"Master Xuan Chen, after accepting the five sect leaders as his disciples, had sworn never to take another, dedicating himself solely to cultivation. It was only upon meeting Tang Xi Ye and sensing her spiritual aptitude that he considered it, but the five sect leaders disagreed, so he relented. He then placed Tang Xi Ye under the most flourishing sect.
Wei Cong Ling recounted the past events. She and Tang Xi Ye had joined the sect at the same time. It was around the period Xuan Chen wished to take Tang Xi Ye as a disciple that Wei Cong Ling had met Xuan Chen for the first time, and today was their second meeting.
However, observing the familiarity between Tang Xi Ye and Xuan Chen, it was clear Tang Xi Ye must have met with Xuan Chen privately many times over the past three years.
Wei Cong Ling sighed again, "It would have been better if Master had taken her as a disciple. At least, she wouldn't have to train at Ge Nan Academy, but would surely be practicing with Master at the Secluded Forest Villa."
Yan Jiao Jiao's thoughts stirred.
If Xuan Chen rarely appeared at Ge Nan Academy, then the only place Tang Xi Ye could meet him would be at the Secluded Forest Villa.
Tang Xi Ye must possess a unique access token.
Yan Jiao Jiao's gaze deepened. She seemed to have found a faster way to reach the Scripture Pavilion than winning the Autumn Trials.
Wei Cong Ling had finished pouring out her heart. She wearily waved to Yan Jiao Jiao, "I don't want to talk about Tang Xi Ye anymore. Do you want to go rest for a while?"
Yan Jiao Jiao patted Wei Cong Ling's hand comfortingly, "It's alright. You rest. I'll go to the front hall first. Soon, Zhou Si Ze and I will be formally inducted, and we won't be able to rest then."
Wei Cong Ling said no more, leaning back on the couch and closing her eyes to rest.
Yan Jiao Jiao then walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind her, before turning towards the front hall.
When she arrived at the front hall, Zhou Si Ze was already there. Shang Guan Yuan, along with several sect leaders, was also waiting. Seeing Yan Jiao Jiao arrive, he gestured for her to sit.
"Today is your first day of formal induction into our sect. Don't dwell on the morning's events. Turn this page and henceforth, dedicate yourselves to cultivation to revitalize the prestige of our Water Sect," Shang Guan Yuan said, his posture formal, speaking with an air of authority. Then he paused.
Yan Jiao Jiao knew that half of this speech was directed specifically at her.
Silence fell in the room for a moment. The leading sect leader cleared his throat.
Shang Guan Yuan then seemed to realize he had forgotten the next part, but maintained a serious demeanor as if he hadn't stumbled. He gestured to the sect leaders and continued addressing Yan Jiao Jiao and Zhou Si Ze, "These are the sect leaders of our Water Sect. You will train under them daily. Of course, I will also come to personally teach at irregular intervals. If you have any questions in the future, you can ask the sect leaders, or you can come to me."
Although each sect only recruited two disciples annually, each disciple would train for over ten years, some even for decades. Over time, the number of students was considerable. It was impossible for the sect leader alone to meticulously guide them all without neglecting his own cultivation. Therefore, each sect selected outstanding, graduated students from their disciples to serve as sect leaders.
Yan Jiao Jiao and Zhou Si Ze paid their respects to the sect leaders one by one, then resumed their seats to await further instructions.
Shang Guan Yuan, however, fanned himself with his hand and said, "Alright, you two may withdraw with the sect leaders for your training."
Zhou Si Ze blinked in surprise, his face clearly showing his thought—Is that all?
Shang Guan Yuan was known among the sect leaders for disliking formalities. Yan Jiao Jiao had heard this before. It was likely that the first two speeches were forced upon him by the other sect leaders, otherwise, he wouldn't have recited them so stiffly, so unlike his usual relaxed manner.
Yan Jiao Jiao couldn't help but find it a little amusing.
She recalled her own past life, how she disdained these troublesome matters, which led her to not take a disciple for a thousand years. As a result, after sacrificing herself to save the world, she had no successor to pass on her skills.
Upon reflection, perhaps in this life, she should emulate Shang Guan Yuan and at least go through the motions of these formalities. She should take a disciple.
As Yan Jiao Jiao followed the sect leader, her thoughts drifted. She couldn't help but think of Dong Fang Xu. The child was a promising talent. Perhaps she could ask him to change calling her "sister" to "Master."
Before long, the sect leader led the two to the training hall, "Chi Yun Hall."
The term "Chi Yun" meant water condensing into clouds, and "Chi Yun" becoming thunder, demonstrating immense power. This was the primary training ground for the Water Sect's disciples.
As soon as they entered, they saw senior disciples practicing their techniques, some flying in the sky, others on the ground. Amidst the surging spiritual energy, various water-based formations unfolded before their eyes.
Zhou Si Ze was dazzled, completely immersed in the spectacle of cultivation.
Yan Jiao Jiao also observed quietly. Some of the cultivation techniques they demonstrated were unfamiliar to her. Moreover, while the Water Sect naturally focused on water-elemental magic, there were still a small number of techniques from other elemental factions.
She herself was born with all five elemental affinities. Even though she had chosen to specialize in the Water Sect, she had never intended to focus solely on one element. Knowing that here she could not only learn new cultivation techniques but also practice other elements, she was content.
"You cannot train here yet,"
As if sensing their longing, the leading sect leader, Zhao, said, pointing to a much quieter "Lian Yun Hall" outside.
"That is where you belong."
Saying this, Sect Leader Zhao produced two cultivation manuals from his robes and handed one to each of them.
So, they were brought here to witness the spectacular display of actual spellcasting, only to be confined to learning the cultivation manuals.
Yan Jiao Jiao and Zhou Si Ze exchanged glances, speechless. They could only obediently follow Sect Leader Zhao to Lian Yun Hall.
As the only two new disciples, Sect Leader Zhao sat at the head and taught them individually. Both of them had prior foundations, yet they were still compelled to sit and listen attentively.
This kind of instruction lasted from morning till night. Shang Guan Yuan and Sect Leader Zhao took turns. Besides daily necessities like eating and sleeping, their courses were solely focused on learning the cultivation manuals. This continued for over three months.
The two transitioned from helplessness to irritation, and finally to numbness.
It wasn't until Yan Jiao Jiao, while circulating her vital energy according to the sect's manual, discovered a slight loosening in her stagnant spiritual energy that she finally accepted this arrangement. She slowly grew accustomed to them repeatedly dissecting and explaining a single manual, to the point where Yan Jiao Jiao felt she could recite it backward.
On the day when Shang Guan Yuan finished the last page of the instruction, he closed the manual and said to them, "Your heart method classes are concluded. From now on, you will need to apply for leave to review and circulate your vital energy using the heart method daily."
Zhou Si Ze, being naturally reserved, couldn't help but show his joy, "Can we learn the techniques now?"
Shang Guan Yuan smiled and nodded, then looked at Yan Jiao Jiao, who remained calmly composed. Few students could maintain such composure after three months.
He was puzzled when Yan Jiao Jiao spoke, "Sect Leader, may I still practice the heart methods of other sects?""