After everyone made their selections, they formed a long line, each holding their chosen method tightly in hand.
Cedric stood before a wooden desk, recording each disciple's chosen cultivation method into a ledger one by one. The purpose was simple. He noted the tier of every method so that, after one month, rewards and punishments could be administered without confusion.
The line moved steadily.
When it was the turn of a skinny and frail looking young man, Cedric's brush paused midair.
He lifted his head and frowned slightly.
"You… are you certain you wish to choose this Heaven tier cultivation method?"
The words struck the crowd like thunder.
The Hale family disciples were instantly stunned.
Alex also raised an eyebrow, interest flashing in his eyes as he looked toward the thin young man.
According to his predecessor's memories, this youth was named Julian.
Among the younger generation of the Hale family, Julian possessed one of the highest aptitudes.
In the early stages, he was not particularly eye catching. He advanced steadily but without brilliance.
Yet by the middle stages, he accumulated enough power to erupt all at once. His cultivation once reached the Nascent Soul Realm, and for a period of time he stood shoulder to shoulder with the protagonist.
His aptitude was astonishing. His perseverance was unyielding. He had every condition to rise.
Yet there was one fatal flaw.
From the moment he appeared in the story, he had secretly fallen in love with Isolde. His devotion bordered on madness.
For all practical purposes, he was nothing more than her shadow.
Several times, Julian had the chance to openly defeat and kill the protagonist in fair battle. Yet whenever Isolde desperately intervened, he hesitated.
Golden opportunities slipped through his fingers again and again.
In the end, during an expedition within a secret realm, Isolde was gravely injured and on the brink of death.
To save her, Julian did not hesitate to sacrifice his own life bound supreme treasure.
At his weakest moment, Knox seized the opportunity and killed him with a single sword strike.
Isolde survived, yet mistakenly believed Knox had rescued her. From that day on, she became one of the most steadfast members of Knox's harem.
Julian's bright future was buried within that secret realm.
When Alex had once read that part, he had gnashed his teeth in anger. Julian possessed immense resources and countless chances to overturn fate and end the protagonist's path.
Yet he chose obsession.
He tied his fate to a woman whose heart belonged elsewhere and who had betrayed her own family.
Anger in the past was meaningless.
Now he was the Saint Lord of the Hale family. Guidance was his responsibility.
Alex stepped forward unhurriedly. His gaze fell upon the scroll in Julian's hands.
"Julian, are you certain you wish to choose the Treatise of the Mystic Owl and Fallen Phoenix?"
"If you fail to break through one minor realm within a month, you will lose one year of cultivation resources and perform one year of hard labor."
Whispers erupted among the disciples.
"Has Julian lost his mind?"
"Is he too greedy?"
"A mere Body Tempering Realm cultivator daring to pick a Heaven tier method?"
"This is a snake trying to swallow an elephant."
In this world, cultivation methods and magical treasures were divided into twelve major tiers.
The Upper Four Tiers were Divine, Emperor, Saint, and Supreme.
The Middle Four Tiers were Heaven and Earth, Origin, Nether, and Desolate.
The Lower Four Tiers were Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow.
Each major tier was further divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower grades.
Generally speaking, the cultivation method one could practice corresponded to one's cultivation base.
Body Tempering Realm cultivators typically practiced Yellow tier methods.
Qi Gathering Realm cultivators practiced Profound tier.
Foundation Establishment cultivators practiced Earth tier.
And so on.
The Treatise of the Mystic Owl and Fallen Phoenix was an Upper Grade Heaven tier method. Even a Core Formation cultivator might struggle to comprehend its essence.
Julian was only at the Body Tempering Realm.
To choose such a method did not inspire admiration.
It only invited ridicule.
Each month, Hale family disciples received one Blood Meridian Tempering Pill and ten Spirit Stones. The pill tempered vital blood and advanced cultivation. The Spirit Stones could be exchanged for resources.
If Julian failed after one month, he would lose an entire year's allocation.
Such a loss would likely strip him of his standing among the younger generation.
"Good."
Alex nodded heavily.
"Julian, though your cultivation is ordinary, your spirit is not."
"This Treatise of the Mystic Owl and Fallen Phoenix will be lent to you."
"In one month, I will await your good news."
Julian bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Saint Lord."
After a brief hesitation, he spoke again.
"Saint Lord, I have one more request."
Alex looked at him calmly.
"Speak."
Julian struggled internally for a long time before finally gathering his resolve.
"If, within one month, I can comprehend this method and break through to the Qi Gathering Realm…"
"I ask the Saint Lord to show mercy and allow Isolde to return to the family."
Alex blinked.
"…Huh?"
Julian's expression was solemn. There was no trace of jest in his eyes.
The corner of Alex's mouth twitched.
His face darkened instantly.
He had stripped Isolde of the Seven Orifices Divine Heart and expelled her from the family to the satisfaction of every disciple present.
Yet Julian still harbored illusions.
Alex felt a headache rising.
"Julian, those who aspire to achieve great things cannot allow themselves to be shackled by personal romance."
"Your cultivation may be average now, but your aptitude is extraordinary. Your future path is broad."
"Why must your heart remain tied to an ungrateful, heartless, and cruel woman?"
Julian's expression changed immediately.
"Saint Lord, I will not allow you to speak of Isolde in that way!"
In his anxiety, he completely forgot seniority and directly contradicted Alex.
"Isolde was only deceived by Knox's sweet words."
"Deep down, she is gentle, beautiful, intelligent, and generous."
"And now, she has already seen through Knox's true face."
"If the Saint Lord is willing to accept her back into the family, I guarantee that she will repent and confess her mistakes before the entire clan."
Alex couldn't help but slap his own forehead.