Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Jiang Ziliu, with an air of absolute confidence, looked at Rong Yu and asked, "Disciple has a question, and seeks Elder's guidance. I've seen someone who, despite a perfectly clear path ahead, insists on choosing a path to ruin. What would you say to such a person?"

Rong Yu: ...

What path to ruin? How dare you suggest my disciple is on a path to ruin? You're the one who looks like a dead end! The sheer audacity!

Rong Yu slowly replied, "Why advise? If one doesn't walk the path, who knows what the outcome will be? Remember, good fortune often harbors disaster, and disaster can conceal good fortune. The more one believes they have grasped their destiny, the more likely they are to be played by it."

*Subtext: You're nothing! Just wait and see!*

Jiang Ziliu's expression shifted. He seemed about to speak again, but Lu Shitu gently placed his plate on the table and, with downcast eyes, said, "Junior Brother, other fellow disciples are waiting."

Rong Yu looked up and, indeed, a long queue had formed behind Jiang Ziliu, with a multitude of disciples waiting to offer him food.

Rong Baichuan also smiled at Rong Yu, saying, "This is the first time in years I've seen so many people. Ah-Yu, you truly are popular."

Rong Yu: ...Well, sorry to interrupt.

It seemed Jiang Ziliu's initiative had stirred everyone's ambitions. With Lu Shitu having been accepted first, everyone likely felt they, too, stood a chance.

Jiang Ziliu's face was somewhat grim. He left with a curt, "Please sample this, Elder," and departed.

Disciples then came forward one after another: "Please sample this, Elder."

Plate after plate of dishes were laid before Rong Yu, a feast of mountain and sea delicacies, vibrant in color, rich in aroma, and exquisite in taste. All were prepared from rare spiritual beasts or herbs, with Jiang Ziliu's Golden Crow dish being the most prized. This particular dish was especially compatible with Rong Yu's Sun Spirit Root, making it an invaluable treasure.

Yet, Rong Yu focused solely on eating the food Lu Shitu had brought, not touching any of the others.

Feeling the heartbroken gazes of the various disciples, Rong Yu's emotions were complex. It wasn't that he didn't want to eat the other dishes; he genuinely dared not. Besides, Lu Shitu's cooking... was simply too delicious!

Lu Shitu barely touched his own food, his gaze fixed intently on Rong Yu.

*So many fellow disciples brought a table full of dishes, yet Shizun only ate mine. Among all these people, only I know his weakness. Only I understand him best, and he only eats what I make.*

Lu Shitu unconsciously rubbed his fingers, feeling a swelling in his chest, as if something were about to overflow.

Rong Yu inadvertently turned his head, met Lu Shitu's gaze, and paused.

Lu Shitu was smiling faintly, his expression content, his eyes bright and somewhat fervent.

Rong Yu remained bewildered for a moment, then, thinking Lu Shitu might be awaiting praise, he said, "It's delicious."

Lu Shitu smiled, the tips of his ears reddening, and replied, "As long as Shizun likes it."

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziliu watched from a distance, his eyes dark, clutching his wine cup tightly.

*Taiqing Elder, if you insist on being ungrateful, do not blame me for showing no mercy. If I cannot have it, Lu Shitu will not either!*

After the disciples' food offering segment concluded, Elder Lingxiao stood up and announced, "Everyone, while we are all gathered here today, there is another matter I wish for you all to witness."

"Jiang Ziliu is a disciple of my peak, exceptionally gifted. He formed a Golden Core in just two years after entering the immortal path, a truly rare talent. Today, I officially accept him into my lineage as my personal disciple."

Announcing this at the grand sect banquet was a tremendous honor for Jiang Ziliu. The disciples were both astonished and envious, and a buzz of discussion swept through the plaza.

Jiang Ziliu stood up and, amidst the congratulations, offered tea to Elder Lingxiao: "Greetings, Master!"

The various family heads and elders in the hall all nodded in approval. A discerning master and a prodigiously talented disciple—this would surely become a celebrated tale in the future.

Rong Yu gave a perfunctory glance, and once the ceremony was over, he buried his head, single-mindedly continuing his meal.

As the banquet concluded, the Sect Leader asked Rong Yu to stay behind.

The Sect Leader said solemnly, "Junior Brother, there has been progress regarding the demonic cultivators from last time."

Rong Yu's heart stirred. In the original story, all matters related to demonic cultivators were tasks for the male lead, Jiang Ziliu, allowing him to accumulate goodwill and reputation, becoming everyone's savior.

But this time, under Rong Yu's manipulations, Jiang Ziliu was utterly useless. By both reason and duty, Rong Yu had to take over the demonic cultivator issue.

The Sect Leader continued, "The demonic cultivators you encountered last time were very likely targeting the Twelve Floors. A few days ago, demonic cultivators were also sighted in Wushui Town at the foot of the mountain. Years ago, I divined by observing the stars that several locations in the world are connected to the Twelve Floors—perhaps Wushui Town is one of them. Junior Brother, this matter is of great importance. Are you willing to go investigate?"

Rong Yu nodded: "I will follow the Sect Leader's arrangements."

Elder Qingxu, who was nearby, added, "Taiqing, my youngest disciple, You Weiwan, still needs her mortal world trial this year. Why not let her accompany you for some experience? With your oversight, I would feel much more at ease."

Rong Yu nodded again, and the matter was settled. As he turned to leave, the Sect Leader suddenly stopped him.

He turned back, somewhat puzzled, seeing the Sect Leader's seemingly concerned expression.

The Sect Leader extended a finger and gently touched Rong Yu's brow: "Junior Brother, if the situation becomes critical, remember to remove this."

Rong Yu instinctively recoiled slightly, struggling to maintain his composure and not betray any hint of revulsion or discomfort, and nodded.

*Damn it, can this guy not get so close?! I'm allergic to trash!*

His body was steadied by Lu Shitu from behind. He then calmed himself, pondered the Sect Leader's words, and vaguely realized something.

He had worn this jade ring ever since he arrived. Occasionally removing it caused a faint headache. The original text mentioned that Rong Yu's talent was exceptionally formidable, with corresponding side effects, hence he usually suppressed his abilities.

Could this jade ring be for suppression?

A few days later, Rong Yu descended the mountain with Lu Shitu.

Rong Baichuan stood at the mountain gate, meticulously giving instructions: "Ah-Yu, it's been a long time since you've been down the mountain. Many things below are different from before, so you must be careful. Take this money pouch; down there, spirit stones are not as convenient. It's early spring weather now, much warmer than in the sect, but you still need to take this bundle of clothes, just in case. Also..."

Rong Yu's mind was screaming: *Shifu, please stop lecturing!*

*I'm a top master, okay?! What on earth are you so worried about, Shixiong?!*

Rong Baichuan glanced at Lu Shitu, who was waiting in the distance, and smiled at Rong Yu: "You're taking him along because his birthday is coming up soon, aren't you?"

Hearing this, Rong Yu nodded and also turned to look at Lu Shitu, who was quietly waiting nearby.

Lu Shitu and You Weiwan were chatting by the carriage, occasionally glancing their way.

Rong Yu hadn't originally planned to bring Lu Shitu on this trip down the mountain. However, while helping Rong Baichuan organize the sect's storeroom earlier, he happened to see Lu Shitu's birthday recorded in the ledger—it was approaching soon.

In the original story, Lu Shitu had been sent by his family to Sect Leader Shangguan of the Taixu Sword Sect at a young age, becoming a personal disciple. He had trained rigorously through scorching summers and freezing winters since childhood, never experiencing an ordinary life.

*This child has grown up without even knowing his own birthday...*

Rong Yu decided to take him down the mountain to properly celebrate his birthday and let him experience a normal childhood, making up for what he had missed.

He bid farewell to Rong Baichuan, then led Lu Shitu and You Weiwan towards the carriage. He straightforwardly boarded the first carriage, and Lu Shitu naturally followed him.

Rong Yu looked at him, somewhat surprised, and said, "Shitu? Why did you follow me? It's fine—you can accompany Weiwan and ride in the carriage behind with her."