"But Young Master, she's already overexerting her body. If this continues, it could seriously damage her foundation."
The elder grew anxious. It was just a competition — if the child ruined her future over it, that would be an unforgivable loss.
"It's fine. I know what I'm doing. Nothing will happen."
Huo Yuhao replied calmly, his eyes never once leaving Su Shan'er.
Du Bu Si sighed inwardly. So this is the power of hatred, he thought. Back when he and his disciple traveled together, he had learned of that little girl's tragic past.
Huo Yuhao: "…"
What kind of comment was that? Why did it sound like he was at a brothel picking out girls?
Are you polite? Huo Yuhao chose to ignore it.
About a quarter of an hour later, the three contestants were still holding on. At this point, Su Shan'er felt her vision blur more and more. Her whole body ached, her legs felt like they were filled with lead, and every step was agony.
Her light-green clothes were already drenched in sweat, her hair clung to her face — she looked as if she'd been fished straight out of water.
Thud!
Su Shan'er staggered and fell to the ground. She forced her eyes open, unwillingness filling her heart. Is this it? Is this all I can do? Am I really going to fall here?
No. I can't. I still have to avenge my sister. I can't miss this chance! she screamed in her mind.
Under everyone's astonished gazes, Su Shan'er actually pushed herself up again, stumbling forward step by step. Her body swayed like she'd fall at any moment, yet she refused to stop.
Du Bu Si's eyes widened in shock. Such willpower… can a seven-year-old really possess that?
Thud!
Human endurance has its limits. On the stage, the small figure stumbled forward a few more steps before collapsing once more. This time, she didn't get back up — she had fallen unconscious.
Seeing this, Huo Yuhao smiled in satisfaction. Taking Bing Di's hand, he turned to leave, leaving behind a single command:
"That's enough. Take them to rest. Have everyone gather here again tomorrow morning."
The others immediately understood — the Young Master had made his decision. Or rather, the former Young Master — now an Elder.
Everyone had witnessed Su Shan'er's performance. That wasn't mere effort — it was desperation. Even setting aside her talent, that kind of determination was truly remarkable.
Some still had doubts, but in the end, no one voiced them. After all, taking on a disciple was a matter of mutual consent — others had no right to interfere. It was like parents naming their child: even if they named it "Doggy" or "Turtle," that was still their choice.
—
The next morning, as dawn broke, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window.
In a bathhouse, a delicate little girl lay soaking in a wooden tub filled with thick, black liquid.
The girl furrowed her brows and slowly opened her eyes. She looked at the dark water, then at her unfamiliar surroundings. Su Shan'er frowned. This isn't my room.
Creak— The door to the bathhouse opened, startling her. She instinctively shrank into the tub. But when she saw the person entering was a female disciple, she relaxed slightly.
The woman carried a towel, setting it aside before speaking softly, "Little one, remember the time — you need to gather at the training arena in two hours. Don't be late."
After saying that, she left, closing the door behind her.
Su Shan'er climbed out of the tub, turned on the shower, and rinsed the grime from her body with warm water. Thinking about yesterday's match, she couldn't help but sigh. What a good opportunity… and I still couldn't seize it.
She had forgotten one thing — from beginning to end, no one had ever said what the standard for the third round was. No one said that the first place would automatically become a disciple, nor that fainting meant disqualification.
—
In the back mountain of the Benti Sect, inside a bamboo house, Huo Yuhao began his morning routine.
"Bing'er, rest a bit longer. I'm heading out."
He kissed Bing Di's face, then got up and walked toward the bathroom.
Bing Di didn't respond; she just wanted to sleep.
Half an hour later, Huo Yuhao emerged, refreshed and energetic. Just as he stepped out, the door to the neighboring room opened, and Xue Di walked out gracefully.
She glanced into the room where Bing Di still slept, then turned to Huo Yuhao, frowning. "So early in the morning — do you really have to wear her out like that?"
Huo Yuhao blinked, then smirked. "Xue'er, I didn't expect you to be eavesdropping. Since you know Bing'er's tired… why don't you help her out next time?"
Xue Di smacked away his wandering hand, rolling her eyes. You two were so loud I didn't even need to eavesdrop.
—
At the training arena, countless disciples had gathered. Today, the sect's newly promoted Elder was going to take a disciple — and everyone came to watch.
Thirty-four disciples stood in the center. Five small children stood at the front — Su Shan'er among them.
These five were the ones who passed the second round yesterday. Originally, there were twelve, but seven had voluntarily withdrawn during the third round.
Before long, everyone saw Huo Yuhao approaching with several elders behind him. The disciples all saluted respectfully.
Huo Yuhao stepped forward from the group, his gaze sweeping across the gathered disciples. Everyone felt as though his eyes were directly on them, and they couldn't help but lower their heads.
Then Huo Yuhao spoke:
"Children, today I will choose one among those who did not give up during the third round yesterday to take as my disciple. Those who are not chosen, do not lose heart. This doesn't mean you're not good enough. In fact, you all…"
He began with a short speech — a bowl of spiritual chicken soup to soothe their tender hearts.
It worked. The children looked visibly encouraged. So I'm still great after all! they thought.
This former Young Master is really kind!
That was what many of the kids thought.
After all, six- or seven-year-olds didn't have complicated minds. A few words of praise and maybe a candy were enough to make them happy.
The five children in front had their eyes shining. They now understood — it wasn't about who ranked first yesterday. The key was whether Huo Yuhao chose them.
Hope reignited in Su Shan'er's eyes. She stared at Huo Yuhao expectantly.
After a few more formal words, Huo Yuhao focused his gaze on the five small figures, scanning them one by one before stopping on Su Shan'er.
"Little one, how about it? Would you like to become my disciple?"
Boom!
Huo Yuhao's voice struck Su Shan'er's ears like heavenly thunder, stunning her mind blank — yet at the same time, it sounded like the sweetest celestial melody.
The other children looked disappointed. The boy beside her nudged her with his elbow — she was still frozen.
Snapping out of her daze, Su Shan'er looked up at the smiling Huo Yuhao. Overwhelmed, she stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, "Shan'er greets Teacher."
"Good. Good. Rise."
As his words fell, Su Shan'er felt an invisible force lift her up. She had barely steadied herself when something unexpected happened.
"Greetings, Young Sect Master!"
Behind Huo Yuhao, the elders all bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Young Sect Master!"
After a moment of stunned silence, everyone present followed suit and saluted.
But confusion filled their faces — wasn't Huo Yuhao supposed to have already stepped down as Young Sect Master and joined the Elder Council?
Then… just who were they bowing to now?
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