Dong Qianyue glanced at the silent individual from the Flourishing Flower Sect, then slowly descended on the Phoenix of Neon Feathers, landing not far from Xiao Linglong.
Though everyone was shocked, they wisely parted to make way.
Dong Qianyue scrutinized Xiao Linglong, her lips slightly parted, "What is your name?"
Ming Zhitian, standing nearby, was completely ignored, despite being a male. Xiao Linglong replied, "My name is Xiao Linglong. And you are?"
Dong Qianyue stated, "I am Dong Qianyue, the Grand Sect Leader of the Five Sects and Eight Branches of the Ten Thousand Mile Forest."
"!!!" everyone thought, "As expected!"
Xiao Linglong's eyes lit up, "Sect Leader Dong Qianyue, I wish to ask, who here is the Sect Leader Shang Qianlinghua of the Leaf Branch of the Flourishing Flower Sect?"
Dong Qianyue pointed to the woman wearing the Linghua robe. Shang Qianlinghua said, "I am."
Xiao Linglong quickly stepped forward, knelt, and cupped her hands, "Linglong pays respects to Senior Shang Qian. I have heard your great name, it rings like thunder in my ears. I wish to become a disciple of your Flourishing Flower Sect's Leaf Branch, and implore Senior Shang Qian to grant my request."
"....."
Shang Qianlinghua's beautiful eyes flickered towards Dong Qianyue. Seeing a glare from her, she understood. Shang Qianlinghua said to Xiao Linglong, "I am no longer accepting disciples."
Xiao Linglong looked disappointed. Dong Qianyue said, "Linglong, join my sect, and I guarantee you a meteoric rise."
Xiao Linglong felt a pang of sadness, "But I wanted to become Senior Shang Qian's disciple... because she is my idol, and I want to see her every day..."
Shang Qianlinghua smiled enchantingly, "You can see me every day if you join the Grand Sect Leader's sect."
Dong Qianyue's expression turned cold, "What? Is it such a loss to join my sect, Dong Qianyue?"
Xiao Linglong quickly shook her head, "I am deeply honored by the Grand Sect Leader's favor, I am overwhelmed. It's not... it's beyond my wildest dreams. I am overjoyed, how could I possibly refuse?"
Dong Qianyue gave her no chance to refuse, "It's settled then. Come with me now."
Xiao Linglong's heart sank, "So soon? May I say goodbye first?"
Dong Qianyue nodded, "Go ahead. You have the time it takes to steep a cup of tea."
Xiao Linglong bowed, "Thank you, Grand Sect Leader."
Xiao Linglong went to Ming Zhitian and Buck. She first stroked Buck's lion mane, then said to Ming Zhitian, "I've finally joined a sect of the Ten Thousand Mile Forest. Though we've only been together for a few days, I'm suddenly reluctant to part."
Ming Zhitian smiled faintly, "There is gain in letting go. Go chase your dream. I also have a belief to fulfill. May we both achieve victory!"
"Haha, alright, victory! Remember to write to me." Xiao Linglong gave him a bear hug.
Though her chest was small and flat, as the saying goes, if one's 'chest' is not broad, how can one conquer the world?
Ming Zhitian paid it no mind, treating her like a brother, "I will."
Bei Zhong Xuelian said, "A man has snuck in? Who brought him?"
Dong Xinque cocked her chin, "Wasn't it brought by that little girl?"
Bei Zhong Xuelian said, "Guards, escort him out of the Ten Thousand Mile Forest."
Dong Xinque said, "Wait, he's a friend of the Grand Sect Leader's cherished disciple. Let it be."
After bidding farewell, Xiao Linglong, under everyone's gaze, boarded the longed-for Phoenix of Neon Feathers and tore through space with Dong Qianyue.
Following this, the five Grand Sect Leaders also tore through space and departed, leaving the newcomers to ponder life, exchanging bewildered glances.
Tie Xiaoyan stepped onto the stage and said, "Everyone, the individuals you just saw are the foundations of our Five Sects and Eight Branches of the Ten Thousand Mile Forest. Whomsoever among you admires, engrave them in your hearts, strengthen yourselves, and prepare for the trial three days from now. Also, strive to catch the eyes of these sect leaders, that is how you will demonstrate your value. That is all, the gathering is dismissed."
In that case, did Xiao Linglong get in through the back door? The crowd buzzed with discussion. They all wondered, Xiao Linglong was small, with neither a prominent chest nor curves, how did the Grand Sect Leader take a liking to her? Moreover, the five Grand Sect Leaders had all come, vying for Xiao Linglong, but none were as formidable as Grand Sect Leader Dong Qianyue, whose single glance made them willingly withdraw.