Just as Lu Xuan was complaining to himself,
Ripples spread through the void, and amid a shower of celestial flowers, his master and the limping Third Senior Uncle materialized.
"Greetings, Master. Greetings, Third Senior Uncle." Lu Xuan and Zhang Ling bowed in unison.
The young Daoist's gaze swept over them once more before settling on Lu Xuan. He stared for a long while, and his sharp gaze made the boy's very skin and bones ache.
"Not bad."
After a long moment, the Daoist nodded and stated quietly,
"Your aptitude is passable."
He paused, then looked at Zhang Ling.
"Your aptitude is average."
Zhang Ling forced a careful smile and bowed slightly, though he was trembling inside. 'This Third Senior Uncle is an absolute terror...'
'The most ferocious in all of heaven and earth!'
"I am your senior uncle, after all. Since we're meeting today, a gift is in order... You're Zhang Ling, correct? Step forward."
Zhang Ling hurriedly stepped forward and bowed.
