Chapter 4.7

　　Being unceremoniously seized by Xuan Ling and brought back to the Heavenly Blade Peak, no matter how Sui Yuan deliberates on how to leave, he is never able to put his plans into action. Therefore, he can only stay until the sect leader hurriedly rushes over as soon as he receives news from Xuan Ling himself. After hearing from Sui Yuan's own mouth recounting the incident as well as his wish to return to the main Peak to recuperate, the sect leader sighs.

　　"Nearly succ.u.mbing to one's inner demons is no small matter. Since Junior Brother Xuan Ling is willing to have you stay here, taking a lot of trouble to ensure your cultivation is not damaged, you should accept this rare chance!"

　　Seeing his master's disapproval regarding his request to return, Sui Yuan really wants to scratch the wall in frustration. "Disciple…doesn't dare trouble Elder Xuan Ling too much…"

　　A faint smile pulls at the sect leader's lips, a hand patting Sui Yuan's head comfortingly. "Master understands you are a thoughtful child, but Junior Brother Xuan Ling personally requests that you remain here for the time being, and emphasises that you wouldn't be a trouble. Perhaps he noticed your talent and intelligence, thus resulting in something good that is beyond even Master's expectations. With him helping you to pa.s.s this obstacle, Master's heart is at ease."

　　With all reasoning already laid out in the open, Sui Yuan naturally cannot continue objecting. Inwardly restless but outwardly serene, he gives his master a verbal agreement. In his heart, he swears to recuperate quickly in the Heavenly Blade Peak in order to leave as soon as possible.

　　Concerns pacified, the sect leader strokes his beard, glancing towards Shen Jiayi, who is currently walking in and out, busying herself with tidying Sui Yuan's room. Eyes twinkling, he laughingly says, "Congratulations on entering the Core Formation stage so shortly after commencing your cultivation. Indeed worthy of being Junior Brother Xuan Ling's succeeding disciple."

　　Overwhelmed by favour, Shen Jiayi promptly bows deferentially. "Sect leader over-exaggerates."

　　Sweeping his gaze up and down Shen Jiayi, the sect leader's gaze s.h.i.+fts to Sui Yuan. "For this short period of time, I will trouble you to take care of Minghui."

　　"Senior Brother Liu has helped this disciple countless times before. This disciple is only doing what I ought to do," Shen Jiayi replies humbly, shooting Sui Yuan a soft smile.

　　Nodding his head in satisfaction, the sect leader converses with Shen Jiayi for a little longer before allowing her to return to her task. When she departs, he addresses Sui Yuan, "What do you feel about this woman, Shen Jiayi?"

　　"Junior Sister Shen is naturally good," Sui Yuan praises, slightly puzzled as to why this one sentence causes his master's smile to turn gentle. So gentle his scalp is fast becoming numb.

　　"Minghui, you are just half a step away from Nascent Soul stage. Have you ever given thought about who you wish to be your cultivation partner?"

　　Sui Yuan freezes, eyes widening slightly in shock. "Disciple…has never thought about it."

　　"How about pondering over this matter now?" The sect leader asks genially. "I feel that this Shen Jiayi is not bad. Independent and unyielding but still retaining a gentle disposition. Her potential is remarkable and is rather gifted. Being able to enter the Core Formation stage at such a young age, she will certainly be able to walk down the same path together with you as a cultivation partner. I see there is genuine friends.h.i.+p between the two of you. If you have intentions towards her, Master will be willing to bring this matter up with Junior Brother Xuan Ling. Once you have reached Nascent Soul stage, I will arrange for a dual-cultivation ceremony for the two of you, how does that sound?"

　　Every word falling from the Elder's mouth is very clear, nearly causing Sui Yuan to break out in cold sweat the longer he listens. Even if the plot inevitably begins to derail from this point, it shouldn't fall into such a mess right at the very start ah! The female lead has never taken a cultivation partner! Supposing she did, it will absolutely not be a villainous supporting male lead like him ah!

　　Of course, he also knows the sect leader has his own motives for proposing this. First of all, Shen Jiayi's potential is indeed very good. One shouldn't let one's fertile water flow into another field^[1]. Rather than allow someone else to profit, it would be better to tie her with his beloved disciple. Secondly, Xuan Ling is a righteous man. No matter what ambiguous feelings he has towards Shen Jiayi, it will all be thrown away the moment she marries someone else. This way, he can gain two birds with one arrow. Hence, the Elder is making such an effort to facilitate this plan of his. Still, no matter how well thought out it is, he cannot force the unwilling to give consent.