156: I have some impression

The three of them were stunned for several seconds before they finally reacted.

“What?”

Yu Tianxiang suddenly frowned, slamming his palm onto the table with a “bang”: “Fellow Daoist Qin, surely you aren't joking.”

Qu Yao also kindly reminded him: “Elder Qin, although the Yin Shen Sect has the priority right to choose Disciples according to the rules, there's no reason for you to monopolize all the top Prodigies.”

Facing the doubts of the two, Qin Tianxing's expression remained calm.

Only after the two had finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth: “Please don't rush to refute. Why not listen to the conditions offered by my Yin Shen Sect first.”

Dong Hao lightly fanned himself with a folding fan and asked, “What conditions are you offering?”

Yu Tianxiang and the other person both looked over.

“As long as you agree to let my Yin Shen Sect take these five Disciples from the Dao Seeking Sect, my Yin Shen Sect can waive the selection quota for the Lesser Exquisite Grotto-Heaven twice—for the next Heavenly Selection Grand Ceremony and the one after that. My Sect will no longer participate in Disciple selection. Not only can you select Disciples according to the original rules, but you will also gain an additional quota for eight more Disciples.

As for how this extra quota is distributed, the three of you can negotiate among yourselves.”

As the words fell, the high platform instantly fell silent.

A sharp light flashed in the eyes of Qu Yao and Dong Hao; they were now extremely tempted.

Originally, the Yin Shen Sect was the first to select Prodigies this time. If they proceeded according to the rules, he could select four of the five people from the Dao Seeking Sect.

For the remaining quota, the other party offered the opportunity to recruit eight Disciples.

Although the Cultivators from the Dao Seeking Sect were exceptionally outstanding this year, the Aptitude of Long Lie and the Saint from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion were also much better than in previous years. From a long-term perspective, it seemed they wouldn't lose out.

Yu Tianxiang's expression was complicated, his brows still tightly furrowed.

The talent of that dark-skinned youth was rare in his lifetime, and he did not want to give up on him just yet.

With careful cultivation, he would certainly become a Deity Transformation Realm expert within a century.

Qin Tianxing took in the subtle changes in the three people's expressions and continued:

“You can consider these conditions carefully. If you agree, we can establish an agreement today and execute it accordingly in the future; if you don't agree, then we can only proceed according to the rules. My Yin Shen Sect has priority selection and can secure at least Li Pingan and three others, and what you all receive will likely be even less.”

This long-stalled conversation finally reached a conclusion. Qu Yao and Dong Hao were the first to nod in agreement. Yu Tianxiang remained silent for a long while, finally sighing heavily, his brows furrowed into the shape of the character 'Chuan' ( river), his tone tinged with helplessness:

“Forget it. We will proceed as Fellow Daoist Qin suggested. However, rules must be established regarding the quotas for these two terms, lest changes arise later.”

Qin Tianxing nodded slightly: “Naturally.”

For Qin Tianxing, as long as he could help Chen Xuan even a little, those minor losses were not even comparable to a single Immortal Peach.

Once the negotiation was settled, the leaders of the four major powers stood up and headed toward the Arena Stage.

At this moment, the Cultivators below the stage could no longer contain themselves. The thought of being able to Ascend to the Profound Realm made the excitement and agitation in their eyes irrepressible.

This excitement often lasted until the moment they were branded with a Slave Seal in the Profound Realm, only then realizing that going to the Profound Realm was a massive deception.

Qin Tianxing walked straight toward the Dao Seeking Sect's team, his gaze falling upon Mu Wanqing, Li Pingan, Xie Xingchen, and the other five, speaking in a gentle and calm tone:

“Everyone, follow me.”

Mu Wanqing and the others were momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then exchanged glances.

Earlier in Wanbao City, they had seen Qin Tianxing talking with their Revered Master, Chen Xuan, and knew then that Elder Qin had an extraordinary relationship with their Revered Master. Seeing Qin Tianxing call them out personally now, they quickly guessed: this must be their Revered Master's doing.

Without any hesitation, the five bowed, answered “Yes,” and followed Qin Tianxing away from the noisy Arena Stage.

The Pavilion Master of Tianji Pavilion nearby slightly narrowed his eyes, surprised that all five people from the Dao Seeking Sect had followed one power.

This was somewhat unexpected.

Qu Yao and the other two only went up to select the remaining Prodigies after Qin Tianxing had finished his selection.

The surrounding Cultivators watched this scene, and some had already started inquiring about the reputation of the Dao Seeking Sect.

Wanqing and her group followed Qin Tianxing away from the noisy Grand Ceremony venue, passing through several bluestone corridors until they reached a secluded courtyard. Inside the courtyard, only a few old pine trees grew, and a set of uncollected tea ware sat on a stone table. The furnishings were simple yet elegant.

As soon as she stepped through the courtyard gate, Mu Wanqing's eyes lit up, having spotted a familiar figure.

“Greetings, Revered Master!”

Before Chen Xuan could stand up, the other four had quickly stepped forward, and together with Mu Wanqing, who had realized the situation, they all bowed in unison, their tones filled with respect.

Chen Xuan smiled as he stood up, raising his hand to gesture for them to rise: “Well done. You've all worked hard during this time.”

During this Heavenly Selection Grand Ceremony, not only did the Disciples perform brilliantly, but he also broke through five Realms in succession using the sect prestige points, leaping from Soul Emergence Third Layer to Eighth Layer. This harvest left him extremely satisfied.

Ye Hao immediately replied in a deep voice: “Revered Master, you overstate it. Serving the Sect and earning honor in the Grand Ceremony is simply the duty of a Disciple; it's not hard work.”

Mu Wanqing, standing nearby, couldn't help but lean forward and ask with a giggle: “Revered Master, I performed so well in this Grand Ceremony, I didn't embarrass you, did I?”

“Do you have any Medicinal Pills that can boost cultivation that you can reward your Disciple with?”

Chen Xuan looked at her charming appearance, chuckled, and deliberately teased her: “With your Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer Realm, if it weren't for your Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters secretly looking out for you, you probably wouldn't have even passed the second stage, the Myriad Spirit Affinity Realm. And you dare say you didn't embarrass me?”

“Revered Master! How can you say that!” Mu Wanqing immediately pouted and retorted.

“I am your Founding Senior Disciple, after all! Even if I didn't achieve great merit this time, I still put in hard work, right? It's bad enough you won't reward me, but you keep criticizing me! Besides, so what if the Myriad Spirit Affinity Realm is dangerous? I could smash my way out even if I had to rely on Magic Treasures!”

The Yellow-Skirts Girl argued reasonably, gesturing with her hands, appearing lively and cute.

Her words made everyone laugh, and the atmosphere in the courtyard immediately became much lighter. After chatting for a few more sentences, Chen Xuan waved his hand, allowing the Disciples to go rest.

After Mu Wanqing and the five had left.

Chen Xuan pointed to a pavilion on the side and said calmly, “Sit. I appreciate the effort you put into this matter, Fellow Daoist Qin.”

Qin Tianxing said in a deep voice: “Brother Chen, you overstate it. Why mention such a small matter? Furthermore, being able to assist Brother Chen is an honor.”

Chen Xuan sat down opposite him. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “There is one thing I would like to inquire about with Fellow Daoist Qin...”

Qin Tianxing originally thought it was still related to the Heavenly Selection Grand Ceremony, so he answered without hesitation: “What is it? Brother Chen, please speak.”

Chen Xuan's mind stirred slightly, and a wisp of pale green spiritual Qi emerged from his fingertip. Subtle spatial ripples suddenly appeared in mid-air, and a fragment of black jade stone slowly materialized. He raised his hand to guide it, and the jade fragment gently landed on the stone table with a soft 'tap'.

“Fellow Daoist Qin comes from the Profound Realm and is widely knowledgeable. Have you ever seen this item?”

Upon hearing this, a trace of curiosity flashed in Qin Tianxing's eyes, and he reached out to pick up the Black Jade Fragment.

The wind gently blew through the courtyard, making the pine needles rustle. Chen Xuan did not urge him, merely watching Qin Tianxing's movements quietly.

After a moment, Qin Tianxing slowly put the fragment down.

“Brother Chen, I do have an impression of this item.”