A Proposal Turned Problem

In a secluded courtyard, Dio lounged under the sun, basking in the brief respite from his eternal struggle with stagnant cultivation. His peaceful moment was interrupted by Bi Huajin, his newly accepted disciple and secret lover, who approached with a mix of anxiety and hesitation.

"Master Dio, I have a request," Bi began, her voice trembling slightly.

Dio chuckled softly, sensing her unease. "You've been unusually attentive today. What is it you need, my dear disciple?"

Bi hesitated before spilling her tale. She wasn't originally a member of the Lingxiao Sect through merit; instead, she'd manipulated a noble family's young master into sponsoring her. The price? A marriage contract. Now, with her newfound status as an Inner Sect disciple, the same family was pressing her to honor the agreement. Their persistence had escalated, tarnishing her reputation within the sect.

"I thought I could handle it," Bi admitted, tears welling in her eyes. "But they've started spreading rumors. I can't take it anymore."

Dio's eyes narrowed. His usual genial expression turned steely. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier? They dare to push my disciple into a corner?"

"I was afraid it would expose our relationship…" Bi's voice trailed off.

Dio shook his head, a faint smile returning to his lips. "Silly girl. The solution is simple. I'll take you as my official disciple. As your master, I have every right to handle your personal matters."

Bi's eyes lit up with realization. "Of course! If I'm your disciple, it would be entirely reasonable for you to intervene."

"And what will you do to thank your master for his help?" Dio teased, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Bi flushed, lowering her head. "I'll serve you well, Master."

The next day, Dio escorted Bi to the sect's administration hall. The elders in charge of disciple records looked up in surprise. It wasn't every day that Dio, known for his reclusive nature, appeared in public. Even more shocking was the disciple at his side.

"Bi Huajin?" one elder muttered, clearly recognizing her name from recent gossip.

Dio, oblivious to—or rather, entirely unconcerned by—their judgment, announced, "I'm here to register Bi Huajin as my official disciple."

The elders exchanged incredulous glances. Among the Inner Sect, Bi's reputation had become infamous. Stories of her scheming ways and tainted reputation had circulated widely.

"Elder Dio," one elder said cautiously, "are you certain? This disciple… has caused quite a stir recently."

Dio's expression remained calm, his tone steady. "I have chosen her. That is all that matters."

The weight of his words silenced any further objections. Dio Longju might not display overwhelming cultivation prowess, but his status as the sole disciple of the venerable Hua Xiangxi carried undeniable authority.

Not long after, the noble family caught wind of Dio's intervention. The young master, a haughty figure named Lin Yuhao, arrived at the sect gates in a fit of indignation, flanked by his retainers.

"Elder Dio!" Lin declared as Dio and Bi appeared before him. "This woman is bound to me by a marriage contract. How can you claim her as your disciple?"

Dio stepped forward, his hunched figure exuding an aura of quiet authority. Despite his frail appearance, his piercing gaze silenced Lin's retinue.

"As her master, I am responsible for her future," Dio said evenly. "She will not honor a contract that she was coerced into. If you have grievances, take them up with me."

Lin faltered, glancing nervously at his retainers. The name "Dio Longju" might not strike fear into the hearts of common cultivators, but the Lingxiao Sect's hierarchy was no joke. Offending an Inner Sect elder was a risk few dared take.

After a tense silence, Lin gritted his teeth. "Fine. But don't think this is over."

Dio watched as Lin and his entourage left, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Empty threats. They won't bother you again."

Bi looked up at him, gratitude and admiration shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Master. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

As days turned into weeks, Bi's reputation began to shift. With Dio's unwavering support, she was no longer seen as a pariah but as the favored disciple of an Inner Sect elder.

Meanwhile, Dio continued to monitor the sect for other "Fated Ones," using his hidden power to prepare for the challenges ahead.

But even as he plotted his rise, a lingering question gnawed at the back of his mind. Why had fate placed so many enigmatic women in his path?

Unbeknownst to him, his destiny was about to intertwine with forces far beyond his imagination.