Chapter 747: Selecting Disciples

Lin Yuheng’s expression froze slightly.What?Did Deputy Cabinet Master Gu also intend to recruit Jiang Fan?

The news of Jiang Fan annihilating the Giant Sect was brought back by Ye Cangyuan, who reported it to the Cabinet Master. The Cabinet Master considered the matter significant and did not disclose it to the public. Instead, she summoned Lin Yuheng, who had interacted with Jiang Fan multiple times, to inquire in detail about his character. Therefore, currently, only the Cabinet Master, Ye Cangyuan, and Lin Yuheng knew about Jiang Fan’s feat of annihilating the Giant Sect.

What did Gu Huaxi mean by asking if Lin Yuheng could control Jiang Fan? Could this matter have already spread quietly? Lin Yuheng’s eyes flickered, and she said, “Deputy Cabinet Master Gu, you misunderstand. I just feel a connection with him.”

Gu Huaxi snorted, saying nothing more.Youyunzi glanced sideways at Gu Huaxi and secretly sent a voice transmission: “Old woman, what are you doing? Are you afraid others won’t know you’ve set your sights on Jiang Fan?” He was speechless. Originally, many people’s attention was drawn to the prodigies from Taicang Province. Gu Huaxi, however, had made it obvious. Anyone with a bit of discernment could sense Gu Huaxi’s intention to select Jiang Fan. This would undoubtedly make others look at Jiang Fan in a different light.

Gu Huaxi also realized her impropriety and covered it up by saying, “I just can’t stand some underhanded tactics. I hope everyone, when they like a disciple, will compete fairly and openly. There’s no need for such ‘off-the-board’ tricks.” After that, she did not look at Jiang Fan again, trying her best to make him inconspicuous.

Seeing that the disciples, Deputy Cabinet Masters, and directors had all arrived, the Heavenly Secret Cabinet Master said, “Come, let’s first test your cultivation levels, then state your origins. After that, you may all compete for disciples based on your abilities. The Nine Sects will go first.”

Liu Qingxian had been at the Heavenly Secret Pavilion for some time. Naturally, she stepped forward first and released her spiritual power: “Liu Qingxian of Qingyun Sect, Core Formation Stage Level Five.” Jiang Fan was slightly surprised. Not bad. After the last battle at Jieshan, she was only at Core Formation Stage Level Three. In nearly two months, she had advanced two levels. It seemed Gu Huaxi and Youyunzi had taken great care of her.

Xu Youran and Chen Siling shyly released their cultivation: “Xu Youran of Qingyun Sect, Core Formation Stage Level Two,” and “Chen Siling of Qingyun Sect, Core Formation Stage Level Two.” Compared to others, the cultivation of the two girls was quite weak. Many directors looked puzzled, not understanding why these two could enter the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

Next was Jiang Fan. He cupped his fists and said, “I am also from the Qingyun Sect. Core Formation Stage Level Six.” He released his cultivation. Liang Feiyan was startled: “What? You’ve actually jumped to Core Formation Stage Level Six?” Before Jiang Fan was captured, he was only at Core Formation Stage Level Three. Being a captive among the demon race not only didn’t hinder his cultivation but made it advance by leaps and bounds. Xia Chaoge also pursed her lips and chuckled, thinking, ‘No wonder he could single-handedly face the Giant Sect.’ Both of them then displayed their cultivation: “Liang Feiyan, Core Formation Stage Level Five,” and “Xia Chaoge, Core Formation Stage Level Six.” Over the past period, both had advanced one level.

The Heavenly Secret Cabinet Master nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon the uninvited rogue cultivator disciples from outside the domain. “You all display yours as well,” he instructed.Mu Ying led the way. “Mu Ying of Qingli Mountain, Core Formation Stage Level Nine.” As her aura was displayed, everyone was astonished. “Core Formation Stage Level Nine!” “She could directly become a director!” “With further cultivation, she’d reach peak Core Formation Stage Level Nine!” Her appearance immediately caused a sensation, making many directors’ eyes light up.“Jiang Baihua, Core Formation Stage Level Eight.”“Xiong Xinyan, Core Formation Stage Level Seven.”“Yu Tiandu, Core Formation Stage Level Seven.”“Zhao Diancang, Core Formation Stage Level Six.”“Yan Qiugui, Core Formation Stage Level Six.”“Meng Ping, Core Formation Stage Level Five.”The strength of these seven drew immense admiration from the crowd. Such power surpassed that of most elite disciples in the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. And most of those elite disciples were under the four Deputy Cabinet Masters. Which of the directors present wouldn’t be tempted?

The Heavenly Secret Cabinet Master observed them and said, “If you are sincerely willing to join the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, this Cabinet Master welcomes you.” He didn’t say the next sentence, but the meaning was clear: if they had malicious intentions, they would certainly be severely punished. Logically, the current Heavenly Secret Pavilion should have long lost its appeal to disciples from Taicang Province. Such a sudden influx was very unusual.Mu Ying cupped her hands and said, “We will devote our lives to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion!”

The Heavenly Secret Cabinet Master said no more. He turned his head to look at the Deputy Cabinet Masters and sect masters who had long been eager to act. He said, “Each person can only choose one. Choose carefully. Once chosen, no changes are allowed. You may not compete for someone already chosen by another. Whoever touches them first claims them.”The Deputy Cabinet Masters and sect masters were excited. The disciples were also quite nervous, especially Xu Youran and Chen Siling. In comparison, their strength would only be looked down upon. On the other hand, Mu Ying and her companions were much more composed. Especially those above Core Formation Stage Level Seven, who directly turned their gaze toward the four Deputy Cabinet Masters.Yu Tiandu folded his arms across his chest and said confidently, “There are exactly four Deputy Cabinet Masters, so each can pick one of us. Qingli Mountain will take all the spots.”Mu Ying frowned slightly and said, “Keep it low-key! Do you want to displease those from the Nine Sects again? We’re taking all the spots from the four Deputy Cabinet Masters, which already makes them unhappy. If they hear you speak like that again, they’ll make trouble for no reason.”Yu Tiandu pouted: “If their skills aren’t as good as ours, who can they blame?”

The Heavenly Secret Cabinet Master took a slight breath and said, “Choosing disciples, begin!”As soon as his words fell, Mu Ying and Yu Tiandu looked at the four Deputy Cabinet Masters with smiles. However, they did not rush towards them as expected. On the contrary, they watched the directors approach the disciples from outside the domain with unusual calm. They weren’t worried at all about them being taken. It seemed they already had better targets in mind!

Chen Zhengdao smiled and beckoned to Liu Qingxian, saying, “What are you waiting for? Aren’t you coming over?” Biliu City, where Chen Zhengdao was from, was under the jurisdiction of the Qingyun Sect. He had also known Liu Qingxian’s father, Liu Wenchen, for many years. Now that Liu Qingxian was joining the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, how could he not look out for her?Liu Qingxian turned to look at Jiang Fan, who was being ignored. She quickly ran over and whispered, “Deputy Cabinet Master Chen, do you remember that ninth-grade spirit root prodigy from Guzhou City?”Chen Zhengdao wondered, “Of course I remember. On the Ascension Dragon Path, he defeated my projection—no, he even defeated the Cabinet Master’s projection. His potential is terrifying. It’s a pity he’s so elusive; I searched for him again later but found no clues.”Liu Qingxian smiled mysteriously and whispered, “No need to regret. He’s standing right in front of you now.”“What?” Chen Zhengdao’s body trembled, and his gaze swept across the entire hall. His eyes quickly landed on Jiang Fan, who had an unusual relationship with Liu Qingxian. “It’s him?”Liu Qingxian said with a cheerful smile, “While no one else knows. Deputy Cabinet Master Chen, what are you still hesitating for?”