The Lin Clan had proven themselves to be diligent in their martial arts practice, their young disciples training day and night under the watchful eyes of their elders. During my stay, I observed their dedication, silently appreciating their efforts. Yet, despite this, I had not yet chosen any disciple from among them. My heart told me that my destined disciple had yet to be revealed.
I decided, once again, to consult the stars.
That evening, I sat alone, gazing up at the night sky. The luminous stars twinkled like a tapestry woven with celestial light, each one pulsating softly with a blue glow. After a few minutes of contemplation, the mythic talent bestowed upon me, Star Child, finally stirred.
The stars responded.
My vision sharpened, and I was guided, not towards the main training grounds or any of the prominent Lin Clan members, but to a small, unassuming house tucked away at the edge of the clan's grounds. Within the humble structure, I saw a seven-year-old girl sleeping soundly. A quiet, gentle presence, but the stars had chosen her.
This was my disciple.
I did not announce my decision immediately. Instead, I chose to wait until morning, allowing the night to carry its secrets for a few more hours. When the sun rose, I summoned all of the Lin Clan members and their leader, Lin Shucheng, to the main hall.
With authority and certainty in my voice, I announced my decision. "I have made my decision. The one I will take as my disciple is the girl who sleeps in the small house on the outskirts of your clan."
There was an immediate shift in the room. Faces that had been calm and respectful now flickered with strange expressions. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Lin Shucheng stepped forward before the whispering could grow louder.
"Esteemed Immortal," he began, his tone respectful but cautious. "Though the girl bears the name Lin, she does not share our bloodline."
He hesitated, as if there were more he wished to say but held back.
The silence stretched too long for my liking.
I released my aura.
The spiritual pressure descended like a heavy weight upon the room, and the tension became palpable. Lin Shucheng's face paled, and the air grew thick with my presence. Unable to withstand the force any longer, the clan leader spoke again, this time with more urgency.
"The girl... she was brought to us by an old man. He offered us a large sum of money to take her in and raise her as our own. After that, he disappeared, leaving only the girl behind. She is not of our clan, nor do we know anything of her origins."
He bowed his head low, clearly hoping I would reconsider. "Esteemed Immortal, please choose another disciple. One who is truly of our bloodline."
His words hung in the air, but I was unmoved by his plea.
"The stars have guided me to her," I said, my voice calm yet unyielding. "Her origins matter not to me."
Without hesitation, I turned toward the girl, her small form standing amidst the towering clan members. I met her eyes and spoke directly to her, the weight of my decision firm.
"Are you willing to take me as your teacher and embark on the path of Immortal cultivation?"
The room fell silent, all eyes on the young girl who had unknowingly become the center of attention.
Lin Xueyao stood before me, a figure of quiet grace and simplicity. Her features were delicate, and there was a kindness in her eyes that reflected a gentle soul. However, as I observed her more closely, it became clear that there was nothing particularly remarkable about her in terms of martial arts potential. She lacked any special talent or hidden power, at least not one that could be seen on the surface.
Still, I remained silent, watching her with a keen gaze.
Suddenly, as if realizing my attention, she snapped out of her daze. Her eyes widened for a brief moment, then she quickly lowered her head and bowed deeply. "Xueyao greets the Great Master."
Her voice was soft but filled with respect, acknowledging the weight of the moment.
Without a word, I motioned for her to follow. With Xueyao by my side, I left the hall, the whispers of the Lin Clan fading behind us. We made our way toward my courtyard.
The sun hung high in the sky as we arrived at the courtyard, casting warm light over the quiet space. Lin Xueyao stood beside me, her expression calm but filled with anticipation. I could sense the weight of the unknown before her, but her resolve was clear.
"You may leave for now," I said, my voice even. "Your official cultivation journey will start from tomorrow onwards."
With that, I turned and entered my house, leaving her to reflect on what lay ahead. The path to Immortality would begin soon, and tomorrow would mark the first step of that journey.
As night fell, the stars began to twinkle in the vast sky, their ethereal glow illuminating the quiet courtyard. I gazed up at them, feeling their silent power resonate within me. With a deep breath, I sat in the lotus position, allowing my mind to align with the celestial bodies above. My thoughts centered on Lin Xueyao, and I sought guidance from the heavens to find a suitable cultivation technique for her.
The cultivation method bestowed upon me could not be passed to another. It was unique, woven into the very fabric of my being. But Lin Xueyao was different—she had been destined for something greater. The stars themselves had guided me to her, signaling that her presence would be vital to my future. Therefore, I needed to find a method tailored to her.
Time seemed to lose its meaning as I delved deeper into my connection with the stars. After what felt like an eternity, a strange phenomenon began to unfold in the night sky. A constellation, unlike any I had ever seen, emerged from the celestial expanse. It was the shape of a giant bird, its form crafted entirely from stars. No—it was more than just a bird.
It was a Phoenix, made of ice and light, its majestic wings stretching across the heavens. The sheer grandeur of it defied words, and as it drew nearer, I could feel its ancient power enveloping me.
The Phoenix descended, its icy form swallowing me whole. In that moment, I felt a cold, yet invigorating energy surge through me, filling me with newfound insight. When I finally opened my eyes, I was greeted by the first rays of dawn, the sun rising on the horizon and casting a bright path ahead.