Hold on.
So he knew that he... wasn't anything special? But why, Zi Xuan? Why did you keep a guy like that as your right-hand man? You deserve better! Generosity has its limits.
Just because he has inner strength? That's nothing—everyone has that. At most, accept him as a disciple, nothing more.
But he didn't expect that.
Where did this child come from? Is he really the protagonist? What the fuck?! He froze on the spot.
He's not going to take care of the protagonist, is he?! Zi Xuan has gone mad. He should know that Shoi-Ming doesn't take on disciples—for obvious reasons. He's just going to make a fool of himself even more.
And look at him, he doesn't even know what he's doing here. Disciples choose their master, it's not imposed on them. With his charisma close to zero, this child would never choose him. And if, on top of that, he knew his reputation, let's not even talk about it. Yes, this time, he is indignant and responds sharply, turning to his master.
"Shixiong, you know very well that I don't take disciples—I would have nothing to teach him. Think of his own good and the abilities he will waste under my guidance!"
'You should make him a disciple of Jun Hie instead' is something he would have added if he hadn't been afraid of the consequences of those words. Bad idea, he could turn him into a bad person. But there are plenty of other shizun here, anyone else will do. Him, with the protagonist? That's a good one!
"Besides, this child seems confused—it's up to him to make his own choice. No one should force him to do something he dislikes."
No one should decide another person's future.
If he has to become a doctor or lawyer just to please his family. If he has to learn a musical instrument just to boost his parents' egos. Or if he has to get excellent grades all the time or risk being treated like a failure and worthless. Whether you're a protagonist or not, you can just try to do your best and strive to be the best you can be.
It's a bit of a cliché, but he wants to believe it.
Realizing what he had just said, as if he were reprimanding the leader of the sect, he clasped his fist to his palm and bowed his head.
"Please forgive me, my words went beyond my thoughts, I didn't mean to disrespect you."
Biting his lower lip, he looked away, not knowing what else to say.
The latter listened attentively, his face remaining impassive despite his objections. After a moment of silence, he replied in a calm but firm voice:
"Shoi-Ming, I understand your reluctance, but there are special circumstances. Jun Hie initially wanted to take this child under his wing. However, after discussion, we agreed that you would be a better choice."
'We' or 'I'? He certainly won't tell him.
"You may have chosen not to take on a disciple until now, but this could be an opportunity for you to grow, not only as a cultivator, but also as a man. This child, though he may seem lost, exudes remarkable spiritual potential. We sensed a special aura emanating from him. He could become a promising cultivator!"
The person concerned watches them. His eyes are sparkling gold, as much as the title above his head.
That must have been it last time—the discussion he overheard. He understands why Jun Hie tried to dissuade him. It made sense that someone as talented as him would not grasp the logic of a master like Zi Xuan.
Shoi-Ming probably wouldn't have been treated so well if he had joined another sect. He is definitely a lucky person despite his pathetic stats. He turns his gaze back to the boy, observing him for a few moments.
Well, since his master is stubborn, let's make some concessions.
"In that case, let's do it this way. I'll take care of him until he gets familiar with the sect, and then it will be up to him to make his choice."
Taking care of him meant that he still did not accept him as a disciple and that the difficult task of choosing his shizun would fall to him, which was only natural.
If he had great potential, it was even more necessary for him to pick someone whose teaching methods suited him.
He would look after him, make sure he didn't fall into Jun Hie's hands. Introduce him to other teachers, perhaps try to make him understand that every life is important, no matter how weak and poor it may seem, and that would be the end of it.
Zi Xuan nodded serenely, silently approving his decision. Satisfied, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
The disciples gently placed the child in front of Shoi-Ming, who looked at him intently. The boy said nothing, but seemed curious about everything around him and let his gaze wander from the people present to the furniture in the room.
Zi Xuan therefore signals to the disciples to follow him out of the pavilion, leaving Shoi-Ming alone with the boy.
Help.
Shoi-Ming hastily grabs a fan and fanned himself furiously, desperately trying to relieve the stress. This is what he is losing now: his peace of mind. It was now impossible for him to relax for a moment—he would have to constantly maintain a calm and professional facade.