Another precious treasure has slipped away from your so-called child of destiny.

Ji Wushuang immediately noticed the doubt flickering in Chen Xuanji's eyes. With a light cough, she said, "You're not mistaken. It's him."

If anyone else had recommended an aging middle-aged man as a disciple to Chen Xuanji, she would have exploded in anger long ago.

Greasy!

Didn't they know how much she despised this type?

But since Ji Wushuang was the one recommending him, Chen Xuanji grudgingly decided to give him a chance. She would test him. If he passed, she might reluctantly take him as a disciple. If he failed, even Ji Wushuang's endorsement wouldn't sway her.

After the assessment, Chen Xuanji discovered that Jin Shouxi's talisman-crafting skills were indeed impressive. However, his foundation was shaky, revealing a reliance on talent without diligent effort.

Chen Xuanji, herself a prodigy, deeply understood the importance of hard work.

Talent without effort was like a tower built on unstable ground—one day, it would inevitably collapse.

Moreover, this man was already over three hundred years old and still only a Golden Core cultivator and a third-tier talisman master. His laziness was practically oozing out of him.

Unapologetically, Chen Xuanji declared, "His talent is undeniable, but at his age and with such gifts, he should be far beyond a third-tier talisman master. This clearly stems from his lack of effort. If his disposition remains unchanged, no amount of talent will convince me to accept him as a disciple."

Jin Shouxi's face flushed crimson at her words, but he didn't argue. His past failures to persevere were indeed due to his wavering resolve.

Now, he regretted it deeply.

Profoundly.

If he could go back to his youth, he would slap himself awake and devote himself to the art of talismans.

Ji Wushuang nodded and said calmly, "You're right. But what if I told you he hasn't even been studying talismans for a year?"

Chen Xuanji froze, her flawless, ethereal face slowly forming a look of astonishment.

"What?"

Ji Wushuang's tone turned serious. "He is likely one of the first beneficiaries of the spiritual energy-free talismans I created. After my talismans enlightened him, it's been less than a year, and he has already reached the level of a third-tier talisman master. With such talent, I believe he has the potential to become a great talisman expert of our Yunlan Sect in the future."

Chen Xuanji finally understood Ji Wushuang's meaning. She grabbed Jin Shouxi's hand abruptly. "You've only been studying talismans for less than a year?!"

Jin Shouxi's chubby cheeks quivered. "Uh… yes, less than a year."

"Foolish!" Chen Xuanji, a woman as fierce as an eagle, was trembling with rage. "How could your Jin family be so foolish?! With such talent, why didn't you start studying talismans earlier?!"

Damn it!

If Jin Shouxi had started practicing talismans from a young age, he wouldn't still be just a third-tier talisman master!

Jin Shouxi stammered, "I-I-I… I don't know why either. I just couldn't understand talismans before. It was only after receiving Lord Ji's talismans that I had a sudden breakthrough… But it's too late now, isn't it?"

Ji Wushuang chuckled, her eyes narrowing. "Perhaps this is heaven's way of testing you. You're only three hundred years old. Golden Core cultivators have a lifespan of five hundred years. If you cultivate diligently, you can still form a Nascent Soul or ascend to the Divine Transformation stage. There's plenty of time."

Chen Xuanji agreed wholeheartedly. "Don't be afraid. Follow me, and I'll make sure you're reborn and achieve greatness!"

Jin Shouxi's eyes filled with tears. "Really?"

"Of course! Now, hurry and pay your respects!"

"Yes, yes! Master, please accept my bow!"

Jin Shouxi knelt respectfully and kowtowed three times to Chen Xuanji. Finally satisfied, she lifted him with a wave of her hand and turned to Ji Wushuang. "Little Ancestor… ahem, Wushuang, I owe you a huge favor for this."

Ji Wushuang waved dismissively. "It's nothing."

"Let's go."

"All right."

Watching the growing brilliance of Jin Shouxi's brow, Ji Wushuang felt a surge of satisfaction and teased the Heavenly Dao Spirit within her. Well? Your so-called child of fortune just lost a precious treasure to me.

The Heavenly Dao Spirit remained silent. As long as I play dead, Ji Wushuang can't provoke me.

Elsewhere, Mo Lanyi, having finished her dealings with the Mo family, found herself once again outside the Jinfu Pavilion.

Unexpectedly, she saw a cloud of auspicious light streak across the sky, carrying Chen Xuanji, who was gripping a plump man as they ascended.

At that moment, Mo Lanyi felt an overwhelming sense of loss…

As if something precious had slipped away from her grasp.