Tian Shu Wu Wang Lu

Chapter 22 Becoming Qingxuan's Apprentice, the Path to Stardom Begins

As the secret realm's exit shimmered with light, a group of outer sect disciples emerged one after another. Lin Ye and Lu Chenyuan stood side by side, their auras calm and restrained. Though they showed no signs of brilliance, they had already become the focus of everyone's attention.

The stewards counted the spiritual materials and treasures brought out by the disciples one by one. When Lin Ye raised his hand and took out the Xuanling Jade Token, and then took out a bag full of century-old spiritual materials and rare immortal herbs, the whole place instantly erupted in a clamor.

Without a doubt, he won first place in the trial.

The disciples around him no longer looked down on him with disdain and mockery, but instead with deep awe and burning envy. Even Zhou Yang, who had been resentful and full of bitterness in the center of the secret realm, shrank his neck and lowered his head, wishing he could bury his head in his chest. He slunk away at the very back of the crowd, not daring to even breathe loudly, for fear of being spotted by Lin Ye. His disheveled appearance made several disciples nearby secretly suppress their laughter, making the scene quite comical.

As is customary, the sect will reward the top three in this trial handsomely, but the opportunities Lin Ye has gained this time are far more than just the sect's reward.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, a figure in moon-white robes gracefully descended from the clouds, her flowing garments carrying no trace of worldly concerns.

Jiang Xubai walked slowly, his figure elegant and upright, his gentle and refined demeanor naturally exuding an air of superiority. The disciples who had not yet left bowed and made way for him, holding their breath and not daring to disturb him in the slightest.

He walked straight through the crowd to Lin Ye, a faint, gentle smile on his lips. His gaze fell on Lin Ye, full of undisguised approval: "Lin Ye, in the secret realm, you concealed your strength and kept a low profile, you were measured in your killings, you were not greedy or reckless, and you did not bully the weak. Your temperament and strength are both excellent."

Lin Ye cupped his hands in a disciple's salute, his posture upright and neither humble nor arrogant: "Thank you for your praise, Senior Brother Jiang."

"No need for such modesty." Jiang Xubai raised his hand, his tone suddenly becoming solemn. His gentle demeanor remained, but a touch of reverence had crept in. "Our sect's Daoist Master Xuanzhen is a top-ranking elder, highly accomplished in cultivation, and extremely selective in choosing disciples. Yet, he values ​​someone like you, with your solid foundation and calm temperament, the most. I observe that you possess extraordinary talent and are blessed with auspicious destiny. I wish to personally introduce you to his sect, to become his personally taught disciple. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chenyuan's eyes widened instantly, his mouth gaped open wide enough to fit a spiritual fruit, and he stood frozen in place, his face full of shock. It took him a long time before he pinched himself hard, wincing in pain, before he realized he wasn't dreaming.

Who is Master Xuanzhen? He is a top-tier figure in the sect, a reclusive figure with unfathomable cultivation. His mastery of the Star Cultivation Dao is unparalleled in the entire sect. Countless talented inner disciples would fight tooth and nail to become his disciples, but none of them could ever get the chance. Now, Senior Brother Jiang is personally recommending him. What an incredible opportunity this is!

He looked at Lin Ye, his eyes filled with pride that "my brother has made something of himself," and he was so excited that he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.

Lin Ye's heart was also churning with emotions. He naturally knew that becoming a disciple of Master Xuanzhen was a crucial step on his path of cultivation, an opportunity to completely shed his humble origins and embark on the smooth path of the Great Dao.

He immediately bowed deeply, his tone resolute: "This disciple is willing, thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Jiang!"

Jiang Xubai nodded slightly, said no more, and immediately turned around, leading Lin Ye towards the Qingxuan Immortal Mansion deep within the sect.

The Qingxuan Immortal Abode is hidden among the sea of ​​clouds, surrounded by celestial energy, with cranes circling around it. The palace is ancient and solemn, with its upturned eaves exuding a transcendent and otherworldly charm. Far from the hustle and bustle of the sect and the secular world, it is peaceful and serene everywhere.

Just as they arrived at the entrance of the immortal abode, they saw a chubby crane pecking at the spiritual grass seeds on the ground with its short legs. When it saw Jiang Xubai, it was not afraid at all, but instead flapped its wings and rubbed against his clothes. Its adorable appearance instantly diluted the solemnity of the immortal abode and added a touch of everyday life.

Upon entering the main hall, a Taoist priest sat cross-legged on a central prayer mat; it was none other than Taoist Master Xuanzhen.

He wore only a simple, ancient wooden hairpin on his head, his beard and hair were half white but neatly combed, he held a whisk engraved with fine star patterns, and his body was surrounded by a faint aura of star power. His temperament was otherworldly and refined, like a hermit master.

His eyes seemed calm and compassionate, yet they appeared to see through all things in the world. When he looked at the two people approaching, a gentle light appeared in his eyes. Every gesture he made exuded the composure and solemnity of a wise and enlightened person, inspiring awe and a sense of closeness in those who looked at him.

"Master, your disciple Jiang Xubai has brought Lin Ye here." Jiang Xubai bowed deeply, speaking respectfully as he meticulously recounted Lin Ye's various performances in the secret realm. Every word he uttered was a sincere acknowledgment, displaying the demeanor of an elder brother who had carefully nurtured and wholeheartedly protected his junior brother. "This young man possesses exceptional talent, a resilient character, and composure in the face of adversity. He is destined for greatness and is no ordinary person; he is a promising talent."

Master Xuanzhen slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze falling on Lin Ye. His fingertips slightly pinched together, and after a moment, an undisguised look of surprise and appreciation flashed across his eyes. Even the hand holding the whisk paused for a moment: "He actually has a natural Star Cultivator physique, with an extremely high compatibility with the Star Cultivator Dao. One in ten thousand! Truly rare!"

He paused, his voice steady and deep, carrying an undeniable approval: "Since it was Xu Bai who recommended you, and it suits my taste, from now on you will be my disciple, my third personally taught disciple. You must devote yourself to cultivating the planetary path and the Great Dao, and you must not slack off."

Lin Ye immediately knelt down and meticulously performed the three bows and nine kowtows ceremony to become a disciple, his voice clear and solemn, each word ringing out: "Disciple Lin Ye greets Master!"

After the apprenticeship ceremony was completed, two figures slowly walked out from behind the screen on the side of the hall.

The leader was still dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, exuding an air of refined elegance; he was none other than the senior disciple Jiang Xubai, who had just performed the ceremony.

As the eldest disciple of his sect, he possessed unfathomable cultivation. He wholeheartedly assisted his master and took care of his junior sister, and his protectiveness was ingrained in his very bones. He was usually gentle and composed, without any arrogance. Only when someone in his sect was wronged or encountered trouble would he reveal his sharp edge.

Following closely behind was Shen Qingyuan, the second disciple personally taught by Master Xuanzhen.

Her figure was as slender as a bamboo shoot under the moon, her appearance was pure and beautiful, her eyebrows and eyes were clear and elegant, her eyes held a hint of starlight, and her skin was as white as snow. She wore a simple white fairy dress with flowing sleeves, her hair was lightly tied up and fixed with a simple jade hairpin, without any extra accessories. She had an aura of cool indifference and otherworldly temperament.

At first glance, her eyes were slightly lowered, exuding a sense of aloofness and arrogance that made people hesitant to approach her. However, upon closer inspection, a gentle demeanor was revealed beneath that coolness. Every movement and stillness displayed the bearing of a great person. Unlike the arrogant talents of other sects, she did not conform to worldly ways. Looking at her, one could sense her resilient and insightful character, and her measured actions.

Shen Qingyuan first bowed gracefully to Daoist Xuanzhen, showing perfect manners. Then she turned to look at Lin Ye, the coldness in her eyes fading slightly, replaced by a gentle smile. Her gaze was tender and clear, and the aloofness and arrogance she felt at their first meeting had vanished without a trace. She now regarded him as a fellow disciple and close friend.

She was kind-hearted, protective of her own, and extremely sincere to those she trusted. Looking at Lin Ye now, she felt a strange sense of closeness to him, thinking that this junior brother was steady and reliable, far superior to ordinary impetuous disciples.

"Qingyuan, this is your third junior brother, Lin Ye. From now on, you will be fellow disciples." Master Xuanzhen gently stroked his whisk and spoke calmly, "Xubai, Qingyuan, from now on, you two must take good care of your junior brother. Fellow disciples should help each other to improve."

"Disciple understands." Jiang Xubai replied gently, turning to look at Lin Ye with warm eyes, full of elder brotherly care.

Shen Qingyuan stepped forward slowly, her voice soft and pleasant, yet carrying a hint of cool certainty. Her gaze toward Lin Ye was full of goodwill: "Third Junior Brother, in the future, when we cultivate together, whether it's manipulating star power, refining movement techniques, or casting star spells, if you have any doubts or difficulties, feel free to come to me. Don't be shy."

She adhered to the sect's code of conduct and acted decisively and with discretion. Now that she had acknowledged this junior brother, she would treat him with all her heart and would definitely protect him in the future. However, when she spoke, the tips of her ears turned slightly red. She was usually a loner, and suddenly having a junior brother made her feel a little uncomfortable. Her awkward yet adorable appearance completely changed her usual aloofness.

"Disciple Lin Ye greets Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister." Lin Ye stood up and cupped his hands in a proper manner. His gaze met Shen Qingyuan's lightly, and when he saw her reddened ear tips, he paused slightly. He felt that beneath this senior sister's cool exterior lay a sincere and shy heart. He then calmly withdrew his gaze and stood respectfully to the side.

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