Shen Mu stared at Bai Ling in stunned silence, still processing what she had just said.
"Senior… will you accept a disciple?"
The words echoed in his head like a thunderclap.
Meanwhile, Bai Ling looked completely serious, her delicate face filled with determination. Elder Zhao, still kneeling, nodded approvingly, as if this was the most logical course of action.
Shen Mu rubbed his temples.
'This is getting out of hand. First, they thought my chair was a divine artifact. Then, I accidentally destroyed a legendary sword with just a casual critique. And now, this young lady wants to be my disciple?'
He sighed. This needed to stop.
Clearing his throat, he put on his most serious face. "Miss Bai, I appreciate your sincerity, but… I can't accept a disciple."
Bai Ling's eyes widened. "Why not?"
Elder Zhao stroked his beard. "Indeed, Senior. Someone as talented as you must surely pass down their wisdom."
Shen Mu shook his head firmly. "No, no, it's not that. It's just that… my path isn't something that can be taught."
Bai Ling and Elder Zhao froze.
Then, slowly, their expressions turned from surprise… to awe.
Bai Ling clenched her fists. That's right. His Dao is beyond comprehension. How could someone like me possibly be worthy of his guidance?
Elder Zhao nodded solemnly. A true master does not simply accept any disciple. One must prove themselves worthy!
Shen Mu, completely unaware of their thoughts, sighed in relief. "Good. Glad you understand."
Bai Ling, however, was not discouraged. Instead, she took a deep breath and bowed deeply. "Senior, I understand that I am unworthy. But please… if there is ever a way for me to prove myself, I will do anything."
Shen Mu frowned. "I—"
Before he could finish, Elder Zhao suddenly spoke.
"Miss Bai, if you truly wish to earn Senior's guidance, you must prove your dedication." He turned to Shen Mu. "Senior, may I propose a test?"
Shen Mu sighed internally. 'Why do I feel like rejecting her just made this worse?'
Still, he didn't want to outright reject her too harshly. Maybe if he gave them an impossible task, they would give up?
He stroked his chin and thought for a moment. "Fine. If you can craft something with your own two hands that impresses me, I will consider it."
Bai Ling's eyes lit up. "Truly?"
"Sure." Shen Mu waved a hand. 'She's a princess, right? She's probably never held a chisel in her life. No way she'll actually follow through.'
Bai Ling turned to her maid. "Xiao Lan, prepare the materials!"
Her maid nearly collapsed. "P-Princess, you don't even know how to hold a carving knife!"
Bai Ling clenched her fists. "Then I'll learn!"
Elder Zhao chuckled. "A fine challenge. Learning craftsmanship from the ground up will surely temper the mind and spirit."
Shen Mu gave them a thumbs up. "Good luck."
Then he turned around and walked back into his house.
Bai Ling, seeing this, felt even more respect.
He doesn't even offer guidance? He truly wants me to comprehend the art on my own…
With newfound determination, she sat down right there in the courtyard, picked up a block of wood… and immediately cut her finger.
"Ow!"
Shen Mu, sipping tea inside, winced. '…Maybe I should've just said no outright.'
---
Meanwhile, Elsewhere…
Far away, atop the Ethereal Sky Palace, a woman in flowing celestial robes stood on a balcony, gazing into the horizon.
This was Empress Yue, one of the strongest cultivators in the world, at the peak of the Sky Immortal Realm.
She had spent centuries refining her Dao, untouched by mortal concerns.
And yet, at this very moment, her mind was in turmoil.
Her delicate fingers trembled slightly as she held an ancient divination scroll—a sacred artifact that revealed the greatest opportunities and dangers of the age.
It had only ever shown visions of legendary treasures, divine beasts, and cataclysmic events.
But this time…
When she activated it, only a single image had appeared.
A chair.
A simple wooden chair, radiating an aura of perfect balance, as if it were crafted by the heavens themselves.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "A new force has emerged… and it all begins with this artifact."
Her voice was calm.
But in her heart, she was shaken.
For the first time in centuries, she felt the stirrings of curiosity.
"…I must find its creator."
---
End of Chapter