8 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

"Master, do you think it's fate that we must die together?" "Ran Chang Lao, shouldn't you have chosen Lin Yu Xue first?" "If you had chosen me first, wouldn't Lin Yu Xue be even angrier and push me off the Zhao Yun Hall with more force to kill me faster?" "Oh heavens, it's just that I love staying up late, why put me through this!" "..." So noisy, truly so noisy. She suddenly felt a hint of regret. Ran Fan Yin tilted her head to look around. He Lan Mian Mian was on the verge of falling asleep, Qin Si Yue maintained her usual frosty demeanor as if warning off strangers and familiar faces alike. Upon feeling her gaze, she shifted subtly to avoid it, while the Senior Master sat upright, giving away no emotions. After a lengthy observation, it seemed she was the only one who could hear this voice. Truly a match made by heaven—how fitting. However, the constant murmuring of being pushed off Zhao Yun Hall—could someone truly be so bold and impetuous as to commit such an act without facing repercussions afterward? She found it hard to believe. This kid kept babbling about the author and the female protagonist; perhaps this was some peculiar narrative from a strange book predicting the future? Given the myriad of eccentric figures in the world, it wasn't unimaginable that someone might write about the future in a story. But why did this person believe it so fervently, without question? She decided to give it a try. Finally, Ning Song Wu was forcibly hauled to the front of the group by the red thread, standing side by side with Lin Yu Xue. Her frozen lips softened a bit, barely managing a smile more wretched than crying. Nonsense, she was about to die soon—there was truly no way she could smile happily. The Zhang Men, seeing everyone in place, asked directly, "Heavenly-grade Ice Spiritual Root, correct?" Feeling more scorching gazes and a faint chill of resentment emanating from beside her, Ning Song Wu immediately bowed low. “This junior, Ning Song Wu, possesses a Heavenly-grade Ice Spiritual Root.” Ning Song Wu. Ran Fan Yin repeated the name to herself, finding it quite fitting for her spiritual root attribute. With a light raise of her fan, she guided the girl to stand up straight, allowing everyone a better look at her appearance and potential. "Master, I bowed down to avoid being seen, but now I'm famous and can't escape—boohoohoo." Noticing Ning Song Wu's tattered outer disciple robe, the Zhang Men frowned slightly, "What happened to your clothes? Did you suffer any grievances in the outer sect?" "Not at all, I merely fell while ascending the Heavenly Steps earlier. Thankfully, Ran Chang Lao saved me, allowing me to narrowly escape the mishap," Ning Song Wu replied calmly, as if recounting someone else's story. Lin Yu Xue turned to look at her and abruptly laughed, stepping forward. "Ran Chang Lao, forgive my bluntness, but although Ning Song Wu's spiritual root is heavenly-grade, it's an ice root. Ice and fire do not mix well, so I ask that you reconsider." "Ah, right, you're the most accommodating one, fooling Ran Fan Yin into a trap and severely injuring her, giving the Demon Lord an opening. Ha, a love-struck fool!" Thinking of Lin Yu Xue's remarks later in the novel made Ning Song Wu want to vomit— "Since childhood, I was never anyone's first choice, but to her, I was always number one." Ha! Ran Fan Yin, hearing this, remained expressionless as she coldly replied, “Do I need your input on what I decide to do?” Uncertain and distant futures could never deter her, but Lin Yu Xue's repeated interruptions truly annoyed her. When had she ever tolerated junior interference in her matters? "Heavens, to refute Lin Yu Xue in front of everyone, dear Master, do you think she isn't darkened enough?" Ran Fan Yin chuckled softly, her cold aura dispersing in all directions. She looked towards the composed Zhang Men, "Senior Sister, you know about my health; it’s difficult for me to mentor two geniuses." Health? Ning Song Wu was stunned. In the original work, Ran Fan Yin was in great health, so why use health as an excuse now? She snuck a glance at the Zhang Men, who had seemed somewhat troubled. Upon hearing these words, he immediately made a decision, "Lin Yu Xue, would you be willing to join me as my disciple? As for cultivation methods, I trust Ran Chang Lao won't mind sharing." Ran Fan Yin slightly raised her head, a gesture of acquiescence. "Wow, the Zhang Men gets to deal with the troublesome Lin Yu Xue now. Let's see how things turn out... nope, no change." Ning Song Wu let out a light sigh, somewhat troubled. Lin Yu Xue clenched her fists, then bowed low, "Honorable Master, please accept your disciple's bow." "So, Ran Fan Yin’s health isn’t good? That's impossible, the book never mentioned that." How could such deep-seated secrets be written in a book? Only a few sisters knew her true condition. Outsiders definitely wouldn't know. In her heart, Ran Fan Yin countered, casting a delicate glance at Ning Song Wu with her slightly glowing phoenix eyes, "What about you?" Following suit, Ning Song Wu solemnly bowed, "Honorable Master, please accept your disciple's bow." "Master, we’re truly in this together now. Don’t cry when I die later." Her inner sorrow further dulled her expression. Ran Fan Yin suppressed a smile, finding it genuinely amusing. This kid seemed to take the story content seriously, firmly believing she was going to die. Truly a child's disposition. “Rise,” she replied calmly. "I've made my pick, nothing more to say." The Zhang Men accepted Lin Yu Xue, then selected a few others. Qin Si Yue naturally chose Liu Ruo Ying and two other promising wood spiritual root disciples. The rest were chosen accordingly—if they had mid-grade or higher spiritual roots, they were accepted into the inner sect, while those with lower grades but above mortal were placed in the outer sect. Those with mortal-grade roots could choose to leave. It was cruel; if your talent was lacking, you couldn't even get through the door. At least the Shang Yun Sect provided them a chance. Still empty-handed, Liu Chang Lao sighed deeply, looking at the young disciples who came and went. He muttered quietly, "In the past, we could still catch some disciples. This year, we can't catch even one." He Lan Mian Mian had a unique lineage as a human-demon hybrid. The cultivation method she painstakingly amassed over the years required someone like her to inherit it.