Gongyi Yuan grinned, his smile exceptionally clear on his face.
He readily agreed, nodding, "Naturally. Besides that, you'll have access to the First Sect's library. I will also fulfill my responsibilities as a master."
Feng Ninghe's eyes narrowed slightly. She rose and performed a bowing ceremony towards Gongyi Yuan: "Master, you are above, please accept your disciple's bow!"
Never before had she formally taken a master.
Everything had to be borne by herself.
As the Empress of Lin Kingdom, with her exceptional talent and profound comprehension, she could learn without a master.
But now, Feng Ninghe possessed an unprecedented craving for power.
She wished to increase her cultivation to protect those she cared for.
Gongyi Yuan beamed, his joy like that of a child. He quickly extended his hand to help her up, "Oh, my disciple, you are too polite! Come, your master will give you a disciple gift."
He nimbly produced a spatial bag and handed it over.
The moment he saw Feng Ninghe, he had already sensed her extraordinary talent.
With proper nurturing, it was only a matter of time before Feng Ninghe's cultivation surpassed his.
He considered himself honored to have such a disciple.
The spatial bag contained many valuable items, which he had prepared in advance.
After all, besides the First Sect, no other sect in Jinling had the capacity to take Feng Ninghe.
Feng Ninghe accepted the spatial bag without hesitation. When she saw the contents, a brilliant smile bloomed on her face.
The spatial bag was filled with numerous expensive medicinal herbs, items she did not possess.
As expected of the First Sect, which once led an entire lineage, their generosity was indeed lavish.
"Then I thank you, Master!"
Feng Ninghe quickly put away the spatial bag without a second thought.
This scene left everyone in the room stunned.
They had never imagined Feng Ninghe would so easily find a master.
Bai Niannian's eyes widened, her beautiful face filled with astonishment, "I... I have a grandmaster so quickly?"
The First Sect was renowned. Feng Ninghe was a disciple of the First Sect, which meant she was distantly related, making her almost a disciple of the First Sect herself.
With this thought, Bai Niannian's astonishment turned into a radiant smile.
If her parents knew of such an opportunity, they would be immensely proud!
Di Wenbin was unable to look away for a long time, his expression exceptionally complex.
Just moments before, he had been immersed in sorrow, believing he had no chance to reconstruct his physical body and live. Now, he was told there was still hope.
The shift in his emotions brought a mixture of joy and sorrow to his countenance.
Gongyi Yuan eagerly rubbed his hands together, "The scenery of the First Sect is no less magnificent than Willow Face Sect. Disciple, let's go to the disciple sect quickly. The lotus root you desire is also at the First Sect. Let's go!"
He was impatient to show the disciples of the First Sect how formidable his new disciple was!
Feng Ninghe nodded quickly, adding, "I have received much care from Sixth Master during my time at Willow Face Sect. Now that I am leaving, I must bid him farewell."
Gongyi Yuan understood and readily agreed, "That is only proper. It is not a problem for you to stay here for another day."
"Miss Feng, I did not expect you to take a master so quickly."
At this moment, a clear male voice entered the room.
Su Hongxiu gently swayed a fan with his well-defined fingers, a slight smile gracing his handsome face, "Miss Feng, although the First Sect has been in seclusion for a millennium, its capabilities are still not to be underestimated. It is good that you have joined the First Sect."
With the First Sect as her backing, even if others in Jinling wished to harm her, they would have to consider their own capabilities first.
If one disciple of the First Sect was harmed, the entire sect would mobilize.
Anyone who dared to touch a disciple of the First Sect would be offending an entire sect.
In Jinling, no one would dare to offend the First Sect.
Feng Ninghe offered a bright smile, "Perhaps the First Sect can help me achieve my goals."
Her decision to take a master was not impulsive but a decision made after much deliberation.
She did not yet possess the power to protect those around her. The First Sect could teach her many things, and she was doing this for herself.
Si Jianye stood silently by the side, his gaze slowly resting on Feng Ninghe.
At this moment, a face identical to his own appeared in his mind.
Ever since he saw the person in the mirror, he had been uneasy, harboring a sense of foreboding.
He also realized instantly that he would have to leave soon. With the First Sect's protection, perhaps Feng Ninghe could be safe.
He had to uncover the truth and understand what was happening with the face that was so like his own...
Feng Ninghe seemed to have an idea and specifically looked up at Gongyi Yuan, "Master, the people around me are all my friends. I wish to bring them with me to live at the First Sect."
Gongyi Yuan waved his hand dismissively, "Bring whomever you wish. You are my beloved disciple. This Feng Xing has rather good talent; if he wishes to join the First Sect, I welcome him anytime. As for Bai Niannian... her talent is a bit lacking, but she can certainly help with chores."
Bai Niannian grumbled, "I already have a master. I will not betray my master and join another sect!"
Feng Xing immediately stated, "I am content with my master. I will not take anyone else as my master."
Watching the lively group before her, Feng Ninghe's heart warmed.
The peaceful and lively life she desired was much like this.
However...
She wondered how long such days would last.
*
Immortal Sect.
For several days, Bai Li Yang had stayed by Feng Qingcheng's side.
Looking at the woman lying on the bed, her face pale, his heart was filled with heartache.
"Qingcheng, it's been several days. You should wake up now."
Bai Li Yang held her hand tightly, his eyes unwilling to stray from Feng Qingcheng's face.
Her face was unnaturally pale, making her appear even more pitiable.
The flesh on her arm had festered.
Tang Zun, along with the elders of the Immortal Sect, had worked together to save Feng Qingcheng. However, it was a potent poison, and even if she was saved, there was no guarantee of no lingering effects.
"Cough cough!"
The unconscious Feng Qingcheng suddenly coughed violently. Weakly, she fluttered her eyelids open.
The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was Bai Li Yang's concerned face.
"Qingcheng, you're finally awake!"
Bai Li Yang rejoiced, a smile appearing on his face.
He quickly brought a cup of tea and offered it, "Drink some water first to moisten your throat."
Feng Qingcheng did not refuse. She took the tea, and as it went down her throat, her dry throat felt relieved.
She also noticed her hand at this moment.
Her once fair hand had become hideously disfigured, covered in wounds, some of which were festering!
"My hand! What happened to it!"