Chapter 71: Chapter 71
Inside the vast Sky Hall, five figures sat in solemn formation. At the heart of them was Elden, the master of Azure Sky Peak—his bearing dignified, each gesture quietly commanding, the ancient pressure of cultivation radiating from him like a mountain in repose. Arrayed on either side, five powerful elders presided, their faces etched with years of mastery and ruthlessly honed authority.
Ashen stopped at the entrance, his posture deferential. Cupping his hands deep in respect, he set the tone.
"Peak Master, this is the boy who holds the Azure Sky Jade Pendant. I have matters to attend to; I leave this youth to your judgment."
"Mm." Elden answered curtly, his eyes already appraising Ethan.
Ethan’s gaze swept briefly toward Ashen—a flash of knowing calculation in his expression.
For a demon clan infiltrator to have survived so long in the Azure Origin Dao Sect, never exposed, was a feat unto itself. These elders, all with great strength in body integration and the peak master beyond even that, Tribulation Transcendence, were not easily deceived. Ashen evidently avoided them as much as possible.
Lingering in their presence would surely expose hidden traces over time, despite his spiritual weapon’s protection.
From within the circle of power, a sharp-eyed elder asked, "Ethan?"
Ethan cupped his hands in the formal salute, voice steady. "Yes."
To face five elders whose cultivation soared in the Body Integration realm, along with the master who dominated the peak, ought to be intimidating—yet Ethan remained calm, undisturbed, eyes clear and collected.
Elden and the elders exchanged silent glances, a hint of surprise flickering through their gazes at the young man’s composure.
The square-faced elder leaned forward, "You are the Ethan listed by Law Enforcement today?"
Before Ethan could reply, Elden interjected, his tone measured and cool. "No need to ask. This is indeed the boy. I remember meeting him once in the Holy Hall."
With barely a pause, Elden continued, "Ten years in the Serene Mirror Lake—ten years to reflect. I trust you’ve come to repentance."
His gaze sharpened, drawing down upon Ethan with pressure.
"But you must understand—no peak willingly accepts a disciple who has spent years imprisoned at Serene Mirror Lake. Reputation bears a heavy burden here."
Ethan simply smiled, allowing the silence to stretch, aware Elden had more to unveil.
The peak master studied him, then spoke.
"Yet, since you bear the Azure Sky Jade Pendant and this is our tradition, I will make an exception. Elders—will any of you take Ethan as your direct disciple?"
One by one, the elders voiced their refusal.
"I already have enough disciples. My hands are full."
"I cannot. Even my chosen direct disciples bicker for attention. I have grown weary of their struggles."
"My situation is the same. More trouble is the last thing I need."
"He has no spiritual roots. Body training or not, what’s the point? I have no reason!"
On and on the rejections rolled, blunt and unvarnished.
Elden addressed Ethan again, his tone less rigid, almost playful.
"The elders are direct in their opinions; pay no heed. By our laws, you will still be registered as a direct disciple—though none will serve as your teacher."
He paused, eyes glinting.
"Does that suit you, Ethan? Are you willing to remain with Azure Sky Peak, masterless?"
Ethan understood. Ashen’s dangerous identity needn’t be mentioned anymore—the peak itself already regarded him warily, with little warmth.
Ten years ago, that incident had ruined his name throughout the sect; even now, their words cut without mercy. If not for the Jade Pendant’s authority, he would likely have been driven off the mountain.
It didn’t matter. Ethan’s real aim lay elsewhere: winning and cultivating beast fire for the upcoming martial arts tournament. Direct disciple or not was a trivial label.
"If you are not willing," Elden offered, "I can grant you some cultivation elixirs and spirit weapons. You may give us the Azure Sky Jade Pendant and seek fortune elsewhere."
He didn’t want Ethan’s name under his peak. The reasons stacked up: Ethan’s history, the ruined reputation, the lack of spiritual roots—a talent praised by the empress ten years ago had withered in obscurity. Direct disciples were not meant to be ordinary; Ethan was beneath their eyes now.
Ethan merely smiled, "Your suggestion is thoughtful, Peak Master, but I do not fancy wandering. The environment here pleases me enough. I’ll stay."
Elden probed further, "Are you certain? With no elder to accept you, you’ll have little more than the name. You won’t receive the privileges of a true direct disciple—no access to rare resources, no guidance, little but the scenery."
"If you give up now, resources await. If you linger, you gain nothing but restriction and frustration."
His meaning was plain—a second chance to turn away.
Ethan replied lightly, "I appreciate your candor. But I prefer the sights and peace here."
Elden’s gaze sharpened, briefly irritated. Brown candy, he thought—a stubborn trouble that clung tighter the longer one tried to scrape it off. Ultimately, he let it drop. Ethan would leave in time, wearied by circumstance.
"Very well, I agree. From this moment, you are an Azure Sky Peak disciple. But since no elder claimed you, you won’t receive the direct disciple’s token—just an ordinary disciple’s.
Be careful; do not trespass in forbidden areas, lest you stir conflict or misunderstanding."
As the words settled, the elders made their exit one after another.
"I’ll take my leave."
"Urgent matters require me elsewhere."
The grand Sky Hall emptied, the echoes of authority fading across the marble floor.
Just as Ethan turned to depart, Elden called him back.
"Ethan, a question remains."
Ethan paused, "What do you wish to know?"
"My Azure Sky Peak’s Jade Pendant is rare; there are only three pieces. Where did yours come from?"
Ethan shrugged, "It was a gift from a senior. Such things are beyond my own reach."
Elden pressed, "Which senior? What was their name?"
Ethan’s voice turned sly, his tone strange. "That I cannot say. The Peak Master’s cultivation and wisdom are formidable—surely you may deduce it for yourself."
With that, Ethan turned and walked away, leaving a hall echoing with unasked questions and a mountain thick with untouched secrets.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
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200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
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