C9 Guu Linger's Worries.

Hsing Wenruo's remarks stirred a wave of sentiment among the onlookers. It became clear that among the Three Sects, only the Star Cloud Sect had the resolve to stand by their principles in the presence of such talent.

"Tianyi, have you made up your mind? Would you consider joining the Purple Polar Sect?" Tang Yun pressed on, "I may not be able to offer you apprenticeship under the Heavenly Master right now, but with your abilities, becoming a Core Disciple is just a matter of time. Being a disciple of the Heavenly Master could actually limit your potential. You'd be better off with access to more resources for your cultivation."

Faang Yunhe stared at Tang Yun, at a loss for words to counter his argument.

It was true that being a disciple of the Heavenly Master came with prestige, yet it barred them from becoming Core Disciples. Those with exceptional talent and luck might one day succeed the Heavenly Master. The less fortunate would end up as mere elders in the Inner or Outer Sect.

Still, the allure of being a disciple of the Heavenly Master remained strong.

On the high platform, Hsing Wenruo maintained a calm facade, though internally he was the most anxious of them all.

"The Hundred Herb Garden is indeed unique, but Guu Tianyi was merely an Outer Sect disciple back then, with limited knowledge of it. They're offering him such attractive terms, what if he can't resist the temptation?" Hsing Wenruo pondered.

Just then, he caught Guu Tianyi's glance towards Tang Yun and Faang Yunhe, and his heart skipped a beat.

"I cannot afford to lose a genius like him!" Resolved, Hsing Wenruo quickly interjected, "Guu Tianyi, the Hundred Herb Garden may not promise you an abundance of Spirit Treasures or Martial Skills, but as your mentor, I'm here for whatever you need. Rest assured, what I can provide will rival anything the Purple Polar Sect or Spirit Void Sect might offer."

The crowd fell silent, and Guu Tianyi paused, momentarily taken aback.

He then respectfully bowed to Tang Yun and Faang Yunhe.

"Guu Tianyi, I assure you, whatever you ask for, it's yours!" Hsing Wenruo abandoned his pride, his eyes betraying a hint of desperation. Dignity was of no consequence to him now; his only concern was to have Guu Tianyi join the Star Cloud Sect.

The crowd shifted uncomfortably at the sight of Hsing Wenruo's change in demeanor. He had previously exuded arrogance and seemed indifferent to Guu Tianyi's choices.

"I am grateful for the generous offers, but my heart is set on the Star Cloud Sect. Please accept my decision," Guu Tianyi said with a courteous fist salute and a smile.

"Are you certain you won't reconsider?" Tang Yun attempted one last appeal.

Faang Yunhe, with a flick of his sleeve and a resigned sigh, cast a bitter glance at Guu Linyuan. He believed Guu Tianyi's choice was influenced by the fact that Hsing Wenruo had never antagonized him from the moment he stepped onto the martial arts stage.

With the situation as it stood, the outcome was reasonably favorable. At least he hadn't made an enemy of Guu Tianyi.

"Very well, Tianyi, go prepare your belongings at the Guu residence. I'll escort you to the Star Cloud Sect myself," Hsing Wenruo declared with a hearty laugh, the sect now emerging as the ultimate victor.

At this, Lo Feng interjected promptly, "Elder Hsing, the Heavenly Fire Competition still has one more round to go. Tianyi must complete the final match before he can depart with you."

"Tianyi, what's your take on this?" Hsing Wenruo inquired.

"Now that I'm here, I'd like to see the Heavenly Fire Competition through to the end. Elder Hsing, I ask for your patience for just a few more days."

"In that case, I shall wait a bit longer."

Guu Linyuan and the Third Elder had arrived at the Heavenly Fire Competition well-prepared, yet they met with a crushing defeat. Meanwhile, Guu Tianyi's fame soared after the battle.

Currently, the Guu family held Guu Tianyi in high esteem. Both the Grand Elder and the Second Elder were bending over backward to curry his favor. Despite the envy he garnered from others, Guu Tianyi faced his own set of troubles.

Inside Guu Linger's room at the Purple Flame House.

"Linger, you've seemed off since we started our journey back. You ignored me even when I tried to talk to you. What's troubling you?" Guu Tianyi paced around Guu Linger, who continued to face away from him.

Regardless of what Guu Tianyi said, Guu Linger remained silent, her head bowed.

"Linger, the Second Elder has sent us thirty Fire Fruits. You won't have to worry about your condition for quite some time."

"Elder Hsing has promised that once I join the Star Cloud Sect, he'll grant any request I make. I'll ask for a Divine Flame Fruit for you. That should cure your condition once and for all!"

"Furthermore, the Grand Elder has assured me that if I win the Heavenly Fire Competition, he'll reveal everything about our father. I'll head to the Star Cloud Sect and then seize the chance to travel to Azure Nether City to bring our father home."

Guu Tianyi's speech was cut short by the sound of soft weeping.

Guu Linger was crying.

The smile vanished from Guu Tianyi's face as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling her slight shiver.

"Brother Tianyi, I don't want you to risk yourself like that again," Guu Linger implored, her bright, beautiful eyes swollen from tears.

Guu Tianyi wrapped his arms around her, patting her back soothingly. "Trust me, Linger. I don't take risks I'm not sure about. I'm living for more than just myself—I'm living for our father and for you. I want you to be free from the Cold Aura, to live as happily as any other girl."

"Just being with you makes me happy," Guu Linger murmured, snuggling into Guu Tianyi like a contented little kitten.

"But, Brother Tianyi, I've heard about the Morning Bell and Dusk Drum. It's meant to test one's ultimate attack strength. You're no match for Guu Moyu. How could you possibly unleash a more powerful attack than him? It doesn't make sense."

Tears still clung to the corners of Guu Linger's eyes, giving her a particularly forlorn appearance.

Guu Tianyi playfully tapped her nose, smiling affectionately. "Sometimes, it's not just about brute force when it comes to excelling in the Morning Bell and Dusk Drum."

"Then what else do I need?" Guu Linger's interest was piqued, and she pressed Guu Tianyi for an answer.

Guu Tianyi's smile held a hint of mystery. "First, promise me you won't cry, and then I'll let you in on the secret."

"No way!"

Guu Linger wriggled free from Guu Tianyi's arms, puffing up her cheeks and glaring at him. "Brother Tianyi, I'm mad at you for not listening to me during the competition. I'm really upset, and you're going to find the consequences quite serious!"

"How bad is it?" Guu Tianyi inquired, his gaze fixed on the adorable young girl with a hint of amusement.

"Brother Tianyi, I've decided to give you the silent treatment for three days as your punishment!" Guu Linger declared, her hand over her mouth and the other pointing towards the door, clearly signaling for Guu Tianyi to make his exit.

"Okay, just three days. You have my word," Guu Tianyi agreed with a chuckle. "Linger, remember, I'm right next door. If you're feeling unwell, come find me right away." With a smile, he stood up, left the room, and thoughtfully closed the door behind him.

Guu Linger watched him go, her eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and frustration. "You big oaf, Brother Tianyi, you can be so dense!" she exclaimed, stamping her foot in vexation.

The room fell into a contemplative silence before Guu Linger's eyes took on a peculiar glint. She looked down and whispered to herself, "Perhaps in Brother Tianyi's eyes, I'll always be the little girl who never grows up, the sister he's forever looking out for."

"But..." her voice trailed off, fraught with emotion.

"With the way things are now, how could I possibly be worthy of liking Brother Tianyi?"