Chapter Twenty-Five: Senior Sister, Master Said About Cultivation in the Future...

Sect of Sole Self.

On the vast and empty platform of the First Mountain, as Wang Ran took a single step forward and his voice echoed in all directions, the entire scene fell into a hushed silence.

Every disciple felt their spirit shaken, their minds reeling, overwhelmed with disbelief.

"Damn it, how can he be so powerful?"

"Wang Ran actually achieved a ten-star Foundation Establishment—what extraordinary fortune!"

"He has already surpassed Senior Brother Ye!"

"So it turns out he is the true prodigy of our Sect of Sole Self!"

"Ten stars, that's ten stars!"

Inner and outer disciples alike were stunned, for a genius capable of ten-star Foundation Establishment was as rare as a phoenix feather throughout all Nine Provinces—a talent truly favored by the heavens.

Shocked as they were, they once again contributed a few points of Path Valor to Wang Ran, who had nearly fallen into despair, rekindling a glimmer of hope within him.

Aside from the ordinary disciples, the gathered prodigies witnessing the event were utterly aghast. Tony Mu was breathing heavily, unable to accept it, while Ye Cang’s face was dark and a vein throbbed at his temple. The little junior sister was flushed with excitement, her eyes filled with worship as she gazed at Wang Ran, feeling her heart about to fail her.

Yao Jianjia’s gaze shone with renewed admiration, leaving a deeper impression of Wang Ran, while Zhao Xiaobai grinned, as though he had wagered correctly.

Most delighted of all was Elder Feng Yazi, who laughed heartily in satisfaction and declared in a resonant voice: "As expected of someone I, Feng Yazi, have chosen—born with extraordinary talent, truly the heavens bless our Sect!"

"I issue my decree: from today, Wang Ran is an inner disciple. Reward him with five thousand spirit jades and a private residence."

With that, a beam of light flew forth, landing in Wang Ran’s hand. Looking down, he saw violet energy swirling and golden dragons adorning it—it was the robe of an inner disciple.

Wang Ran clasped his fists in gratitude, excitement rising within him. Since he had arrived at the Sect at the age of seven, eleven years had passed—eleven years as an outer disciple, and now, at last, he had ascended to the inner ranks.

The bittersweet trials of those years were known only to himself.

As he reflected, Elder Liu, who had been dumbstruck at the scene, stepped forward: "Grand Elder, we have no private residences left. If we build one anew, it will take some time."

Feng Yazi pondered briefly, then replied, "Is that so? Well, I still have some space on the northern shore, and your senior sister’s residence on the Third Mountain is quite empty. Wang Ran, would you prefer to live on the northern or southern shore?"

Wang Ran coughed lightly, bashfully replying, "Since joining the Sect, I have always lived on the southern shore and grown fond of it..."

Feng Yazi understood his meaning and smiled wryly, "You little rascal. Very well, from now on, you shall reside on your senior sister’s Third Mountain. Remember to cultivate diligently and never slacken."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I will not disgrace your trust," Wang Ran replied joyfully, bowing with clasped hands.

Feng Yazi nodded, then turned to Yao Jianjia: "Jianjia, your junior will be living with you. Is that a problem?"

Yao Jianjia, long accustomed to solitude on the Third Mountain, was momentarily taken aback, but after a pause, she softly said, "No trouble at all."

Feng Yazi saw that matters here were nearly settled. After a few words to Liu Ansheng about reorganizing the Sect, he left a final message for Wang Ran and Yao Jianjia, then soared into the sky.

A thunderous voice echoed overhead: "You two must work hard in your cultivation. Jianjia, look after your junior well. I am entering seclusion—should anything urgent arise, seek me at Sky Pillar Peak on the northern shore."

With Feng Yazi’s departure, the grand ceremony of enlightenment came to a close. The disciples lingered, savoring the moment, then gradually took their leave, discussing animatedly as they departed in pairs and trios.

Ye Cang’s face remained gloomy; he snorted coldly and departed atop his sword.

Tony Mu and the other prodigies also left, each deep in their own thoughts.

Zhao Xiaobai folded up his white feather fan and approached, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Wang! After today, your name will surely spread throughout the Sect of Sole Self."

The little junior sister sidled up, her eyes sparkling with awe; even Yao Jianjia couldn’t help but glance sideways, making Wang Ran the focus of all attention.

Feeling their gazes, Wang Ran straightened his back, especially when he noticed Yao Jianjia observing him. His heart skipped a beat, and his posture grew even more upright.

Leaping onto the high platform, he turned his back to the crowd. His robes billowed in the wind; from the side, his face appeared enigmatic, the demeanor of a peerless master perfected.

He sighed with a languid air, "I am a hero, unmatched in vision; a genius, boundlessly arrogant... Ten-star Foundation Establishment is but a trivial matter—no need to envy me. When you stand at my height, you will know how lonely and desolate it is."

His voice grew more wistful, his figure more solitary; with his melancholy gaze, even the air seemed to hush.

The little junior sister’s eyes shone with adoration as she blushed, gazing infatuatedly at Wang Ran’s back.

Zhao Xiaobai shook his head with a wry smile, "Brother Wang..."

"No need to call me—let me savor the pain of this loneliness. It will temper my resolve," Wang Ran raised a hand to halt him.

Zhao Xiaobai helplessly rubbed his forehead, "No, Brother Wang, Senior Sister Yao’s already gone..."

"What?"

Wang Ran was stunned, turned around, and saw only Yao Jianjia’s distant silhouette, not once looking back. He blushed in embarrassment.

"Ahem, Brother Zhao, junior sister—I’ll take my leave." Wang Ran quickly clasped his fists and hurried after her, "Senior Sister, wait for me!"

His voice rose and fell as he sped away.

...

The sun set in the west, its afterglow endless.

Though the southern shore boasted several peaks, Yao Jianjia’s solitary claim to a mountain was unique.

It was a special reward for her status as a true disciple and her extraordinary strength.

Wang Ran followed behind Yao Jianjia, glancing around in admiration. "Senior Sister, your home is so big."

Yao Jianjia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’ve been here once before."

Wang Ran blinked, recalling the previous incident and coughed awkwardly, "Senior Sister, I was reckless last time. Sorry about that."

"It’s nothing," Yao Jianjia seemed unconcerned, leading Wang Ran into the courtyard.

Despite her exclusive mountain, the courtyard was actually not large. Wang Ran’s sweeping glance revealed something odd—there seemed to be only a single building...

He followed Yao Jianjia inside; though opulent, the place felt empty, lacking the fragrance of a maiden’s chamber or any cozy touches.

Yao Jianjia explained, "I usually live alone here, so there aren’t many spare rooms. But fortunately, this one is spacious enough."

As she spoke, she waved her hand, producing a wooden bed from her storage pouch and setting it opposite her own, separated by a large folding screen.

"It’s late. You should rest," Yao Jianjia said softly, then jumped onto her bed and began meditating.

Wang Ran’s expression was odd as he climbed onto his bed, lying down for a while before recalling Elder Feng Yazi’s words. Feeling shy, he called out, "Senior Sister."

"Hmm?"

Yao Jianjia’s cool voice came from behind the screen.

Wang Ran hesitated, his eyes growing more bashful. "Um... Master said earlier that we should work hard in our cultivation..."

Yao Jianjia detected nothing amiss and replied, "Yes... You must be tired after today’s ceremony. Rest well, we’ll talk about cultivation tomorrow."

Wang Ran grew anxious, "No, Senior Sister, Master said ‘in the days to come,’ we must work hard."

Yao Jianjia opened her eyes, "What do you mean? Are you planning to cultivate tonight?"

"Sigh, Senior Sister, you still haven’t grasped the true meaning of Master’s words," Wang Ran said regretfully.

Yao Jianjia looked puzzled, "The true meaning?"

Wang Ran shook his head and sighed, "Forget it, let’s discuss this another time. Senior Sister, I hope you’ll one day understand Master’s real intent."

With that, Wang Ran’s face took on the look of a disappointed elder, and he said no more.

Seeing this, Yao Jianjia grew even more confused. Even as night fell, she could not sleep.

Her mind kept turning over Feng Yazi’s phrase ‘in the days to come, work hard at cultivation.’ Did it really hide some secret meaning?

Why could her junior grasp it, but she could not?

Wang Ran did not know that his casual teasing would become a knot in Yao Jianjia’s heart over the days to come…