"Oh my, what a handsome young man!" Zhu Yuxian couldn't help but giggle when she saw Lu Chengfeng, "Such an obedient child, ought to be taken under my tutelage."
Beside her, Elder Yun Mo smiled broadly, as if he hadn't heard Zhu Yuxian's words, and said to Lu Chengfeng, "Good child, do you know why I have come all this way to take you as my disciple?"
Lu Chengfeng cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and said, "Disciple does not know, I ask Elder for guidance."
Yun Mo said, "The core inheritance practiced at our Yellow Dragon Peak is called the 'Yellow Dragon Hidden Sword True Technique,' which emphasizes accumulating strength quietly, like a dragon swimming unseen, or a cicada hidden underground."
"Accumulating quietly day by day, awaiting the day to astonish the world with a single feat, making one's mark."
"Our Hidden Sword Peak disciples do not descend from the mountain lightly, but if they do, no one dares provoke them; otherwise, one strike will shake the heavens, and even a renowned master of the Martial World or a local overlord must bow beneath the sword."
"Your natural talent in swordsmanship is exceptional, yet you held back, and now, after your mentor met misfortune and faced humiliation from others, one sword strike from you dispatched the enemy, making your name resound through Yun Cang."
"Such character and talent could not be more fitting with the True Inheritance of our Yellow Dragon Peak, so I have come here brazenly, hoping to introduce another prodigy to our Yellow Dragon Peak."
"Would you be willing to join our Yellow Dragon Peak?"
Lu Chengfeng almost agreed without hesitation; after all, he had only seen the silhouette of that woman in fragments of Zhao Changzhen's memory.
Yet the silhouette was so unique, naturally filled with an unforgettable charm, seemingly able to captivate souls and beguile minds.
Although Lu Chengfeng met Zhu Yuxian for the first time today, he immediately confirmed this woman must be the person appearing in Zhao Changzhen's memory fragments, without a doubt.
He showed no outward change in emotion, but his heart was already stirred like surging waves.
If not for Zhao Changzhen's memory fragments, he would not dare believe that a dignified Inner Peak Elder might be an internal traitor of another sect's forces.
It is known that the True Inheritance of the sect undergoes rigorous scrutiny, tracing back three generations, let alone an Inner Peak Elder, considered pillars of the sect.
Should individuals of such rank encounter issues, a resultant outbreak would undoubtedly pose a tremendous security threat to the entire sect.
He dared not betray any hint of his thoughts, instead keeping his mind focused, preventing himself from overthinking or glancing too much.
Lu Chengfeng was about to agree to join Yellow Dragon Peak under Elder Yun Mo's guidance, but his body trembled slightly, feeling an intangible pressure spreading, rendering him immobile, with words lodged in his throat.
"Zhu Yuxian, what is your intention?" Elder Yun Mo's smile vanished, his eyes narrowing, focusing on Zhu Yuxian.
Though no threat was expressed, Lu Chengfeng felt the room's atmosphere turn stiflingly oppressive, as if a mountain pressed down overhead, making it hard to breathe.
The presence of two Elder-level individuals was imposing, offering Lu Chengfeng, encountering such figures for the first time, a true sense of what constitutes a man of high regard.
If the two before him intended to kill him, it might not even require a physical act for it to happen.
Facing Elder Yun Mo's gaze, Zhu Yuxian's fairy-like beauty showed a hint of grievance, instantly stirring the hearts of those around her, as if melted by pity for the lady before them.
Beside them, Zhou Tong retreated three steps as if avoiding a viper or scorpion, head bowed completely, not daring to look.
"Elder Yun Mo, you and I simultaneously came to recruit a disciple, yet I didn't even have the chance to speak before you take him away, leaving me to return in disgrace; wouldn't that be a laughingstock for everyone?"
"Elder Brother, you are esteemed and fair in dealings; surely you would not mind if I say a few words and let the disciple choose for himself, would you?"
Yun Mo nodded slightly at her words, and the pressure vanished like spring rain, as though the confrontation and tension had never occurred.
Lu Chengfeng couldn't help recalling a saying, 'Thunder and dew, all are given by the king.' Although the two Elders before him were not emperors, their depth of authority far exceeded any mundane ruler, stirring awe.
With the two Elders in agreement, Zhu Yuxian turned to Lu Chengfeng, smiling, "You seem a bit afraid of me?"
Without waiting for Lu Chengfeng's response, she continued, "Your mentor Zhao Changzhen had some connection and overlap with me. Now, unfortunately, he is gone, and the sect has yet to uncover the truth, indicating deeper ties and crises."
"I have come to take you as my disciple to protect you, fulfilling an old friendship."
Lu Chengfeng was surprised that she openly admitted connections with Zhao Changzhen; could she truly not be a traitor, merely sharing past ties?
But on second thought, he doubted, as Zhao Changzhen's memory fragments revealed their meetings in secluded, nighttime settings.
This didn't seem like a normal friendship.
Moreover, one was a venerable Inner Peak Elder, the other an unremarkable Outer Peak elder; how could such disparate individuals have a regular connection?
With a flicker of thought, Lu Chengfeng resolved that, traitor or not, he couldn't risk engagement, lest turning himself in; joining Yellow Dragon Peak appeared the wisest choice.
Yet at that moment, Zhu Yuxian sighed, "Besides, I descended the mountain not just to have you inherit our Profound Crane Lineage, but to pass on my late husband's Secret Skill."
Hearing this, even Yun Mo couldn't help but change expression slightly, thoughtfully asking, "Junior Sister Zhu, have you, over these years of seclusion, compiled... his martial arts?"
Zhu Yuxian shook her head, "My late husband possessed vast knowledge, far exceeding mine. Even after years of seclusion, I've only compiled part of it."
"Without practice, his legacy may be completely lost."
"I seek to fulfill an old affinity, and also to find a disciple for my late husband, so his life's work doesn't vanish."
Listening, Elder Yun Mo remained silent for a long while before saying, "Since you aim for his legacy, I have no right to compete; he has greatly benefited me before. I hope you can pass down his legacy."
His expression turned slightly somber, recalling past memories, glancing at Lu Chengfeng, "It seems there's not enough destiny between us, but if you inherit his legacy, it is a great fortune, promising untold creation ahead."
"May you achieve mastery, to support the sect like... like he once did."
By now, Lu Chengfeng was desperate, wishing to rush over and hug Elder Yun Mo's leg, pleading for him not to leave.
"Elder Yun..."