The words of Bai Qiuhe left Qin Tong, Qin Yue, and the others momentarily stunned.
Disbelief was evident in their gazes.
Bai Qiuhe wanted Qin Qing to pass the assessment, join the Great Qian Martial Institute, and then he planned to take Qin Qing as his closed-door disciple?
What did it mean to be a closed-door disciple?
It meant the last disciple.
After accepting this disciple, he would close his doors and not accept any more disciples.
Bai Qiuhe was an elder of the Great Qian Martial Institute, and also a mentor.
Taking Qin Qing as his closed-door disciple meant he would end his mentoring career thereafter, which showed how highly he regarded Qin Qing.
As for Qin Qing, though he had guessed the reason, he still said, "I need a reason."
Bai Qiuhe pondered for a moment, then said, "I once had a sworn brother, a junior disciple, named Qin Yi. I have lost contact with him for a long time. Only today did I learn that he might have encountered grave trouble... and that he has a son and daughter who have been fending for each other for three years. In these three years, they have suffered too much... I think, maybe I can do something within my power, and also help them find their parents."
At this, Bai Qiuhe fell silent.
Qin Qing was moved, for he could see that Bai Qiuhe truly wanted to help him.
Most importantly, Qin Qing did not want Little Frost to endure the pain of her condition anymore—Little Frost should be enjoying a carefree childhood at her age!
Additionally, Qin Qing naturally missed his own parents.
He also knew how much his sister, Little Frost, longed for their father and mother...
When their parents had just left, Little Frost would often cry out for "Daddy, Mommy."
At those moments, Qin Qing would embrace his sister and whisper comfortingly, "Little Frost, don't cry, don't cry."
Since then, Little Frost often told herself, "Little Frost won't cry, Little Frost won't cry."
Yet, how could the tender and pitiable Little Frost not cry?
After their parents left, for a very long time, Little Frost would hide beneath the covers every night, secretly crying and wiping away her tears.
How could Qin Qing not yearn for the early reunion of his family?
"Alright, I agree to it!"
Qin Qing said through gritted teeth, his eyes shining with firm determination.
...
The birthday celebration concluded.
The assessment ceremony for various Martial Institutes to recruit new disciples was about to commence.
An elder from a Martial Institute stepped forward and called out loudly, "The venue for this assessment is at the Martial Arts Ground in Tianjue City. All those who are prepared to take part in the assessment, please proceed to the Martial Arts Ground and make your preparations promptly!"
In an instant, a torrent of people surged forward.
Streams of people moved along the wide bluestone streets, converging toward the direction of the Martial Arts Ground amidst the magnificent buildings.
In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the streams of people merged into a sea of humanity.
Those coming to participate in the assessment included not only the young talents of Tianjue City but also many promising youths from the surrounding county cities.
They all hoped to seize this opportunity to gain admission to the major Martial Institutes of Luochuan Imperial City.
The Martial Arts Ground in Tianjue City was equally imposing.
It was surrounded by giant stone pillars, carved with various mythical birds and beasts, showcasing the types, grades, and attributes of Martial Souls.
Next to the spacious Martial Arts Ground, rows of statues stood neatly aligned.
These statues featured figures who were martial arts powerhouses who had emerged from Tianjue City.
About a quarter of an hour later.
The entire Martial Arts Ground was a bustling sea of people.
"Silence!"
Suddenly, a thunderous shout rang out.
It was like the deep toll of a great bell reverberating across the skies of Tianjue City's Martial Arts Ground.
The formerly bustling Martial Arts Ground, like a frying pan, quieted down in an instant.
"The assessment is about to begin. Let me first explain the requirements for this assessment," a voice said.
"First, those participating in the assessment must be under sixteen years old!"
"Second, they must possess a striking strength of at least five hundred jin. If you do not meet this requirement, do not waste time coming!"
"Now, all those participating in the assessment, enter the central Martial Arts Ground. Everyone else, retreat to the outer ring!"
With the elder's words completed, the young elites participating in the assessment quickly made their way to the specially arranged central arena.
These young elites were all juvenile talents, graceful and elegant.
Their arrival also brought about waves of exclamations.
"That's Lu Zihe from the Lu Family. It's said that he awakened a Fifth Rank Martial Soul two years ago. His entry into the Luochuan Imperial City Martial Institute is virtually guaranteed..."
"The one behind him is Fang Hu from the Fang Family. Rumor has it he possesses innate immense strength and extraordinary physical gifts!"
"Mo Liangsong from Tianjue City's Mo Residence, who is said to have an exceptional comprehension of swordsmanship, a genius in the way of the sword."
"Xu Jing from the Xu Clan of Dongguan City, only thirteen years old, awakened a Fourth Rank Martial Soul two months ago…"
"Fu Yuanhu..."
As each talent appeared, they sparked numerous discussions among the crowd; these were young talents well-known around Tianjue City, stirring up envy.
"It's Ouyang Rou!"
"Ouyang Rou of Tianjue City, once renowned alongside Mu Yunlan as the dual stars of Tianjue City!"
The arrival of a young girl immediately boosted the atmosphere to a higher level.
Ouyang Rou, a young female talent from Tianjue City's Ouyang Clan.
Formerly as famous as Mu Yunlan, but as Mu Yunlan awakened a Seventh Rank Martial Soul, Ouyang Rou gradually found herself being overshadowed.
"Mu Yunlan!"
Suddenly, an exclamation erupted.
All eyes converged on the entrance to the central assessment grounds.
Mu Yunlan, dressed in a deep blue gown, appeared in everyone's sight like a fairy descending to earth.
Who else could be the focus of the Luochuan Imperial City Martial Institute's assessment, if not Mu Yunlan?
Indeed, the reason why the assessment was held in Tianjue City was precisely because of Mu Yunlan.
The moment Mu Yunlan appeared, she radiated a powerful aura.
Her beauty was exceptional, and coupled with her strong presence, she instantly became the center of attention at the Martial Arts Ground.
There was a platform at the front of the Martial Arts Ground.
The lord of Tianjue City and many elders from the various Martial Institutes were seated there.
Additionally, Mu Hongtu's father, a specially invited guest, was also seated here.
Seeing Mu Yunlan, a proud expression naturally surfaced on Mu Hongtu's face.
Simultaneously, the surrounding crowd also extended their congratulations to Mu Hongtu.
As Mu Yunlan entered the center Martial Arts Ground, it seemed that all candidates for the assessment were in place.
Atop the platform, Bai Qiuhe with his snow-white hair and his disciple Jiang Ruorong, both directed their gaze towards Qin Qing amidst the crowd.
"Why does this lad not seem anxious at all?" Bai Qiuhe murmured.
Jiang Ruorong also whispered, "I'm very curious why he's hiding his Martial Soul talent. Moreover, if Qin Residence and Mu Residence find out his Martial Soul is Dragon Soul, what their reactions would be. And what kind of sensation will it cause among the rest of Tianjue City?"
Meanwhile—
"Xiaoshuang, go to Sister Yue. Wait for brother there!"
Qin Qing put down Xiaoshuang and then, under the watchful gaze of the crowd, walked towards the central Martial Arts Ground with an indifferent and resolute expression…