Chapter 27: Choosing a Master

A man in simple grey linen robes walked up alongside them. He wore a scholar’s square cap, giving him a refined and elegant air, and even his fair, handsome face exuded the aura of a man of letters.

Stopping two paces away from Song Junyu, he offered a gentle, mild smile. "Greetings, Miss."

Song Junyu was somewhat surprised by this form of address. Within the sect, disciples who were not well-acquainted usually addressed one another by their seniority in age; this Wen Zichang was truly unique. However, she was merely surprised, and so she gave a slight nod in response.

Seeing the two of them arrive, Zhang Tian raised her small hand and waved, smiling cutely. "I didn't expect you would actually take first place."

Song Junyu looked over. "Who said I would take first place?"

Zhang Tian simply raised her hand and wiggled her finger. "Heaven’s secrets must not be leaked."

"Let’s go. Each person on your team can receive one Foundation Establishment Pill. Beyond that, there is an additional reward for the both of you."

Wen Zichang raised his hand slightly. "Many thanks, Uncle-Master Zhang."

Song Junyu: "?" Uncle-Master?

Zhang Tian nodded, turned around, and trotted inside on her short legs, shouting as she went: "Sect Master, wake up! It’s time to hand out the rewards!"

A lazy, laughing voice drifted down from the sky. "Tian'er, keep it down, you'll give the game away."

Song Junyu looked up and saw the Sect Master, who had shown no airs last time, now reclining on a soft cloud, opening his sleepy eyes.

"Oh? Ah-Wen and... Yu'er?"

Though Wen Zichang’s expression was gentle, his demeanor was that of a true gentleman—magnanimous, neither servile nor overbearing. Seeing Gu Sanshi, he bowed and replied clearly, "This disciple greets the Sect Master."

Song Junyu also raised her hand and performed a standard bow, though her heart was churning with waves of shock. Does the Sect Master know her fake name? Could it be...

Gu Sanshi rested his chin on his hand, as if having seen through her thoughts, and said with a beaming smile, "That identity token bears a special mark of my own making; naturally, I would know your name."

"To get back to business, here are your rewards."

With a flick of his hand, he conjured two boxes. They hovered in mid-air, their lids opening automatically. Inside, three Foundation Establishment Pills lay steadily. The fragrance of the pills was intoxicating, instantly clearing the mind. These had to be top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills!

Gu Sanshi did not dwell on the pills, continuing to fulfill his promise: "Beyond this, both of you have one opportunity. Whether you wish to apprentice under anyone within this entire sect, I will send them a letter of recommendation for you."

Upon hearing this, even Wen Zichang was quite taken aback. Although it was called a recommendation letter, everyone knew it was the Sect Master’s decree; they would surely agree. In other words, the two of them had been granted the rare chance to choose their own master.

The air fell silent for a brief moment before Wen Zichang’s cultured, elegant voice rang out. "Sect Master, if I may, I would like to choose... Peak Master Shen."

"Oh?" Gu Sanshi raised an eyebrow, looking rather curious.

Wen Zichang did not hide his intent, explaining, "The Great Dao I currently pursue involves the flow of the power of heaven and earth, and Peak Master Shen possesses an extraordinary understanding of that realm. This disciple is foolish and wishes to seek her guidance."

"Then you should also know that Shen Xiyue has not taken on a male disciple in two hundred years."

Wen Zichang bowed again. "This disciple is willing to try. There is no distinction of rank in the pursuit of truth, and in the mastery of this art, Peak Master Shen is truly peerless. I do not wish to change my heart’s desire just to secure this opportunity. I beg the Sect Master to grant my request!"

Gu Sanshi lowered his eyes, appearing to weigh the possibilities. Within a breath, he traced his fingertip through the air like a brush and wrote the letter of recommendation.

"Take it."

He then lazily lifted his gaze to Song Junyu. "And you?"

Song Junyu asked, "Anyone in the entire sect can be chosen?"

"Naturally."

"Then I choose you, Sect Master."

As the words fell, the air went deathly quiet. Zhang Tian looked over with great interest. If she could play with her, it would be quite fun! Sect Master, oh Sect Master, hurry up and agree!

To everyone’s surprise, Gu Sanshi let out a scoffing laugh. "Think carefully. I am a master who sleeps until the sun is high and spends his nights indulging in the beauty of the mountains and rivers. By no metric am I a good choice for a teacher. Are you certain you do not wish to change your mind?"

"I will not change it."

"The reason?"

"To be the Sect Master’s disciple—it’s prestigious."

"..." Gu Sanshi never expected such a reply. His beautiful eyes blinked in surprise for a moment, then he threw his head back and laughed heartily.

"What a good reason! Do you know that if you become my disciple, we will share in each other's glory and disgrace from this day forth?"

"Those who recognize me will recognize you. Those who hate me will despise you."

Song Junyu’s expression turned solemn. She said, word by word, "To enjoy the honor of the position is to bear the weight of it. It is only natural; it should be this way. I beg the Sect Master to grant my request!"

As the last word fell from her lips, an unprecedented firmness shone in her eyes.

The sound of the wind seemed to quiet in that instant. Gu Sanshi watched Song Junyu, staring straight at her for a long time, before he finally chuckled and rose, pulling his robes tight.

"In that case, then... Yu'er, from this day forward, I am your master."

...

At the Panlong Plaza, the Great Elder arrived with a retinue of other elders. Looking at the forty-some disciples who remained, the Great Elder stroked his long beard.

"Not bad at all. There are even a few young ones who have already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment."

As he spoke, he looked up at the Peak Masters in the sky. "Everyone, the old rules apply. Shall we choose our disciples based on the cultivation aptitudes we require?"

Shen Xiyue leaned forward and smiled. "Naturally."

"After all, since Fairy Baoluo finds them beneath her notice, only you are left to choose alongside us."

The Second Elder looked at the man sitting on the high platform, then caught sight of the dainty pink figure standing behind him. He frowned but said nothing. The elders' faction had always prioritized the sect's overall situation; they did not take sides, not even with the Sect Master.

Yet, compared to the arrogant and haughty Zong Zi Fu, they would rather deal with that lazy, capricious, and seemingly unreliable Sect Master. At least Gu Sanshi had a sense of balance, unlike someone who showed such indiscreet favoritism toward his disciples. Although Zong Zi Fu’s disciples were talented, they all had flaws; in a future sect competition, they might not necessarily possess the strength to fight to the end.

The Second Elder pursed his lips and withdrew his gaze, scanning the crowd below. Suddenly, his eyes paused. He pointed toward Lu Ling. "Brother, look at that young girl."

The Great Elder followed his gaze. Seeing that the Great Elder had been studying her for a long time without seeing the point, the Second Elder reminded him, "Can you feel the nascent intent of the spear within her?"

"Spear intent?!"

The Great Elder sensed it for a moment, and was greatly shocked!