Chapter 124: Your Real Identity? (2/2)

”What do you mean, Yongrui?” Xiang Xiaqing asked, blinking twice. ”Are you going to take me in as your disciple?”

”Why? Are my display of powers not enough for you? I'm telling you, you've learned everything you can from your Sect. It's time that you jump from your nest and attain a new level of enlightenment. Of course, I won't force you. It's clearly your choice. One of these days, I will formally make a visit to your Shelter with a letter in hand. And I hope you won't drive me off when that time comes.”

I said my side. There was no reason for me to stay on the stage. Whilst the majority of the audience booed at me, a few celebrated my well-earned victory as well. That's why I flashed a thumbs-up towards the audience when Shen Rong announced who the winner was.

I could also assume what's going through Xiang Xiaoqing's mind right now. She's probably thinking that I'm younger than her and yet much more powerful. And also, she's probably pondering on what I've told her. Of course, anyone would be shocked if someone were to offer you a unique way of doing things.

And what I said was the truth. She had learned everything she needed to learn in the White Pearl Sect, or rather, I should call it White Pearl Shelter. The only thing they taught there was the knowledge of herbs and minerals that could aid in cultivation. They also study how to make essences and the like but I figured she should know all of them by now. I mean, it didn't even take me a few months to learn the way of the White Pearl Sect. Compared to her who had spent all her life within their walls, I'm a mere amateur. And that's a lot coming out from someone who knows essences and herbs to heart.

When I turned around for a brief moment, I noticed that Xiang Xiaoqing never left the stage. She was bowing her head towards me as she placed a fist on her palm. In White Pearl Sect's culture, that gesture was a sign of utter reverence and respect. It was probably the greatest honor one could receive in their lifetime.

In one of the customs of the White Pearl Sect, I heard that doing that gesture was also a way of proposing to someone. Well, I don't know if my memory is serving me right right now but just to make sure... let's mess with her a little bit.

After seeing her do that, I turned around and returned the gesture as well. And to add to the flair, I winked towards Xiang Xiaoqing. Now, what do you think about that, huh? Are you surprised that I know your customs? Of course, I was your mom's apprentice for a few —

Wait... what? Is she smiling right now? Why is she wearing that sweet smile of hers?

”Yong Rui, I will wait for your formal visit with great anticipation. I hope you will visit us as soon as you can.” Xiang Xiaoqing lowered her head even more while pressing her left fist on his right palm.

Then... just like that, she left the stage as if nothing happened.

Wait... she...

Oh, carp. I seriously did not think that through!

.....

The following matches didn't really catch my attention since the candidates who were expected to win were too powerful for their opponents. It wasn't even a match, they just flashed one special move after another without a sense of strategy. In other words, they were just showing off. Well, the expected winners did look above average so there were a few people who admired them and even went as far as to scream their cheers just so they could attract his or her attention. As for me, it was clear that a few of the participants all came from wealthy and prestigious families and this was how they were able to reach such a high level in their cultivation for their age. Unlike Shi Meili or Xiang Xiaoqing who really worked hard to hone not just their elements but their control in their Qi Energy, these people are trash. They shouldn't even be allowed to stand on the stage.

Their movements are sloppy and the way they beat up their opponent is straight up inhuman. Man! What's wrong with this generation of cultivators.

”So tomorrow is the semi-finals, huh. Yong Rui, how are you feeling?” Luo Zehn patted me on the back as we walked towards our living quarters.

”So-so, I guess. This tournament doesn't even pose a challenge. But I could tell that there were a few promising cultivators in the tournament. If you have the time, would you like to scout them with me? I think they will be a fine addition to the might of Tang Shelter.”

”Sure but... why are you working so hard for Tang Shelter? Yong Rui, I know this is too late of me to ask but why would you want to be a part of our Shelter? Aren't you strong enough to be in any other shelter? I just feel like you're doing this because you want to go out of your way for me for helping you.”

”What are you talking about?” I smiled as I patted her in return. ”I've always wanted to join Tang Shelter ever since I've heard of it. And also, I can tell that you'll be surprised once you know of my real identity.”

”Your real identity?”