Chapter 28: Each Finds Their Own Place

This child possesses not merely an unformed intent of the spear, but a rare soul of the spear that has gradually begun to coalesce!

Among the myriad paths of weaponry, few attain such essence; most remain tethered to the tool itself, never grasping the profound mysteries.

This young girl appears no more than seventeen or eighteen, yet she already wields a soul of the spear? Across the entire world of cultivation, how many could truly claim such a feat?

The First and Second Elders realized this, and hurried downward, calling out, "Young girl, wait!"

The remaining elders stayed behind, bewildered, though bound by their own sense of dignity, they refrained from such unbridled displays and continued to silently observe for other promising talents.

At this moment, Lu Ling was inwardly anxious, worried that Song Junyu might have been discovered killing Zhao Sui, thereby tarnishing their reputation before the Sect Master and the others. Being suddenly hailed by two old men caught her off guard.

She slowly raised her eyes and, despite not knowing their identities, performed a standard and respectful salute: "Greetings, seniors."

The Second Elder was increasingly pleased the more he looked at her.

Look at her, just look at her—spirited and heroic, with sturdy bones and a rare soul of the spear that comes once in a millennium. With the two of them as her mentors, she would surely become a Spear Immortal, destined to soar into the clouds!

Unlike that arrogant man in grey, who treats a block of wood like a precious pearl!

She was so well-mannered; she would certainly be a humble and studious disciple!

Splendid, simply splendid!

Seeing the Second Elder lost in his own little world, the First Elder coughed twice. Assuming what he believed to be his most benevolent smile, he coaxed, "Little one, I am the First Elder of the Zhentian Sect, and he is the Second Elder. We both see the talent within you. Would you be willing to..."

"Become our disciple?" the Second Elder chimed in quickly.

Their voices were far from quiet, causing everyone around to turn and look.

Feeling uncomfortable under so many gazes, Lu Ling nonetheless maintained her composure. She steadied herself and bowed, "Thank you... both Elders. However, I am only proficient with the silver spear, and my other talents are quite ordinary. I merely hope to find a place that will accept me and offer a bit of guidance."

"I was originally..."

Seeing Lu Ling’s hesitation, the Second Elder interrupted, "If it comes to weaponry, I admit I am not as skilled as that brute from Jue Wu Peak, but when it comes to the silver spear... or even the essence of weaponry itself, little girl, watch closely!"

As he spoke, he condensed spiritual energy in his palm, and a majestic black spear materialized out of thin air. With a casual motion from the Second Elder, the spear transformed into the likeness of a blade and struck a distant mountain peak.

In a single breath, the peak began to tremble, and rocks came tumbling down.

Lu Ling held her breath, staring at the scene in utter shock.

Was this the power of true strength?

"What do you think?" The First Elder struck while the iron was hot, his fists clenched tightly and hidden within his sleeves.

Heaven knows how long they had been waiting for a new disciple like this!

The Elder Hall operated independently of the Sect Master’s direct governance, possessing the authority to decide on major sect affairs alongside the Sect Master. Because they rarely left their seclusion, few knew of their existence. Even the few sprouts they had taken in as disciples were all out of the sect, undergoing rigorous training.

Now, they old folks needed someone to look after as well!

How miserable it was to be denied the joy of guiding a disciple in their practice!

Now that there was not only a disciple but one who perfectly suited their tastes, how could they let such an opportunity slip away?

"Hmph." A sound of dissatisfaction drifted down from the sky, drawing everyone’s attention once more.

The Master of Jue Wu Peak, Qi Xiao, stood with his arms crossed, also appraising Lu Ling. A moment later, he flipped down, landing on the ground with such immense pressure that the complexions of the lower-level disciples turned pale.

"Two Elders, the choice should be hers to make."

He pointed at Lu Ling and quickly added, "Don't listen to their nonsense. The artistic conception of weaponry is something I mastered long ago! Follow me, and I guarantee I can lead you to the threshold of the Great Dao!"

The First and Second Elders were so angry their faces turned red.

Listen to that—is that human speech?

Didn't he say the choice should be left to the girl? What was this anxious, peacock-displaying act for?

This is exactly why these people are so insufferable!

Lu Ling had never imagined a day when she would be fought over. She stepped back half a pace, bowed to interrupt their bickering, and took a deep breath.

"Thank you, both Elders, but I had already set my heart on a path before I arrived."

Her eyes were bright and her words firm: "I wish to study under the Master of Jue Wu Peak, but I am deeply moved by the appreciation you both have shown me. I have a presumptuous request."

The disappointed Second Elder replied, "Speak."

"If I study under the Master of Jue Wu Peak, I will come to show you both my progress every three months to seek your guidance. Would that be..."

"It’s a deal! You’ve given your word, little girl. You are now half a disciple to us as well; if you miss a session, there will be punishments!"

Lu Ling was also excited. She turned to look at Qi Xiao, who nodded, and she quickly affirmed, "I shall never go back on my word!"

What began as a confrontation was resolved peacefully through Lu Ling's proposal.

However, as the First and Second Elders passed Qi Xiao, they stroked their beards and needled him: "You had better take good care of this girl. If you don't teach her well, you will dutifully send her to us in three months!"

"Your concern is unnecessary; we shall see the results in three months."

"Let us hope so."

Lu Ling’s being fought over by both sides left everyone else green with envy.

Qian Lin felt her face burning with pain; she clenched her fists and struck the side of a pillar.

"Bitch!"

Seeing this, Wang Xinglong felt a sting in his nose.

Why didn't anyone pick him?

Just then, a senior disciple from the Artifact Refinement Peak walked over.

"Where are you looking, you rascal?"

Hearing that familiar voice, Wang Xinglong quickly turned around.

"Fifth Uncle..."

Wang Jianzhi grew irritated the moment he saw his nephew’s expression and huffed, "You’ve been cultivating for so long and you’re still at the sixth level of Qi Refining. If you hadn't relied on a good team leader, how would you have gotten your hands on a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Wang Xinglong pouted, "Fifth Uncle, that’s not fair. I did go through the right-hand passage and slay the Green Bamboo Python!"

"Heh, you conveniently leave out the treasures your Third Uncle gave you."

Wang Xinglong fell silent instantly. If there was anyone he feared most in his family, it was this Fifth Uncle.

In truth, his Fifth Uncle possessed formidable strength; he just didn't know why he always chose to remain quietly on the Artifact Refinement Peak.

Oh well, if it weren't for his Third and Fifth Uncles, and given his own lack of any particular talent, he would have spent his whole life waiting to climb the ranks from a lowly disciple!

With Lu Ling having chosen her peak, Qi Xiao was clearly much more cheerful.

"Let’s go, follow me."

Lu Ling looked around and lowered her voice: "Peak Master, I am but a lowly disciple, and I am already deeply grateful to be accepted into your fold."

"However, given the eyes and ears everywhere, I will not flaunt your name for now. I shall report for duty tomorrow morning, and I will not be late."

Qi Xiao heard this and was even more pleased; he reached out a large hand and ruffled Lu Ling’s hair.

"Very good... but I have one more question for you."