Chapter 352 Ten Years
"Fang Linglong, within Wendao Academy, you may freely choose one of the ten Chiefs to become your master."
The Dean's voice echoed through the main hall of the External Affairs Court.
"Many thanks, Senior."
Fang Linglong felt as though she were dreaming.
Just three days ago, in Dayuan City, she had faced the invitations and veiled threats of several Holy Lands, unsure of what choice to make.
It was then that Junior Brother Mu descended from the skies, bringing with him a Great Sage of Wendao Academy and Half-Saint Chu's personal token.
Without hesitation, she declared that she wished to join Wendao Academy.
The other Holy Lands, seeing that a Half-Saint had personally intervened, could only abandon their pursuit of Fang Linglong.
When they returned to Wendao Academy, even before arriving at Miaomiao Mountain, Great Sage Jinchi received the Dean's order to bring Fang Linglong to the External Affairs Court to rest—leading to the present scene.
The Dean had specially permitted Fang Linglong to choose any one of the ten Chiefs as her master.
The nine remaining Chiefs felt somewhat helpless. It was not that they did not wish to take Fang Linglong as a disciple. After all, she had bonded with a sacred beast Azure Luan, her future potential immense, with Half-Sainthood well within reach.
But it was plain to see that this young girl and Chu Chief's disciple were already deeply bonded dao companions.
Barring unforeseen events, she would surely enter Chu Chief's tutelage. The Dean's seemingly impartial gesture, to the rest of the Chiefs, appeared unnecessary.
Fang Linglong, without hesitation, bowed slightly toward Chu Feng.
"This disciple wishes to enter Chu Chief's tutelage."
Chu Feng smiled faintly and shook his head. "Your fate does not lie with me."
Hiss—
All present Chiefs sucked in a sharp breath at his words.
What did Chu Chief mean by this? This was a seedling destined for Half-Saint, a matter of time unless calamity struck. With sufficient fortune, even sainthood was not beyond possibility.
And yet such a fine prospect, he had just declined?
Even the Dean cast him a puzzled look. This young man's actions today were far removed from his past conduct.
Chu Feng had just used the World-Ending Eye to assess Fang Linglong's fortune. Though indeed at the level of a heaven's chosen, compared with Xiao Chen and the others she was still far behind. At best, her potential was like Liu Yue'er's.
Such a disciple, better left for others to guide.
Fang Linglong froze for a moment, regret flickering across her face.
The nine other Chiefs stirred restlessly. Since Chu Feng would not take such a seedling, then they certainly would not let the chance slip.
But before any could speak of their advantages, Fang Linglong declared again, "Then this disciple wishes to enter the Heavenly Spirit Academy."
At those words, Lin Ming's face immediately lit up with joy. Stepping forward, he said, "Good, good. From this day forth, you are my disciple of the Heavenly Spirit Academy, and a personal disciple at that. Whatever others have, you shall also have!"
"Disciple thanks Master."
Fang Linglong answered respectfully.
Before Chu Feng and the others, Fang Linglong performed the disciple's rite, formally becoming Lin Ming's student.
The other eight Chiefs felt even more unsettled. If they had known, they would have seized the Heavenly Spirit Academy position earlier. Even if not on par with the powerhouse Chu Feng, at least it would have raised them above their peers.
With Fang Linglong's matter settled, Chu Feng returned to Miaomiao Mountain.
Fang Mu, seeing that Senior Sister Qing He had not followed behind, felt some doubt in his heart, though he kept it hidden. Master naturally had his reasons.
"Do not look as though you are holding back words," Chu Feng said with a smile.
Fang Mu asked, "Does Master believe Senior Sister Qing He's talent is insufficient?"
Chu Feng shook his head. "It is her fortune that is lacking. Remember, your destiny is to become one like your Eldest and Second Senior Brothers. Within all Wendao Academy, there are but a handful who can rival you. Even your Senior Sister Qing He is no exception. If you wish to aid her growth, then grow strong yourself."
Fang Mu's face showed surprise and delight. He had not expected that in his master's eyes, he could be placed on the same level as his Eldest and Second Senior Brothers.
He bowed to Chu Feng. "This disciple is enlightened. I will work hard in cultivation and never fail Master's expectations."
"Mm."
Chu Feng gave a simple reply before returning to his own courtyard.
The matter of Princess Qing He was only a minor episode and did not affect the disciples of Miaomiao Mountain in their normal cultivation.
…
In the mountains, time passed unnoticed. In the blink of an eye, ten years had gone by.
A massive figure flew across the skies above Wendao Academy, blotting out the heavens and startling all the disciples below.
Even many elders extended their divine sense to look skyward. When they sensed the Nirvana Realm aura emanating from the giant beast in flight, their faces grew sharp with battle intent.
Just as the elders were about to act, the enormous figure suddenly shrank in size and descended toward Miaomiao Mountain.
"What in the world is that? Such daring, to run wild over Miaomiao Mountain. Is it not afraid Chu Chief will suppress it?"
"Or perhaps it might be the mount of some senior from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute?"
"…."
While the crowd speculated, a handsome, radiant middle-aged man landed atop Miaomiao Mountain, murmuring, "Miscellaneous Dao Institute, I, Nie Xiuyuan, have returned!"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than an impatient voice sounded.
"Xiuyuan brat, you are becoming more and more unruly."
With the voice came the appearance of Great Sage Jinchi, accompanied by Bai Qian, Chen Qianqian, and others.
Seeing Great Sage Jinchi, Nie Xiuyuan hurriedly bowed. "This disciple greets Martial Uncle Jinchi."
"Dispense with ceremony."
Only then did Great Sage Jinchi's expression ease. Just moments earlier, he had nearly acted to suppress the boy.
"Senior Brother Xiuyuan, you're back."
Chen Qianqian skipped forward to greet him. The last time she had seen this dashing senior brother was more than ten years ago.
"You are Junior Sister Qianqian?"
Nie Xiuyuan looked at the girl before him and asked instinctively.
"Yes."
Chen Qianqian answered sweetly. After ten years, she still appeared like the youthful girl of eighteen, though she had shed a trace of her earlier immaturity.
"Is Master on Miaomiao Mountain?"
Nie Xiuyuan asked.
Chen Qianqian replied, "Master is in the mountain. But recently, Master's wife has been in seclusion, so it may be difficult to see him."
Nie Xiuyuan smiled faintly. "Thank you for telling me, Junior Sister. This time, Senior Brother has brought many new things for you all. I will give you some later."
"Really?"
Chen Qianqian's eyes lit up with a girlish joy. She still kept a young heart, and new, curious things always interested her.
As the two spoke, Chu Feng's voice drifted from afar.
"Xiuyuan, come to the back mountain and pay respects to me."
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