The First Disciple

Han Ming fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Then show me only those with golden luck."

Immediately, the system projected a display of information before him.

[Name: Ye Lin]

[Age: 20]

[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Stage 2]

[Special Body: Nine-Colored Heavenly Flame Body (Emperor Level)]

[Potential: 10 Stars]

[Comprehension: 9 Stars]

[Luck: Gold]

...

[Name: Lan Xingyue]

[Age: 18]

[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Stage 9]

[Special Body: Samsara Body (Emperor Level)]

[Potential: 10 Stars]

[Comprehension: 9 Stars]

[Luck: Gold]

Han Ming stared at the information projected into his mind. He furrowed his brow slightly and asked,

"Don't you have any data about their background or identity?"

The system immediately responded.

[Of course I do, Host. But to unlock additional system functions, you must first take your first disciple, Host...]

Han Ming went silent for a moment, deep in thought. But before he could say anything further, the voice of Mu Nansi echoed out, drawing everyone's attention in the grand plaza.

"Peak Master Han, you may now select the disciple you are interested in."

The plaza immediately fell silent. All eyes turned toward Han Ming. Not only the examinees, but even the elders, peak masters, and the great elders waited in anticipation of his selection.

Han Ming gazed down at the crowd of disciples. Most had cultivation levels around the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages. He smiled faintly, stood up from his seat, and spoke in a calm yet quietly powerful tone.

"Greetings, all disciples. My name is Han Ming, Peak Master of Pure Light Peak."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried a mysterious force that caused everyone to listen without even realizing it.

"Currently, I am the only one left on my peak. Due to a certain tragedy, Pure Light Peak has fallen to its weakest state."

Murmurs rippled through the plaza. Some knew the story of Pure Light Peak, though many were unfamiliar with the details.

"My cultivation level is only Nascent Soul Stage 9. I may not be the strongest in this Holy Land of the Immortal River, nor have I reached the standard qualifications of a peak master. I'm still very young, with little experience."

A hush fell over the surroundings. Han Ming's gaze swept across the new disciples below.

"Now that you've heard the whole truth, is there anyone among you who still wishes to join Pure Light Peak?"

All the new disciples below fell silent. Each of them began weighing the pros and cons in their minds. They had heard many rumors about the hardships of living on Pure Light Peak. Meanwhile, Lei Chen's body trembled slightly. He clenched his fists tightly, and his sightless eyes seemed to waver with emotions too complex to describe.

Lei Chen had made his decision. He dropped to his knees. Though his body was still covered in wounds, he paid them no mind.

Then, he shouted loudly, "Please! Let me, Lei Chen, join Pure Light Peak!"

Han Ming looked across the rows of new disciples standing below, but found no one else stepping forward apart from Lei Chen.

On the elevated platform, Mu Nansi, the leader of the Holy Land of the Immortal River, along with the other elders and Peak Masters, were all watching Han Ming's disciple selection closely. They were well aware that Pure Light Peak was currently the weakest among the ten peaks. Most disciples had already abandoned it, leaving Han Ming as the sole member.

A full minute passed, yet not a single person stepped forward to request to join Pure Light Peak.

Han Ming gave a small nod before speaking in a calm yet firm voice.

"Good. I admire your determination."

He looked directly at Lei Chen and continued.

"However, Pure Light Peak also has its own rules. If you can pass my test, I will accept you as my personal disciple."

As soon as he finished speaking, Han Ming raised his hand gently. An intricate golden formation appeared in midair. Spiritual energy spread throughout the area as the arcane circle expanded and enveloped Lei Chen's body.

The moment the formation touched him, Lei Chen's body was sucked into a special dimension created by Han Ming, leaving him no time to react.

Han Ming's voice echoed once more, "I have chosen my disciple. Please, the rest of you may proceed with your selections."

Mu Nansi narrowed her eyes slightly, watching Han Ming with a thoughtful gaze before asking,

"Peak Master Han, would you not consider accepting one or two more disciples?"

Han Ming simply shook his head and replied in a calm tone,

"We are not bound by fate. I have no desire to force anyone. So I will choose only one."

As he finished speaking, the arcane circle that had imprisoned Lei Chen dissipated. The young man, who had previously been pulled into the special dimension, reappeared once more.

The moment he was freed, Lei Chen immediately knelt before Han Ming. Though his eyes were blind, he faced forward with unwavering focus. His voice was resolute, filled with unshakable resolve.

"Disciple Lei Chen pays his respects to Master!"

Han Ming looked at his first disciple with a satisfied smile. The formation he had used on Lei Chen was a test of mental state and emotional stability, as well as a probe into his memories. At that moment, the voice of the system echoed in his mind.

[Congratulations to the host for receiving your first disciple! You have received a disciple initiation gift box.]

Han Ming let out a soft laugh, then used his power to bring Lei Chen to his side instantly.

"I have chosen my disciple. Fellow Peak Masters and Elders, please proceed with your selections."

Mu Nansi nodded in response to Han Ming's words before turning to the other Peak Masters and making an announcement.

"Elders, please proceed with choosing your disciples."

The atmosphere began to shift. The selection of disciples for the number one peak, War Peak, was about to begin. War Peak was the most powerful among all the peaks of the Holy Land of the Immortal River and was home to the mightiest warriors. Anyone qualified to enter this peak must possess truly exceptional talent.

A middle-aged man sat calmly on the high platform to the right. He wore simple robes, had deep black hair and sharp eyes. Though his appearance was no different from that of any ordinary middle-aged man, the powerful aura he radiated made it clear he was anything but ordinary. He was Bai Li, the Master of War Peak.

Bai Li sipped his tea in silence before speaking in a calm tone.

"Ye Lin, would you be willing to become my personal disciple?"

The entire plaza instantly erupted into chaos.

"No way! Who is that man!?"

"He's caught the attention of the Master of War Peak!?"

Some of the new disciples cried out in shock.

"Ye Lin? Is that the handsome young man?"

"Yes! He ranked first in the trial, right? Even though his cultivation is only at Foundation Establishment?"

"No wonder... Master Bai Li would choose him."

Amid the chatter of the new disciples, Ye Lin, a tall and elegant young man, stepped out from the crowd. His face was strikingly handsome, and his dark eyes gleamed like stars. His presence radiated a calm, composed power.

Ye Lin looked up at Bai Li. He was silent for a moment before gracefully kneeling down.

"Disciple Ye Lin thanks Elder for your recognition. However, I must apologize. I wish to join Bamboo Heaven Peak instead."

Bai Li offered a faint smile before replying, "No matter… Elders, please proceed. I have no further interest in any other disciple."