21: Chapter 21 A Lone Star Destined for Life, Incurable Misfortune

Chu Changsheng sat composed on the main seat, his posture relaxed, as if this highly anticipated Disciple-recruitment ceremony were nothing more than a casual tea party.

A faint smile played on his features, and his gaze, warm as the spring sun, landed gently upon Jian Tanghuang.

Then, he lifted his hand slightly and beckoned her over—the gesture was as casual as if he were calling to his own Junior.

Yet, the moment his voice resonated, the entire great hall seemed to be gripped by an invisible giant hand.

"Jian Tanghuang, is it? Come here."

His voice was not loud, but like a secluded spring in a mountain stream, it flowed clear and cool into the ears of everyone present.

There was an inherent majesty in his tone, yet it somehow made one unable to muster even the slightest resistance.

"From this day forth, you shall be my second Disciple."

As his words fell, a breeze seemed to sweep across the Martial Arts Arena of the Disciple-recruitment ceremony, carrying away the last traces of clamor.

Silence reigned supreme.

Only this sentence echoed repeatedly in everyone's hearts, lingering for a long time.

"Yes, Revered Master!"

At that instant, Jian Tanghuang's eyes suddenly lit up, as if a billion stars had fallen into them simultaneously, the radiance of her surprise and excitement nearly overflowing.

She moved at his call, her lotus steps shifting lightly—at this moment, the entire Martial Arts Arena became nothing more than a backdrop for her.

Her figure was as light as a willow swaying in the wind, and as graceful as drifting clouds, carrying a heart full of solemnity and irrepressible joy as she walked elegantly to Chu Changsheng's side.

Every step was upright and elegant, her skirt swaying slightly, neither hurried nor slow, as if what she stepped upon was not cold stone tiles, but a pilgrimage path leading to the supreme Dao.

This posture was so beautiful that one could not tear their eyes away.

Arriving beside her Revered Master, she did not forget Xuanyuan Zhanxian, who stood to the side.

She turned slightly to Face this new Senior Brother, folded her hands elegantly in front of her, and bowed gracefully.

Her demeanor was as dignified as a Fairy in a painting.

Her grace was like an orchid under the moonlight.

When she spoke, her voice was clear and melodious, like jade chimes striking stone, or clear springs washing over jade:

"Junior Sister Jian Tanghuang greets Senior Brother. Newly entered into the sect, I am young and ignorant. In the days of Cultivation ahead, should I make any mistakes or act without due thought, I hope Senior Brother will not hesitate to offer your guidance."

Her expression was respectful, her tone sincere, and there was not a trace of the arrogance of an Eldest Princess of the Shenwu Dynasty in her eyes. Instead, she looked like a little Junior Sister who had just arrived at an ordinary Immortal sect, her eyes filled with respect for her fellow Disciple.

Seeing her bow, Xuanyuan Zhanxian dared not show the slightest negligence; he immediately cupped his hands in return, a warm smile like the spring breeze on his Face:

"Junior Sister, you speak too seriously. Since we have entered the sect, we are family. From now on, we should support each other and seek the Dao together."

Their conversation was peaceful and polite, like the harmonious playing of zither and lute, and the atmosphere in the hall became extremely harmonious for a time.

But just at this moment—

"Undying Divine Phoenix Body! Taiji Yin-Yang Divine Body! Hiss—extraordinary, truly extraordinary!"

Beside them, Patriarch Tian Yuanzi had kept his gaze fixed on Jian Tanghuang ever since she stepped forward.

At this moment, two rays of sharp light burst from his eyes, like thunder tearing through the Void Realm, and he could not help but clap his hands and whisper.

Although his voice was low, it could not hide the overwhelming shock within.

Immediately, his eyes darted, he cleared his throat, straightened his slightly hunched back, and strove to put on an appearance of an Immortal with sage-like bones, a Revered Master beyond the world, as he stroked his beard and slowly turned to Chu Changsheng:

"That... Changsheng, is it? Look, I at least bear the title of 'Old Ancestor.' In this vast Xuantian Sect, there are countless Disciples, yet to this day, I have not found a single seedling truly capable of inheriting my Legacy."

"I see that these two new Disciples you have taken in are both gifted with spiritual beauty and are uncut gems rarely found in all ages..."

He paused, his eyes revealing undisguised anticipation, even carrying a bit of the longing of a child begging for a beloved object, "Look, can you spare one and let me also experience the thrill of being a Revered Master?"

Hearing this, Chu Changsheng slanted a glance at him, his lips curling into a smile that was not quite a smile—the expression was exactly like a fox that had seen through every conspiracy:

"Old Ancestor, this is not a discussion; you are trying to snatch food from my bowl, aren't you?"

"Aiya, look at what you're saying! How can this be called snatching!" Patriarch Tian Yuanzi's Face instantly piled up with a smile, carrying a bit of flattery, and he even subconsciously rubbed his hands together, leaning half a step closer, "This is just... discussing it with you!"

As he spoke, he shook his sleeve, and a jade box appeared in his palm out of thin air.

The jade box was crystalline throughout, as if carved from ten-thousand-year cold ice, yet it emitted a warm, jade-like spiritual light, as if clear springs were quietly flowing within it.

The box faintly radiated a misty glow, and before it was even opened, a clear, refreshing fragrance of a Medicinal Pill quietly permeated the air—smelling it made one's spirit jolt, as if the spiritual power within one's body became more active, and the Meridians were cheering and leaping for joy.

"I happen to have a 'Nine-Turn Xuantian Pill' that I have treasured for many years," Patriarch Tian Yuanzi said, holding the jade box, his tone carrying an unconcealable temptation, "Use this to trade for one of your Disciples, how about it? This deal, you won't lose out!"

"Nine-Turn Xuantian Pill?!"

Beside them, Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao and several Elders, upon hearing this, almost simultaneously gasped in cold air.

Their eyes widened into saucers, and the shock on their Faces was as if they had seen a ghost.

The Nine-Turn Xuantian Pill—this was a top-grade Grade 8 Spirit Pill that enjoyed a resounding reputation across the entire Taichu Continent!

Medicinal Pills are divided into nine grades, with Grade 1 being the lowest and Grade 9 being the peak; above that, there are even more ethereal and hard-to-find Immortal Pills and Divine Pills.

A Grade 8 Medicinal Pill was already a supreme treasure that countless Cultivators dreamed of but could rarely obtain.

This pill was said to have the effect of seizing the creation of heaven and earth and reversing the mysteries of life and death; it had miraculous effects for breaking through Bottlenecks, solidifying the foundation of the Dao, and even treating injuries to the Dao.

The Old Ancestor was actually taking out such a Divine Pill to trade for a Disciple?!

But Chu Changsheng, upon hearing this, felt no ripples in his heart.

He was currently thinking about the 10,000 Grade 8 Marrow Cleansing Pills that the System was about to deliver—at this moment, looking at the jade box in Patriarch Tian Yuanzi's hand that made countless people go crazy, his eyes merely flashed with a barely perceptible look of disapproval.

His expression was as calm as water, and his gaze did not even linger on the tempting jade box for a moment; he simply shook his head, his tone as casual as if discussing today's weather:

"Old Ancestor, do you think I am the kind of young person who knows nothing of the world? Moreover, do you think... I would be lacking in such things?"

His voice was not loud, but carried a matter-of-fact certainty, as if what Patriarch Tian Yuanzi had produced was not a Grade 8 Divine Pill, but an ordinary sugar pill.

His tone revealed a lofty indifference, as if this treasure that made the entire continent go crazy was, in his eyes, nothing more than a common object found by the roadside.

Patriarch Tian Yuanzi's expression stiffened, and the flattering smile on his Face almost couldn't be maintained.

He retracted the jade box dejectedly, his movements slightly awkward, clearly not expecting that Chu Changsheng would not even look twice at a Grade 8 Medicinal Pill.

But he did not give up. His eyes darted again, and his dimmed gaze lit up once more.

"Then... what about this?" He reached into his sleeve again.

This time, what he pulled out was a palm-sized, jagged bronze fragment.

It was ancient and worn, its surface covered in mottled verdigris and mysterious, indiscernible fine patterns.

At first glance, it was unremarkable, looking like a scrap piece casually knocked off from some broken antique.

However—the moment it was exposed to the air, a vast, heavy aura of Xuanhuang quietly permeated the surroundings!

Although the aura was faint, it seemed to carry endless years, revealing an indescribable mystery and antiquity.

Just looking at it gave one the illusion of facing the primordial ancient era, as if countless lost stories were sleeping within it.

Chu Changsheng's originally indifferent gaze, the instant it touched this bronze fragment—suddenly froze.

He clearly felt that a thread of an extremely obscure, yet majestic and vast, mysterious Dao rhythm lingered upon the fragment!

This power was ancient and strong, by no means comparable to ordinary antiques.

Even with his knowledge, it was difficult to see through its origin for a moment, but his instinct told him—this object was extraordinary.

Seeing Chu Changsheng's expression flicker, Patriarch Tian Yuanzi felt a surge of joy, secretly thinking there was a chance.

He hurriedly struck while the iron was hot, lowering his voice to say: "Plus, I will add the 'Immortal Brew' that I have cellared for a full three thousand years! There are only three jars in total, and I will give you one! How about it?"

Immortal Brew! Even Chu Changsheng had heard of the great name of this wine.

It was a peerless fine wine made from countless rare spiritual fruits and divine springs, supplemented by unique secret techniques, and aged over a long period of time.

It had immense benefits for Cultivation and the Divine Soul, and its taste was worthy of being called an Immortal brew from heaven; it was rare and hard to obtain.

Chu Changsheng remained silent for a moment. The entire Martial Arts Arena fell quiet, to the point where a falling needle could be heard.

All eyes were focused on him, waiting for his answer.

Suddenly, a slightly cunning smile appeared on his Face.

He did not answer Patriarch Tian Yuanzi directly, but instead turned to look at his two newly accepted Disciples, his tone as relaxed as if chatting about daily life: "Zhanxian, Tanghuang. The Old Ancestor is so generous; treasures are truly moving."

"Speak for yourselves; is there anyone willing to follow the Old Ancestor to Cultivate and inherit his Legacy?"

As his words fell, Xuanyuan Zhanxian stepped forward without the slightest hesitation!

He bowed solemnly in the direction of Patriarch Tian Yuanzi, then turned to Chu Changsheng, his voice steady and powerful, every word clangorous and resolute: "Disciple Xuanyuan Zhanxian, thanks to Revered Master's grace for not forsaking me, taking me into the sect, and teaching the Dao and imparting knowledge—your kindness is akin to a rebirth! This kindness and virtue, I will never forget for the rest of my life!"

"In this life, the Disciple has only one Revered Master, and I have absolutely no second heart, nor do I dare to defect to another sect!"

"I am grateful for the Old Ancestor's kindness, but I must respectfully decline!"

His voice was like metal striking stone, every word and sentence revealing loyalty from the bottom of his heart, echoing in the great hall, shaking the soul of everyone present.

Jian Tanghuang followed closely behind. She first bowed gracefully to Patriarch Tian Yuanzi to show respect.

Then she raised her head, her voice soft yet equally clear and firm: "I am flattered by the Old Ancestor's favor."

She lowered her head slightly, her tone sincere yet not lacking in courtesy, "However, since I have already entered my Revered Master's sect, and I have not yet been able to relieve my Revered Master's worries or contribute my meager efforts—how could I change my allegiance for external objects and defect elsewhere?"

"For Revered Master's grace of recognition, I am willing to follow by your side for the rest of my life, Cultivating diligently without pause, to repay Revered Master's kindness even in the slightest."

"I am deeply grateful for the Old Ancestor's kindness, but I can only disappoint you; I hope the Old Ancestor will be magnanimous."

Her words were earnest, her attitude respectful; she had clearly refused Patriarch Tian Yuanzi while also giving this Old Ancestor plenty of Face. Her words were flawless, leaving no room for anyone to find any fault.

"Heh! You two little children are certainly loyal."

Patriarch Tian Yuanzi looked at the two of them; far from being angry, he stroked the beard on his chin, his eyes flashing with undisguised appreciation.

His gaze toward Chu Changsheng also held a bit more heartfelt admiration: "Not bad, Changsheng, you've taken in good Disciples! Their Heart-Nature and talent are both top-tier choices, and they are so loyal—truly extraordinary."

"Forget it, forget it, I won't snatch them from you; a twisted melon is not sweet, nor does it quench thirst."

He waved his hand, appearing carefree, then added: "But let's agree on this—in the future, if these two little ones encounter any difficulties in their Cultivation, or need some special guidance, I must be allowed to put in a word or two and guide them a bit. You cannot stop me!"

At this moment, Chu Changsheng did not immediately respond to Patriarch Tian Yuanzi.

His gaze fell on Jian Tanghuang's side profile, which appeared obedient, gentle, and respectful, and an extremely subtle, indescribable sense of strangeness inexplicably flitted across his heart.

This feeling came suddenly, without any reason.

He frowned slightly, directly ignoring Patriarch Tian Yuanzi, who was still rambling, and began to communicate with the System in his heart.

"System, is this situation... right?" he asked inwardly.

"Replying to the Host." The System's voice resonated leisurely in his mind, carrying a mechanical yet mysterious certainty, "According to this System's comprehensive deduction and analysis of the current world line and character destinies: Xuanyuan Zhanxian, as the person fated to Face the tribulation in the Phoenix Clan's prophecy, and Jian Tanghuang, have highly intertwined destiny trajectories."

"Data shows that the probability of the two of them becoming Dao Companions in this world is—as high as 97.8%!"

"Yo? Not bad, System, you even know how to deduce marriage fortunes?" Chu Changsheng was slightly surprised in his heart, then asked, "Then hurry up and deduce for me, where is my Dao affinity? I'm still single!"

"Deducing the Host's Dao affinity line..."

"Deduction complete."

"Conclusion: The Host's destiny is special, being a variant of the 'Heavenly Lone Star,' fated with the 'Lone Star' and 'Widow Star,' the palace of love is dim, and peach blossoms are illusory."

"Most emotional entanglements in a lifetime are like flowers in a mirror and the moon in water, fleeting encounters, and it is difficult to have long-lasting bonds."

"System suggestion: The Host should focus on Dao Cultivation; matters of love and affection need not be forced."

The System's voice was cold and mechanical, but the words it spat out were like ice needles, mercilessly piercing Chu Changsheng's heart.

"..." Chu Changsheng was silent for a moment. Then, he roared in his heart:

[You damn thing, are you speaking human language! You are the Heavenly Lone Star! You are the one fated with solitude! I am handsome, dashing, and suave; I am the dream of nine hundred million—no, nine billion girls! How could my love affinity be thin?! You dog System, did you bug out again? You only know how to spout nonsense here!]

"System operation is normal, deduction result confidence level is 99.99%. Please Face reality, Host. If it is not in your destiny, do not force it." The System responded without emotion.

[I'll Face you—] Before Chu Changsheng's mental ranting could finish, a crisp notification sound rang in his mind:

"Ding! Detected that the Host has successfully accepted a Disciple (Jian Tanghuang), meeting the conditions for reward distribution."

"Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the Disciple-acceptance reward: Top-Grade Spirit Stone x 100 million, Grade 8 Marrow Cleansing Pill x 10,000, Primordial Forbidden Divine Ability Treasure Technique—True Phoenix Treasure Technique (Complete Volume) x1, Phoenix Nirvana Sutra (Complete Version) Jade Slip x1."

"All rewards have been stored in the System Space; the Host can access them at any time with a thought."

[...] Chu Changsheng was choked up by the System, almost unable to catch his breath, feeling both depressed and helpless in his heart.

This dog System, even when scolded, it doesn't talk back; it only knows how to smash people with facts and rewards.

However, when his consciousness swept through the System Space—mountains of Top-Grade Spirit Stones were flashing with brilliant light.

10,000 lustrous and radiant Grade 8 Marrow Cleansing Pills were emitting an intoxicating fragrance.

Two Jade Slips, whose names alone revealed an aura of endless antiquity and power, were floating quietly, as if waiting for their Revered Master to open them.

The depression in Chu Changsheng's eyes was quickly replaced by a gleam of light.

He rubbed his nose, temporarily suppressing the inexplicable sense of strangeness in his heart and his dissatisfaction with the System's slander.

On his Face, he put back on that expression of calm, detached, and unfathomable mystery.

As if all the mental activity from just a moment ago had never happened.