Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 338: Probe

"Oh? You've made your decision so quickly?" Zhuo Haiyue's eyebrows rose in surprise. Joining a sect was not a decision to be made lightly. Prudence was of utmost importance.

"I have chosen to join the Dragon Star Immortal Sect," Wu Yuan stated calmly.

"Why?" Zhuo Haiyue's curiosity was piqued.

"If I am to learn from someone, I wish to learn from the strongest and most suitable teacher for me," Wu Yuan explained solemnly. "While the Thousand Origins Sword Sect and Hundred Rivers Hall have their strengths, they may not align with my own. Not every sect possesses the Heaven and Earth Sword Path."

Zhuo Haiyue nodded in agreement. The Dark Earth Sword Path was a profound sword art, considered an orthodox path of the Earth sword, and not easily found in second-rate and third-rate sects.

As for the Heaven and Earth Sword Path, it was a sword methodology even Archimmortals were eager to study and learn. It pointed directly to a Great Dao, so naturally, few sects possessed it.

Zhuo Haiyue knew only the Moonsilver World and Dragon Star Immortal Sect possessed it. Other sects might not necessarily have it.

"You should consider your decision carefully," Zhuo Haiyue advised. "With your talent, becoming a disciple of a Divided Soul Earth Immortal in another sect will not be a challenge. But this may not be the case if you join the Dragon Star Immortal Sect. There is a chance that you will find yourself without a master to guide you."

“Mm.” Wu Yuan smiled with a subtle nod. "Your Highness, I have faith in my abilities. If I can secure a place as a disciple of the strongest sword immortal, that would be the ideal outcome. If not, I will strive to become a disciple of another Tribulation High Immortal,"

"The sword is but a vessel; the Dao is the foundation. Even without a sword immortal as a master, guidance from a Tribulation High Immortal will still be valuable." Wu Yuan said with a calm tone. This was the plan he had decided on.

Zhuo Haiyue nodded in approval. "Li Xia, since you are certain, then it is for the best. I will do everything in my power to assist you."

"However, you must disclose the true degree of your immortal root first. This information is crucial," Zhuo Haiyue insisted seriously.

The performance one showed in the Redmoon Immortal Realm was only one indicator of talent for sects to reference. A high level of Dao comprehension was essential, but a strong immortal root was equally important.

"Immortal root?" A trace of hesitation flashed through Wu Yuan's mind before he spoke, "Third degree."

"Third degree?" It was Zhuo Haiyue's turn to be taken aback, and a look of disbelief flashed in her eyes. "Truly?"

Wu Yuan nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Highness. When joining a sect, the truth about my immortal root will inevitably come to light. There is no point in me deceiving you about this matter."

There was no point lying about something that would be exposed sooner or later.

"Excellent." Zhuo Haiyue's eyes brightened, a smile gracing her features. "I see now. No wonder the attack power you displayed during the fight with Tu Chi was so high, surpassing that of a typical Golden Core cultivator. This should be attributed to your powerful immortal root."

"Alright. Based on your comprehension aptitude, your chances were around 10%. But with a robust immortal root to boot, your chances have now risen to 30%." Zhuo Haiyue chuckled.

"30%?" Wu Yuan's surprise was evident.

"Yes, it will not be a challenge for you to gain entry into the Dragon Star Immortal Sect as a core disciple," Zhuo Haiyue remarked. "But whether you can catch the eye of that Tribulation sword immortal will depend on fate."

"No matter how talented you are, it won’t matter if he’s unwilling to accept you as a disciple.”

Wu Yuan nodded.

The decision to accept disciples ultimately rested in the master's hands.

"Look forward to good news," Zhuo Haiyue declared, rising to her feet. "With your talent, it would be a disservice if you did not make a mark in the world."

"I am grateful, Your Highness," Wu Yuan replied respectfully.

Despite the way Zhuo Haiyue treated him initially, Wu Yuan began to realize that she was not as authoritarian as he had assumed. Perhaps their 'friendship' was akin to that of a superior and subordinate, but she did not impose her will on him.

As they spent more time together, Wu Yuan felt that her concern for him was genuine. He always adhered to the principle of judging actions instead of intentions, and deep down, he was quite grateful to Zhuo Haiyue.

After chatting a little more, Wu Yuan watched as Zhuo Haiyue departed.

The Dragon Star Immortal Sect? The strongest sect, with the strongest sword immortal? Wu Yuan pondered. Is this the sect I will be joining?

While not everything Zhuo Haiyue said was necessarily accurate, a sect of such caliber, even if not the top among first-rate sects, certainly ranked within the top three.

Now, it all hinges on whether that sword immortal will accept me as a disciple. He trusted that Zhuo Haiyue would not deceive him, given her high status and access to valuable information.

Continue cultivating. Wu Yuan reminded himself.

Wu Yuan's mind was not disturbed by his conversation with Zhuo Haiyue. Decades of dedication to cultivation had instilled an unwavering focus in him.

Whether it is a famous instructor or a prestigious sect, personal strength forms the bedrock. The stronger I become, the more confident I will be when facing whatever challenges lie ahead. Wu Yuan harbored no doubts about this truth.

...

As Zhuo Haiyue left Wu Yuan's courtyard house, her smile disappeared, replaced by her usual cold expression as she soared through the sky.

She landed swiftly in the central hall of the estate, finding it deserted except for the red-robed bodyguards on duty. Without hesitation, she strode into the main hall.

In a swift movement, a figure cloaked in black materialized beside her, speaking softly, "Your Highness, how did it go?"

"Li Xia did not try to deceive me. He openly admitted that his immortal root is of the third degree," Zhuo Haiyue replied impassively. "He’s honest at least."

"What is your plan, Your Highness?" the figure in black inquired.

"We will offer him our full support," Zhuo Haiyue murmured. "The sword immortal from the Dragon Star Immortal Sect is nearing his ninth Tribulation, and there’s no guarantee of survival. With his only two disciples deceased, he likely seeks a worthy successor before attempting his Tribulation."

"Li Xia has appeared at the perfect timing, and fits the bill well," Zhuo Haiyue remarked.

"Mm. His soul is resilient, his immortal root robust, and his comprehension aptitude exceptional. He has strong pride, and is a raw jade waiting to be polished into a powerful sword immortal. I believe he stands a good chance of gaining the favor of High Immortal Dong Yang." The figure in black nodded in agreement.

"However, Your Highness, are we truly going to assist him? The Dragon Star Immortal Sect did not extend an invitation, and the costs we’ll bear may be significant."

It was never good to be too pushy in a sale, and the same could be said for joining a sect.

There were no disciples of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect at the banquet on Southmoon Island a few days ago. But after the event, the Dragon Star Immortal Sect had gotten the news yet did not extend an invitation to Wu Yuan, which was quite telling.

Zhuo Haiyue shook her head knowingly. "Previously, they didn't know Li Xia's age and immortal root degree. Once they are aware of Li Xia's true potential, how can they resist?”

“Old Yu, out of the six disciples under your tutelage, I doubt any of them can match up to Li Xia in terms of talent."

The figure in black conceded, "Indeed, Li Xia is very decent."

"Then we shall aid him," Zhuo Haiyue declared, looking at the old man in black. "Old Yu, I understand your reservations. Even after enlisting the immortal army’s intelligence network, we are unable to confirm his origins. However, from the Redmoon Immortal Record, we know that he is a native being of the Redmoon Immortal Continent who isn’t from the bloodline of the Fang Family. That is sufficient."

"A hero's origin doesn't matter," Zhuo Haiyue continued. [1]

"By supporting him now, complications may arise, but they are hardly worth mentioning. But in the future, he might become a Tribulation sword immortal."

"If he becomes the next Sword Immortal Dong Yang," Zhuo Haiyue mused with a glint of anticipation in her eyes. "With him at our side, the Fang Family will crumble much more easily."

"Even if he falls short of Sword Immortal Dong Yang’s level, reaching the Tribulation phase will still grant him a position of influence within the Dragon Star Sword Sect," Zhuo Haiyue concluded. "Perhaps it will lead to unexpected results."

1. (英雄不问出处) The proverb means that the worth of a person is not determined by their background or social status, but by their actions and character. ☜