The duel ended with dust still hanging in the air. Disciples whispered and pointed at Li Ming like he had turned into some mythical beast.
Li Ming stood tall, aura fading, chest puffed out like a rooster who just won the barnyard fight. Inside, however, his knees trembled. Hooo boy... that almost drained me completely... better act cool, Li Ming, act cool!
Before the crowd could calm down, a deep voice echoed through the plaza.
Everyone turned. From the far side of the arena, three figures floated down, their robes fluttering as if the wind itself bowed to them. Sect elders. Latest content published on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
The disciples scrambled into bows. "Greetings, Elders!"
Even Wu Jian, still half-buried in rubble, forced himself to kneel.
Li Ming swallowed nervously, then remembered his "cool guy" act and clasped his hands with fake calm. "Greetings, respected elders."
The leading elder, a tall man with a stern jaw and piercing eyes, studied him carefully. His gaze was sharp enough to slice stone, and Li Ming felt like his whole body was being dissected.
"What is your name, boy?"
Li Ming straightened his back. "Li Ming."
The elder nodded. "Li Ming... I saw your duel. Your reaction speed, your aura control, your overwhelming strike—it was beyond the level of a mere beginner. Tell me, who is your master?"
Li Ming froze. Master? Uh oh. Should I tell them about the jade slip? No way! They’d probably snatch it faster than a beggar grabbing steamed buns.
He forced a confident smile. "I... have no master. I’m just naturally talented."
The disciples gasped.
"He’s saying he’s self-taught?!"
The elder’s eyes narrowed. "Naturally talented, hmm? Or hiding something..."
Another elder, a plump old man with kind eyes, chuckled. "Don’t scare the boy, Elder Feng. Genius sometimes blooms in unexpected soil. This child could be a hidden dragon."
A third elder, a woman with silver hair, smirked. "Or a fox in dragon’s clothing. Still, talent is talent."
Li Ming scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh... thank you?"
The plump elder stepped forward. "Li Ming, would you like to join my Peak? We specialize in body cultivation. With your natural strength, you’d flourish."
The silver-haired elder waved her hand. "Nonsense. He should join my Peak of Wind and Sword. His reaction speed shows talent in agility."
Elder Feng snorted coldly. "Hmph. He needs discipline. I’ll take him under my wing and forge him into a true cultivator."
The disciples buzzed in shock.
"Three elders fighting over him?!"
"He’s just a new recruit!"
Li Ming blinked rapidly. Wait wait wait... are they seriously arguing over me? Haha! I knew I was amazing! But... oh crap, what do I say?
He raised his hands nervously. "Uh, esteemed elders, thank you very much, but... can I think about it over lunch?"
The plaza went dead silent.
Elder Feng’s face twitched. The silver-haired elder covered her mouth, hiding a laugh. The plump elder guffawed loudly.
"Hahaha! Bold, very bold! Fine, boy. Think on it. But remember—we’ll be watching you."
The three elders turned and left, their robes fluttering dramatically.
As soon as they were gone, the plaza erupted again.
"He turned down three elders?!"
"Does he want to die?!"
"Or is he... just that confident?"
Wu Jian, still covered in dust, glared at Li Ming with murder in his eyes. Damn you, chicken boy. Just you wait...
Meanwhile, Li Ming wiped the sweat from his forehead and collapsed onto a bench. His hands shook, but his grin stretched ear to ear.
"Heh... lunch first, destiny later. That’s the way of Li Ming."
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