The morning mist clung to the ruins of Xuanling Sect, swirling around the courtyard where the third disciple stood. Her presence radiated quiet strength—stubborn pride laced with resilience. Ling Wei watched her from afar, calm as ever, while Yien nervously fidgeted, still recovering from his first trial with the Fox Teacher.
Xuán Wèi's eyes flicked to the system panel, invisible to everyone but him.
[Potential Immortal Teacher Assignment – Candidate #3]
The courtyard seemed to ripple with unseen energy as the lottery process unfolded in the otherworldly plane.
The Cosmic Tortoise slowly opened his ancient, starry eyes, sensing a disciple of endurance and steadfast spirit.
The Sword Sovereign sharpened his focus on combat aptitude.
The Thousand-Year Fox twitched her ears in distant amusement, sensing cleverness—but Yien already claimed her attention.
Xuán Wèi smiled faintly. She's not for the Fox. Too steady, too stubborn… but the Tortoise will temper her patience and strength perfectly.
[Immortal Teacher Selected – Cosmic Tortoise]
Binding Status: Pending Sect Master Approval
The Arrival of the Tortoise
A deep, rumbling sound echoed through the courtyard. Slowly, a massive tortoise appeared, its shell etched with cosmic patterns, radiating ancient power. Within seconds, it shifted into human form: an elderly man, deliberate in movement yet exuding unstoppable strength.
The third disciple's eyes widened. "You… you are my teacher?"
The tortoise-man's gaze swept over her, calm but piercing. "Your constitution is strong, resilient. You will learn patience, endurance, and the Dao of steady growth. Do not expect mercy. Only persistence will save you."
Xuán Wèi's thoughts: The Fox would clash with her stubborn nature… break her pride in a way that hinders growth. The Tortoise will channel her spirit into something lasting.
She bowed, pride warring with awe. "I… I will follow your guidance to survive and grow!"
MC's Subtle Hint
Xuán Wèi stepped back slightly, voice low but audible. "Patience suits her. The Fox would have tried to bend her too quickly—she'd have broken, not grown."
Ling Wei's calm eyes flicked between the disciple and her new teacher. "Steady, methodical… she'll last with him longer than most," he remarked.
Even Yien whispered to himself, "Slow… but strong. Makes sense."
System & Sect Progress
[Sect Points +50]
[Immortal Teachers Bound: 2/3]
Xuán Wèi's lips curved. Two golden talents strengthened, two Immortal Teachers bound… Sect Xuanling grows quietly, but efficiently. The fun of training and testing pride has only begun.