Lin Yuheng’s expression stiffened slightly.
Could it be that Vice Pavilion Master Gu also wants to recruit Jiang Fan?
The news of Jiang Fan exterminating the entire Giant Sect was brought back by Ye Cangyuan.
He reported it to the Pavilion Master.
The Pavilion Master felt the matter was of great importance and did not make it public.
Instead, he summoned Lin Yuheng, who had multiple interactions with Jiang Fan, to inquire about his character in detail.
So far, the only people who know about Jiang Fan’s feat of destroying the Giant Sect are:
The Pavilion Master, Ye Cangyuan, and her.
What did Gu Huaxi mean when she said whether she could handle Jiang Fan?
Could the news have quietly spread?
Her gaze flickered, and she said, "Vice Pavilion Master Gu misunderstood."
"I just feel a connection with him, that’s all."
You Yunzi glanced at Gu Huaxi sideways and secretly transmitted a message: "Old hag, what are you doing?"
"Afraid that others won’t know you’ve taken a fancy to Jiang Fan?"
He was utterly speechless.
Initially, most people’s attention had been drawn to the prodigies from Taicang State.
But Gu Huaxi apparently had other plans.
Anyone slightly perceptive could tell Gu Huaxi had her eyes on Jiang Fan.
This would inevitably make others look at Jiang Fan differently.
Gu Huaxi also noticed something amiss and tried to cover it up:
"I just dislike some unscrupulous behavior, that’s all."
"I hope everyone would compete for disciples openly and fairly."
"There’s no need for devious methods."
She refrained from looking at Jiang Fan again.
Doing her best to make Jiang Fan seem less notable.
Seeing that the disciples, vice pavilion masters, and stewards were all present, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master spoke:
"Alright, let’s first assess everyone’s cultivation and then introduce your background."
"After that, you may all compete freely for disciples."
"The Nine-Sect representatives will go first."
Liu Qingxian had been in the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion for some time.
She naturally stepped forward and released her Spiritual Power: "Liu Qingxian of the Green Cloud Sect, Fifth Level of Core Formation."
Jiang Fan was slightly surprised.
Not bad. After the Boundary Mountain battle, she was only at the Third Level of Core Formation.
In less than two months, she had broken through two levels.
It seemed the care from Gu Huaxi and You Yunzi was more than just superficial.
Xu Youran and Chen Silin released their cultivation levels shyly.
"Xu Youran of the Green Cloud Sect, Second Level of Core Formation."
"Chen Silin of the Green Cloud Sect, Second Level of Core Formation."
Compared to others, the two women’s cultivation was relatively weak.
Many stewards wore puzzled expressions.
They couldn’t understand how these two had managed to join the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
Next was Jiang Fan; he cupped his hands and said, "I’m also from the Green Cloud Sect."
"Sixth Level of Core Formation."
He displayed his cultivation level.
Liang Feiyan was shocked: "Ah? You’ve already jumped to the Sixth Level of Core Formation?"
Before Jiang Fan was captured, he had only reached the Third Level of Core Formation.
Despite being held captive by demons, his cultivation not only remained unaffected but advanced rapidly.
Xia Chaoge also smirked lightly.
No wonder he could take on the Giant Sect single-handedly.
The two then showcased their cultivation levels.
"Liang Feiyan, Fifth Level of Core Formation."
"Xia Chaoge, Sixth Level of Core Formation."
Over time, both had progressed by one layer.
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master nodded slightly, turning his gaze to the uninvited loose cultivator disciples from beyond.
"You may display yours as well."
Mu Ying stepped forward.
"Mu Ying from Qingli Mountain, Ninth Level of Core Formation."
As her aura was unveiled, everyone was startled.
"Ninth Level of Core Formation!"
"She could serve as a steward directly!"
"If cultivated further, she could reach Ninth Layer Perfection!"
Her presence instantly caused a stir.
Many stewards’ eyes lit up.
"Jiang Baihua, Eighth Level of Core Formation."
"Xiong Xinyan, Seventh Level of Core Formation."
"Yu Tiandu, Seventh Level of Core Formation."
"Zhao Diancang, Sixth Level of Core Formation."
"Yan Qiugui, Sixth Level of Core Formation."
"Meng Ping, Fifth Level of Core Formation."
The abilities of the seven disciples drew widespread admiration.
Such prowess exceeded most of the elite disciples of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
Most of these disciples were mentored by the four vice pavilion masters.
For the stewards present, who wouldn’t be tempted?
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master gazed at them and said:
"If you sincerely wish to join the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, I welcome you."
He didn’t say the next sentence.
But the implication was clear.
If harboring ill intentions, they would be severely punished.
By rights, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion should have lost its appeal to disciples from Taicang State.
The sudden arrival of so many was indeed peculiar.
Mu Ying cupped her hands and said, "We shall serve the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion wholeheartedly!"
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master said nothing further.
Turning back, he looked at the vice pavilion masters and sect leaders eager to act.
"Each person may only choose one."
"Make your choices wisely."
"Once chosen, no changes are allowed."
"No one may snatch a disciple selected by others."
"Whoever touches the disciple first claims them."
The vice pavilion masters and sect leaders grew excited.
The disciples also felt nervous.
Especially Xu Youran and Chen Silin.
By comparison, their abilities would likely be dismissed.
On the other hand, Mu Ying and the others remained calm.
Those at Seventh Layer and above were already focusing their attention on the four vice pavilion masters.
Yu Tiandu crossed his arms confidently and said:
"Perfect. Four vice pavilion masters, one each for us."
"We Qingli Mountain disciples will take all the slots."
Mu Ying frowned slightly and said, "Keep it low-key!"
"Do you want to antagonize those Nine-Sect representatives again?"
"If we monopolize the spots for the four vice pavilion masters, they’ll naturally be upset."
"And if they hear such remarks, they’ll stir up trouble again."
Yu Tiandu shrugged, "If their skills don’t measure up, who can they blame?"
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master took a slight breath and said:
"Begin selecting disciples!"
Mu Ying and Yu Tiandu smiled at the four vice hall masters expectantly.
They didn’t rush towards them as expected.
Contrary to expectations.
The stewards approached the external disciples with remarkable composure.
They seemed entirely uninterested in competing over them.
As though they already had better targets in mind!
Chen Zhengdao chuckled and waved at Liu Qingxian, saying, "What are you waiting for?"
Chen Zhengdao hailed from Biliu City, under the Green Cloud Sect’s jurisdiction.
He had also had a long-standing acquaintance with Liu Qingxian’s father Liu Wuchen.
Now that Liu Qingxian had joined the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, how could he not look out for her?
Liu Qingxian glanced at Jiang Fan, who was completely overlooked by everyone.
Quickly running over, she whispered, "Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, do you still remember the Ninth-Grade Spirit Root prodigy from Lonely Boat City?"
Chen Zhengdao asked in confusion, "Of course I remember."
"At Dragon-Rising Path, he defeated my projection—no, even defeated the Pavilion Master’s projection."
"His potential is terrifying."
"It’s a pity he vanishes without a trace. I later searched for him again, but found no trace."
Liu Qingxian revealed a mysterious smile and whispered, "No need to pity. He’s standing right in front of you now."
Chen Zhengdao jolted, scanning the crowd.
His gaze quickly landed on Jiang Fan, who had a close relationship with Liu Qingxian.
Liu Qingxian smiled brightly and said softly, "Before others find out."
"What are you hesitating for, Deputy Pavilion Master Chen?"