"Disciple greets Master!" Chen Jinshu's eyes sparkled with joy as she bowed again to Shui Huanmeng.
"What a pity!" Gu Zhēnrén let out a quiet sigh. He had hoped to take Chen Jinshu as his own disciple, but missed the chance due to a moment of hesitation.
Chen Jinshu had performed well in the assessments held during the previous lectures—not the absolute best, but certainly excellent. And now, with this impressive talent in alchemy, her potential far surpassed that of the disciple he had initially considered.
Alas, they lacked the fate of a master-disciple bond.
"Don't be disheartened, Senior Brother Gu," Shui Huanmeng said cheerfully, turning to him. "I'm sure you already have someone else in mind."
She had long noticed Elder Gu's unusual interest in Chen Jinshu, but fate hadn't connected them. Besides, she had already asked Dai Yuzhu to scout potential disciples in the outer sect, and Chen Jinshu was among the recommended candidates. Her outstanding performance in the recent alchemy competition had only solidified her worthiness.
"Well then, if the other elders have nothing more to add, we'll conclude the ceremony." The Peak Lord gave a quick glance to the seven or eight disciples who hadn't been chosen, then made the announcement.
The hopeful gleam in those disciples' eyes slowly faded as they realized none of the elders intended to take them in. They had done well, yes—but compared to the top ten, they still fell short, both in cultivation and presence. So while they felt disappointed, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
A moment later, the elders dispersed, those who had accepted disciples flying off with them toward their respective abodes.
"Come with me. I'll introduce you to your seven senior brothers and sisters," Shui Huanmeng said, casting a glance at Chen Jinshu, who was still somewhat dazed with joy.
"Yes, Master!" Chen Jinshu nodded lightly.
She had long heard of Shui Huanmeng's residence—Biyi Palace, one of the most lavish estates on Yaowang Peak. It had private spirit fields, and was constantly shrouded in spiritual mist. A true marvel of beauty and power.
After exiting Medicine King Hall, Shui Huanmeng summoned a white-feathered crane with a streak of fire-red across its head.
"This is my mount, a Fire-Feathered Crane. It's gentle by nature, and not slow in flight."
The crane, upon seeing Chen Jinshu, immediately lowered its head and affectionately nuzzled her cheek.
"Senior Crane!" Chen Jinshu exclaimed, startled and honored by the gesture.
"No worries," Shui Huanmeng smiled. "It's memorizing your aura. If you call on it in the future, it'll gladly take you flying."
Moments later, the two rode the crane to a nearby small peak beside Medicine King Peak. This peak was shrouded in dense white mist, completely obscuring its interior from view. Shui Huanmeng took out a token and infused it with spiritual power. Instantly, the mist dispersed, revealing rows of palace-like buildings surrounded by trees bearing spiritual fruits.
"You'll continue cultivating at your current residence for now. Medicine King Peak has a strong spiritual vein—perfect for disciples at your level."
"But if you encounter obstacles in your cultivation, you may seek guidance from your senior brothers and sisters, or come to Biyi Palace to find me. If I'm not here, I'll likely be at Pill King Hall."
"I usually spend ten days a month there monitoring alchemist exams. That's a good time to approach me."
As they made their way through the compound, Shui Huanmeng explained these matters in a calm and caring tone.
"I understand."
Soon, they arrived at the main hall of Biyi Palace and dismounted from the Fire-Feathered Crane.
"Caw!"
The crane let out a few cheerful cries before flying off into the distance.
Chen Jinshu looked around curiously. Everything here was unfamiliar—but wondrous. The spiritual energy was so dense, it was like mist weaving through the grand halls.
"Come inside," Shui Huanmeng said as she pushed open the door to a spacious antechamber.
Inside were two rows of tea seats. At the front was a couch with a burning incense burner. Just a whiff made Chen Jinshu feel invigorated—it was clearly something to sharpen one's mind.
"Your senior brothers and sisters will arrive shortly. I only just summoned them. Take a look around and get familiar. We'll hold the formal ceremony once everyone's here."
"Yes, Master." Chen Jinshu nodded and continued exploring the halls.
The wood used here was far superior to that of her former residence at Ink Plum Courtyard. Just being near it exuded a strange yet pleasant fragrance. Two incense sticks later, Chen Jinshu was sitting near the right row of tea seats sipping her tea when the first senior brother or sister arrived.
"I heard Master took in a little junior sister! Let me see who it is!"
The voice was cheerful and familiar. Chen Jinshu instantly guessed—it was none other than Dai Yuzhu.
Dai Yuzhu entered, eyes scanning for her new junior. The moment she spotted Chen Jinshu, her smile widened in delight. To think the girl she had personally recommended would end up chosen as Master's disciple!
And it helped that she genuinely liked Chen Jinshu too.
"It's you, Jinshu!"
"Greetings, Senior Sister Yuzhu." Chen Jinshu rose immediately and gave her a respectful bow.
"No need to be so formal! Haven't we met enough times already?" Dai Yuzhu chuckled, growing even more fond of this well-mannered junior.
Soon, more senior brothers and sisters began to arrive—most of whom Chen Jinshu hadn't met before. She respectfully bowed to each one.
"I heard Master took in a new disciple, so I ended my closed-door cultivation early," came a warm, noble-sounding voice.
The man had sword-like eyebrows, a gentle smile, and a composed demeanor—just like a refined young lord from a noble family. Chen Jinshu had only seen that kind of presence in high-ranking clan heirs.
"This is your eldest senior brother, Zheng Shaosi. He's at mid-Foundation Establishment stage and has been under my tutelage for thirty years," Shui Huanmeng introduced softly.
"Don't let his youthful looks fool you," Dai Yuzhu added with a smirk. "He's already fifty years old."
Chen Jinshu was surprised. With such delicate features and refined energy, she would never have guessed he was that old.
Cultivation really does preserve beauty—or perhaps it's just the techniques and spiritual nourishment of Medicine King Peak. Even in the few months she spent in the outer sect, her complexion had become noticeably healthier, and her spirit calmer.
"Greetings, Eldest Senior Brother."
Zheng Shaosi smiled and waved off Dai Yuzhu's teasing.
"Once you complete the disciple ceremony, I'll have a gift ready for you."
Eventually, all seven of Shui Huanmeng's disciples gathered. With Chen Jinshu, they now totaled eight. This wasn't even the largest number under a single elder—rumor had it that the sect master had over ten disciples.
After all, a Golden Core cultivator could live for centuries. It was natural to take in disciples from time to time to stay involved with the world. At last, the formal ceremony began. Chen Jinshu stepped forward, holding a cup of tea, and knelt before Shui Huanmeng.
"Disciple pays respects to Master!"
"Very good," Shui Huanmeng replied. "From this day forward, may you strive diligently, cherish your senior brothers and sisters, and walk the immortal path in eternal bloom."