C18 The Seven Courts of the Dao Sect Competed for One Person

"Is that... Zhixian?"

Jiang Ning was astounded upon recognizing the figure in the Hall of Enlightenment. He had never imagined that, aside from his scholarly pursuits, Ye Chuxue possessed such exceptional talent in cultivation.

"Teacher, it is indeed that young one. It appears we were not mistaken; Zhixian truly is a rare jewel. Daoist Yun Song, may I inquire about the current state of the child within the hall?"

A glimmer of joy shone in Zhang Yaozhi's eyes as he acknowledged Jiang Ning with a nod. He approached the front of the hall and posed his question to Daoist Yun Song, who stood to the side.

Daoist Yun Song observed in silence from the entrance of the hall, murmuring to himself, "Wonderful, wonderful..."

It took a while before he regained his composure. He then fixed a serious gaze on Zhang Yaozhi and spoke deliberately.

"This child is a prodigy. Merely by observing, he has triggered a celestial phenomenon, and he himself has entered the elusive state of sudden enlightenment that is so coveted by Cultivators. My lord, observe how the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi blossoms into flowers around him. This is the extraordinary spectacle of the Innate Flower blooming. Once the Innate Flower blooms, entry into the Innate Stage is assured!

Should this child choose to pursue cultivation, he will undoubtedly become a master of the Innate Stage. Upon entering the Innate Stage, he will be like a dragon transformed. Innate Spirits stand at the pinnacle of the Human Realm.

I am curious about this child's origins. As a member of the Dao Sect, I am certainly qualified to instruct him. Here in Cloud State, there is no one more suitable than I. I wish to accept this child as my personal disciple. Would you be amenable to this, my lord?"

Yun Song, his eyes brimming with admiration for talent, smiled slightly as he addressed Zhang Yaozhi.

"Ha, Daoist, you're a bit late. Zhixian has already joined my sect, and he is destined for a governmental post in the future. As for cultivation, our Imperial Court is teeming with talent, more than capable of educating a child."

Zhang Yaozhi responded with a polite smile, gesturing a respectful hand-fold to Yun Song as a way of declining his generous offer. Upon hearing Zhang Yaozhi's response, Yun Song furrowed his brow and murmured softly.

"Esteemed official, our Dao Sect is the legacy left by the Dao masters. We possess the most authentic cultivation methods in the world. Joining our Dao Sect would be immensely beneficial for the child."

Indeed, the Dao Sect is considered the cradle of the world's cultivation practices, holding sway over the entire realm. Rumors even suggest that all cultivation methods originated from the Dao Sect.

Yet, the Dao Sect is one thing, and Zhang Yaozhi is another; he is no saint. He isn't inclined to hand over a prodigy to others. Such a promising individual should naturally be cultivated by himself.

Regrettably, Yun Song invoked the prestige of the Dao Sect, a name so influential that Zhang Yaozhi found it impossible to decline. As he grappled with the situation, Jiang Ning, who had been standing aside, interjected.

"If Zhixian wishes to pursue cultivation, I may be retired, but I still have connections within the Imperial Academy. Finding a distinguished teacher wouldn't be difficult, especially with the Academy's esteemed reputation in the arts and literature."

"The Imperial Academy is one of the Seven Courts of the Great Tang, and in terms of cultivation, the Seven Courts are hardly inferior to the Dao Sect..."

"The Seven Courts are strong indeed, but when it comes to the roots of cultivation, the Dao Sect is unparalleled. Let's compromise: the child will be apprenticed to Lord Tie's Swordsman, but I will oversee his cultivation training. With this arrangement, neither of you should have any objections, right?"

Elder Yun Song furrowed his brow, not anticipating that the unassuming Jiang Ning would be backed by the formidable Imperial Academy.

The Imperial Academy, as one of the Seven Courts of the Great Tang, enjoys a reputation that resonates across the world, a force to be reckoned with, on par with the Dao Sect.

With a sigh, much like Zhang Yaozhi who was swayed by the reputation of the Dao Sect, Elder Yun Song felt compelled to yield and proposed a middle ground.

"Let's leave it to destiny. What use is there in our bickering? Once Zhixian awakens, he can make his own choice."

Jiang Ning nodded in agreement, subtly shifting the final decision to Ye Chuxue. Sharing a knowing glance, everyone shared a moment of silent laughter. They then fell quiet, patiently waiting outside the grand hall.

"Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling..."

After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, the serene Hall of Enlightenment was suddenly filled with the pleasant sound of a bell. It was a silver bell, tied with a red string around an ankle.

Inside the hall, Ye Chuxue rubbed his swollen eyes as if he had just woken from a deep sleep. He walked out of the Hall of Enlightenment barefoot, and with each step, the little bell on his ankle chimed crisply.

"Grandpa Jiang, why are all of you here? Zhixian needs to go home for lunch. Otherwise, Mr. Ye will start to worry."

Tilting his head, Ye Chuxue gazed at the sun with his big, watery eyes, realizing it was almost time for lunch.

Usually, he would have been home by now. No doubt, Mr. Ye was waiting for him at the restaurant, growing anxious by the minute.

Ye Chuxue was a considerate child; he didn't want to cause Mr. Ye any concern, so the little guy was now insistent on descending the mountain.

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