"Chapter 17" Using Xuan as Pawn

The Peak elders looked at the First Elder and Fifth Elder, asking for the identity of the disciple. Even the First Elder and Ning Binglan were surprised.

"That boy is the one who invoked the red light during his assessment," the First Elder said. "I knew he was special, and now he has proved it. But how does Junior Sister know him?"

The First Elder looked at Ning Binglan, who pondered for a moment before speaking. "That boy is the one I met during the 'Curse of Death' incident."

Ning Binglan then added, "And I can assure you all, once again, that child has no relation to the incident."

But the Second Elder had a different plan. "Junior Sister, how can you defend a stranger? What if he has some ulterior motive against our sect? Do you really think he's worthy of your trust?"

Ning Bing couldn't reply. It was true that Xuan was a stranger, but after meeting him, her instincts told her that Xuan wasn't a bad person. However, explaining this to the elders was a different matter.

Then the First Elder chimed in, "I know of your plan, but I'm against it, especially now that we know that child has a lot of potential – even comparable to the Royal Prince." The mention of the Royal Prince suddenly changed the atmosphere.

The Second Elder intervened, unhappy that a mere disciple was being compared to the Royal Prince and the pride of the Sky Heaven Sect.

"I disagree with your words, First Brother." Then the Third Elder followed the Second Elder, "I also disagree with this."

The Second Elder continued, trying to fuel the fire. "That child is already suspicious. First, he killed a high-level cultivator with just a mere attack, which can't be possible unless he has some hidden resources. "

"And now, seeing him tame a Red Feather Condor, it looks even more absurd. We must confine him and ask about his true motives."

"You won't be doing that, Second Brother. I have already informed the Sect Leader, and he'll soon come out of his seclusion.

His words are clear: to raise the child as a perfect competitor for the Royal Prince, and you should know why."

The meaning of his words was clear: the Royal Prince was soon going to become the Head Disciple of the sect, which meant he would become the next Sect Leader of the Sky Heaven Sect.

Because of this, the Sect Leader had decided to give him a challenge in the form of Xuan, to train him even further.

Ning Binglan wasn't happy with the decision the Sect Leader had made for Xuan, but she wasn't in a position to question it.

Still, she made up her mind to let Xuan prepare before facing the arduous challenge of his life.

She was regretting inviting Xuan to join the Sky Heaven Sect, and unknowingly, she had made his life filled with difficulties that he might not be able to overcome.

Meanwhile, Xuan, unaware of all this, asked the Outer Court Elder to let him pass, showing his badge of Inner Court Disciple.

Then, one of the Inner Court Elders came through the barrier. "You can come, Disciple Xuan. The First Elder is asking for you."

Xuan didn't budge, so the Elder continued, "You can bring your beast too, but make sure it's under your control."

Xuan smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Elder. She won't do anything."

"You heard it right, let's go."

He patted the Condor's furry head, and the beast soared into the sky, crossing the barrier and entering the Inner Court, where the other elders were waiting. Among them were two familiar faces: the First Elder and Ning Binglan.

The Condor descended to the ground in front of the Peak Elders. "Greetings, elders," Xuan said in greeting.

The First Elder smiled. "We meet again, Disciple Xuan." Then, looking at the Red Feather Condor, he asked, "Ahhhhh, this beast... where did you find it?" Although the First Elder already knew, he still asked.

Xuan recited the whole story, omitting a few details. His words amazed the elders. However, the Second Elder felt unsatisfied with his answer.

"Who would believe that a 1st-level Meridian Unlocking stage cultivator like you could tame a beast at the peak level 3?" Xuan shook his head, "It is as it is, Elder. I don't have anything to say."

Ning Binglan chuckled, her laughter infuriating Xuan. Then the First Elder spoke, "Xuan, your potential is one of the best in the sect, only slightly lower than the Royal Prince. The Sect Leader has asked us to take you as our personal disciple and train you as one of the next sect leaders."

"Now, make your choice: who do you wish to be your mentor?" he asked.