mu Jixue.
“Oh…”
At a quiet moment on Mt. Xuantian, Mu Jixue stopped abruptly, looking bashful.
“You, Yun Zhonghe, can I ask you for a reward?”
