Jian Dan lifted the restriction on her cave abode. Outside stood Ting Feng, waiting respectfully. Upon seeing Jian Dan, he immediately reported:
"Zūnshàng, the disciples recruited from the cultivation world and from cultivation families have finished the entrance test. Twenty children with excellent spiritual roots and some cultivation are waiting in the main hall on Tianjian Peak for selection by the peaks' cultivators."
"Good. I understand. Come with me now, we will take a look."
Jian Dan changed into a sky-blue robe, took only Ting Feng with her, and flew toward the main hall atop the main peak of Tianjian Peak.
Before leaving, she specifically instructed Yun Juan and Yun Shu to open a new cave abode beside her own. While traveling on her sword light, Jian Dan asked Ting Feng, "How is Lü Se holding the arena?"
Ting Feng replied at once: "Steward Lü has guarded the arena for nine days, with a current win rate of sixty percent."
"Not bad. Better than I expected. When you all have time, go test yourselves in the arena as well."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. Lately, the number of challengers has surged, especially among Golden Core and higher. Many are sparring on the arenas. The platforms on every peak are packed." Ting Feng relayed the news Lü Se had brought back in a timely manner.
"That is a good sign." Jian Dan understood well. The group that had escorted her back to the mortal world had likely spread the word. Coupled with a small incident during the entrance test involving the "Heart-Catching Gate," sharp-eared cultivators had probably guessed a few things, which then showed up in their daily training.
Meanwhile, in the Law Enforcement Hall, Wei Zhengrong was distracted while on duty.
Jin Liuli smiled beside him. "Didn't you visit your little sister yesterday? What are you still worried about?"
"Wei Xueru is fine. It is just that today is the day to take disciples, and I do not know whether Jian Lu Zūnshàng has arrived yet."
Qi Hua, who had just finished organizing jade slips, chimed in: "Zhengrong, have you really decided to let Wei Xueru enter Zūnshàng's tutelage?"
"That is Wei Xueru's own decision. As her elder brother, I must find a way to fulfill her wish."
Jin Liuli and Qi Hua exchanged a smile. They knew this doting brother was anxious because he cared.
"You said Zūnshàng already agreed. She has probably gone by now."
At that moment, Jian Dan's light descended on the main peak. The guards before the hall saluted Jian Dan and allowed her to pass.
The great hall was livelier than usual. Sect Master Jian Chong sat in the chief seat, while high-level cultivators from the nine inner peaks had gathered to watch.
Below stood twenty children of various ages. Thirteen were boys, seven were girls. Wei Xueru stood among the girls.
Wei Xueru wore a small purple-pink robe, her hair in two buns, her complexion rosy and spirited. Her bright eyes scanned the cultivators above, then dimmed slightly. She did not see the familiar figure she hoped for.
The cultivators on the dais had already swept their senses over the twenty children and began drawing those they favored to their peaks.
These youngsters were not clueless mortals. Most had their own plans, and even if they did not, elders in their families had given instructions.
When Jian Dan entered the hall, several Void Refinement and Unity cultivators had already chosen disciples they fancied.
A Unity-stage male cultivator from Tianhua Peak was at that moment asking Wei Xueru whether she was willing to be his disciple. He possessed the Wind spiritual root.
A trace of anxiety crossed Wei Xueru's face. Just as she hesitated, she saw Jian Dan and immediately smiled. She gave a respectful answer to the Unity-stage senior asking her: "Many thanks for your favor, Senior. However, Wei Xueru wishes to cultivate under Jian Lu Zūnshàng. I ask for your understanding."
"Oh? As far as I know, Jian Lu does not have a Wind spiritual root. My root matches yours. Following me would benefit you more, and my cultivation is higher than Jian Lu's."
"Thank you for your kindness, Senior. Wei Xueru wishes only to take Jian Lu Zūnshàng as her master."
Hearing Wei Xueru's words, Jian Hua Zūnshàng felt a twinge of regret but did not force the matter. He had already noticed Jian Dan's arrival.
"I came a step late, Senior Brother. I must ask you to yield."
"You do know how to speak, Junior Sister. This little girl came here for you. I was simply too slow this time."
A gentle smile touched Jian Hua Zūnshàng's scholarly face. He was not annoyed.
"Many thanks, Senior Brother."
Hearing Jian Dan's words, Wei Xueru felt a great weight lift. She bowed deeply, eyes curved with joy.
"Wei Xueru pays respects to Jian Lu Zūnshàng and begs to enter your tutelage."
Jian Dan raised a hand and helped Wei Xueru up. Noting how bright and energetic Wei Xueru looked, Jian Dan smiled as well and nodded, acknowledging the disciple:
"You have two senior brothers above you. They entered my tutelage earlier. You are my third disciple, and also my closed-door disciple."
As soon as Jian Dan finished speaking, she flicked a purple jade life-preserving talisman that flew into Wei Xueru's body.
"Wei Xueru pays respects to Master!" Wei Xueru was quick-witted. The instant the purple jade talisman entered her body, she knelt and bowed.
"Good child, rise." Having chosen Wei Xueru, Jian Dan had no intention to take another. She rose and cupped her hands to those present.
"I have selected a disciple. I will take my leave first."
Seeing that Jian Lu took only one disciple and was not greedy, the cultivators offered congratulations, cupping their hands and wishing her joy on gaining a satisfactory disciple.
Jian Dan returned the courtesies, then took Wei Xueru and departed in a streak of light back to Tianyue Peak.
Back in familiar surroundings, Wei Xueru's smile widened further.
Following Jian Dan's instructions, Yun Juan and Yun Shu had already opened a new cave abode beside Jian Dan's and redecorated it, ready to welcome the third disciple of Zūnshàng.
"Wei Xueru, let Yun Juan and Yun Shu take you to your new residence. See if anything needs changing, then come back to me."
"Yes, Master." Wei Xueru already knew Yun Juan and Yun Shu. When her meridians were cleared last time at her Master's place, these two had looked after her. She discovered her quarters were right next door to her Master's and became even happier.
She toured the cave abode. The arrangements were warm and inviting. The abode was divided into a bedroom, a cultivation chamber, and a reception room.
Beds, tables, chairs, and tea ware were all in place. Several pots of purple magnolia and dahlias added vitality to the rooms.
Overjoyed, Wei Xueru took out her usual bedding from her storage pouch, along with toiletries and a few toys. After arranging everything, she hurried to see her Master again. She did not want Jian Dan to wait.
"Master, Wei Xueru is all settled."
Looking at the small figure standing so properly before her, Jian Dan was satisfied. People said children in the cultivation world matured early. Because of her physique, Wei Xueru had been slighted and pushed aside within her family, which made her even more sensible.
Jian Dan waved for Wei Xueru to sit on a jade stool, then began to lay out her plan: "You will meet your two senior brothers tomorrow. They cultivate on the eastern spur of Tianyue Peak. I have assigned that hill to them. You are young, so you will stay by my side for now. After you reach Foundation Establishment, you will move to cultivate on the same hill as your senior brothers. Is that alright?"
Wei Xueru's large eyes reflected Jian Dan's face. She listened attentively, and when asked, she nodded at once: "Wei Xueru will follow Master's arrangements."
With a light sweep of her sleeve, Jian Dan placed a silver storage bracelet and a high-grade storage bag before Wei Xueru.