Upon returning to the Starfall Pavilion, Xiao Yan’s days undeniably became much more leisurely. He spent most of his time in the Star Realm, occasionally emerging to guide the disciples of the Starfall Pavilion. With his current strength and reputation, not only could he provide guidance to ordinary disciples, but even some guest elders of the Starfall Pavilion likely wouldn’t match his experience and insight. Under this tranquil atmosphere, three days passed slowly, and the spatial wormhole constructed by Pharmacist Elder was gradually becoming complete.
“Ha!”
In a spacious training ground within the Star Realm, many disciples of the Starfall Pavilion were gathered, engaged in their daily practice and sparring. However, at present, most of the attention was focused on the center of the training ground. There, a young man in black attire was smiling as he pointed out the shortcomings in the techniques displayed by the surrounding disciples. His composed demeanor and lively manner hinted at a masterful aura, evoking genuine admiration from many of the disciples.
In one corner of the training ground, a group of young women in tight-fitting outfits clustered together, their laughter like tinkling bells echoing around them, causing the hearts of nearby male disciples to flutter and drawing their gazes involuntarily.
At the center of this group, a girl in light red clothing stood gracefully. Her slender, supple waist and long legs made her undoubtedly the most eye-catching presence in the entire training ground. Yet, at this moment, the red-clad girl was staring intently at the smiling young man in black.
“Hehe, Little Junior Sister Youquan, finally taken a liking?” teased one of the young women, noticing the girl’s focus on Xiao Yan.
“Wh-what are you talking about?” blushed the girl named Youquan, her face turning red as she scolded gently.
“Hehe, Little Junior Sister Youquan, you have the greatest talent among our generation. When you were tested, even the Master of the Pavilion came out to see. So, even though Young Master Xiao has a different status, there’s no need to feel inferior,” a young woman chuckled, covering her mouth.
“Stop it, my talent is nothing special to Young Master Xiao.”
Youquan shook her head, but a faint hint of joy flashed in her eyes. Young women, after all, are susceptible to infatuations. Compared to the haughty young geniuses she had seen before, Xiao Yan, who seemed to have none of the airs of a pavilion lord, was in a class of his own.
“Why don’t you ask Young Master Xiao to guide you? You have to take the initiative,” urged one of the girls.
Hearing this, Youquan hesitated for a moment, mumbling, “It might not be appropriate. What if I disturb Young Master Xiao?”
“Don’t worry, Little Junior Sister, you’re one of the key talents we need to nurture. Young Master Xiao won’t mind, considering he wants to strengthen the Starfall Pavilion,” reassured the girl.
“Alright, alright, I’ll do it…”
In the training ground, Xiao Yan smiled at the slightly blushing girl in red, saying, “You must be Youquan, right? My teacher mentioned you.”
As he spoke, Xiao Yan observed the girl. Although she looked somewhat inexperienced, she was already a perfect beauty. Once fully grown, she would undoubtedly turn many men into her devoted followers. Of course, what impressed Xiao Yan was her extraordinary talent in cultivation.
A girl not yet seventeen, still in the prime of her youth, had already reached the level of Dou King! This achievement, even throughout the Central Plains, was remarkable. Given enough time, her accomplishments would be terrifying.
“No wonder Teacher emphasized her so much. If not for his decision to take no more disciples, Youquan might have become my little junior sister,” mused Xiao Yan, understanding why the Pharmacist Elder had highlighted her.
Seeing that Xiao Yan knew her name, Youquan nodded eagerly, her small, delicate face filled with excitement.
“Young Master Xiao, can you spare some time to guide me?” Youquan asked, blushing but summoning the courage to speak.
“Show me what you’ve got,” Xiao Yan said with a gentle smile.
“Oh.”
Encouraged by Xiao Yan’s kindness, Youquan’s heart thumped softly. She then displayed a recently mastered Earth Tier palm technique.
Xiao Yan watched, hands behind his back, as Youquan performed the Earth Tier technique with fluid grace. He couldn’t help but nod in approval. Then, he pointed out some minor flaws. To his surprise, within moments, Youquan had corrected all the issues, a demonstration of her quick learning that left him amazed. Such natural talent, if nurtured, could potentially make her a top-tier expert in the Central Plains.
Finishing the routine, Youquan, slightly perspiring, asked, “Young Master Xiao, how did I do?”
“Hmm… Very good,” praised Xiao Yan, seeing her brightening face. After a moment’s hesitation, he added, “Is there something you might be interested in?”
“What is it?” Youquan asked eagerly.
Xiao Yan stroked his chin, looking her over. “Would you like to be my disciple?”
Saying this, Xiao Yan felt an odd sensation, surprised that he was now in a position to say this. However, it wasn’t entirely his idea. The Pharmacist Elder valued Youquan’s talent but didn’t want to take on another disciple. Thus, he tasked Xiao Yan with this, hoping he would take on the role of a mentor.
“Ah?”
Youquan was stunned, then lowered her head, speechless.
Xiao Yan felt awkward, not expecting such a reaction. “How about a nominal disciple?”
“Cough!”
Youquan’s reply caused Xiao Yan to cough violently. At his rank, many would clamor to be his disciple, and yet, this girl had conditions.
“Alright, whatever you prefer,” Xiao Yan shrugged, not particularly concerned about the distinction since he wouldn’t be the main instructor.
Youquan’s face lit up. A nominal disciple; as she grew stronger, any constraints would diminish, and ethical issues would be less problematic.
Little did Xiao Yan know, had he known her thoughts, he might have expelled her. At such a young age, she was already contemplating such matters.
“Buzz!”
Suddenly, the space within the Star Realm fluctuated intensely, a subtle spatial vibration spreading from the back mountain.
Sensing the fluctuations, Xiao Yan was first stunned, then his eyes lit up with excitement. “The spatial wormhole is complete…”
“Youquan, I’ll head to the back mountain first. In a few days, I’ll leave for some time. Find your great-grandmaster, he’ll guide you,” Xiao Yan told her.
“Yes, Young Master Xiao.”
Disappointed, Youquan nodded.
“You shouldn’t call me that anymore,” Xiao Yan chided, smiling.
“Yes, Teacher…”
Blushing, Youquan mumbled.
Satisfied, Xiao Yan patted her head, encouraging her, “Work hard. I hope when I return, you’ll have become a Dou Monarch.”
With that, he turned and transformed into a streak of light, heading towards the back mountain amid awestruck gazes.
Watching Xiao Yan leave, Youquan’s face fell. “Uh-oh, I’m now his disciple. My chances have dwindled. No, I won’t give up just because of a nominal title. I’ll persist.”
Clutching her small fists, she imagined grabbing Xiao Yan’s disappearing figure, murmuring, “A teacher… can also be cultivated.”
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