Chapter 018

Chapter 18: An Unexpected Turning Point

True Lord Yu Feng’s words made Wei Ling Tao and Wei Ling Yue’s eyes flash with delight—this was truly wonderful news.

Though only three spots were offered, to the Wei family, it meant having three more talented disciples in the clan.

True Lord Yu Feng’s promise was clear: as long as the chosen Wei disciples were of decent character, they would certainly be accepted into the sect. Moreover, the sect would take special care to ensure they wouldn’t be bullied.

This arrangement was far more generous than the usual disciple recruitment in Emerald Jade City. Typically, external disciples faced strict initial screenings based on their spiritual roots, followed by additional tests at Grand Righteous Sect. Those who failed would be sent home without a second chance.

Wei Ling Tao quickly rose and offered a respectful salute, saying gratefully, “Thank you, True Lord Yu Feng, for your generous consideration. Please rest comfortably here in the Wei estate today. Allow me to personally visit the city lord’s residence to handle the disciple recruitment announcement.”

True Lord Yu Feng did not decline. These people wouldn’t dare deceive him, and considering the Wei family’s respectful behavior over the years, he nodded his assent, replying, “Then, I’ll have to trouble Wei Patriarch.”

“You flatter me, True Lord; it is the Wei family who should thank you for your kindness.”

Wei Ling Tao did not dare to accept such praise alone. Beside him, Wei Ling Yue quickly agreed, and together they escorted True Lord Yu Feng to a quiet courtyard before promptly setting off for the city lord’s residence.

The news that Grand Righteous Sect would be accepting disciples spread swiftly throughout Emerald Jade City. Every influential clan in the city began selecting their best children, preparing them for the screening the next day.

Inside the Feng Clan’s council hall:

Feng Jia Qing was the first to hear the news and quickly gathered the clan elders to discuss which disciples to send for screening.

The elders weren’t blinded by the sudden fortune; instead, they carefully analyzed the situation:

“While sending disciples to Grand Righteous Sect is a great opportunity, we mustn’t send all our elite talents.”

“Indeed, our clan must still develop internally. We must keep enough talented disciples here. Besides, we lack foundations in Grand Righteous Sect, unlike the Wei family, who’ve sent disciples there for generations. Our disciples will likely have to depend on Wei family members once there. Such dependence carries both advantages and disadvantages. They won’t protect us without cause, making our children inferior in certain situations. I fear this might hinder their cultivation.”

“The Clan Chief is correct. Moreover, this sudden disciple recruitment by Grand Righteous Sect seems suspicious to me, since no prior hints were given.”

This elder was naturally cautious and skeptical.

He had no idea that the Feng Clan itself was actually tied to the sudden recruitment—but indirectly, through Wei Yun Xi. By intercepting Grand Righteous Sect’s “variable,” the Feng family had prompted Grand Righteous Sect’s ancestor to spread a wider net in Emerald Jade City, even sending True Lord Yu Feng personally.

Of course, the real reason couldn’t be openly revealed. True Lord Yu Feng had simply claimed he was taking disciples from the Wei family along his route and decided to recruit a few more, conveniently granting the Wei family extra prestige—a perfect move that killed three birds with one stone.

The Feng Clan elders analyzed the situation carefully. Ultimately, they decided to send two elite disciples to Grand Righteous Sect. As for the other branch disciples, there would be no restrictions; anyone wishing to participate could do so, passing or failing based solely on their own merit.

Emerald Jade City’s Sun and Liu families made similar decisions. Since everything was so sudden, this was the best approach they could take without abandoning their own foundations.

Yet another dilemma arose for Feng Jia Qing—Wei Yun Xi’s situation. Given the special consideration Grand Righteous Sect showed the Wei family, they would certainly accept more Wei disciples this time.

Initially, Wei Yun Xi had been rejected because her talents were inferior to Wei Yun Qing’s. However, compared to other Wei disciples who had not even reached Qi Induction, Wei Yun Xi stood a high chance of being sent to the sect this time.

Feng Jia Qing had already discussed this with Wei Ling Yue previously. Because Wei Yun Xi’s inability to enter the sect had been Wei Ling Yue’s “reluctant decision,” Feng Jia Qing had stepped in for his niece, offering to personally mentor her instead.

The Feng family had planned to teach Wei Yun Xi the art of pill refinement. Although she possessed only three spiritual roots, she was well-suited for this craft.

This decision greatly benefited the Wei family, so Wei Ling Yue naturally agreed without hesitation. In his eyes, Wei Yun Xi remained part of the Wei family; mastering pill refinement would only strengthen the clan, so he couldn’t possibly object.

Originally, this matter was settled—but now things had changed. Feng Jia Qing, uncertain, went to Ancestor Feng Feng to seek advice.

Feng Feng stroked his beard, sighing softly, “Heaven’s will is hard to defy. It seems our Feng family won’t be able to keep Yun Xi.”

“What does Ancestor mean?”

“Let’s see how the Wei family decides. If they wish to send Yun Xi to Grand Righteous Sect, we have no grounds to object. But if they insist on keeping her at home, then we’ll proceed with our original plan and teach her pill refinement here.”

“Yes, Ancestor.”

Feng Jia Qing then informed Wei Yun Xi through Feng Xiu.

Receiving the news, Wei Yun Xi felt a strange sensation—as though she had run swiftly, seeking shelter before the rainstorm, yet was still caught in the downpour.

Feng Xiu looked at her young miss’s dispirited little face, unsure how to comfort her. To Feng Xiu, either path was good since there was someone backing her up regardless.

Wei Yun Xi rubbed her chubby cheeks lightly and said to Feng Xiu, “Elder Sister Feng, I understand Maternal Uncle’s intention. Let me be alone for a while—make sure no one disturbs me.”

“Yes, Young Miss.”

Wei Yun Xi activated the defensive formation, then climbed onto her bed, stretching her limbs out in the shape of a big “X.” Her mind felt muddled. Knowing Wei Ling Yue’s character, she was certain he would send her to Grand Righteous Sect.

Needing advice, she entered the chat group space once more.

As soon as her consciousness entered, the light screen shifted from dim standby to online, automatically sending a message into the group:

“Passing Clouds has come online.”

Wei Yun Xi considered for a moment before sending another message:

Passing Clouds: “I had a prophetic dream. If I enter the sect to cultivate, something bad will happen. What should I do?”

Tribe Warrior: “How bad?”

Passing Clouds: “I’ll become someone else’s stepping stone.”

Star Trek: “Then don’t go.”

Survival is Truth: “Why not? Just beat down whoever wants you as their stepping stone! You can’t hide forever!”

Ox Head and Horse Face: “Sounds like you’ve got good luck. Since you had a prophetic dream, you can avoid the traps. Just go.”

Drifting with Immortal Grace: “Your prophetic dream is already proof that you’re no longer bound by fate. You’re a variable now, not a pawn. If destined to enter this game, then step into the board bravely—fight until nothing remains!”