Heaven's Selection! . . .
"That doesn't seem right. While you are indeed the eldest disciple brother and the most powerful in terms of cultivation, it doesn't necessarily mean you excel in guiding disciples..." One of the old men expressed his discontent. "Besides, you already have several outstanding disciples. Why must you snatch..."
"Did you really just say that? Is that the best argument you can muster?" The eldest grandmaster retorted angrily. "Your words actually prove that I am adept at guiding disciples. All my disciples have thrived under my tutelage! Why shouldn't I have the opportunity to mentor this remarkable young man?"
His indignation flared. "Look at the two of you. You can't even engage in a civil discussion, and yet you desire to take on disciples of your own? All you'd be doing is leading the younger generation astray. This young man is a priceless treasure, and I hereby put a halt to your absurd squabbling. He belongs to me and no one else!"
"You..." The other two elderly men were fuming. "How dare you! Did you just say we lead the young generation astray? How dare you! I swear, I will—"
The scene grew tenser as the three elderly men nearly came to blows.
In the hall, the remaining nineteen individuals, including the Prime Master, remained silent. The three elderly men were the most senior figures present. They represented the only living grandmasters within Cold Moon Palace. At least eight of the nineteen people in the hall were disciples of these three elderly men.
None dared to challenge them or engage in combat with their own masters over a disciple.
The onlookers could only exchange glances and maintain their silence. No one dared to voice their thoughts.
"Let them fight it out. I never intended to take on this disciple anyway," thought Cha Eun Xiao. He was taken aback by the spectacle unfolding before him. He found it bizarre that none of these esteemed figures had offered a word of encouragement or praise. Instead, they bickered as if he were an inanimate object.
"No matter what, these three elderly gentlemen are all at the ninth stage of the Dao Origin Realm, just a step away from ascending to the Human Realm Above Heavens," he mused. "It seems that Cold Moon Palace wields formidable power, even more so than I initially thought. In my previous life, these three didn't participate in the battle against me. If they had, the outcome might have been rather gruesome."
Reflecting on his past, Cha Eun Xiao realized that these three were exceptionally potent adversaries. They had fought against Xuan Bing together and were still bested by her. It left him in awe of her extraordinary strength.
"It can't be these three..." he pondered.
However, his thoughts began to spin into confusion, causing a headache. The extent of his pondering proved unproductive.
"It seems I was just slightly above average in my previous life. Many individuals were stronger than me," he contemplated. "There are numerous people more formidable than me, especially considering the sheer number of strong figures in this realm."
"Very well, three masters..." Yue Changtian gathered his courage and interjected, "Ye Chongxiao has yet to undergo the Heaven's Selection, so it remains uncertain which martial art he should pursue. We do not know which mentor would be the most suitable..."
The three elderly men simultaneously shook their heads. "There's no need to worry. With his extraordinary talent, he is a match for any martial art. There is only one martial art he won't be inclined to cultivate, but there is none he cannot master."
Yue Changtian's expression twisted. "Even so, the Heaven's Selection has been a tradition since ancient times."
The three elderly men were taken aback, but after some contemplation, they stamped their feet resolutely. "You're correct. We cannot disregard the customs of our forebears. Very well, let it be done!"
The youngest among the old men couldn't help but scoff. "But after the selection, when the results are in, everyone must adhere to the outcome. Stop causing trouble!"
The other two responded with derision. "Ha! You speak as if victory is assured for you. Your Sacred Glow of the Moon pales in comparison to my Art of Moon Essence. Do you truly believe you'll win? It's nothing more than a pipe dream. Remember your words now, and don't question the result!"
"Listen to you brag! Your Art of Moon Essence is nothing extraordinary. My Cold Moon Sky reigns supreme!" The eldest taunted with a possessive air, as if Cha Eun Xiao were destined to be his disciple. "Both of you, remember that no one is to contest the outcome. Rest assured, no violations will be tolerated. The two of you should retire for a while."
While the three elderly men engaged in their 'cordial' conversation, everyone filed out of the main hall.
They traversed through the rear of the main hall and journeyed over a dozen miles to reach another hall, which was elliptical in shape.
Inside this hall, only twelve pillars stood, exuding an aura of grandeur and solemnity. It was clear that this place held great significance.
Above, near the ceiling, twelve moons were depicted.
Their collective attention was directed to a particular spot in the hall. Cha Eun Xiao advanced and took his place there. This was where he would undergo the Heaven's Selection.
"No wonder these three factions have endured for tens of thousands of years. They possess unique traditions..." Cha Eun Xiao silently commended. "Other sects typically allow masters to select a martial art for their disciples. In the three factions, however, they let the martial arts themselves choose their disciples. They match the disciple with the martial art most suited to them. It's no wonder they have produced so many influential figures."
He marveled silently, unaware that starlight and moonlight were beginning to manifest overhead.
The Heaven's Selection was commencing.
All eyes were fixed upon the twelve pillars.
Each of these pillars represented one of the twelve great martial arts in Cold Moon Palace.
Each pillar bore a 100-degree scale, and when the moonlight illuminated a disciple, it would light up one of these pillars. The scale would reveal just how well the disciple was suited to the martial art. This process was beyond manipulation.