In the midst of this moment, a melodious voice, reminiscent of a gently babbling brook, echoed throughout the surroundings. It was Ji Ruxue announcing, "Father, Jiang Chen from the Starry Abyss Sect has arrived."
'A father-daughter bond?'
'Ji Mingxiu is quite advanced in age, yet he has such a youthful daughter. Could it be a case of late fatherhood?'
Jiang Chen contemplated inwardly.
"Jiang Chen, is he here?"
"Come forward, let me look at you!"
Ji Mingxiu turned his gaze towards Jiang Chen, addressing him. His eyes conveyed warmth, entirely devoid of the authoritative aura one might expect from a Holy Lord.
Indeed, his gaze on Jiang Chen held an undertone of admiration.
Ji Ruxue, standing nearby, had been observing Jiang Chen with a deep curiosity ever since she had first laid eyes on him.
Ji Mingxiu was not the type to freely offer smiles or laughter.
However, in this instance, he radiated warmth and admiration towards Jiang Chen, a sight rarely seen.
"Yes!"
"Holy Lord!"
Immediately, Jiang Chen displayed due respect with a formal bow and then carefully set foot onto the jade platform.
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"
"Having ascended to the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm at the mere age of twenty, particularly in a territory like the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain, your aptitude unquestionably ranks among the supreme class!"
"Come closer, let me examine you!"
Ji Mingxiu gestured for Jiang Chen to approach, his words imbued with an approving warmth.
"Yes!"
Without any additional comment, Jiang Chen merely nodded and stepped forward.
The next moment, Ji Mingxiu presented a unique spherical artifact, announcing:
"This is an artifact designed for evaluating aptitude and physical constitution. Test yourself with it, and allow me to witness the extent of your aptitude!"
Having said this, he extended the spherical artifact towards Jiang Chen.
Ji Ruxue's eyes also focused on Jiang Chen.
She was equally intrigued, eager to gauge the depth of Jiang Chen's exceptional aptitude.
After all, it was well-known.
She was hailed as the paramount genius of the Purple Heaven Holy Land in a thousand years!
At the tender age of eighteen, through relentless determination, she had ascended to the Heavenly Origin realm, hardly reliant on pills.
Her cultivation base was solid, a stark contrast to those so-called geniuses whose progress was artificially accelerated by pill consumption.
Of course, Ji Ruxue was cognizant of Jiang Chen's confrontation with Rong Liangcai, acknowledging that Jiang Chen was genuinely remarkable.
Consequently, a flicker of competitive spirit ignited within her.
At that moment, Jiang Chen took hold of the artifact, but was unsure of how to operate it.
"Prick your finger and let a drop of your blood touch the artifact."
Instructed Ji Mingxiu, "Then infuse your Yuan Power and divine sense into it."
"Understood!"
Jiang Chen nodded, promptly executing as instructed.
Instantly!
A dazzling golden-red aura burst forth from the spherical artifact!
"Golden-red!"
"This symbolizes Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"It's even a notch above Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"Incredible, I have truly borne witness to a prodigious genius bearing Perfect Grade aptitude! Heaven indeed favors our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Hahaha, splendid, it's simply too splendid!"
Seeing the spherical artifact radiate a magnificent glow, Ji Mingxiu suddenly stood, his eyes narrowing in astonishment, and the excitement in his voice was undeniable.
"Superior to Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"Could it be that it surpasses even my own aptitude?!"
Ji Ruxue's gaze, full of utter disbelief, was firmly locked onto Jiang Chen.
A wave of respect surged within her, laced with profound joy.
Contrary to what one might expect, she harbored no jealousy towards Jiang Chen.
Her cultivation training and upbringing had expelled any seed of envy from sprouting in her heart, leaving only a spark of admiration and sincere delight.
Just as Ji Mingxiu had proclaimed, the advent of a prodigy like Jiang Chen was unquestionably a boon for the Purple Heaven Holy Land!
Naturally, witnessing the burgeoning prosperity of the Purple Heaven Holy Land filled her with elation!
"Surpassing Perfect Grade aptitude, huh!"
"So, it appears my aptitude is truly formidable; no wonder my cultivation journey has been so smooth."
Jiang Chen feigned innocence, murmuring in simulated surprise.
"Jiang Chen!"
"Given your origins in the Starry Abyss sect, you have an intrinsic connection to our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Now, you have returned to your roots! From this moment on, you are a true disciple of our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
Ji Mingxiu took a deep breath, curbing his inner excitement as he voiced these words steadily.
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Holy Lord!"
Jiang Chen nodded, offering a respectful bow and declaring earnestly, "I, Jiang Chen, pledge to dedicate myself to cultivation, enhance my strength, and stand ever ready to protect the Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Wonderful!"
"Your readiness to stand for the Purple Heaven Holy Land is truly encouraging!"
"Now, I ask you, are you willing to be my disciple, to learn under Ji Mingxiu?"
Ji Mingxiu's eyes glimmered with approval as he posed the question.
"Eh?"
"Father, didn't you promise that in this lifetime, you'd only guide me and not take any other disciples?"
Ji Ruxue interjected, her disbelief apparent.
"What?"
"When did I ever make such a statement?"
"Jiang Chen, pay no mind to Ruxue's unfounded words, I never made any such promise."
Ji Mingxiu deftly feigned ignorance, then redirected his attention back to Jiang Chen, pressing, "Now, answer me, are you willing to become my disciple?"
"I, Jiang Chen, am indeed willing!"
"Being a disciple under the Holy Lord is an aspiration for many!"
A spark of joy lit up in Jiang Chen's heart as he responded with a radiant smile.
This outcome was beyond his wildest dreams.
In just a fleeting moment, Ji Mingxiu had offered to take him under his tutelage!
On his very first day at the Purple Heaven Holy Land, his status had skyrocketed, surpassing nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine individuals out of every ten thousand.
Indeed!
This feeling was nothing short of exhilarating!
'Could it be...'
'Does this have to do with my Black Heavenly Fate Value?'
'...'
As these thoughts swirled in Jiang Chen's mind, a fresh wave of jubilation washed over him.
At that moment.
"Excellent!"
"Jiang Chen, from now on, you are my sole disciple! You may call me master."
"I pledge to impart all my knowledge to you, without holding back, in the hopes that you may ascend to an even greater realm than my own!"
"Hmm, let us finalize this agreement today, and tomorrow we will conduct the master-disciple initiation ceremony! At that time, I want everyone to know that I, Ji Mingxiu, have a disciple whose aptitude shatters the celestial norms, haha!"
Ji Mingxiu affirmed, his excitement undeterred, even erupting into spontaneous applause.
"Yes, Master!"
Jiang Chen bowed reverently, embodying the ideal picture of a disciple.
"Father!"
"It seems it wasn't your disinclination to accept disciples, but rather the lack of a deserving candidate."
"You claimed you wouldn't tutor anyone but me in this lifetime, you sly fox."
Ji Ruxue cheekily stuck her tongue out at Ji Mingxiu.
However, upon realizing the presence of an outsider, Jiang Chen, she immediately reverted to her dignified demeanor.
"Here you go again!"
Ji Mingxiu shook his head, laughing, seemingly bemused by Ji Ruxue's playful behavior.
'Ah, so this is the true nature of Ji Ruxue.'
'Behind the façade of frosty dignity, born from various circumstances, lies a vivacious inner character!'
'If her aloofness isn't a part of her inherent disposition, it would indeed simplify matters!'
A maelstrom of thoughts swirled within Jiang Chen's mind.
From the first instant he set eyes on Ji Ruxue, knowing she was an unpursued Heroine, the notion of making her his own had been germinating in his mind!
If he could win her over, the Heavenly Fate Value of the third protagonist, who he had yet to meet, would undeniably suffer a significant dip!
Moreover, as the template of the Heroine, Ji Ruxue was blessed with extraordinary beauty. Her magnetism was potent, and any man would struggle to remain unaffected.
"Come, Jiang Chen, take a seat and let us talk!"
Ji Mingxiu gestured towards Jiang Chen, indicating a nearby stone bench.
"As you command, Master!"
Jiang Chen returned a courteous bow before settling himself on the indicated stone bench.
Following this, Ji Mingxiu initiated a conversation with Jiang Chen, with his inquiries primarily centered on Jiang Chen's personal journey and the recent happenings within the Starry Abyss Sect.
As their conversation unfolded, Ji Ruxue interjected intermittently.
As the moments silently trickled by.
Ji Mingxiu had procured an extensive understanding of Jiang Chen.
Of course, any information related to the Burning World Red Lotus and the Wordless Heavenly Jade was excluded.
Simultaneously, Jiang Chen acquired a deeper comprehension of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The Purple Heaven Holy Land was a paramount sect, its lineage spanning a remarkable hundred thousand years.
Not only did the Holy Land host Dao Palace realm powerhouses like Ji Mingxiu, but it also harbored hidden assets that had reached the Transcendence realm!
However, Ji Mingxiu remained tight-lipped about whether this clandestine strength was personified by an individual, an artifact, or some other resource.
Before long, the discourse between Ji Mingxiu and Jiang Chen segued into the current situation within the Purple Heaven Holy Land, introducing an imminent grand event— the competition for the title of the Holy Son of the Purple Heaven Holy Land!
In the midst of this moment, a melodious voice, reminiscent of a gently babbling brook, echoed throughout the surroundings. It was Ji Ruxue announcing, "Father, Jiang Chen from the Starry Abyss Sect has arrived."
'A father-daughter bond?'
'Ji Mingxiu is quite advanced in age, yet he has such a youthful daughter. Could it be a case of late fatherhood?'
Jiang Chen contemplated inwardly.
"Jiang Chen, is he here?"
"Come forward, let me look at you!"
Ji Mingxiu turned his gaze towards Jiang Chen, addressing him. His eyes conveyed warmth, entirely devoid of the authoritative aura one might expect from a Holy Lord.
Indeed, his gaze on Jiang Chen held an undertone of admiration.
Ji Ruxue, standing nearby, had been observing Jiang Chen with a deep curiosity ever since she had first laid eyes on him.
Ji Mingxiu was not the type to freely offer smiles or laughter.
However, in this instance, he radiated warmth and admiration towards Jiang Chen, a sight rarely seen.
"Yes!"
"Holy Lord!"
Immediately, Jiang Chen displayed due respect with a formal bow and then carefully set foot onto the jade platform.
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"
"Having ascended to the Late-stage Heavenly Origin realm at the mere age of twenty, particularly in a territory like the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain, your aptitude unquestionably ranks among the supreme class!"
"Come closer, let me examine you!"
Ji Mingxiu gestured for Jiang Chen to approach, his words imbued with an approving warmth.
"Yes!"
Without any additional comment, Jiang Chen merely nodded and stepped forward.
The next moment, Ji Mingxiu presented a unique spherical artifact, announcing:
"This is an artifact designed for evaluating aptitude and physical constitution. Test yourself with it, and allow me to witness the extent of your aptitude!"
Having said this, he extended the spherical artifact towards Jiang Chen.
Ji Ruxue's eyes also focused on Jiang Chen.
She was equally intrigued, eager to gauge the depth of Jiang Chen's exceptional aptitude.
After all, it was well-known.
She was hailed as the paramount genius of the Purple Heaven Holy Land in a thousand years!
At the tender age of eighteen, through relentless determination, she had ascended to the Heavenly Origin realm, hardly reliant on pills.
Her cultivation base was solid, a stark contrast to those so-called geniuses whose progress was artificially accelerated by pill consumption.
Of course, Ji Ruxue was cognizant of Jiang Chen's confrontation with Rong Liangcai, acknowledging that Jiang Chen was genuinely remarkable.
Consequently, a flicker of competitive spirit ignited within her.
At that moment, Jiang Chen took hold of the artifact, but was unsure of how to operate it.
"Prick your finger and let a drop of your blood touch the artifact."
Instructed Ji Mingxiu, "Then infuse your Yuan Power and divine sense into it."
"Understood!"
Jiang Chen nodded, promptly executing as instructed.
Instantly!
A dazzling golden-red aura burst forth from the spherical artifact!
"Golden-red!"
"This symbolizes Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"It's even a notch above Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"Incredible, I have truly borne witness to a prodigious genius bearing Perfect Grade aptitude! Heaven indeed favors our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Hahaha, splendid, it's simply too splendid!"
Seeing the spherical artifact radiate a magnificent glow, Ji Mingxiu suddenly stood, his eyes narrowing in astonishment, and the excitement in his voice was undeniable.
"Superior to Perfect Grade aptitude!"
"Could it be that it surpasses even my own aptitude?!"
Ji Ruxue's gaze, full of utter disbelief, was firmly locked onto Jiang Chen.
A wave of respect surged within her, laced with profound joy.
Contrary to what one might expect, she harbored no jealousy towards Jiang Chen.
Her cultivation training and upbringing had expelled any seed of envy from sprouting in her heart, leaving only a spark of admiration and sincere delight.
Just as Ji Mingxiu had proclaimed, the advent of a prodigy like Jiang Chen was unquestionably a boon for the Purple Heaven Holy Land!
Naturally, witnessing the burgeoning prosperity of the Purple Heaven Holy Land filled her with elation!
"Surpassing Perfect Grade aptitude, huh!"
"So, it appears my aptitude is truly formidable; no wonder my cultivation journey has been so smooth."
Jiang Chen feigned innocence, murmuring in simulated surprise.
"Jiang Chen!"
"Given your origins in the Starry Abyss sect, you have an intrinsic connection to our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Now, you have returned to your roots! From this moment on, you are a true disciple of our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
Ji Mingxiu took a deep breath, curbing his inner excitement as he voiced these words steadily.
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Holy Lord!"
Jiang Chen nodded, offering a respectful bow and declaring earnestly, "I, Jiang Chen, pledge to dedicate myself to cultivation, enhance my strength, and stand ever ready to protect the Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Wonderful!"
"Your readiness to stand for the Purple Heaven Holy Land is truly encouraging!"
"Now, I ask you, are you willing to be my disciple, to learn under Ji Mingxiu?"
Ji Mingxiu's eyes glimmered with approval as he posed the question.
"Eh?"
"Father, didn't you promise that in this lifetime, you'd only guide me and not take any other disciples?"
Ji Ruxue interjected, her disbelief apparent.
"What?"
"When did I ever make such a statement?"
"Jiang Chen, pay no mind to Ruxue's unfounded words, I never made any such promise."
Ji Mingxiu deftly feigned ignorance, then redirected his attention back to Jiang Chen, pressing, "Now, answer me, are you willing to become my disciple?"
"I, Jiang Chen, am indeed willing!"
"Being a disciple under the Holy Lord is an aspiration for many!"
A spark of joy lit up in Jiang Chen's heart as he responded with a radiant smile.
This outcome was beyond his wildest dreams.
In just a fleeting moment, Ji Mingxiu had offered to take him under his tutelage!
On his very first day at the Purple Heaven Holy Land, his status had skyrocketed, surpassing nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine individuals out of every ten thousand.
Indeed!
This feeling was nothing short of exhilarating!
'Could it be...'
'Does this have to do with my Black Heavenly Fate Value?'
'...'
As these thoughts swirled in Jiang Chen's mind, a fresh wave of jubilation washed over him.
At that moment.
"Excellent!"
"Jiang Chen, from now on, you are my sole disciple! You may call me master."
"I pledge to impart all my knowledge to you, without holding back, in the hopes that you may ascend to an even greater realm than my own!"
"Hmm, let us finalize this agreement today, and tomorrow we will conduct the master-disciple initiation ceremony! At that time, I want everyone to know that I, Ji Mingxiu, have a disciple whose aptitude shatters the celestial norms, haha!"
Ji Mingxiu affirmed, his excitement undeterred, even erupting into spontaneous applause.
"Yes, Master!"
Jiang Chen bowed reverently, embodying the ideal picture of a disciple.
"Father!"
"It seems it wasn't your disinclination to accept disciples, but rather the lack of a deserving candidate."
"You claimed you wouldn't tutor anyone but me in this lifetime, you sly fox."
Ji Ruxue cheekily stuck her tongue out at Ji Mingxiu.
However, upon realizing the presence of an outsider, Jiang Chen, she immediately reverted to her dignified demeanor.
"Here you go again!"
Ji Mingxiu shook his head, laughing, seemingly bemused by Ji Ruxue's playful behavior.
'Ah, so this is the true nature of Ji Ruxue.'
'Behind the façade of frosty dignity, born from various circumstances, lies a vivacious inner character!'
'If her aloofness isn't a part of her inherent disposition, it would indeed simplify matters!'
A maelstrom of thoughts swirled within Jiang Chen's mind.
From the first instant he set eyes on Ji Ruxue, knowing she was an unpursued Heroine, the notion of making her his own had been germinating in his mind!
If he could win her over, the Heavenly Fate Value of the third protagonist, who he had yet to meet, would undeniably suffer a significant dip!
Moreover, as the template of the Heroine, Ji Ruxue was blessed with extraordinary beauty. Her magnetism was potent, and any man would struggle to remain unaffected.
"Come, Jiang Chen, take a seat and let us talk!"
Ji Mingxiu gestured towards Jiang Chen, indicating a nearby stone bench.
"As you command, Master!"
Jiang Chen returned a courteous bow before settling himself on the indicated stone bench.
Following this, Ji Mingxiu initiated a conversation with Jiang Chen, with his inquiries primarily centered on Jiang Chen's personal journey and the recent happenings within the Starry Abyss Sect.
As their conversation unfolded, Ji Ruxue interjected intermittently.
As the moments silently trickled by.
Ji Mingxiu had procured an extensive understanding of Jiang Chen.
Of course, any information related to the Burning World Red Lotus and the Wordless Heavenly Jade was excluded.
Simultaneously, Jiang Chen acquired a deeper comprehension of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The Purple Heaven Holy Land was a paramount sect, its lineage spanning a remarkable hundred thousand years.
Not only did the Holy Land host Dao Palace realm powerhouses like Ji Mingxiu, but it also harbored hidden assets that had reached the Transcendence realm!
However, Ji Mingxiu remained tight-lipped about whether this clandestine strength was personified by an individual, an artifact, or some other resource.
Before long, the discourse between Ji Mingxiu and Jiang Chen segued into the current situation within the Purple Heaven Holy Land, introducing an imminent grand event— the competition for the title of the Holy Son of the Purple Heaven Holy Land!
