9 Ungrateful and Unappreciative

The appearance of Wu Xingbai undoubtedly caused a sensation; all eyes were fixed on this Southern Guardian Immortal Lord.

“It seems the Immortal Lord didn’t bring the Fangtian Huaji,” someone whispered.

“Isn’t that the Immortal Lord’s signature weapon?” another exclaimed in surprise. “How could he not carry his destined weapon?”

“But this is the Xuantians Sect. Who would dare act recklessly under the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord’s watchful gaze? That’s just asking for death,” a voice interjected sharply.

All these murmurs filled Ji Guanqi’s ears. He could hear them, and naturally, Wu Xingbai on the stage could as well. Yet, he no longer cared about such things. Sensing that Ji Guanqi was avoiding his gaze, Wu Xingbai’s lips tightened slightly, and his eyes grew colder.

“I knew there were more than just the two of us who disliked him,” Qiao You muttered as he glanced up and noticed Wu Xingbai’s displeasure. He quickly whispered, “Look at Master; he clearly doesn’t favor Ji Guanqi either.”

Others were unaware, but as the sect’s sole heir, Qiao You knew clearly that it was his own father who had personally requested the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord to accept Ji Guanqi as a disciple years ago. Now that Ji Guanqi ranked ahead of him as the chief disciple, he was unwilling to accept it.

However, he did not receive a response from Xiao Tangqing, who was now focused on Ji Guanqi.

“What are you looking at?” Qiao You frowned.

“Don’t you feel that the eldest senior brother is different from before?” Xiao Tangqing replied calmly. “Usually, his eyes would follow the Immortal Lord, but now...”

Now, Ji Guanqi didn’t even glance over—showing respect but lacking closeness, even seeming somewhat distant.

“A deliberate show, no doubt,” Qiao You scoffed, his mind on Xi Yao. “Who do you think Xi Yao will become a disciple of? It’d be great if he could be a disciple of our Master too—we could all live together.”

Unfortunately, the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord had said he would only accept three disciples, leaving Qiao You somewhat troubled.

Wu Xingbai’s appearance marked the opening of this grand sect ceremony, primarily divided into testing the spiritual root talents of each cultivator and elders selecting disciples. The lucky ones would become outer disciples; the unlucky would be expelled from the Xuantians Sect forever, losing all hope of entrance.

If chosen by an elder, one would become an inner disciple, or even a personal disciple.

“The spiritual root testing begins now. All cultivators, please come forward one by one to test your spiritual root talents,” the disciple in charge announced to those below the stage. “The brighter the test orb glows, the higher the talent and the more suited the cultivator is for cultivation. Please proceed.”

One by one, the test orbs were placed before each cultivator. They exchanged glances—those present here were among the best in the mortal realm, each with their own pride.

“I remember when we tested earlier, your orb shone brilliantly,” Qiao You whispered to Xiao Tangqing.

Xiao Tangqing had been chosen by Wu Xingbai through such a test and indeed showed extraordinary talent back then. Qiao You was no weakling himself, hailed as a prodigy since childhood. Both were considered gifted scions.

But Xiao Tangqing knew Qiao You’s sudden mention was not praise; it was likely a jab at another.

Sure enough, Qiao You’s tone shifted as he continued, “But I recall Ji Guanqi also once touched the test orb. The color... was so dim. If it were today, he might not even qualify as an outer disciple. Yet, with such mediocre talent, he’s managed to cultivate this far. Our Master truly has the power to turn the rotten into something divine.”

Before he could finish, he was abruptly cut off. Xiao Tangqing wanted to stop him but realized it was unnecessary.

“Wuwu—wuwu—” Qiao You glared at Ji Guanqi, pointing to his mouth, signaling he was silenced.

“Muted?” Ji Guanqi shrugged, “You can’t blame me. Only the sect leader or...” He paused, not uttering the other name.

“Go ask your father then,” Ji Guanqi said cheerfully, leaning back in his chair. “I told you, you’re hot-headed and need to cool down and talk less. See? Even your father can’t stand it.”

Qiao You was so angry he almost grabbed his Chasing Moon Bow. Ji Guanqi’s eyes narrowed sharply—the moment Qiao You made a move, he would retaliate.

Sensing trouble, Xiao Tangqing pressed Qiao You’s shoulder, whispering, “This is the sect’s grand ceremony. Don’t cause a scene.”

Qiao You clenched his bow tightly, chest heaving fiercely—it was clear he was furious. Such a spoiled noble brat, suddenly silenced, no wonder he was so enraged. Ji Guanqi looked toward the sect leader, who was also watching. Ji Guanqi immediately raised his hand respectfully.

Within the entire Xuantians Sect, Ji Guanqi probably only held a good impression of the sect leader. Unfortunately, he knew the leader’s days were numbered. In his past life, the sect leader died suddenly, and even Ji Guanqi never learned why.

After the leader’s death, Wu Xingbai temporarily assumed the position. As the most powerful warrior in the sect, the sect members had breathed easier when the former leader was alive. Now, with Wu Xingbai as leader, the entire sect felt oppressed—no one dared to laugh or joke.

---

The sect leader regarded Ji Guanqi kindly and nodded.

All this was observed by the silent Wu Xingbai, whose eyes showed no trace of amusement.

“Jiang Mingxi, average.”

“Zheng Yaoyao, high.”

“Miao Qiao, high.”

“Mu Ye, low.”

...

The testing continued, and Ji Guanqi noticed it was nearly Xi Yao’s turn. He knew Xi Yao’s spiritual root talent and had heard others talk about the spectacular scene on that day. He hadn’t expected to witness it in person today.

He looked at his palm, slowly gathering spiritual power, gently grasping before letting it dissipate.

“Xi Yao—next is Xi Yao!” Qiao You nudged Xiao Tangqing, but his mouth remained silent.

Xiao Tangqing disliked being touched, even by Qiao You, so he stepped back a little.

When Xi Yao stepped up, many eyes were drawn to him. Partly because of his unique aura, which naturally attracted attention, and partly because he had already displayed astonishing talent among the cultivators’ quarters. Additionally, both Xiao Tangqing and Qiao You had been by his side these past days, giving him ample limelight.

As soon as he touched the test orb, it brightened with a dazzling light after a brief pause. Everyone gasped in awe. But it wasn’t over. Soon the orb cracked and exploded, shards scattering everywhere—though such fragments posed no threat to cultivators.

Fragments flying toward Ji Guanqi dissolved before he could even use his spiritual power to block them.

Wu Xingbai lightly moved his finger, turning the shards to nothingness. Ji Guanqi respectfully said, “Thank you, Master.”

Hearing this, Wu Xingbai did not smile. His gaze examined Ji Guanqi’s face carefully, finally responding reluctantly.

“Amazing!”

Someone was the first to react, exclaiming, “Such overwhelming talent—the orb can’t even measure his upper limit! This is just like when the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord first entered the sect!”

“In the tens of thousands of years of the cultivation world, only the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord has ever exhibited such a phenomenon.”

“This... this child truly is extraordinarily gifted!”

...

Whenever the topic turned to the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord, all eyes shifted to Wu Xingbai. It was rare for him to appear in person, even rarer to witness someone whose talent rivaled his own past.

Ji Guanqi didn’t look, for there was nothing worth seeing—he already knew what would happen next.

Years ago, the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord had sent word to accept Xi Yao as the fourth personal disciple, causing a stir. No one knew whether to marvel at Xi Yao’s elevation or be shocked that the Lord had broken his own promise made years ago.

Now... the only difference from his past life was that the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord was present. This was good for Xi Yao, granting him unparalleled prestige.

Ji Guanqi waited for Wu Xingbai to say, “Xi Yao is my fourth personal disciple,” but as whispers began circulating, he did not hear it.

Looking up at Wu Xingbai, he found the latter was staring at him.

“Master,” Ji Guanqi could no longer feign ignorance. He stood respectfully. “Does Master have any instructions?”

Because of Xi Yao’s astounding talent, no other elder dared claim him. He would either become the sect leader’s personal disciple or the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord’s. No one would challenge that now.

“What are you waiting for?” Wu Xingbai asked.

Ji Guanqi was puzzled but continued, “Master, do you require anything from your disciple?”

“No, sit down,” Wu Xingbai said, raising his hand. Spiritual power gently pressed on Ji Guanqi’s shoulder, urging him to sit. Then he turned his gaze to the sect leader. Without a word, the sect leader understood and stood.

“What extraordinary talent! Truly a generation of gifted ones. Then, from today, Xi Yao shall be—”

“Sect Leader,” Ji Guanqi suddenly interrupted, though he shouldn’t have spoken now. He had to.

When the sect leader had died suddenly years ago, Ji Guanqi had suspected Xi Yao, though lacking proof. He had sensed a fleeting remnant of Xi Yao’s spiritual power at the scene.

Xi Yao’s subsequent behavior only confirmed Ji Guanqi’s suspicions.

Ji Guanqi could pretend nothing had happened today, but he could not, for he was Ji Guanqi. He repaid kindness with kindness and enmity with enmity.

“Sect Leader,” Ji Guanqi spoke softly, meeting everyone’s gaze, “Junior Brother Xi Yao’s talent is extraordinary, identical to Master’s situation back then.”

The sect leader looked on gently, allowing Ji Guanqi to continue. But Ji Guanqi stopped here, turning to the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord. Others followed his gaze.

“You want me to accept Xi Yao as my fourth personal disciple?” Wu Xingbai’s voice was cold, even angry.

Ji Guanqi didn’t understand why Wu Xingbai was angry despite him agreeing. This Immortal Lord was hard to please. Lowering his head, he said, “Disciple does not dare decide for Master, but Junior Brother Xi Yao’s talent is indeed astonishing.”

Only by distancing Xi Yao from the sect leader could the leader avoid disaster. If Xi Yao became the leader’s disciple directly, the leader might die even sooner.

“Good, very good,” Wu Xingbai said coldly, giving Ji Guanqi no glance, causing immense pressure. Ji Guanqi half-kneeling, grasping his sword behind his back to avoid both knees touching the ground, frowned and said, “Master.”

This posture startled Wu Xingbai. Through Ji Guanqi, he seemed to see something. His hand trembled slightly, and the pressure dissipated. After a long silence, he asked, “Do you want me to accept him as the fourth personal disciple?”

He was seeking Ji Guanqi’s opinion, a move that puzzled everyone.

Everyone knew the Southern Guardian Immortal Lord disliked Ji Guanqi, the sect’s chief disciple, expecting him to be a prodigy. Yet Ji Guanqi’s talent was mediocre, only diligent, tarnishing the Lord’s reputation.

Now, on such an important matter as accepting a personal disciple, Wu Xingbai sought Ji Guanqi’s approval—if Ji Guanqi agreed, he would accept; if not, he would refuse immediately.

Even Xiao Tangqing and Qiao You could not understand.

“Disciple has overstepped; please punish me, Master,” Ji Guanqi said, still half-kneeling but straight-backed, looking up at Wu Xingbai with clear articulation. “Please accept Xi Yao as the fourth personal disciple.”

A gasp rose around them—the scene was utterly unpredictable.

“Eldest senior brother,” Xiao Tangqing, though wanting Xi Yao as their junior brother, knew this was not his place and immediately knelt beside Ji Guanqi, whispering, “Senior brother, what are you doing?”

Doing what? Setting things right.

With Xi Yao’s talent, only Wu Xingbai or the sect leader could accept him. Ji Guanqi wanted to see if he could protect the sect leader, repaying the warmth once given.

No one dared speak until Wu Xingbai himself said, “Very well, as you wish. From today, Xi Yao is my fourth personal disciple.”

His tone was calm, no different from usual, but Ji Guanqi detected anger beneath it.

“You wanted to accept him as your personal disciple in your past life. Now that I merely push you along, you’re angry,” Ji Guanqi sighed.

The sect’s grand ceremony ended with this almost farcical disciple acceptance. The happiest was Qiao You, who, though muted earlier, now had Xi Yao as his junior brother—how could he not rejoice?

Once his silence was lifted, Qiao You surprisingly showed Ji Guanqi a friendly face, pulling out a bottle of elixir from his universe bag and tossing it to him.

“Take this. It’s a supreme pill for regulating spiritual energy—a reward for your tact.”

Ji Guanqi glanced at it, then threw it back without a word, turning away immediately.

“This guy... really ungrateful,” Qiao You gritted his teeth.