"Senior Brother, are you sure you want to take Bi Huajin as your personal disciple?" Elder Li Chenglou asked, his tone laced with concern. Though they were equals in rank as Inner Sect Elders, he regarded Diao Changju with deep respect.
Diao Changju, kind-hearted and selfless, was revered for his benevolence. Yet, Li Chenglou couldn't help but worry about Bi Huajin's notorious reputation within the sect.
Rumors about her leveraging her beauty to gain resources and breaking marriage pacts had spread like wildfire. That someone like her frequently visited Diao Changju's peak was a subject of quiet speculation. Many assumed the kindly elder was unaware of her past.
Bi Huajin's face flushed with embarrassment as she stood by Diao Changju. She hadn't expected her actions to become such a widespread scandal, nor that they would reach the ears of the sect elders.
Diao Changju chuckled, tapping his staff against the floor. "Chenglou, I'm well aware of Huajin's past. She came from a poor village, and to climb her way into the sect, she had little choice but to use her beauty. She has since vowed to turn over a new leaf. As her master, I'll ensure that every wrong she's committed is repaid in full. Your duty is simply to update her status as my personal disciple."
He reached out and patted Bi Huajin on the head, his expression one of gentle affection.
Bi Huajin's eyes brimmed with tears. Years of humiliation and hardship surged through her, and for the first time, someone had shown her genuine care. She couldn't hold back. She threw herself into Diao Changju's arms and sobbed.
"Master, I promise I'll never deceive anyone again!"
Diao Changju was momentarily taken aback by her outburst. He hesitated, wondering if the little schemer had really turned sincere or if it was just another act.
The system's notification chimed in his mind:
[Bi Huajin's Loyalty +20]
[Bi Huajin's Loyalty: 75]
"..."
Was this little green tea actually serious?
After what felt like an eternity, Bi Huajin finally calmed down, stepping back from his embrace with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you, Master."
Diao Changju nodded but remained cautious. Something about her sudden change unsettled him.
Li Chenglou, still skeptical, completed the registration process. As Bi Huajin clutched her new Inner Sect Personal Disciple token, her hands trembled with excitement. It was an emblem of prestige—a dream for countless disciples.
"Thank you, Master," she whispered, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Another system notification:
[Bi Huajin's Loyalty +5]
[Bi Huajin's Loyalty: 80]
Diao Changju raised an eyebrow at the surge in her loyalty. It seemed even small gestures of validation had an unexpected effect on her.
Before leaving, Diao Changju turned to Li Chenglou. "Three days from now, I will take Huajin to that minor family and annul her engagement. To avoid unforeseen complications, please arrange for a few strong disciples to accompany us. I'd rather not deal with unnecessary drama or resistance."
Li Chenglou immediately nodded. "Understood, Senior Brother. Consider it done."
After Diao Changju left, Li Chenglou sent out thousands of transmission talismans, requesting capable disciples to join the trip. The overwhelming response from sect members was a testament to Diao Changju's influence.
"Sorry, Huang Xuanyu, you're only at the Infant Saint stage. This task requires someone stronger," Li Chenglou muttered as he dismissed one eager volunteer.
The rejected disciples groaned in disappointment, lamenting their inability to support the revered elder. Even Huang Xuanyu, a transmission elder, found himself grumbling. "If only I didn't have to waste time teaching these brats, my cultivation wouldn't have stagnated!"
Meanwhile, Diao Changju prepared himself for what lay ahead. While he trusted the sect's strength, he couldn't shake the fear of encountering a dramatic scene straight out of a novel.
"If that fiancé dares shout something like, 'Thirty years east, thirty years west,' I'll silence him on the spot," Diao Changju muttered, tightening his grip on his staff.
After all, Diao Changju had no patience for clichéd revenge tropes—not when his peaceful life was on the line.