Eastern Sage Accepting a Disciple

Eastern Sage Accepting a Disciple . . .

"Bai Wuya certainly has his unique methods," remarked the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

"You're absolutely right," chimed in an elderly immortal king, the oldest among the gathered dignitaries. He was even older than the Eastern Sage Great Emperor himself and was fondly referred to as the Undying Immortal King. "Take that young man Bai Wuya chose, for example. He was the last to emerge from your illusion-scape, and unlike the others, he received no respite. Bai Wuya's mercy was conspicuously absent, even for those he rated highly. He showed no inclination to go easy on them."

The Undying Immortal King's praise drew nods of agreement from his peers. They were all experts on the immortal king tier, each fiercely independent and self-assured. Deepflame's earlier attempt to exert his dominance had rubbed many of them the wrong way. Who did he think he was, trying to suppress them with his might? These were seasoned immortals who had earned their status, not mere subordinates. They had come here to pay respects to the Eastern Sage Great Emperor, not to be bullied by Deepflame. The message was clear: if Deepflame wanted to challenge Bai Wuya, he could do so without dragging everyone else into it.

"Clearly, some of you have taken a liking to the young man Bai Wuya selected," Deepflame commented with a smirk that barely concealed his smugness.

"What difference does it make whether we favor him or not?" replied the Undying Immortal King, diffusing the tension. "I'm far too old to take on disciples. My guess is that the Eastern Sage Majesty might choose this young man in the end."

The Myriad Incarnations Immortal King interjected with a smile, lightening the mood. Her celestial grace was enchanting, captivating the hearts of those present.

Meanwhile, Bai Wuya continued his relentless onslaught. Each of his attacks carried a genuine intent to kill, capable of shattering one's will. When participants faltered, their lives hung in the balance.

As the onslaught persisted, some participants wavered, torn between retreating and pressing on. In their hesitation, many paid with their lives. Onlookers watched in grim silence, wondering how anyone could survive beneath the murderous intent of the White Robe Immortal King.

Qin Wentian, sprawled on the mountain peak, felt his strength drain away completely. He lay paralyzed, as did his companions on the ninth peak. Their wills were shattered, their bodies left in a state of desolation. But Qin Wentian gazed up at the figure in the air, his body enveloped in the pale white flame of his determination, guarding the flickering embers of his life. His will remained unbroken, filled with unwavering conviction. His eyes held no trace of resentment; instead, they gleamed with a yearning to someday match the strength of the man before him.

"I surrender." The chorus of defeated voices grew louder and more pronounced. Despite their extraordinary combat abilities that had propelled them to the top one hundred, they found themselves in a grim 'test.' Uncertainty hung in the air, casting doubt on whether they would be among the final nine. The participants hesitated, their lives at stake, their desire for victory waning. Moreover, they had witnessed the four individuals on the ninth peak's superior performance in previous trials, making them doubt their chances of being chosen as the Eastern Sage Majesty's sole disciple. As these thoughts weighed on their minds, their resolve weakened further, and death loomed ominously should they persist.

The White Robe Immortal King, hovering above, continued his ruthless assault. With a final wave of his hand, another participant fell, and more voices of surrender rang out, filled with despair. Then, the White Robe Immortal King paused, scrutinizing the remaining participants. He spoke, "Initially, I aimed to leave nine of you standing. However, since you all have chosen to surrender together, you will all be disqualified. The remaining eight, follow me to the immortal palace."

Regret washed over those who had called for surrender moments ago. They had fought valiantly, enduring until the very last second, only to give in at the critical moment. Their wavering wills had cost them the opportunity to enter the immortal palace.

The White Robe Immortal King gestured for the eight participants to follow him. All four from the ninth peak had successfully endured the trial.

"In the previous trial administered by the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King, all five highlighted participants persevered. His Majesty is likely to select his disciple from these five outstanding individuals," murmured onlookers. The Eastern Sage Great Emperor would undoubtedly choose the most exceptional candidate among them, and all five had demonstrated remarkable tenacity and skill, making them prime contenders.

The remaining eight participants felt utterly drained of energy. The White Robe Immortal King's influence dissipated as they entered the immortal palace. Weary and weakened, they stood amidst the illustrious immortal kings.

The Undying Immortal King then channeled a vibrant green light, infusing the eight participants with vitality energy. Their strength surged back, revitalizing them in a remarkably short span. Qin Wentian and the others reveled in the rejuvenation of their bodies, feeling as if they had just received life-giving rain after a long drought.

"This sensation is incredible," Qin Wentian marveled. He had been on the brink of exhaustion and couldn't have persevered any longer. The restoration of his energy was like a parched field quenching its thirst. The feeling was exquisite. His gaze wandered to the dignified figures at the banquet, powerful and inscrutable, who scrutinized the eight participants.

Dongsheng Ting approached, drawing the attention of the immortal kings. He smiled and inquired, "Does His Majesty still require us to conduct further tests?"

"No need," Dongsheng Ting replied, shaking his head. "These eight have already proven themselves. My father has taken note of their performance. If he chooses to take a disciple, he likely already has someone in mind."

The gaze of the immortal kings turned to the statue of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, which had become more lifelike, gleaming with vitality. The statue transformed into a living being before their eyes.

The esteemed guests at the banquet rose to their feet and paid their respects. "We humbly greet the Eastern Sage Great Emperor."

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor settled onto the master seat and addressed the eight participants, "Please, don't be shy. Introduce yourselves. What are your names?"

"Your Majesty, I am Que Tianyi."

"Your Majesty, I am known as Blackpeak," reported the participants, including Qin Wentian, their voices laden with utmost humility and respect.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor regarded them, his gaze piercing, as if delving into the very core of their souls.

"All of your performances are commendable. However, I am currently interested in selecting only one disciple. As for the other seven, if any of the immortal kings present wish to take them under their tutelage, they are free to do so," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor remarked, a smile gracing his lips.

"In such high spirits, Your Majesty, I too would be delighted to mentor a disciple," Deepflame chimed in, casting a playful glance at his emperor.

"Deepflame, do you even have the time to mentor a disciple?" the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor retorted with a hint of exasperation. Surprisingly, the usually fierce and intimidating Deepflame sported a rather silly grin as he responded, "Your Majesty, I promise to put in my best efforts this time."

"Haha! I can hardly wait to witness the outcome of this endeavor. Deepflame, in your opinion, which of these eight would be the most suitable to be my disciple?" the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor inquired.

"Only Your Majesty possesses the wisdom to make such a choice; I dare not voice my own preferences," Deepflame replied, demonstrating the utmost respect for his emperor.

"If I ask for your opinion, then provide it," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor insisted, though somewhat unhappily.

"In that case, Your Majesty, I shall be bold enough to offer my humble opinion. I believe that Que Tianyi would be an excellent choice," Deepflame ventured, causing joy to well up within the heart of the Scarce Moon Immortal King. He gazed at Deepflame, his eyes brimming with gratitude, for a single statement had forged a considerable debt of gratitude.

"I see," was the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's only response. He then turned to the White Robe Immortal King. "Bai Wuya, you are the youngest among the immortal kings gathered here. I am aware that you hold a differing opinion from Deepflame. Whom do you recommend?"

"In choosing a disciple, Your Majesty's favor takes precedence above all else. However, if you seek my perspective, I find Qin Wentian to be an excellent candidate," Bai Wuya declared with a smile.

Qin Wentian was taken aback, for this turn of events had surprised him. When he had exited the illusion-scape earlier, he had encountered none of the White Robe Immortal King's goodwill; there had been no indication of the favor Bai Wuya now bestowed upon him. It seemed that people's true thoughts often ran deeper than surface appearances.

"A rational choice," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor mused as he regarded Qin Wentian. He then shifted his gaze to the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King, asking, "Fairy Myriad Incarnations, what is your preference?"

"I favor Hua Taixu. His cultivation techniques share similarities with my own," the Myriad Incarnations Immortal King replied with a cheerful smile.

"Very well. And what of you, old fellow? You've lived for quite some time; share your wisdom," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor directed his gaze at the Undying Immortal King.

The Undying Immortal King's eyes sparkled with a trace of cunning, and he stroked his lengthy beard, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "All eight possess outstanding qualities. However, I believe Your Majesty has already made your choice."

"You sly old fox!" the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor chuckled. He then returned his focus to the eight participants, finally fixing his gaze on Qin Wentian. With a warm smile, he asked, "Qin Wentian, are you willing to become my disciple?"

As the words left his lips, the expressions of nearly everyone present grew tense. Envy flickered in many eyes as they turned to Qin Wentian. Had the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor made his decision? Qin Wentian's performance had indeed been spectacular. With the Immortal Emperor's choice now evident, it was clear that Qin Wentian possessed extraordinary talent!