The room broke into hushed commotion.
"She wants Elder Zhao to guide her?"
"Is she insane? Does she not know about the rumours years ago, elder Zhao once pushed her own disciple into qi deviation!"
"Yes, that was a scandal, everyone knows she only kept her elder seat thanks to her Human Immortal cultivation!"
"Ah! Didn't she just give Fu Ji Wei a Hollow Spirit Pill earlier? Is that why she's doing this, as a repayment?"
Sympathy-filled glances swept toward Fu Ji Wei.
Even the examiner leaned in slightly, concern wrinkling his features.
"Fu Ji Wei," he said carefully, "I suggest you reconsider your choice. There are other Elders who would gladly take a talent like yours."
Fu Ji Wei didn't even blink. Her voice was steady and unwavering.
"I have made my decision."
The examiner exhaled slowly… then turned his gaze onto Fang Yuan.
He opened his mouth, clearly about to offer the same advice he paused.
"Very well," he announced formally.
