"Honored seniors, my disciple is indeed extraordinarily gifted. What do you all think about this matter…" Lin Ya chuckled.
Liuli's eyes flickered slightly as she spoke, "Xiao Jin previously swore a Heavenly Dao Oath not to join any of the Four Holy Lands. Although there may be ways to resolve this oath in the future, for now it must be respected. Since she cannot join the Beast Taming Sect, it makes no difference if I take her on as a disciple in my own name. I have no objection."
Qing Yun also smiled, "In that case, I agree as well. Since we promised, I must naturally keep my word."
But inwardly, Qing Yun was calculating. Since Yun Jin could not join a Holy Land for now, this arrangement would do.
They might say they would guide her together, but ten fingers are never the same length, he could show Yun Jin the advantages of the alchemist's path. Once the oath was resolved, she would naturally choose the better road.
He didn't believe otherwise.
How could a brainless sword cultivator, or a beast tamer constantly wandering about, compare to the comfort of being an alchemist?
As for Yun Jin's words about forging her own path, Qing Yun believed she meant it sincerely.
But who among the young has not once spoken boldly of such things?
Unfortunately…
The cruel reality always strikes.
Even the most gifted must bow before it.
When Yun Jin encountered obstacles, she would naturally choose an established path.
For whatever reasons, both Liuli and Qing Yun outwardly agreed.
Both turned to Ji Wusi.
Qing Yun raised his brow, "Ji Wusi, if you feel it's improper, you can step aside. Liuli and I can teach Xiao Jin ourselves."
Ji Wusi glared at him, "In your dreams!"
Without hesitation, Ji Wusi said, "In that case, I agree as well. I will take you as my final disciple. Not as the Sect Master of Kunlun Sword Sect, but as Ji Wusi! However, without joining Kunlun Sword Sect, I cannot pass down the sect's ancestral sword techniques. The supreme manual, the Azure Lotus Sword Codex, will also be out of reach for now."
Yun Jin smiled, "This is already more than enough."
"Xiao Jin, pay respects to your three masters," Lin Ya urged her with frantic winks.
Understanding, Yun Jin solemnly performed the disciple's salute.
Ji Wusi, Qing Yun, and Liuli accepted without reservation.
Though they had not passed down the Holy Lands' supreme arts, what they had imparted were their unique secret techniques, rarer and more practical than ordinary arts.
They were worthy of receiving her bow.
"Little Junior Sister," two voices called out at once.
Cang Li glanced coldly at Shen Yan Ye.
Shen Yanye narrowed his eyes and snorted.
"Xiao Jin," Cang Li took the initiative to speak first, "I already owe the Yun family a debt. Now that you are my junior sister, if you ever need anything, just tell me. I will go through fire and water without hesitation."
Shen Yanye arched a brow, "Who would've thought a sword cultivator could spout such polite words."
Cang Li replied calmly, "They were not polite words, but were spoken from the heart. It seems Brother Shen is too used to speaking empty words."
Shen Yanye instantly rolled up his sleeves, ready to start a quarrel.
Liuli's gentle voice cut in, "Yanye, do not cause trouble."
Though unwilling, Shen Yanye obediently stepped back.
Liuli stepped forward, her voice soft as flowing water, "Xiao Jin, throughout these ten days of cultivation, I have already treated you as my disciple. So, I have prepared a gift for you in advance."
"A gift?" Yun Jin's eyes brightened with curiosity.
Liuli nodded, patting the beast pouch at her waist. A jade-colored, fluffy little creature blinked awake.
It looked somewhat like a cat, though its ears resembled a fox's.
Its fur was pure white, and its eyes were a clear azure blue, it looked so adorably charming that one instantly wished to hold it.
Yun Jin's eyes lit up.
Liuli smiled in satisfaction at her reaction and explained, "This is a Foundation Establishment Stage Illusion Fox Cat. Illusion Fox Cats are high-grade spirit beasts, with two potential paths of cultivation. Raised toward its fox side, it will master illusion techniques. Raised toward its cat side, it will excel in speed. Either path will allow it to learn a technique called the Listening Art, which can eavesdrop across a thousand li, an exceedingly useful ability."
"I personally subdued this Illusion Fox Cat in the Spirit Beast Forest. But since my contract slots are full, I never formally bonded with it. Now that you have become a second-rank beast tamer, you can contract a second spirit beast. This one should suit you well."
Liuli's tone was gentle.
She had once thought her victory assured, and had painstakingly prepared this gift. Though the outcome had surprised her, it did not stop her from presenting it.
Yun Jin curiously studied the Illusion Fox Cat.
The Illusion Fox Cat tilted its head, equally curious about Yun Jin.
Strangely, the human and beast even looked alike.
Especially those fox-like eyes, they were almost identical.
"However, contracting a spirit beast still requires its consent," Liuli continued. "This Illusion Fox Cat is quite shy. I had to spend over a month gaining its trust before it would follow me. So, Xiao Jin, don't rush. You should—"
Before she could finish, the Illusion Fox Cat suddenly let out a cry and leapt straight into Yun Jin's arms.
Meow~
This human carried an aura that felt wonderfully comforting.
The Illusion Fox Cat buried itself in Yun Jin's embrace, inhaled deeply a few times, then closed its eyes, utterly content.
Liuli looked at her now-empty arms, stunned.
???
Yes, she had intended to give this to Yun Jin as a master-worshipping gift, but she had struggled for a full month to barely win the beast over.
And Yun Jin?
How long has it been?
This proud and arrogant Illusion Fox Cat actually threw itself into someone's arms of its own accord?
Liuli was speechless as she watched the Illusion Fox Cat blissfully squinting.
Yun Jin reached out to stroke it.
Liuli panicked, "Wait—"
The Illusion Fox Cat hated being touched by strangers most of all.
But before she could even finish speaking, the Illusion Fox Cat was already purring comfortably. Then, it nudged its head against Yun Jin's hand, demanding more.
Yun Jin obliged, then asked curiously, "Master Liuli, what were you about to say?"
Liuli: "…Nothing."
In her heart, she screamed.
What's going on?
Wasn't it said that the Illusion Fox Cat never allows even its owner to touch its head?
Wasn't it said that this kind of spirit beast was the proudest of all high-grade spirit beasts?
And here it was, willingly offering up its head. This is an utter disgrace to its kind!
Liuli sighed helplessly, "It seems it is very willing to follow you. That spares much trouble. Find some time to sign the contract."
"Yes," Yun Jin replied.
She really liked this Illusion Fox Cat.
Not only was it adorable and affectionate, but as she held it, her beast tamer skill, Bloodline Purification, faintly stirred.
This proved that the Illusion Fox Cat's bloodline could be further enhanced.
It's already a high-grade spirit beast, what heights might it reach if purified further?
This spirit beast had come at the perfect time. Her second spirit beast was secured!