Chapter 28: Midnight's Apprenticeship

The Grand Hall of the Heavenly Origin Palace's Main Peak. “Yurou, bring me the disciple who won first place in the Outer Sect Grand Competition. I intend to take him as my personal apprentice,” a clear, melodious voice commanded. She was a woman seemingly descended from a celestial realm, clad in a luxurious white gown. Though her face was veiled, her exquisite eyes held a captivating allure that could ensnare anyone with a single glance. “Yes, Master,” Lin Yurou bowed respectfully before slowly withdrawing. Lin Yurou's heart was filled with utter shock. Why would her Master choose Yang Lingchen as an apprentice? Meanwhile, the moment Yang Lingchen claimed victory, a sensational piece of news rocked the entire Heavenly Origin Palace. Just moments ago, Ling Yanyun, the Heavenly Origin Palace's foremost beauty, publicly declared that Yang Lingchen, the winner of the Outer Sect Grand Competition, was her man. The news, once spread, instantly caused a massive stir throughout the Heavenly Origin Palace. In that moment, almost all inner and core disciples were inquiring about Yang Lingchen's background. Everyone was curious about what kind of man could possibly earn Ling Yanyun's favor. As the Heavenly Origin Palace's top beauty, Ling Yanyun not only possessed unparalleled looks but also had astonishing cultivation talent. At seventeen years old, her cultivation had already reached the ninth level of the Void Inquiry Realm. Naturally, a woman as exceptional as Ling Yanyun was never short of admirers. From inner to core disciples, and even rumors suggested that Saint Son Sikong held a special affection for her. Yet, Yang Lingchen was completely unaware of these developments, as he was busy registering his information at the Assessment Hall. Based on her personal choice, Feng Xueqing selected the Heavenly Origin Peak, which was the very peak where the Heavenly Origin Palace Master resided. Yang Lingchen chose the Heavenly Pill Peak, as it was the only peak primarily focused on alchemy, and also the one with the fewest residents. Yang Lingchen's reason for choosing Heavenly Pill Peak was the greater opportunity it offered to access precious medicinal ingredients. “You scoundrel, you'd better cultivate diligently! If anyone bothers me, you'll have to step up like a man, okay?” Feng Xueqing said. “Who dares bother you? I'll break all five of their limbs,” Yang Lingchen replied with utmost seriousness. Feng Xueqing was indeed a girl he quite liked, embodying almost every desirable quality. She had the figure, the looks, the talent, and was not only mature but also incredibly adorable. Most importantly, Feng Xueqing possessed an ethereal aura that seemed otherworldly. “You said it! If anyone bothers me, I'll tell them Yang Lingchen is my man,” Feng Xueqing said with a mischievous smile. “You're not going to cause me a heap of trouble, are you?” Yang Lingchen felt as if he had fallen into a trap. “That's hard to say. This young lady is as beautiful as a flower, and there are always flies buzzing around wherever I go,” Feng Xueqing said, blinking her beautiful eyes. “Alright! If anyone dares to bother you, just tell them my name. I'm not afraid of trouble,” Yang Lingchen stated. Yang Lingchen knew that beautiful women would certainly not lack admirers. As a man, if he couldn't even deal with the 'flies' around a beautiful woman, what right did he have to be with her? Suddenly, an exquisite figure appeared in the Assessment Hall. It was none other than the Palace Master's disciple, Lin Yurou. “Lin Yurou, why are you here?” Yang Lingchen was surprised to see her. “Yang Lingchen, come with me to Heavenly Origin Peak. The Palace Master wants to see you,” Lin Yurou said softly. “The… the Palace Master wants to see me? Are you sure? I don't think I've done anything wrong!” Yang Lingchen asked, puzzled. “You haven't done anything wrong. The Palace Master wants to take you as her disciple. Hurry up and come!” Lin Yurou urged. “The Palace Master wants to take me as her disciple?” Yang Lingchen frowned. “Stop talking nonsense, just come with me,” Lin Yurou pressed. “Alright, can Xueqing come too? She also chose Heavenly Origin Peak,” Yang Lingchen asked. “Fine, you two follow me,” Lin Yurou said. With that, she walked straight ahead, with Yang Lingchen and Feng Xueqing following behind her. “You scoundrel, why would the Palace Master take you as her disciple?” Feng Xueqing asked softly. “I really don't know,” Yang Lingchen replied. “Yang Lingchen, have you met the Palace Master before?” Lin Yurou asked curiously. “I don't know either! We'll find out when we meet her.” Yang Lingchen was also puzzled. Why would the lofty Palace Master suddenly want to take him as an apprentice? After passing through several peaks, they finally arrived at a massive mountain. It was a majestic peak, its summit piercing the clouds. The three of them boarded a flying beast, and in no time, they reached the peak. After settling Feng Xueqing, Lin Yurou led Yang Lingchen to the Grand Hall of the Palace Master. Looking at the profound and magnificent hall before him, Yang Lingchen was utterly astonished. Such architecture, if it were on Earth, would be an almost impossible miracle. Entering the Grand Hall. In the very center of the hall sat a woman with a graceful figure, luxurious attire, elegant demeanor, and a veiled face. Though her face was veiled, her exquisite eyes seemed to possess a magical power, drawing anyone who looked into them into an irresistible trance. “Master, Yang Lingchen has been brought,” Lin Yurou bowed. “You may withdraw,” Oriental Yunbing's elegant and melodious voice rang out, as if carrying an irresistible charm. “Yes, Master,” Lin Yurou bowed and retreated. “Disciple Yang Lingchen greets the Palace Master,” Yang Lingchen bowed respectfully. “Yang Lingchen, from today onwards, you are my personal disciple. Do you have any objections?” Oriental Yunbing's pleasant voice came. “No… no objections. Disciple Yang Lingchen greets Master.” Yang Lingchen didn't know why, but in front of this exquisite woman, he felt utterly powerless to resist. He immediately knelt down and performed the apprenticeship ritual. “Come closer. Let me have a good look at you,” Oriental Yunbing's voice held a hint of tenderness. “Yes, Master,” Yang Lingchen lowered his head, not daring to look directly at Oriental Yunbing, and walked over hesitantly. “I won't eat you. Lift your head and come a little closer,” Oriental Yunbing's voice was now very gentle. “Yes, Master.” Yang Lingchen walked over cautiously. The pressure emanating from this woman was simply too terrifying; he felt as if a great mountain was pressing down on him. Oriental Yunbing extended a pair of flawless jade hands, her index finger gently hooking Yang Lingchen's chin. Her voice, slightly alluring, said, “You are indeed quite handsome.” Her hand was exquisitely beautiful, more pristine than fresh snow, more lustrous than divine jade, like a celestial maiden's soft hand reaching out from a dream. Yang Lingchen never imagined a hand could be so breathtakingly beautiful, yet this hand felt somewhat familiar. For a moment, he couldn't recall where he had seen it before. “If Master tries to force me, should I resist?” “No, she's so powerful, it's better not to resist.” “Come on!” Yang Lingchen was ready. He didn't dare to move, letting her hold his chin. “This is the Heavenly Origin Sword Canon. Take it and cultivate. If you haven't mastered it within a month, I will impose a punishment,” Oriental Yunbing's expression returned to its usual coolness. “What the heck is going on?” “I was already prepared!” “Thank you, Master,” Yang Lingchen quickly bowed. “Yurou,” Oriental Yunbing's voice called out again. “Master,” Lin Yurou quickly re-entered. “Arrange Chen'er's residence in the Azure Cloud Pavilion,” Oriental Yunbing said coolly. “Yes, Master,” Lin Yurou responded. At the same time, she was particularly shocked that Master had bestowed the Azure Cloud Pavilion upon Yang Lingchen. “Do not spread the news of me taking Chen'er as an apprentice for now. You may both leave,” Oriental Yunbing instructed. “Yes, Master.” Yang Lingchen and Lin Yurou bowed and withdrew.