Accepting a Master

There it was. A choice.

Lin Fei remembered his first life, when his life was shrouded by doom and gloom. At that time he had wondered: Does freedom even exist?

Then he had died. It was such a liberating experience. Nothingness welcomed him like nothing ever had. The endless void and he floating on his lonesome.

But was that freedom?

Wasn't his death thrust upon him much the same way his life was? Wasn't he being forced to wander through this silent and fearsome void against his will?

So, what was freedom?

"Freedom?"

"Yes, what do you think about it?" He had asked.

"Hmm. I think freedom is being able to make a choice knowing the consequences it holds and accepting them anyway. Freedom is not freedom from consequences but the freedom of choice. Much the same way, if you chose to accept this definition."

So, choose. A simple truth. A fundamental truth. The logical truth.

Lin Fei smiled. Wasn't that how computers in his first life worked? Choices. Yes or No. True or False. 1 or 0. And if looked closely, wasn't that exactly how everything in existence operated?

So, Lin Fei chose.

"Sure." He offered his hand, and she took hold of it.

Qin Rui felt her heart beat quicken at the proximity. His body so close to hers, his breath soft and almost unnoticeable. And his eyes. They were staring directly into her own. Soulful gray eyes meeting her golden ones. And a fire was set alight.

I want her! Lin Fei felt an emotion stir inside him. It was nothing like he had ever felt before. It was taking everything in his being to rein in his desires.

Calm down!

A voice filled with power and authority pressed down on the desire, and he felt clarity return to him.

What? What was that?

It's her physique, his mother answered. Be careful around her.

Qin Rui quivered a brow but focused her attention on the task at hand. Lin Fei hadn't resisted her in the least, so she was easily able to check the type and rank of his physique. And when she did, her eyes widened to the extreme.

Divine! He has a divine rank physique! It took all her effort to keep her emotions in check, lest others grow curious. And it's the elemental physique at that.

She released his hand and looked him in the eye. "Disciple Lin Fei, I wish to take you in as my second personal disciple. Do you agree? And although you won't have the status of a Core Disciple, I will personally elevate your status to an Inner Disciple and see to it you're treated no different from a Core Disciple."

The elders standing below gawked in surprise. Even Su Nian couldn't hide the tremor that passed through his heart.

Take him as a personal disciple!

That was insane!

Who didn't know about Qin Rui? This mysterious woman that even Sect Master handled delicately. Although she didn't have the same level of authority as the Vice-Sect Leader, she had the third highest rank in the entire sect!

And now, she had decided to take another disciple.

After a whole 300 years!

This was monumental news. And when it spread, it would take the entire sect by storm.

Lin Fei was also surprised, not expecting her to be so bold as to offer him something like this publicly. This was the same as putting him in a tough spot. Refusing her at this point would only end in bad results.

A choice.

Face the consequences.

Lin Fei peered into her gorgeous golden eyes and stretched his lips into a soft smile. He had decided.

"I, Lin Fei, will be honored to accept the discipleship under your tutelage." His bow was deep, different from the one he had offered Su Nian. "Master."

Qin Rui smiled faintly and nodded. "If you have any questions, save them until after we have arrived at your new home. Also, if you have matters to attend to, speak now."

Lin Fei shook his head. His sword was with his mother, and he didn't have much left in his lodging. As storing his meager wealth of 40 mid-grade spirit stones would've been foolish, he had instead endeavored to carry it with himself.

"I have nothing to do, thank you for asking, though."

"Good." Qin Rui turned her gaze to other elders and cupped her hands. "If you'll apologize for your rudeness, I will have to take my leave now."

"Farewell, Elder Qin."

"Congratulations on getting your second disciple."

"Your arrival has blessed this hall; thank you."

As the elders either praised Qin Rui or bid her well, Su Nian stole a glance at Lin Fei. He realized that Qin Rui must have decided to officiate the status after his successful promotion.

Despite all the drama, Su Nian didn't feel like he had wasted his time. After all, finding entertainment wasn't something conveniently available in the world of cultivation.

"It has been an interesting turn of events, Elder Qin." He also returned the courtesy. "Farewell."

Qin Rui turned to her first disciple, who didn't even bother hiding the joy she was bubbling with. She sighed inwardly. Silly girl.

"Yan Mei, grab your junior brother; we are leaving."

For some reason, the girl almost jumped in glee when she said 'junior brother.' She shook her head and left the hall.

Yan Mei walked toward Lin Fei, winked at him, and offered a cheerful smile. "Let's go."

Lin Fei was still feeling a bit unnerved the way the girl was treating him. If he had to blame someone for foiling his plans, then it would be this very girl. Of course, he didn't hate her. Just annoyed.

"You should address me as senior sister from now on." Yan Mei added. They were following behind Qin Rui, who led them toward a giant steed. It was a tall bird with a crown of golden tuft, while its whole body was covered by pristine coat of white feathers. It had red eyes and ebony black beak.

Qin Rui leapt onto its back, followed by Yan Mei. Lin Fei only hesitated for a second before he too jumped onboard.

With a wave from her hand, the bird took to the skies.

"See, didn't I promise you that I would help you?" Yan Mei spoke suddenly.

Promise? Lin Fei frowned. What is she talking about? I don't even know her.

"Though you sure have changed a lot in these five years." She added wistfully.

Five years? Once more Lin Fei was confused—Wait! Five years!

I remember now!

***

Reference [Jean Paul Sartre On Freedom As Responsibility]

Sartre believed in the essential freedom of individuals, and he also believed that as free beings, people are responsible for all elements of themselves, their consciousness, and their actions. That is, with total freedom comes total responsibility.