Leaders Choice

Li Xue woke up early that morning and decided to comb her hair. But her curls had other plans—they wouldn't budge no matter how hard she tried. "Alright, brush, don't break on me," she muttered helplessly, forcing the brush through her stubborn locks and combing aggressively.

Her efforts were hopeless. It felt like her hair was made of stone! Then, with a loud snap, the brush broke in her hand.

"…"

"Need any help?" came a melodic voice from the doorway. Li Xue turned to see a girl in her prime, standing there with a bright smile and a soft glow around her head. It was Jinora!

Meanwhile, Hua Rong was still trying to process everything happening in the hall. Chen Yuxuan was casually laughing with Minister Wei, while Chen Yi had joined them in their business talks.

It was all too much. Ugh, this is making my head hurt! she thought.

"Is Miss Hua not feeling well?" Chen Yuxuan's smooth voice broke through her thoughts. His face seemed to glow under the light, making Hua Rong's cheeks flush. Her pale skin betrayed her, and the redness was impossible to hide.

"I'm quite fine," she replied, her tone clipped, though her heart was racing.

Just then, the heavy doors of the hall opened. Heads turned to see the newcomer.

The figure who entered wore elegant black robes, her curly hair swept into a bun with a few strands falling loose. It was Li Xue. She walked with quiet grace, her every step measured and calm.

Chen Yi watched her closely as she made her way to Minister Wei, bowing with respect—a stark contrast to her fiery demeanor during their last encounter. Then, she had been a fierce beast, baring her claws. Now, it seemed as if the beast had been tamed.

Minister Wei looked at Li Xue who had a change of appearance, she was quite pleasing to the eye now.

Chen Yi couldn't help but stare at Li Xue for a moment longer. Her calm, poised demeanor as she walked into the hall was captivating, but his thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly turned, her gaze sweeping the room.

"CHEN YUXUAN?!" she yelped, her voice breaking the solemn atmosphere.

"There she is…" Chen Yi muttered under his breath, his tone laced with disappointment.

The elder seated beside Chen Yuxuan furrowed his brows, clearly offended. "You dare address the esteemed sect leader by his name?"

Before Li Xue could respond, Chen Yuxuan quickly interjected, his tone placating. "It's okay. She doesn't know—"

But before he could finish, Li Xue cut him off, pouting indignantly. "Sect leader? No, sir, you've got it wrong. He's—"

Chen Yuxuan's face paled as he realized what she was about to say, but before any more words could escape, Chen Yi swiftly moved.

"Sorry about that! Our cousin must have mistaken you for someone else," Chen Yi said with a forced laugh, clapping a hand over Li Xue's mouth. He quickly dragged her to her seat while she glared up at him, her fiery eyes resembling an annoyed kitten.

Chen Yuxuan exhaled deeply, regaining his composure. However, the tension in the room lingered like a heavy cloud. Minister Wei, sensing the unease, quickly redirected the conversation, his voice light as he led the guests into a more cheerful discussion. His two sons joined in, laughing along with the rest, and gradually, the atmosphere began to lighten.

As the day turned to dusk, the hall began to empty. Guests left one by one, their goodbyes echoing softly. Eventually, only Chen Yuxuan remained, seated calmly as Minister Wei approached him.

It seemed intentional, this lingering presence. Minister Wei smiled politely, offering a cup of tea. "Esteemed Sect Leader," he began, his tone formal yet warm, "I'd like to discuss something of importance."

Chen Yuxuan nodded, his expression attentive. "Of course, Minister Wei. Please, go ahead."

The minister hesitated for a moment before speaking. "My two sons, as you know, have been training tirelessly in martial arts. I was hoping they might join your sect to further their growth."

Chen Yuxuan took a sip of his tea, his gaze thoughtful. "They certainly show enthusiasm, Minister Wei, but…" He trailed off, carefully choosing his words. "Unfortunately, they lack the spiritual foundation necessary to enter our sect. Martial arts at our level require more than effort alone."

Minister Wei's face fell slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment. "I see…"

Chen Yuxuan's gaze shifted across the room, settling briefly on Li Xue, who sat quietly with a faint pout from her earlier scolding. Then, his eyes flickered to Chen Yi and Hua Rong.

"However," Chen Yuxuan continued, his tone measured, "there are three here tonight who are qualified. Li Xue, Chen Yi, and Miss Hua all possess strong potential for cultivation. With the proper guidance, they could become remarkable martial artists."

Minister Wei followed Chen Yuxuan's gaze, his brow lifting in surprise. "Li Xue?" he asked, clearly astonished. "The same young lady who caused that… outburst earlier?" His tone showed that he was quite dissatisfied with Chen Yuxuan's decision

Chen Yuxuan smiled faintly. "Raw talent often comes with spirit. It simply needs to be channeled correctly."

Li Xue, sitting not far from the conversation, overheard every word. Her sharp glare immediately landed on Chen Yi, who met her frustration with a smug "hmph" before casually sipping his tea. Meanwhile, Hua Rong couldn't seem to tear her gaze away from Chen Yuxuan, her expression caught between curiosity and admiration.

The elder beside Chen Yuxuan, however, wasn't as quiet. He let out a disapproving snort. "I can understand considering the other two," he said with a pointed tone, "but her?" His finger jabbed toward Li Xue, his disdain barely concealed. "Sect Leader, I don't think this is a wise decision."

Chen Yuxuan's eyes twitched ever so slightly, irritation flickering beneath his calm exterior. These fools have no idea what's really going on, he thought. But his expression remained composed as he straightened, his face now sharp and commanding, radiating authority.

"Do I need your opinion on this matter?" he asked, his voice cool and unwavering.

The room fell silent. Minister Wei and the elder exchanged uneasy glances but refrained from further objections. The air grew tense as Chen Yuxuan's presence seemed to fill the space, leaving no room for debate.

With a swift yet graceful movement, Chen Yuxuan rose to his feet. His white robes fluttered lightly as he approached the three younger figures seated nearby. He stopped just before them, his gaze steady and unreadable.

"May I speak with the three of you alone?" he asked, his tone firm yet not unkind.