While the hall remained deathly silent and everyone reeled from the sudden, overwhelming fortune,
A torrential aura erupted from the depths of the Liu Family mansion!
Immediately after, a slightly weathered yet vigorous voice rolled like muffled thunder across the Liu estate:
"Which Senior—hm? Yan'er's aura?!"
Before the words faded, a streak of azure light shot from the rear-mountain retreat and landed outside the main hall.
The glow dispersed, revealing a middle-aged man in a cyan robe whose features were fifty or sixty percent similar to Liu Beichuan's.
He was Liu Ruyan's father—Liu Beihai!
He had been in seclusion attempting to break through to the Early Stage of Nascent Soul, but upon sensing an unusual aura he had forcefully left his retreat.
The instant he spotted Liu Ruyan held tightly by Madam Zhou, delight flashed in his eyes.
Yet the very next moment his gaze was locked onto the Storage Pouch in Liu Beichuan's hand, the one radiating astonishing Spiritual Qi fluctuations!
"Big Brother!"
Seeing Liu Beihai, Liu Beichuan found his anchor and hurried forward, voice still trembling:
"Look! This is what Ruyan brought back... a gift from her Master to our Family!"
Liu Beihai stepped up, took the pouch, and swept it with his Divine Sense.
Even with a Nascent Soul Cultivator's composure, his breath caught and his eyes erupted with disbelief!
His reaction was more dramatic than Liu Beichuan's, for he better understood what an Earth Rank Magical Artifact meant!
Such a thing was absolutely beyond the reach of Qingyang City—or any power bordering the Great Yan Dynasty!
He jerked his head up, eyes like lightning, first sweeping a deep look over Liu Ruyan as though seeing his daughter anew.
Then his gaze passed her and settled on Yun Yun, who had been sitting quietly to one side.
This time Liu Beihai's heart shook violently.
Just now his attention had been on the Storage Pouch; only now, on careful inspection, did he realize this woman in white was perfectly fused with heaven and earth.
When his Early Stage Nascent Soul Divine Sense probed her, it vanished like a clay ox into the sea without raising the slightest ripple!
He had experienced this sensation only once—from a Body Integration Senior!
"This is..."
Suppressing the storm in his heart, Liu Beihai involuntarily adopted an unprecedented reverence, cupped his hands and asked.
Yun Yun turned and inclined her head slightly:
"Yun Yun, Yan'er's Senior, here by the Palace Master's order to escort her home."
"Palace Master?!"
Liu Beihai's heart chilled.
Someone capable of dispatching a powerhouse like this as a Disciple's escort...
The cultivation of that "Palace Master" was beyond the limits of their imagination!
"So it is Senior Yun! This Junior Liu Beihai was remiss!"
Liu Beihai hastily bowed again, his attitude utterly respectful:
"My unruly daughter's acceptance into your Immortal Palace is a three-lifetime blessing!
The generosity of Senior and your Palace Master shames the Liu Family; we truly feel unworthy."
He spoke from the heart, even with a trace of unease.
Could the Liu Family bear such lavish gifts?
Might there be an unimaginable price to pay?
Yun Yun seemed to read his misgivings and said gently:
"The Liu Family may accept in peace; use it well and grow strong—that is the best way to honor the Palace Master's intent."
Her tone was mild, yet carried unquestionable authority.
Liu Beihai felt slightly reassured, but his awe only deepened.
The Yaochi Immortal Palace that could casually bestow Earth Rank Magical Artifacts?
He dared not ponder its full heritage.
But he knew that from this moment the Liu Family's fate would be utterly transformed!
He solemnly stored the pouch and bowed deeply to Yun Yun:
"The entire Liu Family will forever be grateful for the Palace Master's kindness!
Should we ever be needed, the Liu Family will not refuse!"
Watching her father and uncle's excitement and reverence, Liu Ruyan was filled with emotion.
She knew that starting today the Liu Family would soar.
Never again would they need to defer to the Lin or Zhao families; even their standing within the Great Yan Dynasty would be transformed.
And all of it stemmed from her Master's seemingly casual gift.
"Father, Uncle,"
Liu Ruyan spoke at the right moment, producing the heaven-observing stone:
Master has one more command."
Everyone's gaze focused anew.
"Master ordered me to recruit Disciples for the Yaochi Immortal Palace in Qingyang City and its surroundings."
Holding the stone that shimmered with mysterious Dao rhythm, Liu Ruyan spoke clearly.
The stone itself was not ornate, yet the sensation that it could see through all essence and pierce to the Soul's Origin
Made every heart in the hall tighten.
"This is the 'heaven-observing stone'; it gauges potential and displays it as star numbers."
Her voice echoed in the silent hall, each word a hammer striking their hearts.
"One star is the minimum; ten or more are supreme.
Master decrees that five to six stars may enter the outer gate; seven to eight the inner gate; nine may become a Core Disciple."
She paused, sweeping her gaze over the stunned crowd:
"Uncle, Father, I wish to set up a testing site in Qingyang City and the surrounding area to openly select Disciples for the Immortal Palace."
Open testing! Disciple selection!
Liu Beihai and Liu Beichuan exchanged glances, each seeing the storm raging in the other's eyes.
They understood better than Liu Ruyan what this selection would mean!
And the right to manage it lay with Liu Ruyan—with the Liu Family!
This isn't just about Face—it's tangible, immeasurable favor and influence.
Once word spreads, the Liu Family's threshold will be trampled flat.
Allies and vassals will cling even tighter.
Factions loyal to the Lin and Zhao families will pivot, scrambling to cozy up.
It's another gift from Yaochi Immortal Palace, an intangible asset that secures the Liu Family's glory for a century.
Liu Beihai sucked in a breath, quelling his surging blood, and asked Yun Yun gravely:
Senior Yun, does the Palace have any specific rules—scale, duration?
Must we… avoid certain powers?
His questions cut to the heart, every angle considered.
An open selection will step on toes of nearby Sects and Families.
They won't watch the Liu Family rise without stirring.
Yun Yun sat poised, calm and elegant; she merely shook her head.
Let it flow naturally.
Testing will be held in the plaza before the Liu manor, starting in three days and lasting seven.
Anyone interested, regardless of birth, may come.
As for avoiding anyone…
She lifted her gaze, sweeping the hall as though seeing through every wall of the city.
When Yaochi Immortal Palace acts, why should we avoid anyone?
Her voice remained gentle,
yet the absolute might behind her words made Liu Beihai's heart quake; every doubt vanished.
Yes! This Junior understands.
Liu Beichuan bowed, the last worry in his heart dissolving.
With a Senior rumored to be at Body Integration and a mysterious Palace Master who bestowed an Earth Rank Magical Artifact,
what fear has the Liu Family within the Great Yan Dynasty?
Yaner, you're in full command; every hand and resource of the Family is yours to move.
Liu Beihai slapped the table, voice ironclad.
Beichuan, assist Yaner with everything—make it grand, uphold the Palace's prestige!
Yes, Big Brother!
Liu Beichuan answered, thrilled.
The other elders inside the hall glowed, rubbing their hands.
They already saw the manor thronged with visitors, the Family leaping to the top tier of Qingyang City and beyond.
Liu Ruyan watched them, pride swelling.
Father, Second Uncle, sooner is better than later.
She collected herself and said,
I'll go discuss arrangements with Vice Palace Master Yun.
We also need a notice drafted and posted so the whole city knows at once.
Good, good—go, Yaner!
Liu Beihai nodded repeatedly, delighted by his daughter's steady command.
His daughter had outdone every expectation.
Liu Ruyan inclined her head to Yun Yun; together they rose and, led by Liu Beichuan, left the main hall.
Zhou Shi and Liu Ruxue wanted to speak more, but seeing her duty-bound, they held back, watching her go.
Big Sister… really seems different.
Liu Ruxue murmured as Liu Ruyan vanished down the corridor.
Yes…
Zhou Shi's eyes brimmed with joyful tears.
Your sister… has grown up.
After many days missing, Eldest Young Miss Liu Ruyan returned, bringing a rumored Soul Transformation Senior.
In three days, in front of the Liu manor, Yaochi Immortal Palace would openly recruit Disciples.
The news flew through Qingyang City faster than wings.
At first, many disbelieved.
The Eldest Young Miss had vanished, then came back with a Soul Transformation Senior?
And some unheard-of Yaochi Immortal Palace wanted open recruitment?
But soon, as the Liu Family moved, details surfaced.
Gossip said the long-secluded Liu Beihai had broken through and personally attended the white-clad woman with utmost respect—signs it was all true.
Qingyang City erupted.
On every street, in every teahouse and tavern, people talked of nothing else.
Did you hear? The Eldest Young Miss is back and joined a Sect called Yaochi Immortal Palace.
More than that—she brought a Soul Transformation Senior. The Liu Family's hit the jackpot!
Yaochi Immortal Palace… never heard of it. Some hidden super-Sect?
Who cares! Open selection, no birth requirement—this is a heaven-sent Opportunity!
My daughter's fifteen, Qi Refining first layer—maybe she has a chance…
My son Wang Teng is nine, hasn't started Cultivating yet, but his grandpa says he has the bearing of an emperor!
Emperor? What Realm is that?
Quick, to the Liu gate—the notice is up!
The crowd surged like a tide toward the Liu estate.
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