Within Yunmiao Palace, Immortal Light flowed, and auspicious Qi permeated the air.
Dragon and Phoenix phantoms subtly circled among the carved beams and painted rafters, while the warm jade paving the ground exuded a faint, refreshing spiritual mist.
The luminous pearls embedded in the surrounding jade pillars emitted a soft, clear glow, illuminating the grand hall as brightly as day, yet without any harshness.
"Master's intention is to prepare a gift for Su Ming?"
Qingmu Zhenjun was surprised but didn't think much of it.
He quickly stepped forward and respectfully began, "Master, regarding Junior Martial Uncle Su Ming…"
Before he could finish, Yunmiao Xianjun's smiling voice interrupted him:
"I already know about this. Tomorrow, at Chen hour, I will hold the Disciple-taking ceremony in the Palace. Do not be negligent, and do not lose face. Moreover, none of you Senior and Junior Brothers are allowed to be absent, understand?"
Although his tone was gentle, it carried an undeniable authority.
"Taking a Disciple?"
Qingmu Zhenjun was momentarily stunned. Several names flashed through his mind, and he subconsciously asked, "Who has Master taken? Could it be that Ji Tianxing has changed his mind…"
But he immediately dismissed the thought. Ji Tianxing had refused so resolutely that day; their Master-Disciple bond had long since ended.
"Is it like Grandmaster, finding a talented individual from outside the sect?"
Hearing this, Yunmiao Xianjun stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the hall beams, his joy unconcealed:
"No, no! The ninth Personal Disciple I have newly taken is that one from Myriad Phenomena Garden, Han Xuanji."
"Han Xuanji?"
Qingmu Zhenjun stood frozen, Han Xuanji's information rapidly flashing through his mind.
This child was actually the one he was responsible for assessing. Grandmaster had personally given a special instruction at the time, which had startled him.
As a result, after so long, there had been no news, and he had almost forgotten about this person.
"So it's that Dual-Pupiled one. Not bad, not bad… This Aptitude is indeed entirely suitable for him to become a Junior Brother."
Qingmu Zhenjun nodded, not finding it strange at all.
Dual-Pupiled individuals are extremely rare and are treasures in any Lineage. The reason Han Xuanji hadn't been taken as a Personal Disciple was precisely because Grandmaster was above, so how could the Elders and Peak Masters below dare to make a move?
He had even thought he would have to call Han Xuanji Junior Martial Uncle.
"This child is immensely talented. Master said he was biding his time, keeping his abilities hidden, and I believe his Dual Pupils are only a part of what he has revealed."
Yunmiao Xianjun's tone was certain, his eyes sparkling:
"People like Jiang Hao, who seem to have unparalleled, peerless talent, I believe are still inferior to Xuanji."
"Hiss… That's incredible."
Qingmu Zhenjun couldn't help but gasp, his heart filled with incomparable shock.
He hadn't realized that Han Xuanji was hiding so deeply!
If that were truly the case, then Master had indeed found a rare treasure this time.
Yunmiao Xianjun then seemed to recall something and, stroking his beard, murmured with a hint of uncertainty:
"It's just that earlier… did I appear a bit too eager?
I heard that some Master-Disciple relationships in the Lower Realm emphasize a slow and steady approach to show sincerity.
Me blocking his door so directly… will it seem too immodest, and scare him?
I hope he doesn't think I, his Master, am too overbearing…"
Elder Qingmu looked at his Master, who was both joyful and slightly anxious, as if he had obtained some rare treasure and was worried about gain and loss. He was completely different from his usual dignified and steady self, and for a moment, Qingmu Zhenjun didn't know how to respond.
He vaguely recalled the scene when he became a Disciple, but back then, it was the Disciple who was anxious. Now, the roles had reversed.
It was truly topsy-turvy.
He could only stammer:
"With Master personally making the effort, and the grace of imparting the Dao, Junior Brother Han… will surely be overjoyed."
As Grandmaster's eldest Disciple and a Realm close to a Taiyi Golden Immortal, Yunmiao Xianjun, who managed Purple Firmament Peak, the first peak of the Dan Meridian, it was quite reasonable for him to take a Disciple.
"I hope so, I hope so."
Yunmiao Xianjun nodded, a smile spreading across his face again. Clearly, Qingmu's words were quite effective.
"You may go and prepare. Be thorough. Your Junior Brother Han has a quiet nature and dislikes extravagance. The ceremony doesn't need to be overly boisterous, but the regulations and etiquette must not be omitted. Do not let anyone misunderstand that my Purple Firmament Peak does not value him."
"You must grasp the proper measure in this."
"Yes, Master, this Disciple understands."
Qingmu Zhenjun bowed slightly and then withdrew.
As he passed the side hall, his gaze inadvertently fell upon the slender figure sitting quietly by the window, silently reading a Pill Scripture.
The soft light in the hall made the young man's figure appear somewhat lonely.
Su Ming was naturally unaware of the conversation in the Palace. Looking at Qingmu Zhenjun's retreating figure, his fingers, holding the Jade Slip, tightened slightly, his eyelashes lowered, and a flicker of anticipation passed through his eyes.
Qingmu Zhenjun sighed inwardly but said nothing, quietly departing.
This nominal "Junior Martial Uncle," though bearing the title of Grandmaster's Personal Disciple, Grandmaster seemed to have no intention of personally teaching him. His future was uncertain, and he still had to face the great mountain that was Jiang Hao alone. The taste of it, perhaps only he himself knew.
…
The next day, at Chen hour.
The bell of Yunmiao Palace rang nine times, clear and melodious, cleansing the mind, intertwined with the ethereal Immortal Music, making it even more solemn and sacred.
Inside the grand hall, everything was already arranged.
Although it wasn't overly extravagant as per Yunmiao Xianjun's instructions, every detail showcased the profound heritage and grandeur of the Dan Meridian's foremost peak.
The glazed cups held only exquisite nectar, and the hundred or so Immortal Servants standing on either side held their breath, their demeanor respectful.
These Immortal Servants were all people with mediocre cultivation Aptitude. Most of them were descendants of previous Immortal Servants. If these people did not have enough Aptitude, they would basically continue to serve as Immortal Servants like their parents.
They had some cultivation, but the strongest among them were only at the Ascended Immortal Realm.
Han Xuanji, in a brand new True Disciple robe, slowly stepped into the grand hall, instantly becoming the center of attention.
The Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters who had been waiting came forward with smiles.
A middle-aged Daoist with a graceful demeanor and a gentle smile was the first to speak: "Junior Brother Han, I am your Second Senior Brother Qingyang. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation in the future, you can always come to me."
Han Xuanji nodded slightly. This was a Senior Brother at the Profound Immortal Realm.
Beside him, a beautiful female Immortal in a colorful dress chimed in with a smile:
"Little Junior Brother has arrived. I am your Fourth Senior Sister Qingling.
I've long heard that Junior Brother's Aptitude is extraordinary, and seeing you today, you are indeed remarkably handsome and possess an extraordinary demeanor."
Her words carried a hint of affectionate teasing.
The other Personal Disciples also came forward to greet him.
Han Xuanji responded with a perfectly humble smile, bowing in return to each, handling himself gracefully.
And at this moment, the System's voice rang out.
"Detected a six-star Sign-in location. Do you wish to Sign-in?"
"System, Sign-in."
Han Xuanji responded verbally while also responding to the System in his mind.
"Congratulations to the Host for successfully Signing-in at Yunmiao Palace, obtaining the entry 'Pill Dao Saint Hand'."
"Pill Dao Saint Hand: Your talent in Alchemy is astonishing, possessing the potential to refine Grand Dao Saint Pills."
"Grand Dao Saint Pills?"
Han Xuanji was secretly startled.
These were Medicinal Pills above the Nine-Revolutions Immortal Pill, things only heard of in legends.
Even the Dan Meridian Grandmaster probably wouldn't have the confidence to refine them.
Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Han Xuanji respectfully offered tea and bowed to his Master.
Yunmiao Xianjun sat at the head of the hall, accepting the full ceremony, his face filled with satisfaction, and said:
"Henceforth, Han Xuanji shall be my ninth Personal Disciple, with the Daoist name Qingxiao."
"This is the Listening Xuan Jade Bracelet. This is my gift."
As his voice fell, Yunmiao Xianjun waved his hand and bestowed a purple jade bracelet upon Han Xuanji.
"Disciple Qingxiao, respectfully thanks Master for the generous gift!"
Han Xuanji received it with both hands. A quick sweep of his Divine Sense revealed that this item was a treasure of the High Grade Immortal Artifact level. It contained a vast and boundless space, along with numerous mysterious protective Restrictions. He couldn't help but marvel at Yunmiao Xianjun's grand gesture.
This meeting gift was truly unexpectedly generous.
A High Grade Immortal Artifact, this was truly remarkable.
"This is one of Yunmiao Xianjun's only two High Grade Immortal Artifacts. I didn't expect him to bestow it upon a Disciple just like that."
The Elders observing the ceremony exchanged glances, all seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
Yunmiao Xianjun actually bestowed such a precious treasure directly upon a newly initiated Disciple. This level of importance far exceeded the norm!
Even the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, though still smiling, couldn't help but feel a slight ripple in their hearts.
When they had joined the sect, the best Master had given them was merely a High Grade Immortal Artifact. This Junior Brother Han's starting point was simply too high.
But precisely because of this, they more clearly realized how special this Little Junior Brother's position was in Master's heart, and he must never be treated lightly.