17: Gradually going crazy

After the semifinals concluded, the sun had already set, and the Disciples were taken back by their respective Elders to rest.

Today's battles were eye-opening for everyone, especially the newly admitted Disciples whose strength was not yet high.

When they witnessed the battles of the talented Disciples, a surge of heroic ambition immediately rose in their hearts, hoping that one day they too could become such powerful experts.

Su Yao skipped back toward Spirit Gathering Peak alone, eager to boast to her Revered Master about her achievements today.

Li Haotian had already skewered the meat and prepared a very hearty barbecue, waiting for his Disciple to return.

Although he was not entirely sure where his Disciple's Opportunities came from, she was, after all, someone blessed by Luck, and would always have good fortune.

Li Haotian only needed to stand behind, cheer her on, and provide resources for her to Cultivate, and he would continuously reap benefits.

"My dear System, when can I take on a few more Disciples?"

Li Haotian was now fantasizing about taking on hundreds of Disciples, lying down on his bed, and automatically comprehending various Physiques and various Daos.

"Ding! Replying to Host, currently, no suitable Disciples have appeared, nor have the corresponding missions been triggered. Therefore, please remain patient, Host, and wait a little longer. The next Luck Disciple will appear soon!"

The System's reply was within Li Haotian's expectations. He was now greatly looking forward to the scene of his immediate Ascension in the future.

While Li Haotian was indulging in wishful thinking, Su Yao skipped up the mountain path, a joyful smile on her face.

"Revered Master!"

Su Yao's sweet voice drifted over, waking Li Haotian from his fantasies of a beautiful life.

"You're back! Come, try the Mutton Skewers Revered Master just grilled!"

As Li Haotian spoke, he handed the seasoned Mutton Skewers to Su Yao.

Su Yao took them, eating until her mouth was greasy with oil, her face full of happy smiles.

Before this, she was targeted by the Su Family. Even when begging on the roadside, she would be inexplicably bullied by beggars—all of whom were arranged by the Su Family members specifically to disgust her.

When she was wandering, she either ate scraps and leftovers or spoiled food. Since following her Revered Master, she ate nine meals a day, and every meal consisted of rich meats and fish.

Su Yao even doubted if she had already starved to death and if everything now was just her imagination.

That she could meet a Revered Master who was so wholeheartedly devoted to her, taught her such excellent Cultivation Techniques, and constantly guided her in various aspects, giving her the chance to re-enter the path of Cultivation.

Wasn't an expert who valued her like this something that could only exist in a dream?

Tears welled up in Su Yao's eyes, and she slowly began to sob softly.

Li Haotian gently rubbed her small head and handed over a glass of beverage he had just prepared.

"Try Revered Master's Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juice. Revered Master found these fruits on the back mountain and hasn't tasted what they're like yet. This first glass is for you."

Su Yao nodded tearfully, took the glass with deep gratitude, and after taking a sip, immediately spat it out. A strong bitterness filled her mouth.

Li Haotian burst into laughter. He had already tasted the juice earlier, but he was afraid that if he said it was awful, his Disciple wouldn't fall for the trick.

Su Yao felt both annoyed and amused. Her Revered Master was still as unconventional as ever, just like a child.

The two enjoyed a hearty barbecue dinner, and then Su Yao returned to her Immortal Cave to Cultivate, preparing for tomorrow's battle.

Just as Su Yao left, a figure silently reappeared on Spirit Gathering Peak.

"Haotian."

Immortal Master Xuan Qing softly called out to Li Haotian, afraid of being noticed by Su Yao.

"Sect Master, what brings you here so late?"

Upon seeing the Sect Master, Li Haotian quickly licked all the skewers in his hand before speaking.

Immortal Master Xuan Qing had a dark expression. This fellow was acting like a dog guarding its food, making it seem as if he really wanted to try his Grilled Skewers.

*Slurp~*

Wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, Immortal Master Xuan Qing immediately grew serious.

"As long as you are willing to give up the title of Su Yao's Revered Master, I can guarantee that Spirit Gathering Peak will exist for as long as you remain in the Sect. How about it?"

Immortal Master Xuan Qing's actions had already violated the rules, but he was willing to risk it all for a Prodigy who could ensure Heavenly Profound Sect's prosperity for ten thousand years!

While there were indeed many Prodigies, only one percent of them truly managed to mature. Over the past thousand years, Heavenly Profound Sect had produced many Great Emperor Seedlings, but these seedlings were just that—seedlings. Before they matured, they were just Disciples who needed protection.

They possessed extremely strong talent but lacked Luck, naturally incurring the jealousy of Heaven, causing them to repeatedly perish during missions.

Su Yao's Luck was clearly much better than those other Great Emperor Seedlings. She might be someone blessed with Luck who could successfully Breakthrough to the Great Emperor Realm!

Immortal Master Xuan Qing did not want to let go of such a Prodigy.

"I previously made a wager with the Nine Great Main Peaks. If I lose, I will naturally hand over my Disciple willingly. But if I win, I ask the Sect Master not to make things difficult for me."

Li Haotian spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly. Immortal Master Xuan Qing gritted his teeth fiercely, a look of helplessness on his face.

"In that case, we shall see the result tomorrow. As the previous Chief of Xuanji Peak, I am naturally considered one of the Xuanji Peak members."

"If my Xuanji Peak wins the champion title, Su Yao will become my Personal Disciple. At that time, you must not criticize or interfere."

Li Haotian nodded dismissively.

Immortal Master Xuan Qing immediately flashed away, quickly arriving at Xuanji Peak.

Zhen Xuan, who was teaching the two Disciples who reached the semifinals, was startled the moment his Revered Master appeared.

"Zhen Xuan, how can you teach these newly admitted Disciples the Core Battle Techniques of our Xuanji Peak?"

Zhen Xuan was secretly explaining Battle Techniques that could significantly enhance their personal strength and combat power, all in order to secure the champion position in the upcoming Grand Competition.

Now that his Revered Master had discovered him, he felt a sudden sense of shame. He, a dignified top expert, was shamelessly trying to snatch a Disciple.

He had expected Immortal Master Xuan Qing to punish him, but unexpectedly, the other party merely smiled slightly and then pointed out the flaws in the Cultivation Technique he had just explained to the two Disciples.

Zhen Xuan looked completely bewildered. How could his Revered Master, who always strictly adhered to the rules, suddenly take the initiative to break them?

A strange glint flashed in his eyes. Did Revered Master also have designs on Su Yao?

Having been Revered Master and Disciple for many years, the two exchanged glances and smiled at each other, then continued instructing the two on Cultivating Xuanji Peak's Strongest Battle Technique!

Immortal Master Xuan Qing had thrown caution to the wind; he was willing to sacrifice his old face just to make Su Yao take him as Revered Master.