Meanwhile, as the disciples filed out of the hall, a fresh wave of rumors swept across the sect like wildfire mostly among the outer court disciples. Whispers carried from lip to lip, each one magnifying and exaggerating the tale.
They began calling Jian by a new title—"Heavenly Fingers."
The name spread not merely because he had surpassed the highest benchmark, but because his score had even eclipsed Elder Han Mei's own—a feat that shook the foundation of league one. Elder Han Mei, once regarded as the untouchable ace of her generation, had been quietly dethroned by someone who couldn't even channel spiritual energy outward.
The contradiction was mind-boggling. How could someone achieve such precision and mastery without the very ability that was considered essential?
It only added fuel to the storm of awe, disbelief, and envy.
Yu Jian had always been known for his unusually high comprehension, though he was the type to bury his brilliance in the shadows of others. Unlike most, he had no desire for fame or recognition, preferring to let others shine while he quietly advanced.
This tendency had allowed Elder Han Mei to flourish as an ace, gaining admiration and prestige only having few rivals here and there, while Jian's name all but faded into obiscurity leaving little to no mark in the sect during his time.
Now, however, the balance had shifted—his hidden excellence had been thrust into the light, whether he wanted it or not he had to work that path.
"Where did you learn all that?" Elder Han Mei asked, her tone sharp and commanding, her eyes boring into Jian as though trying to peel away his layers.
"My father is a dual cultivator," Jian lied smoothly, his face unreadable. "He passed down some of his techniques to me."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "How much did he teach you? And how well do you know how to use those techniques?"
Jian didn't even blink. "He taught me everything there is to know about dual cultivation," he replied flatly, as though reciting fact. "But I don't have much physical experience with the techniques. That's why I joined this sect. With your guidance, Elder, I believe I will achieve great things."
The way he said it was almost childlike—sincere on the surface, yet carefully crafted beneath.
He made it sound like a boy trying to live up to his father's legacy, when in truth, every word was a calculated lie.
A faint hum broke the silence. Jian's disciple token suddenly shone, rising from the folds of his robe. Golden light flickered across its surface before settling into clear digits.
105,000 points.
Jian held the token up, his lips twitching into a subtle smirk. From zero to a hundred and five thousand in an instant.
"You can go now. Make sure you don't come late tomorrow," Elder Han Mei said firmly, waving him off. Yet her eyes lingered a fraction longer than intended, his earlier display of fluid, flawless movements still replaying in her mind.
Jian walked out of the hall at an unhurried pace. Each step drew reactions—soft giggles from female disciples, some even daring to wave at him, while from the men came glares of envy, even killing intent, especially from those whose partners had let their eyes linger too long on him.
"Lou Jian!"
The call halted him mid-stride. He turned, his expression calm, and saw one of the fairies from the front row standing there.
"My name is Bai Xue," she said, her tone crisp but curious as she closed the distance between them. "Where did you learn all that?"
Jian's gaze held hers, unreadable. "My father taught me the techniques," he replied casually, his voice carrying a trace of indifference. "But my movements are still a bit lackluster."
He made it sound unimpressive, though the flawless execution he had displayed moments ago contradicted his words entirely.
As the two of them walked side by side down the library's long corridor, whispers began to ripple across the sect like wildfire.
Bai Xue was a rare prodigy, admired and envied alike, who had rejected countless advances from male disciples—who was openly engaging with him.
For many, it was shocking. She treated most men as though they were beneath her, vermin unworthy of her time. Her circle consisted only of female companions, and yet here she was, walking with Lou Jian.
The sight alone was enough to fuel yet another storm of rumors. Bai Xue wasn't only courted by outer court disciples—many inner court disciples had also tried to win her over, all to no avail.
"I would like to see you perform on a dummy once again maybe I could pick a thing or two from you ," Bai Xue said, her voice carrying the weight of expectation. "Follow me to my quarters. I have one prepared."
Though spoken as a request, there was an undeniable edge of command in her tone.
Gasps rippled through the nearby disciples. This was the first time anyone had ever seen Bai Xue invite a male disciple to her quarters.
Jealousy flared immediately—some men silently wished they could trade places with Lou Jian in that moment.
But Jian's reply left them utterly stunned.
"I'm busy. I don't have time to entertain you. Maybe another day," Jian said flatly, his tone dismissive as he turned to leave.
He was never the type to be controlled, and in truth, he knew his current strength was fragile—possibly the weakest in the entire sect despite his talents.
Time was too precious to waste on meaningless displays and chasing frivolities with spoilt brat.
Bai Xue stood frozen, her lips parting in disbelief.
Never once had she been rejected. She was used to disciples chasing after her, used to her words being law, especially among her peers.
But Lou Jian hadn't even given her the dignity of hesitation as in his eyes she was just another outer disciples.
Without waiting for her response, Jian lengthened his stride, easily outpacing her.
Bai Xue's face flushed crimson, not from anger alone but from the raw sting of humiliation and embarrassment.
She spun on her heel and stormed away in the opposite direction, her little entourage who had been watching from behind scrambling to follow.
Behind Jian, curses rang out from Bai Xue's admirers.
"Cocky bastard!"
"The helper-fucker is suddenly full of himself!"
But Jian didn't so much as flinch. Their voices were
nothing more than buzzing flies in his ears as he walked on, unbothered.