Chapter Three: Cultivation

“Taking on disciples?”

All the peak masters and elders present cast their gazes in unison.

Taking disciples was a common matter; after all, they had all come here for that very purpose.

But for the great-granduncle to take on a disciple—that was different.

It meant this disciple would directly become their next great-granduncle!

A rank of the highest seniority!

Yet as their eyes fell on the young girl, they all furrowed their brows in unison.

Too ordinary!

Normally, someone with spiritual roots, having been bathed in spiritual energy for years, would possess an otherworldly aura. Even if they did not possess peerless beauty, they would at least be handsome or lovely.

But the girl before them had dark skin and a frail figure. Aside from her large, jet-black eyes that held a certain charm, there was nothing remarkable about her.

Moreover, she bore a mixed spiritual root of all types, meaning her aptitude for cultivation was nearly nonexistent.

Such a person, even if she miraculously passed the entry test, would never be accepted to train in the Nine Peaks.

“Great-granduncle, it’s certainly joyous that you want to take a disciple, but this girl… perhaps you should reconsider?” someone tactfully suggested.

Xiao Chenxin neither agreed nor disagreed; his gaze remained fixed on the girl. She wore tattered clothes, her head bowed low, eyes fixed on the ground, her delicate hands nervously twisting together, appearing pitiful.

If not for the radiant golden fortune she emanated, Xiao Chenxin might not have spared her a second glance among the crowd.

But this was golden fortune!

The destined protagonist, the future emperor!

Both publicly and privately, he should not let such a promising seed go to waste.

Yet some of the nephews’ words made sense. The main reason was that the girl’s ‘licking dog value’—a measure of loyalty—did not meet the standard. Even if he accepted her now, the system would not reward him; she needed more nurturing.

A plan quickly formed in his mind, so he ignored the peak masters’ concerns and instead looked kindly at the girl.

“Little one, you haven’t told me your name yet.”

“My name is Mengyao.”

Her voice was soft and delicate, almost inaudible to those without cultivation.

“Lift your head and look at me.”

Upon hearing Xiao Chenxin’s voice, she slowly raised her chin but only for a moment before immediately lowering it again.

This girl was a bit shy!

Xiao Chenxin frowned but deemed it normal. Which destined protagonist wasn’t forged through trials and tribulations? This, after all, created an opportunity for him.

“How about coming to train at the Red Dust Peak with me?”

“Really?”

Mengyao lifted her head again, disbelief shining in her eyes. Since arriving here, she had borne tremendous pressure.

All her peers looked more glamorous, and the grandeur of the sacred land’s design made her feel utterly out of place.

Earlier, many had pointed fingers at her, and she hadn’t even had someone to confide in.

“Of course. If you work hard, I might even formally take you as my disciple.”

Xiao Chenxin’s voice carried a tempting tone, and it was evidently effective, for Mengyao’s eyes grew increasingly resolute.

“I... I will definitely try my best.”

“Then let’s start with something simple—lift your head and speak loudly.”

“Ah?”

Mengyao was a little startled, her mouth opening slightly, but Xiao Chenxin had already turned away.

Was this a test from an immortal master?

I... I...

“I will!”

She called out crisply, as if summoning all her strength. Her flushed cheeks glowed with effort.

Though still soft, her voice was much stronger than before.

Xiao Chenxin turned his head in surprise, and upon meeting her shy gaze, he chuckled quietly.

“Good! Excellent!”

A radiant smile immediately lit up the little girl’s face.

To Xiao Chenxin’s astonishment, her ‘licking dog value’ surged to 30 at once. Was it really that easy? Was a future empress really this easy to coax?

He raised his hand to gently touch Mengyao’s forehead, then smiled warmly at his nephews.

“I’ll take her back first as a menial disciple. If she ever passes the test, I’ll formally accept her as my disciple. From now on, she shall be the founding disciple of Red Dust Peak. Nephews, please take good care of her.”

Seeing this, everyone understood the matter was settled and could say no more, nodding their agreement.

“All right then, my task is complete. I’ll take my leave now; you carry on!”

Xiao Chenxin got up and walked toward the right. After a few steps, he noticed Mengyao hadn’t followed and was still standing there, lost in thought. He couldn’t help but smile again.

“Snap out of it, you little fool!”

“Ah! Coming!”

Mengyao suddenly awakened, hurriedly running to his side, her cheeks flushed red, her earlobes almost as bright as blood.

“Let’s go!”

Suppressing his laughter, Xiao Chenxin waved his hand to summon a cloud of auspicious mist, lifting them both toward Red Dust Peak.

This cloud treasure had been specially forged by the Sovereign for Xiao Chenxin’s travels.

The miraculous sight startled Mengyao, and she plopped onto the cloud, gazing dreamily at the mountains and palaces below.

“So this is an immortal’s art? Amazing!”

“That’s just the most basic spell. Once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, you’ll be able to use it naturally.”

“I’ll work hard!”

Seeing Mengyao cheer herself on like that, Xiao Chenxin smiled knowingly. Normally, one with a fully mixed spiritual root would never have a chance to break through to Foundation Establishment, but fate’s protagonists don’t follow reason.

As they chatted, they landed on Red Dust Peak.

The once magnificent palaces rose and fell like waves, a testament to past glory. Now, only desolation and silence remained; not a single soul was present.

In fact, until today, Xiao Chenxin had been the only resident of Red Dust Peak.

Things were about to become livelier.

“Go pick a palace to live in. Nobody’s living here now; you can choose whichever you like.”

Mengyao’s first reaction was fear.

She nervously moved closer to Xiao Chenxin, her voice trembling.

“Can I really live here?”

“I’ve never lived in such a nice place before, not even seen one. What if I break something?”

Her voice even carried the hint of tears.

Xiao Chenxin was momentarily taken aback, then gently patted her head to comfort her.

“What’s there to be afraid of? You’re now the senior disciple of Red Dust Peak. Even if you tore everything down, I wouldn’t blame you.”

Mengyao looked up uncertainly, meeting Xiao Chenxin’s warm gaze, like a spring breeze caressing her face, and she involuntarily relaxed.

“I wouldn’t do that. Such a nice home, I wouldn’t want to tear it apart.”

Hearing the little girl’s pure words, Xiao Chenxin burst out laughing again, unable to resist ruffling her hair once more.

For some reason, he suddenly found himself quite fond of this feeling.

Especially when he noticed Mengyao’s ‘licking dog value’ had already reached 60 points, his laughter grew even louder.