The next day, two cultivators from the Heavenly Sky Sect arrived at Golden Mist Village. They were welcomed warmly by the villagers. They were even given the best food the village chief could offer. The two of them were treated like special guests.
Of course, this was because they were teachers from the Heavenly Sky Sect who were searching for disciples. They would choose talented children to become disciples of their sect. It was a dream for the children in such a small village. Their lives could change drastically if they were chosen.
"Gather the children. We will begin the selection soon!" said one of the cultivators.
The chief of Golden Mist Village immediately nodded and gave the order. Soon after, the children of the village gathered in the village square. The two teachers from the Heavenly Sky Sect walked toward them. They would judge and choose which children were worthy to join the Heavenly Sky Sect.
"This is troublesome," complained Chen Ying.
She did not seem interested in anyone after glancing at the children. She was one of the teachers of the Heavenly Sky Sect. She had already visited ten villages and not a single child had caught her attention. This made her mutter unpleasant words about the current generation.
"They are all foolish children," mocked Chen Ying.
At that moment, her companion, Li Jung, shot her a sharp glare. "Watch what you say. You will hurt the hearts of these people," he scolded.
But Chen Ying did not care at all. She always said whatever was on her mind. If she thought something was bad, she would call it bad. And if good, she would say it was good.
Li Jung observed the children more carefully. "If you do not obtain a disciple in this village, your title as a teacher will be revoked and you will return to being a regular member. You must quickly find a disciple. Even one is enough," Li Jung advised.
Li Jung and Chen Ying were friends from the same generation. They had even entered the Heavenly Sky Sect on the same day, which was a Thursday, many years ago. They had worked very hard until they were finally promoted to teachers last year.
This year they had to obtain their first disciples. It was a requirement for newly appointed teachers. If they failed, their titles would be removed and they would have to take the examination again to regain their position.
"Yes, yes." Chen Ying waved her hand lazily. "I will get a disciple," she said, her expression lacking enthusiasm.
There were twenty five children standing in line, ready to be chosen. Of course, Li Jung and Chen Ying had the right to accept or reject anyone. For them, this was simply a requirement to secure their position as teachers of the Heavenly Sky Sect. But for the children, it was a great hope to change their fate. Their faces were tense as they wished to be chosen by Li Jung or Chen Ying.
"These are the children of our village. Master Li and Miss Chen may evaluate them freely, but if I may suggest, you should take my son. He is quite talented. He has already reached the second stage of bone tempering," said Gu Tian.
He was the village chief. His name was Gu Tian. He had a large body and he was also a cultivator, although not a talented one. He grabbed his son and pushed him forward toward Chen Ying and Li Jung.
"This is my son, his name is Gu Jian."
None of the villagers protested at what Gu Tian was doing. They did not dare interfere with the village chief. Gu Tian looked at the two teachers with hopeful eyes. But neither of them looked very interested in Gu Jian.
"Return him to the line. I will evaluate them one by one as it should be. No one is allowed to cut ahead," said Li Jung.
Gu Tian immediately nodded. "Forgive me!"
He ordered his son to return to the line. This time, Li Jung and Chen Ying observed the children one by one, touching them directly to examine their talents. But none of them possessed remarkable talent. Choosing untalented disciples would only waste resources. They did not want that.
Seeing this, both of them began to feel pessimistic, until their eyes suddenly stopped on the same child.
"She has good talent," said Chen Ying.
Li Jung nodded. "She will become a great cultivator in the future. Do you want to accept her as your disciple?"
Chen Ying shook her head. "I do not want to take a female disciple," she answered.
Li Jung had expected her to say that. He was not surprised, but the little girl in front of them had excellent cultivation talent. This should not be something to refuse. It should have been appealing to Chen Ying.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Li Jung lifted his shoulders. He felt grateful that he had finally found a disciple he could be proud of. When he touched the girl's head again, he felt something strange. But he did not know what it was and ignored it.
Li Jung knelt slightly and smiled at the little girl. "You will be my disciple from now on," he said. "What is your name?"
"My name is Jing Yi."
Li Jung nodded. He liked that name. "A good name. Jing means calm and peaceful, and Yi means joyful and cheerful. You will become a wise child in the future. A name is a prayer for you," said Li Jung with a smile.
Jing Yi nodded. "Thank you, Master."
Hearing that, Li Jung was surprised. Then he smiled. "A smart child. You will become your master's pride in the future. I promise to give you the best training and the best facilities," said Li Jung. He promised this to himself.
He was delighted that he had obtained a talented and clever disciple. Without being told, Jing Yi had already called him Master. This simple action made him happy. Sometimes happiness came from something small. Li Jung gently patted Jing Yi's head.
Then he led Jing Yi forward. He announced that he had accepted her as his disciple. Now he only waited for Chen Ying to choose her disciple, but sadly, none of the children caught her attention. Chen Ying's eyes showed disappointment.
"How about you take the village chief's son? He is quite talented and he is also a boy," said Li Jung.
Chen Ying narrowed her eyes and shook her head quickly. "You take the chief's son. You said you wanted two disciples, right? He will not disappoint you, even though he will not make you proud either. His talent is ordinary, but he is not without talent." Chen Ying leaned closer to Li Jung. "Besides, he is not very handsome. I do not like it. His face looks like a melon," she whispered.
"You are insane," scolded Li Jung.
In front of them, Gu Tian still watched with great hope. He approached Li Jung. "Master, please take my son as your disciple," he begged.
Li Jung scratched his head. "This is difficult for me," he replied.
Gu Tian immediately knelt before Li Jung's feet. "Master Li, please take my son. I will pay anything you want. I beg you," Gu Tian pleaded.
"Master, please accept me as your disciple. I will be diligent and make you proud," Gu Jian also pleaded, kneeling beside his father.
Li Jung let out a long breath. He nodded, ready to accept Gu Jian as his disciple. But suddenly, Jing Yi tugged the edge of his robe.
"Master, one more child has not arrived yet. He has great sword talent," said Jing Yi.
Li Jung turned quickly. "Are you sure?"
Jing Yi nodded.
"Where is this child?"
Jing Yi looked around. She scratched her head, but moments later she saw two people walking toward the village square. Jing Yi's face brightened. She pointed excitedly in their direction.
"That is him!" said Jing Yi.