"Third place, with the prey of 10 Faceless Nightmares equivalent to a hundred points, Jing Sui of Great Han's Jing Clan. Receive your reward." Chen Aiwei announced.
Shen Mo opened his hand when Jing Sui bowed to him. A bamboo scripture appeared and floated above his palm. The gifts he prepared for the top participants are inner court cultivation methods. This will hasten their progress and strengthen them at the same time.
"Many thanks, W-Wu Patriarch!" Jing Sui stammered for being nervous.
It's her first time to see the legendary Wu Patriarch. He is not much associated with the Great Han but the Han people see him as an inspiration. Her father admired him too and he often told her the Wu Patriarch protects everyone within the six realms. Still, some oppose Shen Mo because gossip flared he is a descendant of a demon king.
"Student Jing Sui, study well. Chancellor Jing Yang is surely proud of you." Shen Mo said in an amiable tone. He appreciated Jing Sui for sticking around his weird disciple.
"Hihi!" Jing Sui grinned and looked up. She was afraid to stare at him before but after hearing his charming and unfettered voice, her view changed. However, upon catching a glimpse of his lower face, she was stunned. Her voice echoed in her head, "If he is so ugly, why is his skin so fair? His lip is thin and rosy and his smile is kind of...cute!"
"Ehem! Student Jing? Please go back, the other participants are waiting." Chen Aiwei cleared her throat and brought back Jing Sui to reality.
The young girl blushed in embarrassment she ran back to her group. Jing Sui hid behind Leng Mansheng before he can even speak. She stuck her reddened face on his back and the same scene replayed in her mind.
"What's bothering you, ah?" Leng Mansheng tittered. He saw her stand in front of Wu Patriarch without moving her eyes away. She must be ashamed of what she did.
"Wu Patriarch, he, he's just too kind." Jing Sui stuttered shyly. She glanced from Leng Mansheng's shoulder and looked back to Shen Mo. This made her wonder what is his real appearance.
"Second place, with twelve Faceless Nightmares equal to a hundred and twenty points, Leng Mansheng of Great Han, Xia Primordial General's son."
Leng Mansheng went forward to receive the gift. He bowed to Shen Mo and said admiringly, "Wu Patriarch, it was my father who has the immense wish to see you in person. I am glad I fulfilled his dream and honored to have met you."
"I am pleased you are now part of Tao Supreme Sect. Your future achievements will be the pride of a founder, Student Leng. Do your best and study well." Shen Mo is sure Leng Mansheng will grow up to be an upright man just like Xia Primordial General. With a boy as gentle and amiable as him, Leng Mansheng is fit to be a direct disciple of the supreme elders. "Student Leng, keep it up, alright? Ten years from now, the supreme elders will search for a direct disciple. Give your best and maybe who knows, you will be chosen."
"I will!" The young boy's eyes brightened with a strong spirit. The supreme elders of Tao Supreme Sect are rumored to be stronger than the four Primordial Generals. If he becomes a direct disciple, he can surpass his father's success.
"Now, for the first place." Shen Mo thought, his gaze drifted to Cai. He knew the result but he wonders if they can accept it.
"First place with fifteen Faceless Nightmares, Student Cai of Zhou and Student Bai Muchen from White Tiger Mansion!"
The announcement astonished everyone. It was a tie that rarely happens over a hundred years. Cai and Bai Muchen headed towards Shen Mo. They both received admiring and envious looks from others. Cai is the youngest and Bai Muchen hunted by himself, who won't be impressed?
"Cai, you did a good job. I will bring you to the Founder's Peak for a celebration tonight." Shen Mo transmitted his voice into Cai's mind. He smiled at her with pride as he handed the scripture. "Welcome to Tao Supreme Sect. Do your earnest to study here and Tao Supreme Sect will reward you with a guide to immortality."
"Wu Patriarch, I have another reason that is why I was sent here. Please accept me as your disciple!" Bai Muchen suddenly said, causing everyone to choke.
Cai is not different. She was shocked internally and her slender willow brows knitted. She looked at Shen Mo and he was taken aback too.
Bai Muchen knew most of them are now judging him for being shameless. He doesn't care. He calmly knelt and showed Shen Mo a jade token.
"My father, Bai Muyan, has been your sworn brother, Wu Patriarch. In those years, Wu Patriarch gave this token that my father can exchange for one request. It has never been used when he died but he told me I must become Wu Patriarch's disciple and use the token for a trade."
"Damned Bai Muyan!" Shen Mo thought in his head without knowing what to respond to the boy.
Cai is looking at him. Her eyes are limpid as before but a vague trace of unwillingness is within. Her brows are crossed a little bit and her lips pursed. Shen Mo felt guilty just by looking at her faintly complicated appearance. Yet, this is Bai Muyan's son. Bai Muyan is his old friend and he can't go back on his words. Moreover, Bai Muchen is talented and clever but his ruthless behavior made Shen Mo hesitant.
"Student Bai, we will talk in the Founder's Peak. Elder Chen, bring Student Bai and Student Cai there." Shen Mo needs some time to think. He still has a lot of things to think of.
The emotionless nature of Cai and her talent's drawback was his main problem. Shen Mo had planned that after today, he will leave Tao Supreme Sect and let Cai enjoy her time around her peers. Once he returns, he will teach her his knowledge because as his direct disciple, she will become the grandmaster of the sect and she has to replace him. Bai Muchen's request troubles him too. He has to leave and search for the medicine for Cai. Without his presence, Bai Muchen can't practice well.
With the entrance exam finished, the new disciples are led to their designated courtyards. Classes will start tomorrow. Cai bid farewell to Leng Mansheng and Jing Sui since she was called by Chen Aiwei. She is unsure too if she will return here or stay in Unfettered Villa again.
Bai Muchen stood on the Sky Heron with Chen Aiwei and Cai. The whole travel, none of the youngsters spoke. Cai silently cultivated while Bai Muchen is thinking deeply.
"Father, I won't fail your expectations." Bai Muchen thought and smiled a bit.
He was only a few days old when his father died. White Tiger Mansion grieved and weakened without Bai Muyan. However, after they discovered his talent, White Tiger Mansion has new hope. His grandfather is very old too and White Tiger Mansion needs a stronger connection. Tao Supreme Sect is the greatest choice. If he becomes Shen Mo's disciple, no one will belittle White Tiger Mansion again, not even the rude and arrogant Azure Dragon Clan from the west direction.
The Sky Heron landed on the lawn of Unfettered Villa. Chen Aiwei let them down and instructed, "The Wu Patriarch is kind but don't be rude or try being an opportunist. You kids go on, I will wait here."
"Many thanks, Elder Chen." The two of them spoke at the same time. They casted a glare at one another before entering the villa.
The second gate opened and Shen Mo finally showed up to greet them. He lowered his hood, brimming with a smile as he raised his hand.
"Bai Muyan's son, nice to meet you! Your father and I are close friends." Shen Mo pinched Bai Muchen's cheeks and added, "My, you really look a lot like your father! Tell me, who and where is your mother?"
"I, well, she..." Bai Muchen can't speak right after being shocked. He didn't expect the rumored ugly Wu Patriarch would be so pretty, and very friendly. Everyone fears Shen Mo for being invincible. To think he can be this welcoming...
"Mimi!"
Cai suddenly shouted which attracted their attention. She picked up the white pet that came out of the gate. Mimi is already big and its body is taking shape of a tiger's cub. Even Shen Mo is starting to speculate Mimi is not a wildcat but a mutated Winged Tiger.
"You two come on in. I prepared lunch for both of you."
Bai Muchen was stunned again. He frowned and stood in his place but Cai is already following Shen Mo. The little girl stopped in curiosity.
"Aren't you coming?" She asked. "Why don't you come in with us?"
"You-, I tried to injure you."
"Master said holding onto grudges will be a burden unnecessary for a lifetime of the journey, it goes the same as judging a person without knowing who he truly is, this, committing a grave mistake difficult to undo. I don't know you well, and I don't know pure fury, so, let bygones be bygones. Just come inside, Master cooks the best." Cai held his wrist and drag him in. She wonders about the food but Bai Muchen thinks crucially about her.
"She...she's not angry?" Bai Muchen is still confused.
"Hoho, this girl is more interesting. It seems she is Wu Patriarch's first disciple."
"What?!" The young boy's eyes rounded, hearing what the spirit from the pendant just said.
Before he can ask anything, Bai Muchen noticed they arrived in a scenic courtyard. Shen Mo is waiting for them by the open parlour filled with delicacies.
"Master, you are good." Cai praised even though she showed no emotion. She let go of Bai Muchen and chose a cushion chair with Mimi.
"Cai, slow down, en? You will choke if you eat too fast. Moreover, we have a guest so don't finish it off by yourself! Mimi, that goes the same to you!" Shen Mo reprimanded helplessly. He looked at Bai Muchen and waved his hand, "Boy, don't be shy. Come here and let's have a chat."
Bai Muchen pursed his lips. He just remembered his family. He trained hard to reach his attainment and bring pride to the White Tiger Mansion. His family is counting on him to gain Shen Mo's favor. On the other hand, he missed them. No matter how indifferent he looks from the outside, he is actually softhearted to those he placed importance with.
"Many thanks." Bai Muchen took the seat next to Cai. He glanced at her and asked, "Is she your disciple?"
"En. So, Bai Muyan's son, why do you want to be my disciple?" Shen Mo raised a question. He propped his cheek on his palm, waiting for Bai Muchen's answer.
"Both my father's will and my decision. White Tiger Mansion is stuck with the Four Constellations' internal strife. We are at our weakest point, and I'm afraid our enmity with Azure Dragon Clan can endanger us. I want to be involved with Tao Supreme Sect, study under Your Lordship's guidance and become an invincible immortal like you. That way-, that way, my family won't suffer!"
Shen Mo froze. He lowered his hand and straightened his posture. Even Cai stopped eating.
"Well, you are indeed Bai Muyan's son. You inherited his determination and righteousness." He pushed a jade teapot to Bai Muchen and reached for an empty cup. "I never go back on my words. I promised your father, thus, I shall fulfill."
Bai Muchen was speechless. He held back the ripples in his heart and picked the teapot. Bai Muchen filled the cup for Shen Mo and handed it to him. Once Shen Mo drank the tea he offered, the ceremony is completed.
"Cai, Muchen is your junior apprentice-brother. Muchen, Cai is your senior apprentice sister. I hope you two can forget the past and work together." Shen Mo said despite the fact he has to leave them tomorrow.
What a slacker he truly is...