Chapter 78: Core disciple

Standing in front of an ancient abode, Sheng Tian admired the mystic feeling surrounding the place before he landed on the ground together with the elder.

The abode of Sect Master was quite simple. It was a normal house with walls which seemed to be carved out of 10,000-year glacial ice. In the vast open area, the presence of a single aesthetic abode created a breathtaking panorama like it was a land from the frozen heaven.

The blue walls of the house were carved with various symbols of beasts, plants, and weapons. All of them seem to have one thing in common- they were using an Ice profound art.

Sheng Tian nodded his head in satisfaction as they approached the entrance of the abode. The elder who came with him also seem to appreciate the vista before he bowed and greeted. "Sect Master"

*Swish*

In a second, a blue light flashed and a Middle-Aged Woman who seems to be in her 40s was standing in front of them.

She lightly nodded at the Elder and looked at Sheng Tian. Without even speaking a word, she brought huge pressure to the two people.

The Elder spoke carefully "Sect Master, this young disciple defeated someone two levels higher than his own in the test for Core disciple qualification."

Sect Master Bing Ying looked at Sheng Tian coolly and spoke "I would promote your status when you can do defeat a young genius. And the higher your battle prowess, the higher would be the status you gain.

Sheng Tian replied with a "Yes" so as to give her some face.

Sect Master Bing Ying's strong spirit sense swept across his body as she tried to verify if there are any treasures he is using to fake his cultivation.

With the allure of status of a core disciple, there have indeed been cases when disciples tried to cheat using profound treasures to show their cultivation lower than it actually is. Then they could easily become a core disciple.

Such treasures are rare but not non-existent. Showing one's cultivation as lower than normal is relatively easy compared to the opposite. There are even some disguise arts which could do the same. However, not one such attempt was successful under the Sect Master's keen spirit sense.

After finding no flaws in Sheng Tian's cultivation base, Sect Master Bing Ying took out a communication talisman and ordered someone.

Soon, two young men and a young woman appeared. They all seemed to be around 17 years. They all had cold faces and wearing the robes of Inner sect disciples. However, Sheng Tian sensed that they were at a higher grade compared to the usual disciples; they were geniuses!

Sect Master Bing Ying turned to Sheng Tian and spoke coolly "These are the 'genius' disciples. Someone above the normal grade inner disciples." Saying so, she waved her hand as she and the elder both were moved to a distance from the four people.

"Fight" an apathetic cold voice commanded.

Sheng Tian looked at the three disciples. Though they are stunned by his features, they were quick to recover. The female disciple didn't act like the ones in the plaza and still maintained the same icy look. However, it is a fact that she avoided eye contact. Nevertheless, Sheng Tian was impressed by her will and self-control.

Checking out their cultivation, the short man with the spear was at the sixth level of Earth Realm, the sturdy young man was at the seventh level of Earth realm while the cold looking good looking beauty was at the eighth level of Earth Realm.

Grinning cheekily, Sheng Tian pointed his finger at the girl. "I choose you, cold lady."

The girl, along with everyone present was stunned. However, the Sect master had only a very light reaction before she coldly nodded her head.

The girl looked at Sheng Tian and smiled coldly as she brandished her weapon, a pair of blood red daggers. With terrifying red light seeping out of their sharp tips, she slashed towards Sheng Tian.

Sheng Tian's eyes squinted a second before a thick killing intent filled the air. A sword which seemed to be soaked in blood appeared in his hand as he lashed at the incoming attack.

*BOOM*

The girl took a step back and so did Sheng Tian, albeit, he did so for the sake of it.

The girl looked dumbfounded but her eyes soon shone with determination. She spun in mid-air as she shot towards him. The next instant, a tornado was formed with the icy cold air with the girl at its eye.

Her eyes became ruthless as her pair of daggers were positioned at the boundary of the tornado providing extreme Torque for the rotation increasing its destructive power exponentially.

Sheng Tian nodded his head lightly. This girl is indeed a 'genius'. Let alone her own level, she might even defeat someone at the ninth level of Earth Realm.

This attack of hers is also very destructive as her opponent's movements will be restricted by the sheer amount of pressure.

The chilling waves of air can form ice barriers at any moment and give her defense. While the most obvious trait would be its attacking power.

The girl can shoot countless ice daggers and sharp icicles at him fueled by profound energy.

This is indeed a great profound art.

Sheng Tian analysed this a split second, then chuckled lightly. Looking into those cold eyes, he immediately used Formless Void steps without the invisibility function and arrived to her right side.

*Whoosh*

the girl turned right and the next second, a rain of lethal icicles and dangerous daggers wrecked the area Sheng Tian arrived.

*Bang*

The beautiful girl's eyes narrowed as she found Sheng Tian missing.

A mocking laughter came from behind. The girl felt that she was being humiliated and shamed

in front of everyone.

Gnashing her teeth in anger, she used her full strength, which could have been deadly to a otherwise normal cultivator of 4th level.

However, the guy she was facing was no ordinary one. He is probably the best description of Not Ordinary.

Sheng Tian once again escaped. With her spirit sense, she found him to her left. Without hesitation, she immediately attacked him.

She missed again.

Back, left, right, above....it continued while time passed by as Sheng Tian was mocking her arrogantly while remaining completely unfazed through out the ordeal.

*Huff* * Huff*

The ice tornado got weaker with each passing second. Initially, it was only shaking with imbalance, but as time passed by, its radius and height decreased drastically.

Finally, due to the toll of the profound art on her fatigued body, the beautiful girl collapsed onto her knees and was huffing and puffing to catch breath.

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

Sounds of light footsteps sounded. The beautiful girl lifted her head to see the otherworldly Sheng Tian looking down at her, straight into her eyes.

She averted his gaze and tried to muster some profound energy to attack him.

*Shh* A bright red light flashed as a cut appeared on the beautiful girl's slender neck.

The girl stopped in her tracks seeing the thin trail of her blood flowing down the blade.

Sheng Tian watched at her with an amused face. After looking at her sour expression, he withdrew his sword.

Slowly, he spoke" Beautiful young lady, remember the lesson you learnt today carefully. Your profound art is very powerful, but it consumes high amounts of profound energy.

You were enraged by my mocking and attacked continously. But you could do nothing when I outclassed your attack speed.

As I continued to provoke you, you continued being provoked. If this was a real battle of life&death, your slender neck would have been an offering to my blade.

The mental state of a cultivator is something that can make or break your path of cultivation, for the strongest battles of the world are first won in mind before on the world itself. You should develop a keen mental state and be calm all the times." he smiled gently as he took one last look at her before walking towards the Sect Master.

The beautiful girl who was stunned by his words was caught off guard by his dazzling smile as she felt like losing herself in the moment.

Sheng Tian slowly arrived in front of the Sect Master, her expression unreadable. However, she snapped her fingers as a set of robes and an identity token of core disciple status appeared in Sheng Tian's hands.

Sheng Tian grinned.

Suddenly, an arrogant laughter sounded out "Haha, didn't I win my bet little sister? I told you that this fellow could not take it down and will be a core disciple within three days. Now, come on and show me where you hid my 203rd collection of beauties panties and bras."

Upon hearing the familiar tone from those words; Sheng Tian's face darkened as he turned to the Perverted Old Man who appeared God knows when and shouted with rage and indignation with a face full of honesty " You dishonest perverted Old Man! How can you use me as a part of your bet without giving me any of the rewards at all? I shall take half of the panties and bras of my choice with reluctance as compensation."

Everyone's lips twitched when they heard these words.

Big bro, who is more dishonest and perverted between the two of you?

You both are perverted beings who are totally shameless!

The Young Woman in particular, was thinking of how Sheng Tian advised her about a cultivator's mental state as she looked at how easily Sheng Tian changed his mood.

She remembered one thing: Before marriage, guys often lie. But after marriage, they forget how to speak the truth.

The atmosphere was especially heavy. Since the one in the question were two beings that were definitely not meant to be provoked.

They both stared at each other before they let out a knowing chuckle and turned towards the poor Sect Master Bing Ying.

The powerful woman who could freeze anyone just by her presence suddenly felt a shiver run by her spine as she felt goosebumps under those two gazes.

But she quickly recovered her composure and spoke coldly"Grand Elder, I think it's better to remember your responsibilities for the sect and act accordingly."

The word 'Grand Elder' shocked all the disciples out of their wits. They never imagined that this perverted Old Man was the Grand Elder of their sect.

However, Sheng Tian didn't show any reaction. For, he already compared their cultivation and deduced that if Bing Ying is the Sect Master with her cultivation of Fifth Realm OverLord Realm, then the Old Man should be the Grand Elder.

Then she turned to Sheng Tian and said with the superiority of an expert "And you, don't become like your master. This sect is barely alive having him alone, if another joins in, I'm afraid it would cause disasters."

Sheng Tian and the Old Man looked at each other and laughed awkwardly.

"Honest Old Man, isn't today's weather warm and sunny?" Sheng Tian looked at the Cloudy sky and spoke naturally.

"Yes, Yes, Humble Young fella. It seems the sun won't stop raining..ahem the sun won't stop hiding. The weather is truly great. Haha." The Old Man replied with the same naturality.

"Kind Old Man, won't you get a Sunstroke in such sunny weather? Let me send you home." Sheng Tian's face showed genuine concern and anxiety as if he was very worried about the Old Man's health.

"Yes.Yes. To escape from the sunlight, let's hide in the clouds and return quickly." The Old man replied almost like it was a written script.

*Whoosh*

With a wave of the Old Man, the duo disappeared from the Sect Master's abode.

"These two...,sigh, how is this world going to have peace when Big brother pairs up with his little handsome disciple?... I guess I should just retire. That girl Wushang needs to mature quickly." the sect master Bing Ying thought in despair as if she already saw the chaos reigning in the world ensued by the two shameless guys.

However, one thing is true. When the sect truly needed him, her Big Brother was always there. His back was lean and frail which seem to be weak to even hold a single person, yet he carried the weight of the entire sect.

He might be shameless and perverted, but whenever she was on the verge of collapse, a pair of large and warm hands caught her weak body and supported her in the dark times.

He can go for all the women he wants, but why doesn't he just see me as one? a bitter smile formed on her face.

..... .... ...

"Master, why did you call me?" an ice cold voice like an oriole's song sounded in the elegant room.

"Yan'er, you should not go to Frozen Hell. Some people might try to harm you for their goals." Wushang slowly spoke as her ice-cold face carried a trace of anxiety and warmth.

Leng Yue Yan was taken back by her master's command. However, she decisively shook her head and spoke calmly "Master, I know that you want me to be safe. However, a plant grown under the shade of a tree could never face the true storms and grow; likewise, without enduring hardships, I cannot grow.

I might not win this battle against fate, but I will at least die trying. Death might be a deterrence to others, but to me, it's the reason to strive further."

Wushang looked at her good disciple as her ice-cold gaze now had a trace of pride and worry. As her master and a mother figure, she was indeed proud that her disciple was able to realize the truths of enduring the hardships alone to grow further. However, a part of her didn't want to take any risks. She didn't want to lose who she had left in this world.

Looking at the heaven toppling beauty of Leng Yue Yan, she seems to recall the little face of that young girl who was only around eight years old when she first met her.

She still remembered that night. This little girl of hers has really grown. It's just that she is growing far away from everyone. Her only wish was her to find joy in life. Sigh. But her fate....even she is powerless.

"Master, are you alright?"

Wushang snapped out of her thoughts only to find a cold but breathtaking face looking at her with worry.

As she thought how the little girl who needed her help even to carry her own luggage to the sect has now became a strong, independent and determined young woman who is now ready to face the hardships of the world all by herself, a myriad of emotions filled her heart.

Out of them, one was happiness and the other was sadness.

Happy that she has grown up, sad because of the same. It is a bitter sweet feeling filled with pride.

Sighing lightly, she nodded her head and spoke "Yan'er, be careful. You know that the last thing I want to see is getting you hurt."