"Greetings, Tian Chu Zhenren!" Ye Tianfan stepped forward to pay his respects. Although he didn't know the exact etiquette of this world, following along with Plongder's actions, he wouldn't go wrong.

Tian Chu Zhenren observed Ye Tianfan actually mimicking the gestures correctly, amusement gleaming in his eyes.

Even though Ye Tianfan performed the disciple's etiquette, didn't it indicate that he wasn't someone who acts on a whim?

Tian Chu Zhenren smiled slightly and said, "The fact that you've walked the Path-seeking Ladder proves you have a resolute mind. Since you reside under the Taichu Sect, our sect will not ignore you. However, I have a few questions to ask; please answer truthfully."

Ye Tianfan nodded and said, "Yes, I will speak without reserve. Please ask, Tian Chu Zhenren."

Tian Chu Zhenren asked, "Do you know what exactly happened?"

Ye Tianfan was startled. How would I know what happened? I'm not even from that village, but if I directly say I'm not from that village, would I be considered a Demon Sect spy?

After thinking for a moment, Ye Tianfan said, "Reporting to Zhenren, I remember drinking with someone last night, then suddenly the wind and clouds changed drastically, and after that, I knew nothing!"

Tian Chu Zhenren nodded upon hearing this; it seemed to match what he saw from Taichu Mountain yesterday. It was because of the anomaly that he sent disciples to investigate.

Tian Chu Zhenren pondered briefly and said, "So, you have no knowledge of what specifically happened last night?"

Ye Tianfan nodded and replied, "Yes!"

At this moment, a voice shouted from outside the hall.

"Sect Leader, esteemed masters, disciple Liu Lanshan from the Medical Hall has urgent matters to report."

Tian Chu Zhenren nodded to Ye Tianfan and then called out to the outside of the hall, "Enter!"

"Yes!"

When Liu Lanshan entered the hall, he first gave Ye Tianfan a sympathetic glance, then respectfully reported to Tian Chu Zhenren, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, the surviving villagers from Tazhai Village under Taichu Mountain could not be saved; all have died!"

Sighs immediately filled the hall, disappointment etched on the faces of the Taichu Sect members, not expecting that from Tazhai Village, only Ye Tianfan was left alive.

Tian Chu Zhenren sighed and asked Ye Tianfan, "What is your name?"

"Reporting to Zhenren, I am called Ye Tianfan!" Ye Tianfan answered respectfully. Although he wasn't from Tazhai Village, he felt intense anger at the massacre that happened overnight. Yet, in this world of cultivation, his measly abilities couldn't defeat anyone but ordinary civilians, so his only hope was to join the Taichu Sect.

He knew that coming up next might be his crucial moment to join the Taichu Sect.

"Are you willing to cultivate immortality?" Tian Chu Zhenren asked Ye Tianfan.

It was just that straightforward. Tian Chu Zhenren believed that Ye Tianfan had a clear background and extraordinary determination for completing the Path-seeking Ladder without external help. Moreover, with Tazhai Village's centuries-long history beneath Taichu Mountain, the Taichu Sect as the leading righteous sect failed to save it in time, leaving him with a sense of guilt.

Therefore, Tian Chu Zhenren decided to see if Ye Tianfan wished to cultivate immortality. If so, he would take him as a disciple; if not, he would find him a place on the mountain, as the Taichu Sect had a responsibility towards him.

"I am willing," Ye Tianfan was genuinely thrilled. Cultivating immortality was something he never dared dream of before, and now it was right in front of him; what reason did he have to refuse?

"Very well. Fellow brothers, I haven't taken in disciples for many years. Would any brother be willing to accept him under their guidance?" Tian Chu Zhenren asked those seated on the other grand walnut armchairs.

Then, a tall and thin man got up and said, "Sect Leader, you know my Taijin Peak lineage has always been sparse in members; let me take this opportunity to take a disciple!"

He was about to summon Ye Tianfan to his side when a stocky man beside him swiftly stood up, blocking his way, and said to Tian Chu Zhenren, "Sect Leader, I feel a profound connection with this child; he may be destined to be the head of my Taijin Peak in the future. Let him join my line instead!"

At this point, Yun Chu Zhenren, who was sitting next to Tian Chu Zhenren, interrupted, "Junior Brother Ling Chu, this child is currently so pitiable. We must provide him the best care and love. With so many disciples under you, you may not be able to give him proper care!"

After speaking, Yun Chu Zhenren turned to Tian Chu Zhenren, bowed, and said, "Sect Leader, this child is indeed a good material. Allow me to take him into Taijin Peak. I will carefully nurture him to become a talent as a tribute to the souls of Tazhai Village's residents."

"You can't say that. How do you know I wouldn't care for him well? I've taken good care of all my disciples!" Junior Brother Ling Chu, feeling the opportunity slipping away, quickly argued.

"Senior Brother Yun Chu is right. Speaking of disciple numbers, the least among you are over dozens. My Taijin Peak has only six people, which is insufficient. Why not..."

"Me too, me too, I also lack people under my discipleship!"

...

Everyone began to argue.

From the disputes, it was clear how appreciated Ye Tianfan's talent was.

Tian Chu Zhenren interrupted everyone, then looked at Tian Chu Zhenren, pondering briefly. Yun Chu Zhenren, Junior Brother Ling Chu, and the others silently felt uneasy. As expected, after a while, Tian Chu Zhenren said, "Junior Brother Tian Chu also has a point. His disciple numbers are too few; let him join your discipleship."

Tian Chu Zhenren smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Sect Leader."

Everyone saw this. Having been fellow disciples with Tian Chu Zhenren for many years, they knew that he rarely smiled. The fact that he smiled today showed he was genuinely pleased. They couldn't help but be secretly annoyed. Yet, they had to accept it, as Tian Chu Zhenren spoke, and the number of disciples at Taijin Peak was indeed sparse, causing them to lament losing a disciple with such great aptitude and persistence.

Seeing no more disputes, Tian Chu Zhenren made the final summary, "Alright, this matter is settled. All junior brothers must pay attention to investigating this situation, understood?"

Yun Chu Zhenren and others stood up together and said in unison, "Understood."

Tian Chu Zhenren nodded to everyone and quickly walked into the rear hall. Once his figure disappeared inside, Tian Chu Zhenren approached Ye Tianfan with a deeply satisfied look, thinking, what a raw jade!

"Come, follow me to Taijin Peak!" With that, Tian Chu Zhenren lightly flicked his sleeve, and with a sense of pride, left the hall.

Ye Tianfan, seeing this, knew he would be sticking with Tian Chu Zhenren from now on, so he followed behind him, heading out of the hall.

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