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Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 – This Disciple Is Far Too Pitiful

The Guiding Heart Sect had a full twenty-four halls, each governed by its own hierarchy—Hall Masters, Protectors, Attendants, Stewards, Law Keepers, Sword Guardians, Seal Guardians, and even divisions like the Black Banner and Blue Banner.

Since this world had no internet, portraits, or archives to help with recognition, many disciples could not even identify their own hall's higher-ups, let alone those from other halls.

Just as Hokuto was about to bow and answer, three glowing options suddenly appeared before his eyes:

[Option One: "This disciple does not know." Reward upon completion: Thunderbolt Breaker (Profound Rank, Low Grade)][Option Two: "I guess you must be Protector U from the Water Mirror Hall." Reward upon completion: White Mist Sword (Yellow Rank, Mid Grade)][Option Three: "With such extraordinary grace, I doubt the entire Guiding Heart Sect could produce a second person like you. You must be Protector U of the Water Mirror Hall—this disciple has long admired you." Reward upon completion: +1 Random Basic Skill Point]

The sight of these three options made Hokuto pause in surprise. Unlike most disciples, Hokuto was different. Because he often spent his days wandering through the mountains rather than burying himself in training, he had encountered far more people and events than the average disciple.

Originally, he had intended to play along and act like the others—feigning ignorance of the outer halls' figures. But to his astonishment, that turned out to be the most dangerous choice.

Still, confusion was one thing—hesitation was another. Without the slightest delay, Hokuto chose the third option, bowed respectfully, and said:

"With such extraordinary grace, I doubt the entire Guiding Heart Sect could produce a second person like you. You must be Protector U of the Water Mirror Hall—this disciple has long admired you."

[Option task completed. Reward: Fishing +1]

These words were by no means mere flattery. The woman before him—Protector U, known as Manami—had a graceful and voluptuous figure, her movements light as flowing water. Beneath a veil-like silk outer robe of white, she wore a flowing sapphire gown cinched at the waist with a slender belt of the same color. Her black hair was tied into an elegant cloud bun, adorned with pearl blossoms, a single pearl resting against her forehead. Her jade-like skin carried a faint blush, her brows arched like crescents, her eyes gleamed like stars. She was undeniably one of the most striking beauties within the Guiding Heart Sect.

Hearing Hokuto's respectful words, Manami blinked in surprise. Before coming here, she had assumed Hokuto was a disciple who preferred to hide his abilities. She thought that whether he truly knew her or not, he would surely act like the others and feign ignorance of the outer halls. But reality proved otherwise.

And his tongue is rather sweet too.

Reassessing him in her mind, Manami gave a slight nod."You do have some insight. But I don't recall seeing a disciple like you before. How did you recognize me?"

Hokuto bowed once more, answering with utmost respect:"This disciple once had the honor of hearing Protector U play the zither upon Seiraku Peak. The music was nothing short of perfection—tigers ceased their roars, apes stilled their cries. It was elegant yet solemn, melancholy yet vast. I was deeply moved."

At this, Manami's eyes lit up, her expression betraying rare excitement."'Tigers ceased their roars, apes stilled their cries'… what a phrase! I did not expect to find someone in the Blue Heart Hall who could truly understand my music. Interesting. How very interesting."

Closing her eyes, she swayed gently as if savoring the memory of her own performance. After a brief pause, she continued:

"Since you've spoken so honestly, I won't hide my intentions. I came here today with a few questions."

"This disciple will answer whatever he knows."

"Good!" Manami gave a satisfied nod. "You have been a registered disciple of Blue Heart Hall for five years now, is that correct?"

"Yes. This disciple is dull-witted and has no talent for cultivation. I have only disappointed my teachers."

"Stretch out your hand."

So it comes to this—testing my strength again…

Suppressing a sigh, Hokuto extended his right arm toward her.

Manami's slender fingers pressed lightly upon his spiritual veins. Before long, her expression turned complex.

It's true… only at the fifth stage of Qi Refinement?

On the Xuanlong Continent, the path to becoming a true cultivator began with Qi Refinement. Each great sect had its own foundational methods designed for this very stage. Even those with poor aptitude, once accepted into a sect, could generally reach the tenth level of Qi Refinement within a single year and then break through into the Profound Realm, thus setting foot upon the road toward becoming a Profound Emperor.

But Hokuto had been in the Guiding Heart Sect for five full years… and had only reached the fifth stage of Qi Refinement. This was worse than worthless.

Yet Hokuto remained calm under her gaze. He was long used to it. Manami was hardly the first to test his abilities, and she certainly wouldn't be the last.

He had long since realized something crucial: the system's rewards—strength points, physique points, agility points, and so forth—were not measurable by this world's standards of "cultivation." No matter how powerful he became in truth, these so-called experts would never be able to detect it.

From that moment on, Hokuto had understood: he was of a different mold than this world. In a real fight, he would always be underestimated. He was, without doubt, the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing.

With a soft sigh, Manami withdrew her hand. When she looked at Hokuto again, her gaze was filled with regret.

Seeing this, Hokuto tilted his head back forty-five degrees, letting out a serene smile of acceptance.

That smile nearly broke her heart.

How pitiful! He passed the sect's entrance test, yet turned out to be a once-in-a-century kind of absolute failure. How much hardship must this child have endured in the ruthless competition of the Guiding Heart Sect? And I even confronted him as though I were interrogating him… how wrong of me!

No wonder he tried to avoid me at first. He must have gone through this so many times, only to be met in the end with the same pitying gaze. That's why…

What a strong, good child.

Turning away, she discreetly wiped the tears forming at the corner of her eyes. When she faced him again, her expression had returned to calm neutrality.

"Tell me, then," she said, "how is it that every time you serve as the Iron Seal in the trials, your fellow disciples always manage to pass safely?"

"There is no secret to it, only caution. This disciple observes and thinks carefully before making any decision. In this way, many dangers can be avoided."

"Well said." Manami nodded approvingly. "That is precisely the lesson these trials are meant to teach you. It seems you have already grasped its essence."

"Protector U flatters me. I am simply aware of my own weakness, and so I must be more cautious than the others."

"Ah—no," Manami waved her hand. "Strength is not measured by cultivation alone. Inner strength is just as vital. Hokuto, you may only be at the fifth stage of Qi Refinement, but you've ensured that your junior brothers and sisters all pass their trials safely. That is no small feat. Truly remarkable!"

"Thank you for Protector U's praise. This disciple will continue to work twice as hard."

"Good!" Manami's eyes shone with approval. "As proof of my trust in you, I will appoint you as the Iron Seal for my most beloved disciple. You shall aid her in completing her very first trial."

"This disciple accept—wait, what!?"

(End of Chapter)

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