Chapter 12: A Rash Decision

Fan Tong nearly dropped to his knees, ready to declare his reverence for his new master, when he suddenly registered what Luo Twelve had just said. He was no longer needed? Wasn’t he supposed to be the one chosen, to be taken as a disciple? How could it be that he was no longer relevant? This wasn’t how things were supposed to unfold!

Panic seized Fan Tong.

Luo Twelve, however, spared him not another glance. His gaze, warm and benevolent, shifted to Tie Pipi and Wang Zhengyu.

“Ladies,” he addressed them with gentle kindness.

Under Fan Tong’s dumbstruck stare, Luo Twelve’s voice brimmed with paternal affection. “I am Luo Twelve, Sect Master of the Supreme Qi-Attraction Sect. I welcome you both to our order. Come, I will lead you to complete your admission.”

The two women had already looked toward Luo Twelve the moment Fan Tong had cried out “Sect Master.” Naturally, they did not overlook Luo Xingchen standing at his side.

Tie Pipi took it in stride; she knew Luo Xingchen was a powerful cultivator in the midst of his tribulations, so it made sense for him to be with the sect master. Her nerves were never easily rattled, so her reaction was mild.

Wang Zhengyu, on the other hand, was different. She had originally assumed Luo Xingchen was just an ordinary senior brother within the sect. But now, his presence seemed anything but ordinary. He had left, then returned, and brought the sect master himself—how could he wield such influence?

Wait! The sect master’s name was Luo Twelve, and Luo Xingchen shared the same surname. Could they be father and son? Or perhaps grandfather and grandson? At the very least, they must share the same lineage!

Wang Zhengyu’s quick mind leapt to conclusions, her eyes brightening as everything clicked into place. No wonder Luo Xingchen, so young, possessed such extraordinary spiritual artifacts! No wonder, though it was not the usual season for accepting new disciples, he could bring them in! No wonder he could so easily summon the revered sect master!

Indeed, she, Wang Zhengyu, was destined for immortality, fated to meet powerful benefactors with the mere act of stepping outside her door!

Still, she wondered, what exactly was the relationship between the sect master and Senior Brother Luo? Should she find a chance to ask? No, she decided against it—she could not risk being seen as someone currying favor. She, Wang Zhengyu, stood proud and unyielding; she would never stoop so low.

Setting these thoughts aside, Wang Zhengyu knelt before Luo Twelve. “Master, please accept your disciple’s bow!”

Since she had entered the immortal sect, it was only fitting to apprentice herself to the strongest. This was not sycophancy, and Senior Brother Luo would surely not misunderstand her intentions.

Her action left everyone momentarily stunned.

Luo Twelve regarded Wang Zhengyu for a long while before he finally asked, “Are you certain you wish to take me as your master? I must warn you, there are many in the Supreme Qi-Attraction Sect who can teach you well.”

Hadn’t he already prepared to accept her as his disciple? Why confirm again? Was this some deliberate test meant to confuse her? If so, it was far too simple; she would not be deterred!

With unwavering resolve, Wang Zhengyu replied, “Master, my mind is set. Please accept me.”

Luo Twelve did not answer immediately. He turned to Luo Xingchen—after all, the grand elder had said previously that the girl was to remain by his side.

Luo Xingchen, however, did not insist. “If that is her wish, then accept her,” he said.

Luo Twelve nodded.

Wang Zhengyu, who had been watching them closely, instantly understood. The two were indeed deeply connected! Senior Brother Luo, rest assured: when I become a great cultivator, I will never forget your recommendation today. Should you still not have reached the pinnacle, your junior sister will surely lend you a hand!

She was already planning for the future.

Luo Twelve turned to Tie Pipi. “And you, little one? Whom do you wish to follow?”

Tie Pipi looked at Luo Xingchen and answered without hesitation, “I want to follow the esteemed master!”

Only by staying close to the great one could she enjoy the finest food and drink.

Wang Zhengyu shook her head inwardly. Senior Brother Luo’s background was formidable, but all his power derived from the sect master standing here. Why pass up the true powerhouse to follow Senior Brother Luo? Junior Sister Pipi, you are far too hasty!

But such things were not easy to say aloud. Wang Zhengyu could only sigh to herself. The path of cultivation was like this: a single choice could set one upon an entirely different road.

“Now that it is settled, come with me to complete your admission,” Luo Twelve said, giving Wang Zhengyu an extra glance.

Take me as your master? Little girl, you have chosen a narrow path!

Wang Zhengyu, noticing the look Luo Twelve gave her before turning away, felt her excitement only deepen. Indeed, Master has cast me a look of approval—my decision was the right one!

The four of them departed, leaving Fan Tong staring after their backs in utter bewilderment.

Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?

…

The process for joining the sect was not complicated to begin with, and with the sect master himself overseeing things, it was even swifter.

Wang Zhengyu and Tie Pipi soon received their sect robes and identification tokens. From that moment, they were officially disciples of the Supreme Qi-Attraction Sect.

Afterward, they went their separate ways—one following Luo Twelve, the other Luo Xingchen.

The Supreme Peak—one of the six main peaks of the sect—was strictly forbidden to disciples, known as a forbidden ground. In truth, it was where Luo Xingchen resided within the sect.

Wang Zhengyu went with Luo Twelve to Infinite Peak, while Luo Xingchen took Tie Pipi back to Supreme Peak.

Passing through layers of formations and mechanisms, they reached the mountaintop—a wide, open plateau.

Luo Xingchen produced his mobile palace and set it down on the open ground.

Tie Pipi looked expectantly at him. “Esteemed master—no, I mean, honored senior, when will you begin teaching me to cultivate?”

“I haven’t taken you as a disciple,” Luo Xingchen replied. “Just keep calling me honored senior. As for cultivation, with your unique constitution, you needn’t learn the basics. When your spiritual power grows, I’ll teach you combat techniques.”

Relieved that she wouldn’t have to endure dull cultivation, Tie Pipi was delighted.

“So, honored senior, if we’re not cultivating, what should we do now? Eat?!”

At the mention of food, her eyes sparkled.

Luo Xingchen nodded.

Tie Pipi cheered with joy.

Soon, the aroma of food wafted through the air, accompanied by laughter and cheerful voices.

On Infinite Peak, Wang Zhengyu, with Luo Twelve’s consent, chose a small empty courtyard near his residence as her abode. With that, she was settled.

Through some inquiries, Wang Zhengyu learned something that left her shocked, overjoyed, and thrilled all at once: she was the sect master’s only disciple!

Such an honor—across the Qingyun Empire, no, across all of Northern Xuanzhou—who could claim such prestige?

Junior Sister Pipi, life must be hard for you now. Perhaps you already regret your choice. Alas, it’s too late. The great fortune that was meant for you is now lost forever!