Chapter 78: Let Him Break Through!

"You, Young Chu, were able to reach the seventh level and even set foot into the eighth. Your talent is extraordinary!" the elder said with a gentle smile.

All the cultivators present, except Chen Xiang, were inwardly complaining.

Extraordinary? That’s putting it mildly. His talent is simply outrageous—so high it’s frightening!

"I hold the position of Grand Elder of the Hidden Frost Sect. Let me announce now: you are officially admitted, and, breaking precedent, you are accepted as a personal disciple!" The elder’s tone shifted, his expression becoming stern as he spoke.

Then, with another mild smile, he added, "You may freely choose any elder in the sect as your master. If you find none suitable, I believe the Sect Leader himself would be willing to accept you as his disciple."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

The first remark didn’t elicit much reaction—Chen Xiang’s talent was plain for all to see. But the latter statement struck everyone.

"These conditions are too generous! Not only is he admitted directly, he’s made a personal disciple—a status so rare! And he can choose any elder as his master? Including the Sect Leader!"

"If he becomes the disciple of a Sect Leader at the Divine Transformation stage, his cultivation path will be unimpeded, and his influence within the sect will be as boundless as a raging river—he’d ascend to the top in a single leap!"

"And as a personal disciple, his master would impart all their skills and knowledge. As long as he’s not exceptionally dull, his achievements will certainly surpass others!"

"And he was personally selected by the Grand Elder of the Infant Transformation stage—he’ll have many opportunities to meet him in the future. With the guidance of such a mighty cultivator, his life will be immeasurably enriched!"

They made no effort to hide their envy. Truly, this was an enviable opportunity—a chance to ascend in one leap. They could only resent their own lack of such outstanding talent.

As for the Grand Elder’s decision, none of the Hidden Frost Sect elders objected.

Only the Sect Leader's lips twitched bitterly.

If this young man truly chose him as a master, his own position would become awkward. After all, he was the leader of the sect, and to take a personal disciple was to tell everyone this youth was the next in line—a young sect leader. It wasn’t that he disliked Chen Xiang, but he knew nothing of the boy’s character, and since he’d just joined, accepting him would surely invite gossip among the sect.

Chen Xiang watched coldly. This old man was truly cunning—at the second trial, he already proposed making him a personal disciple, with any elder as master.

It was true he’d be made a personal disciple, but they were also clearly wary of him.

By saying he could choose the Sect Leader as master if he didn’t wish to follow another elder, it was obvious they didn’t want him under the Sect Leader’s tutelage.

If he insisted on becoming the Sect Leader’s disciple, his influence would soar, almost making him the young sect leader. But he had no qualifications yet, and other disciples and elders would certainly resent him. Outwardly, they might be respectful, but behind his back they’d be anything but. In time, he’d end up completely isolated in the Hidden Frost Sect.

But did they really think he’d join the sect? How naïve!

He’d come merely to broaden his horizons, and to test his strength through the trials. Once the trials were over, he’d leave—what did it matter if he was a personal disciple or not?

Chen Xiang always believed that in the world of cultivation, strength was forged through personal experience; hiding away in a sect would only lead to stagnation! In novels, which protagonist ever stayed in one place and cultivated to immortality?

So he didn’t care about their opinions.

"Oh? I’m to be admitted now? Aren’t there still two trials left?" Chen Xiang replied with a faint smile.

The elder frowned upon hearing this. I’ve already let you in—how can you be so oblivious?

The crowd was also taken aback. He’s already admitted—why bother with the last two trials?

"Ahem, Young Chu, you are admitted as a disciple, and at the highest status as a personal disciple. Whether you attempt the last two trials or not makes no difference," the Sect Leader said.

Chen Xiang grew indignant. "How can that be? You set four trials—one must complete them all before considering discipleship. I’ve only passed two, and you’ve already decided my place. What about the others who are undertaking these trials with me? Is it just because my talent in the second trial was greater than theirs? Is this fair? How many hearts will you wound by doing this? Don’t you have any sense of propriety?"

His words rang out boldly and unwavering, rebuking the entire group of Hidden Frost elders, the Sect Leader, and the Grand Elder!

Everyone’s hearts pounded—how daring! Yet, he was absolutely right. Why should the best performer in one trial receive special treatment? The later trials might lead to becoming a direct disciple—why allow talent alone to break the rules for personal disciple status? It wasn’t fair, nor was it proper!

The Hidden Frost Sect members’ faces darkened. What was wrong with this boy? Normally, hearing such news, wouldn’t one be overjoyed and obediently join? Why was he suddenly embarrassing them?

Especially the Grand Elder—his smile vanished, replaced by a blank expression, brows furrowed.

It was his suggestion to admit Chen Xiang as a personal disciple, and now Chen Xiang’s words had thoroughly embarrassed him.

"No, your result in the first trial was also the best," said Lingyu, the female disciple, quietly.

The cultivators: "..."

"Damn! I’ve seen shameless people, but never someone this brazen—almost got fooled!"

"I nearly believed him! Turns out he was first in both trials, so no wonder the elders broke precedent."

"Good thing I held back—I was about to protest!"

"So it’s because he’s such a genius the Grand Elder couldn’t help but break precedent and accept him as a personal disciple!"

"Indeed, the blame lies with his exceptional talent. This trial is actually quite fair!"

"That’s right, fellow cultivator."

A few bold cultivators who had planned to stir up trouble retreated sheepishly.

"Uh..." Chen Xiang was stunned—this was awkward.

The elders of Hidden Frost Sect looked a bit more relaxed after hearing these remarks.

"Regardless, I disagree with your approach. I insist on attempting the last two trials, or I’ll withdraw from the challenge!" Chen Xiang’s thick skin showed—he blushed only momentarily, then addressed the elders.

But his words were rather arrogant—even the Sect Leader was annoyed. Not attempt the trials and just withdraw? Did he think the Hidden Frost Sect’s disciple trials were something he could come and go from as he pleased?

His expression darkened; he was about to reprimand Chen Xiang.

Yet the Grand Elder remained expressionless, and said calmly, "Let him proceed!"

The Sect Leader was stunned, about to protest, "Grand Elder, this—"

"Let him proceed," the Grand Elder repeated quietly.

"Uh... Very well!" The Sect Leader was at a loss, but said no more.

The Grand Elder actually agreed to his request?

Not only the Hidden Frost Sect members found this strange—even the cultivators undertaking the trials were mystified. Chen Xiang’s words had been audacious, so why would the Grand Elder allow it?

Chen Xiang looked deeply at the Grand Elder. Though he still appeared indifferent, Chen Xiang felt a twinge of caution—after all, this was a cultivator at the Infant Transformation stage. It would be all too easy for him to eliminate Chen Xiang with a mere trick.

"To be continued..."