Ji Wusi's expression shifted instantly.
He wasn't afraid of anything Lin Xiao might do. Whatever came his way, he could handle it with a flick of his sword.
But Yun Jin—
That was another matter entirely.
She was his precious disciple, his chosen successor. He had already placed his hopes for the future in her. So when Lin Xiao suddenly turned the conversation toward Yun Jin, it caught him completely off guard.
Even Qing Yun and Liu Li tensed up.
Until now, it had been a fair contest between the three of them, and even that was proving difficult enough. But now Lin Xiao wanted to join the game too?
Worse, Tianxing Sect did fall under the jurisdiction of Qingxiao Pavilion. If Lin Xiao invoked his right of first claim, they technically had no grounds to object.
If they had already taken Yun Jin away, there would have been nothing Lin Xiao could do about it. But she was still officially a disciple of Tianxing Sect. By the rules, he could make his move.
Yun Jin's expression shifted slightly. She frowned. "Seniors, what does this 'right of first claim' mean? Does it mean I must go to Qingxiao Pavilion?"
Among the Four Great Holy Lands, Yun Jin had no fondness for Qingxiao Pavilion whatsoever.
Sending her there would be nothing short of punishment.
Qing Yun answered gently, "Not exactly. The right of first claim only allows him to extend the first invitation to talents within his territory. If the one being invited is unwilling, the offer cannot be forced."
So, as long as Yun Jin declined, Lin Xiao could do nothing.
However—
In the past several thousand years, the Four Great Holy Lands had only exercised this right five times, and each time it had been for the most exceptional of geniuses.
Every one of them had accepted the offer without exception.
The reason was simple.
First, there was no obvious hierarchy between the Four Holy Lands. They each had their own path and specialization, so conflict rarely occurred. For instance, a prodigious alchemist would naturally go to Xuandan Gate. There was no point in the others fighting over someone whose talents lay elsewhere. Even if a disciple showed aptitude in multiple disciplines, once one Holy Land exercised the right, the others would quietly step back. They were still Holy Lands, after all. Some respect had to be shown. No one would argue over a single disciple.
Second, the Holy Land invoking the right of first claim was also the one managing that region. Even if you had the courage to reject the offer and join another sect, your friends, your family, and your fellow disciples would still remain behind. What then?
Maybe you would be fine. But the ones you left behind—could they withstand the consequences?
Of course, such consequences had never actually happened. But then again—who would dare test it?
"Xiao Jin." Lin Ya's voice was low but steady. "Refuse him. Leave with the three seniors. Qingxiao Pavilion won't be able to touch you."
As for those who might suffer after they left, Lin Ya didn't have time to worry about that now. All he knew was, if Yun Jin entered Qingxiao Pavilion with Zhao Ling and Zhao Wuji both still present, she would never have peace.
She was a once-in-a-century talent. Her life should not be spent entangled in petty power struggles. She should be devoting herself to cultivation, carving out her own path to the Dao.
"That's right, little junior sister," Yue Zhao added. "I've heard that Qingxiao Pavilion is rigid and hierarchical. That environment doesn't suit you at all."
Among the Four Holy Lands, Qingxiao Pavilion was the strictest in its structure and rules. With Yun Jin's temperament, she would feel suffocated there.
"Little junior sister, just refuse," Si Wanning urged.
Yu Songnian said nothing, but he nodded firmly.
They all understood clearly.
If Yun Jin went to Qingxiao Pavilion, it would be a waste of her immense talent. She deserved a higher sky, a broader world.
"Yun Jin," Ji Wusi spoke slowly, "to be honest with you, Lin Xiao may be the head of a Holy Land, but he is also narrow-minded and vindictive. If you refuse him, I can shield you from him on the surface. But behind the scenes... he will likely use every underhanded method at his disposal. Villains are harder to guard against than enemies. He's the worst kind of villain."
Qing Yun glanced at Ji Wusi.
Well, well. This sword cultivator actually bothered to phrase it a little politely. He didn't flat-out call Lin Xiao a petty scoundrel. Should he get a gold star?
Still, none of them denied Ji Wusi's assessment.
Lin Xiao did hold grudges.
"Best come with me to Xuandan Gate," Qing Yun said. "Sword cultivators rely on trial and hardship to grow. If he targets you while you're out tempering yourself, it'll be difficult to avoid danger. But if you're secluded and focused on alchemy with me, he won't even get the chance."
Liu Li opened her mouth to argue, but Qing Yun cut her off. "Beastmasters aren't much safer. Even if you're not constantly dancing on the edge of life and death, you'll still need to visit treacherous regions to subdue spirit beasts. In your current situation, only by joining Xuandan Gate can you truly avoid the storm."
Surprisingly, he had a point.
Ji Wusi and Liu Li both fell silent.
None of them wanted to give up on Yun Jin. But Lin Xiao was not the type to laugh off a rejection. If she refused, she would surely incur his wrath.
Yet if she agreed...
She wouldn't find peace in Qingxiao Pavilion either.
Lin Xiao's voice rang out once more. "All that happened before—just a small misunderstanding. In Qingxiao Pavilion, strength is everything. As long as you have true talent, I, Lin Xiao, will never mistreat you. The annual sect ranking is approaching, and I see Tianxing Sect has a real shot at advancing to a higher tier. With some help, perhaps you could make that leap."
It was an unmistakable promise. If Yun Jin joined Qingxiao Pavilion, he would personally ensure Tianxing Sect's promotion.
The disciples of Tianxing Sect began to murmur among themselves. If their sect rose in rank, they would gain access to more territory and richer resources. Every disciple would benefit directly. This wasn't just about prestige—it was about real, tangible gain.
But...
Would Yun Jin agree?
Anyone else would have leaped at the opportunity. A personal invitation from a Holy Land sect master was an honor beyond measure.
But Yun Jin?
They weren't so sure.
She had only been in the sect for three months, yet everyone had watched her closely. She was someone who would rather break than bend. She never flinched, even when challenging enemies far stronger than herself—and somehow, she always won.
Because of Zhao Wuji and Zhao Ling, her impression of Qingxiao Pavilion was likely already tainted.
So what would she choose?
Ye Danxia clenched her teeth, eyes brimming with venom.
She had worked so hard to climb higher, to win Lin Xiao's favor. Yet after sparing her a single glance, he had moved right past her.
And Yun Jin?
She wasn't even present, yet Lin Xiao was calling out to her from afar, declaring his intent to take her into Qingxiao Pavilion.
The difference in treatment was so obvious it was painful.
Was she truly that far beneath Yun Jin?
Yun Jin was just a Five-Spirit Root. That was all!
Ye Danxia refused to believe it. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
She should have been the one basking in glory. She should have been the one receiving the invitation.
So why?
Why was it Yun Jin?
What had she done to deserve this?