Zhang Pingfan returned to Pingjiang City after leaving Pingfan Town.
Words spoken are like water spilled.
Since so many influential figures wanted him to take their children as disciples, he naturally had to choose carefully, not just pick anyone at random.
Zhang Pingfan swaggered into the Pingjiang City Lord's Mansion.
Upon seeing Zhang Pingfan, the servants at the City Lord's Mansion were incredibly respectful.
The butler greeted Zhang Pingfan with utmost deference.
"Master, why have you come?"
Zhang Pingfan said, "Call the City Lord out. I have something to discuss with him!"
"Understood! I will go invite His Lordship right away!"
After arranging for Zhang Pingfan to have tea in the living room, the butler lost no time in finding the City Lord of Pingjiang, who was currently cultivating.
"My Lord, Master has arrived!"
The City Lord of Pingjiang put down his long sword, not daring to delay.
"Mm, let's go!"
In the living room, the City Lord of Pingjiang knelt on one knee. Because he had eaten a piece of meat given by his Master, his level had increased by one. At this moment, the City Lord's attitude towards Zhang Pingfan had undergone a 180-degree turn.
Before, he had been somewhat displeased with Zhang Pingfan, but now it was different. He knew Zhang Pingfan was no ordinary person.
"Your subordinate greets Master. May I ask the important matter that brings you here today? Also, I apologize for my incompetence; the 'Blazing Rose' has still not been apprehended! Please punish me, Master!"
Zhang Pingfan shook his head and said, "It's alright, that matter is in the past. However, keep the bounty order active. As long as she dares to appear, it will remain valid!"
"Your subordinate understands. Then, may I inquire about the important matter that brings Master here today?"
Zhang Pingfan said, "Prepare yourself. I plan to hold a disciple recruitment event in Pingjiang City!"
The City Lord of Pingjiang looked envious. To become a disciple of the Master would be a matter of bringing honor to one's ancestors.
"Your subordinate understands. Your subordinate will attend to it immediately!"
Zhang Pingfan was not in a hurry. After all, those influential figures would need time to prepare after returning, and they wouldn't show up so quickly.
Just as Zhang Pingfan had expected, these prominent families immediately gathered their children upon returning, summoning as many as possible.
In any case, the Village Chief had instructed them to gather in Pingjiang City and hadn't specified a number, so they were aiming to have as many people as possible recognized by Zhang Pingfan.
"Have you all memorized it?"
"Yes!"
"Very good. Enter the game! Strive to seize this opportunity from the other families!"
"Yes!"
The young masters and ladies from these prominent families did not have very high levels.
After all, playing games was merely entertainment for them, and they didn't dedicate all their focus to it; they were only doing it to complete family tasks.
Therefore, their levels were generally around level 15.
Since the official announcement and Zhang Pingfan's system prompt, everyone had a new understanding of the game "Mythology," and no one dared to be complacent anymore.
A massive platform was being erected in the center of Pingjiang City's square.
Many players stopped to watch, assuming the system was organizing some event.
"What's going on? I haven't heard about any events. What is Pingjiang City doing?"
"I don't know. Building such a large arena, is this for a martial arts competition?"
"Don't you know? The Village Chief is recruiting disciples in Pingjiang City, selecting one from the major families to be his disciple!"
"Damn, this is a huge event! How could I have forgotten about this? When does it start? To become the Village Chief's disciple, one's ancestors' graves must be emitting auspicious fumes!"
"Yeah, I heard those prominent families are desperately trying to showcase themselves. Who wouldn't want to become the Village Chief's disciple? Just look at Dou Youyou!"
Time passed gradually, and the number of players gathered in the center of Pingjiang City's square grew.
The temporarily constructed arena also neared completion.
When players saw the final announcement, there was no disappointment; it was indeed the Village Chief who would be recruiting disciples here.
"The Village Chief's influence is truly immense!"
"Of course. All three City Lords obey the Village Chief. What do you think?"
Meanwhile, Zhang Pingfan also received a message from the City Lord of Pingjiang.
"Master, the platform is ready. You can come over now!"
Zhang Pingfan nodded and then followed the City Lord of Pingjiang towards the Pingjiang City Square.
Zhang Pingfan's appearance immediately drew countless players to gather.
"The Village Chief is here! Everyone, make way!"
"The Village Chief's procession is unmatched. I truly envy the person who will soon become the Village Chief's disciple!"
Dou Youyou followed behind Zhang Pingfan. She wouldn't miss such a significant event, especially since after today, she would have a junior brother or sister.
Zhang Pingfan and his entourage ascended the platform.
The only seat on the platform was Zhang Pingfan's.
Dou Youyou and the City Lord of Pingjiang stood on either side of Zhang Pingfan.
The City Lord of Pingjiang stepped forward.
"Quiet! Please, players participating in the disciple selection, ascend the stage. Those who do not appear within 5 minutes will automatically forfeit their qualification to participate!"
From the crowd, members of several prominent families eagerly stepped onto the high platform. They dared not disobey their families' orders by failing to appear within the five minutes.
As a result, over fifty people were standing on the stage within five minutes, which greatly surprised Zhang Pingfan.
"Youyou, are these families all pigs? So prolific?"
Dou Youyou let out a chuckle.
"The heads of families have many children. However, logically speaking, there should only be a dozen or so. Seeing this situation, they probably want to win by sheer numbers. Who doesn't know now that to become stronger and take on a master, having disciples is the fastest shortcut!"
Zhang Pingfan felt a bit helpless.
He had initially expected at most a dozen people, and he would simply ask a few questions and choose whoever caught his eye.
Now, it seemed, even asking a few questions could take hours.
"City Lord of Pingjiang, you first filter out those with poor potential. I will choose from the remaining ones!"
The City Lord of Pingjiang nodded. With his abilities, he could see that most of the people present had subpar potential.
"You, get down!"
"You, you, and you three, get down as well!"
The City Lord's capabilities were undeniable, so no one dared to defy his words.
The players who were removed looked dejected, and among them were even some core disciples of prominent families.
"The City Lord really shows no favoritism. I heard that fellow was the young master of the Ouyang family, and he was directly kicked out of the group!"
"Yes, among these rejected players, his status was the noblest!"
"Who said that? Did you see that female player who is only level 10? That's the eldest daughter of the Li family from the capital. It's said she's a strong businesswoman in reality, with exceptional company performance. I didn't expect her to be eliminated in the initial screening!"
Although many players felt it was a pity, here, City Lord Pingjiang didn't care about anyone's status. He would only act according to his Master's commands, doing his best to keep those with better potential.
After more than ten minutes, the original fifty-plus people were reduced to just 8 by the City Lord of Pingjiang.
"Master, the remaining ones have decent potential. Please take a look yourself!"
Zhang Pingfan asked, "Among these eight, who do you think is most suitable to be my disciple?"
"Most suitable? Logically speaking, considering Master's status, none of these people are truly suitable. If I had to pick one who is perhaps qualified, that young fellow looks good to me!"
Zhang Pingfan and the City Lord of Pingjiang whispered to each other, leaving the remaining 8 people feeling uneasy.