Chapter Eighty-One: Choice

  "What, are you two fellow daoists too busy to care about Xiao Chen's junior friend? Don't even let us invite him to join our sect. Besides, with Xiao Chen's identity in Luoyun Valley, he is just a nominal disciple, if he doesn't receive your attention and chooses to leave for another sect, it's his freedom, you have no right to interfere." Xuan Qing didn't back down at all, his daoist robe puffed out as he stood opposite Qingyunzi.

  Ming Xiao took a step forward, his face gloomy as he swept his gaze over Qing Yunzi's body, saying in a low voice: "That's right, today's matter, you two are not allowed to intervene. How Xiao Shuo chooses is his own business. Otherwise, even if it means falling out with Luoyun Valley, I will demand an explanation."

  The three old men of the Xuan family had not spoken, but at this moment they silently stood up and walked to the back of Xuan Qing and the others, their intention was self-evident.

  Qingyunzi and Yaodaozi exchanged a glance, their faces suddenly turning gloomy. This situation made them feel uneasy in their hearts. After all, what Xuanqing and the others said was reasonable. Xiao Chen was just a nominal disciple of Luoyun Valley, and according to the rules of the Cultivation World, he didn't count as a true disciple of Luoyun Valley. He could leave at any time and join another sect. Moreover, today, almost all the major sects in Beihua State were present. If the two of them insisted on intervening, they would likely incur the wrath of the crowd for violating the rules of the Cultivation World. In this case, even if Luoyun Valley had two Golden Dan cultivators presiding over it, they would still be unable to withstand the pressure.

  But if he doesn't intervene at all, and Xiao Chen really joins another sect, it would be a huge tragedy for Luoyun Valley. The alchemy genius who had been in their own sect for a year, just as they were starting to show their potential, would be snatched away by another sect. Those two old men would probably regret it so much that their intestines would turn green.

  "Xiao Chen, my young friend, as long as you give us one word, don't have any burden in your heart. As long as you agree, we will also do our best to protect you completely. Please rest assured on this point!" Xuan Qing saw that Qing Yunzi and Yao Daozi's faces were tense, and his heart was also filled with expectation. If Xiao Chen joined his Lingmen, he was afraid that even if Luoyun Valley had two Golden Dans, his Lingmen would not be much weaker than the opponent.

  "It's exactly as I said, if you're willing to join any of the three sects, I'll do my best to protect you and ensure that neither you nor your entire family will come to harm." Ming's eyes flashed with a hint of determination as he spoke.

  Luoyun Valley already has two Golden Elixir Ancestors, if another three-product alchemy master is added... So the two old ghosts have made up their minds, they must not let Luoyun Valley get this son again!

  The three brothers of the Xuan family also took a step forward at this moment and said in unison: "Little friend, you can also join our Lieyan Sect!"

  The three major sects were pressing in, but Qingyunzi and Yaodaozi's faces were as calm as water, yet they had no way out. The four eyes stared tightly at Xiao Chen, fearing that he would make a decision to join another faction in the next second.

  Xiao Chen's face was slightly dull, and it took a long time for him to react. He couldn't help but sigh and shake his head. Previously, no one asked about him and he was ridiculed, now that he has revealed his alchemy skills, he has become the apple of their eyes. However, this is also human nature, Xiao Chen slightly shook his head and let it go.

  "Everyone, please listen to Xiao Chen's words." Xiao Chen bowed respectfully, the few people in front of him were all Golden Dan cultivators, and with just a slight movement of their fingers, they could crush his existence. He naturally didn't dare be even slightly careless.

  "Little friend, it doesn't matter." Xuan Qing and others exchanged a glance, with some anticipation in their words.

  Xiao Chen nodded slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then said in a loud voice: "I am Xiao Chen, a young master of the Xiao family in Xiao City. I was fortunate enough to learn that there are still cultivators in the world, all thanks to the sect's gift of a once-in-a-decade opportunity to enter the Tianmen, which broadened my horizons."

  "At first, after the Spiritual Root Test, I was supposed to be sent back home and live an ordinary life. Fortunately, my master took me in, taught me the way of cultivation, and passed on the art of alchemy to me. He also gave me a medicinal garden, showing great kindness and favor. It's all thanks to Master Xiao Chen that I have achieved what I am today."

  "Although Xiaozi is not a gentleman, he also thinks that gratitude and resentment are clear. Today, everything is given by the sect's master, and now that he has achieved something, if he were to switch to another sect, wouldn't it be ungrateful? So, although Shaoming appreciates the good intentions of his seniors, he will absolutely not betray his sect, even if it means being a nominal disciple of Luoyun Valley forever."

  These words were spoken from the bottom of Xiao Chen's heart, his voice was calm, but the gratitude was beyond words, his tone was firm and resolute.

  "Alright, alright!" Qingyunzi's tense expression instantly dissipated upon hearing the words, and his eyes shone with affection as he looked at Xiao Chen. He turned to face Xuanqing and the others, saying: "Hehe, thank you for your kind intentions, fellow Daoists. It seems that my disciple is not fortunate enough to receive it. However, rest assured that Xiao Chen will definitely receive the best treatment in Luoyun Valley."

  "Not bad, Xiao Chen'er, today Master will formally accept you as a disciple, I wonder if you are willing?" Yao Daozi's eyes fell on Xiao Chen, filled with expectation.

  "Disciple Xiao Chen, paying respects to the master!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen didn't hesitate at all and directly fell to his knees, performing the three bows and nine knocks of the grand ceremony to pay respects to his master.

  "Good! Quick, get up, my young apprentice." The eyes of Yao Daozi were filled with joy, as he stretched out his hand to help Xiao Chen up. With a flip of his hand, he took out a white jade bead from his storage bag and handed it over to Xiao Chen. "This is the Sword Pill, by infusing spiritual energy into it, it can transform into a spiritual sword, an extremely rare item. It was something I used before I condensed my dan, today I'll give it to you as your initiation gift."

  "Thank you, Master!" Xiao Chen's heart was naturally filled with excitement upon hearing this. The sword pill felt cool to the touch, and there was a sharp aura emanating from it. Moreover, it could be used by Medicine Daozi at the Golden Elixir realm, which meant that it was definitely an extraordinary treasure.

  "Heh heh, Xiao Chen has already become my direct disciple at this moment. Fellow Daoists, don't you still not give up?" Yao Daozi turned around, his old face full of a pleased expression, and smiled.

  "Hmph! Since it's Xiao Chen's choice, we naturally have no objections. However, I'll put down a word: if in the future Xiao Chen is dissatisfied with Lu Yun Valley, he can come to the front of Ding Jin Mountain's Ling Men and I will open the door for him at any time." Xuan Qing let out a hum, his face showing a few hints of helplessness. After all, Xiao Chen had made his choice voluntarily, and there was nothing he could do about it.

  His face was uncertain, half a moment later, he let out a cold snort and sat down with his back to them, but it was unclear what he was thinking in his heart.

  "Xuan Qing Dao friend worried too much, Xiao Chen has the identity of a great alchemy master, I naturally won't treat her unfairly." Qing Yunzi heard this and laughed loudly, slightly hesitated, then said in a low voice: "Xiao Chen come forward."

  Xiao Chen's heart slightly moved, and he immediately stepped forward a few steps, bowed down to the ground with reverence, saying: "Disciple is here."

  "From now on, I, the master of Lu Yun Valley, appoint you as the elder of Dan Ge. Your position is honorable, second only to me and my junior brother Yao Daozi. Moreover, today, with many fellow practitioners present, I declare that the Xiao family of Xiao City will enjoy the protection of Lu Yun Valley for a thousand years. Within ten generations, if Lu Yun Valley does not perish, I will ensure their prosperity for eternity!"

  A thousand years of protection, never leaving or abandoning, this is the highest reward that a family can receive in the Xiu Zhen realm.

  PS: Second update, seeking votes and collection!