"Inform the Sect Leader!"
One of the elders immediately ordered one of their disciples who immediately took off.
"Who would have thought that one of our handymen would be a Heaven-Blessed genius?"
Another said excitedly.
"Luck is truly on our Heaven Sword Sect’s side! Haha... Other sects might as well have trash disciples compared to what we have."
"There’s no way Lin Xuan will remain an Outer Disciple. The Peak Masters will definitely come once they hear the news."
"Yeah! Last time, Azure Cloud Peak got Bai Xinyue. This time, Elder Qinglan will surely want to have him."
"But ultimately, it’ll depend on Lin Xuan—which peak he wants to join. No matter what, he’s now a disciple of the Heaven Sword Sect."
"But... I’ve heard some unsettling rumors about Lin Xuan."
"Apparently, Lin Xuan was recruited as a personal servant by Bai Zihan. Some say he’s been mistreated by him."
"Really? If that’s true, then Bai Zihan won’t be able to avoid responsibility."
Normally, they wouldn’t dare offend Bai Zihan—or more accurately, the Bai Clan. And for a mere handyman, they wouldn’t have said much.
But now that the same handyman had shown Gold on the Dao Resonance Mirror, things were different.
To recruit someone like that, they’d be willing to offend even the Bai Clan.
After all, even keeping Bai Xinyue had risked offending the Bai Clan, who had exiled her.
Doing the same for another Heaven-Blessed genius wouldn’t make much of a difference.
"Well, it might just be a rumor. But if Lin Xuan files a complaint, then we’ll have to investigate. We can’t let such a gifted disciple slip through our fingers and end up in another sect."
Others also nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, the golden light slowly faded, but the shockwaves it left behind lingered in the hearts of everyone present.
The silence following Lin Xuan’s test was almost reverent. No disciple spoke. None moved.
All eyes were on the young man who still stood with his hand resting on the now-dim Dao Resonance Mirror, as calm as a mountain.
Though a rare smile played on his face.
Lin Xuan thought, both happy and stunned.
He would’ve been satisfied just getting Blue and passing. Who would’ve thought he’d actually get Gold?
The significance wasn’t lost on him. He knew exactly what it meant.
On the main platform, the elder overseeing the event stepped forward, stroking his beard.
"Ahem. Lin Xuan... was it?"
He said, trying to keep his tone calm.
Lin Xuan finally moved, turning his gaze to the platform.
"You’ve shown exceptional talent. Heaven-grade Dao Resonance... it seems the Heaven Sword Sect is truly blessed this year."
The elder’s eyes gleamed.
"You understand what that means, right?"
Though it still felt unreal, he knew the significance of getting a Gold result on the Dao Resonance Mirror.
With that level of talent, he could instantly become an Inner Disciple of any peak he wanted.
After all, there wasn’t a Peak Master alive who didn’t want a Heaven-Blessed genius under their wing.
They’d even fight for the chance, offering generous benefits.
"Then you should be prepared," the elder said, confusing Lin Xuan.
He got the highest grade. What else was there to prepare for?
Before he could ask, the Sect Leader arrived—along with a line of elders, all of them Peak Masters.
The air trembled slightly as a majestic pressure descended upon the arena.
An imposing figure appeared at the edge of the platform, walking calmly but exuding authority with every step.
A dozen more figures followed behind, each one radiating the aura of someone who stood at the peak of the cultivation world.
The Sect Leader, Tian Yuheng, had arrived.
All the people present there instantly dropped to their knees.
"We greet the Sect Leader!"
The elders also bowed deeply.
Tian Yuheng waved his hand, and a soft ripple of spiritual power rolled out, gently lifting everyone to their feet.
"No need for ceremony. I came to see the Heaven-Blessed genius with my own eyes."
He said, his gaze turning to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan stiffened slightly under the Sect Leader’s gaze.
It wasn’t oppressive, but it was sharp—piercing, like a blade that could slice into one’s soul and lay bare every secret.
And Lin Xuan... stood tall.
He met Tian Yuheng’s gaze without flinching.
After a long moment, the Sect Leader smiled faintly.
"Good! A strong heart to match a Heaven-grade Dao."
He walked forward slowly, stopping before the now-lifeless Dao Resonance Mirror.
Then he turned to the elders.
"This disciple... is named Lin Xuan, yes?"
He asked, though it was clear he already knew.
"Yes, Sect Leader," the elder who oversaw the trial replied quickly.
"Originally a handyman disciple, but now—"
"He will not remain one," Tian Yuheng interrupted, voice calm but firm.
"From this moment on, he shall be promoted to Inner Disciple."
Just like with Bai Xinyue, although their talent was extraordinary, their cultivation was still lacking.
He would’ve preferred to promote them straight to Core Disciples, but the advanced teachings were tailored for those at the Nascent Soul Realm and above—their current level might hold them back.
But of course, while their status will remain as Inner Disciple, the resources that they get will be more than what other Inner Disciple would get.
Then he turned to Lin Xuan.
"You’ve shown the heavens your potential. From today on, the sect will show you its sincerity."
He gestured to the row of Peak Masters behind him.
Instantly, a storm of voices erupted.
"Lin Xuan! I am Elder Shi of Thundercloud Peak! Our peak specializes in lightning techniques and high-quality resources. Join us, and I’ll guarantee you a personal courtyard and three Spirit Condensation Pills a month!"
"Don’t listen to him! I’m Elder Wan from Verdant Fire Peak! We cultivate fire—join us and I’ll give you a personal Flame Dragon Incantation manual and a Profound-Grade flame sword!"
"I am Elder Lianhua—"
"Elder Lianhua, please! You already have Bai Xinyue!"
A bidding war erupted, with each Peak Master trying to outdo the others to recruit Lin Xuan.
Even the Peak Master of Azure Cloud Peak, who already had Bai Xinyue, threw their hat into the ring.
After all, there was no rule saying a Peak Master couldn’t have two Heaven-Blessed geniuses.
It was already extremely rare to have even one Heaven-Blessed genius, let alone two, so there was no rule saying a single peak couldn’t have both.
Of course, the other Peak Masters did everything they could to stop Elder Lianhua from joining the recruitment.
That’s when Lin Xuan finally understood what the elder had meant earlier—