27 - The Divine Physician’s Overbearing Wife

Web Novel Chapter 27 Countless eyes were glued to the little girl in red, whose presence had taken the crowd by storm. She stood under the jade curtain, now slowly fading of its green glow, looking up to her with a broad, radiant smile. Seeing this, Yun Mi Xue felt a warmth in her heart, all her displeasure towards those who disparaged Yan Zhu Guang dissipating. Since Zhu Guang herself seemed unfazed, having used her own remarkable talent to silence the naysayers, why should Yun Mi Xue dwell on these trivial matters? She could not let her discontent spoil Zhu Guang's joy. Yun Mi Xue couldn't help but return Yan Zhu Guang's smile, one that came from deep within her heart. Yan Zhu Guang's talent was a resounding slap in the face to those who had belittled her, leaving them utterly stunned. The cultivators from other sects and the affiliated families attending the recruitment event had to feign congratulatory expressions, all the while their hearts ached with bitterness. The boys waiting behind Yan Zhu Guang for their tests looked visibly displeased. Most of them, having undergone their family's spirit root assessments, had a clear understanding of their own talents. They knew they couldn't surpass Yan Zhu Guang's aptitude. Their once prideful talents seemed insignificant in comparison to Yan Zhu Guang's, akin to a mere firefly's glow next to the resplendent moon. The dreams they'd harbored of standing out and gaining recognition had now become laughable. To add to their distress, this girl, with her perfectly harmonious spirit roots, wasn't from a prestigious family but merely a miscellaneous laborer of a minor sect. Did this mean they were inferior to even a menial labor disciple? This realization was a devastating blow to these cherished scions of noble families. If not for the inappropriate occasion, they might have turned and left right there. It attested to Sect Master Gu's previous words—they were indeed merely embellishments and foils. Yan Zhu Guang was of the wood-type celestial spirit root and possessed a wood spirit constitution, her path to cultivation so promising it couldn't even be described as limitless. Overnight, she transformed from an insignificant labor disciple of a small sect into an object of great desire. Consequently, many elders interested in taking on disciples sought out Yun Mi Xue, who had brought Zhu Guang there. Among them was Ji Ling Elder from Xiao Chun Shan, whom Chu Ning Yan had previously mentioned. Ji Ling Elder was a great figure of the early Deification stage, supervising the planting of spiritual herbs within the inner sect, known for his gentle and approachable demeanor. With Yan Zhu Guang's talent, it would be most fitting to become his disciple. However, while Yun Mi Xue wished for Yan Zhu Guang to have a good mentor, the thought of parting with the girl she'd cared for so long filled her with reluctance. She respected Yan Zhu Guang's choice and made no promises to those elders probing for her stance, simply saying it was up to Zhu Guang. After completing her spirit root test, Yan Zhu Guang stepped aside. Next, the other candidates took the stage for their assessments. Unfortunately, with her brilliant performance preceding theirs, even the dual roots, or the rare single roots among them, caused little stir. The elders interested in taking her as a disciple were completely fixated on her. Elders whose cultivation path didn't align with the wood element could only acknowledge and move on, while the rest had no real interest in those currently tested. Sect Master Gu Chen was also amazed by Yan Zhu Guang's aptitude. Though he'd gathered some information about her from Yun Mi Xue, she hadn't known about Yan Zhu Guang's unique constitution. He, having never interacted with her, naturally couldn't have known either. Unable to hold back, he summoned Yan Zhu Guang over. His expression remained largely unchanged, but there was a trace of kindness in his demeanor, "What are your plans for the future? You have considerable talent; you might consider studying under a respected elder to become a personal disciple." The status of a personal disciple, whether of an elder or a titled disciple, was equivalent to that of an inner sect disciple. Yet, unlike the generally guided ordinary inner sect disciples, these personal disciples would receive dedicated instruction and resources from their mentors, quite different from those who needed to rely mostly on their own efforts. For most disciples, having the opportunity to choose an elder as a mentor was a highly desirable situation. But to everyone's surprise, Yan Zhu Guang declined: "I wish to stay by Grandmaster Lian Ji's side, rather than go anywhere else." This attitude from Yan Zhu Guang, seen by the elders who'd been closely observing her interaction with Gu Chen, prompted them to shift their focus to Yun Mi Xue. As a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, Yun Mi Xue was qualified to take personal disciples. Yet, it was known throughout the Fenghua Immortal Sect that this esteemed grandmaster had no intentions of accepting disciples. Numerous admirers had wished to study under Yun Mi Xue, but none had succeeded. Could this extraordinarily gifted young girl be the one to finally sway Yun Mi Xue's firm stance? Given Yun Mi Xue personally brought her here, mightn't she make an exception for her? In a day full of unexpected turns, Yun Mi Xue's refusal to accept Yan Zhu Guang as a disciple, albeit gently, was another surprise. "Zhu Guang," Yun Mi Xue, seated closely beside Gu Chen, spoke apologetically to Yan Zhu Guang, "I may not be the right person to guide your cultivation." In truth, Yun Mi Xue's personal wish was to avoid transforming her relationship with Yan Zhu Guang into one of master and disciple; the thought of such a hierarchical difference repelled her. Her instincts warned against it, suggesting future regret might stem from such an association. Thus, although public refusal might sadden Yan Zhu Guang, Yun Mi Xue felt compelled to make the difficult decision. Still, after voicing her rejection, she worried about causing Zhu Guang distress, vigilantly watching for her reaction. Though Yun Mi Xue declined to take Yan Zhu Guang as a disciple, none of the elders wishing to mentor her saw it as a bad thing. As other elders began to speak, ready to persuade Yan Zhu Guang to accept them as mentors, the vibrant young girl stated, "I can cultivate on my own, without specific guidance. I don't need Grandmaster to take me as a disciple; I just want to stay by her side." Her words left the elders speechless. What did she mean by this? What was Yan Zhu Guang getting at? She'd never intended to take Yun Mi Xue as her master. In her mind, she and Yun Mi Xue were equals—what would suddenly being her junior mean? So, Yun Mi Xue's rejection was actually to her benefit; there was no sadness on her part. She spoke simply because she didn't want to leave Yun Mi Xue's side, whether it was due to her mission or her own reasons. Yan Zhu Guang's face was firm, unaware that her words seemed inappropriate, though inwardly she scoffed at the situation. The elders, without exception, had paid her no heed before her extraordinary talent was revealed. Now, eager to make her their disciple, they thought it so easy? Not at all! Yan Zhu Guang spoke truthfully; she had no need for others to guide her cultivation. In truth, it would be more fitting for her to instruct them. With this being the case, why seek out a master who would only suppress her with their authority and allow no resistance? Yan Zhu Guang was no fool. Additionally, the light of the "White Moonlight Saving System" she was bound to demanded a high degree of freedom, making discipleship a constraint. "Indeed, my esteemed host," the system advised, "Tasks may be issued at any time. As your system, I suggest you avoid joining a certain sect as a disciple; it will only complicate things." Even disregarding Yan Zhu Guang, the "White Moonlight Saving System" alone was enough to ensure her cultivation. Could these elders possibly surpass the system in competence? "But," the system hesitantly added, "my esteemed host, your words could have been more delicate." Undoubtedly, some of the elders were upset. Yan Zhu Guang responded, "Would it have mattered how I put it? The outcome remains unchanged, and they are not oblivious." "While that's true," the system expressed concern, "It's probably not wise to antagonize these powerful elders." Yan Zhu Guang replied, "You're underestimating them. Publicly, they can't do anything to me, and privately, they'd send juniors after me at best." "These juniors are no real challenge." The system thought for a bit and agreed, falling silent again. While Yan Zhu Guang conversed with the system, Yun Mi Xue, initially taken aback by Zhu Guang's words, came to her senses. Relieved that Zhu Guang wasn't upset by her refusal, Yun Mi Xue became worried she might have upset the elders. The idea of keeping Yan Zhu Guang as a regular inner disciple at her side seemed too limiting, and the conditions at Zhu Xue Peak wouldn't be ideal for her cultivation. As Yun Mi Xue contemplated advising Zhu Guang further, Zhu Guang turned to Gu Chen and asked, "Sect Master, may I stay by Grandmaster Lian Ji's side?" Gu Chen voiced no opinion on her choice, simply asking, "Are you certain of your decision?" Zhu Guang nodded. Gu Chen glanced at Yun Mi Xue, saying, "If Lian Ji agrees, you staying by her side would not breach sect rules. If she disagrees, the sect leader has other means." With naive curiosity, Yan Zhu Guang asked, "What means?" "Lian Ji's registered disciple spot is vacant. Should you voluntarily become a registered disciple, no need for her approval, the sect leader can assign you directly. It's entirely up to you." When Gu Chen mentioned "registered disciple," the atmosphere among nearby elders and the titled disciple section became subtly charged. Yan Zhu Guang remained expressionless, yet she carefully noted the reactions of those within her line of sight, intending to review them later when she had the chance. She stated, "Grandmaster Lian Ji has been kind to me. As long as I can stay by her side, what does it matter if I am merely a registered disciple?" With these words, several elders shook their heads. It was clear she was determined to remain with Yun Mi Xue, there was no point in pushing. Moreover, if it was out of gratitude, then she was simply being loyal and not disrespecting them—they weren't petty enough to hold it against her. Some elders let it go, but a few remained dissatisfied. She was unwilling to become their disciple even if it meant being only a registered one? Hmph, they were curious to see how far this "genius" who needed no guidance would go in the future. Hearing the exchange between Gu Chen and Yan Zhu Guang, Yun Mi Xue felt a bit uneasy. She had refused Yan Zhu Guang thinking of her well-being, not to drive her to the point of opting for a registered status. She quickly interjected, "That's not necessary. If Zhu Guang wishes to stay with me, I'd welcome her wholeheartedly. How could I bear to refuse?" Upon hearing this, Gu Chen winked at Yan Zhu Guang. Instead of seeming playful, this gesture appeared rather unsettling on his otherwise stern face. Catching his hint, Yan Zhu Guang turned to Yun Mi Xue with a triumphant smile. Yun Mi Xue, helpless, could only give her a discreet glare. With the matter of Yan Zhu Guang's placement settled, the young ones undergoing aptitude tests were infuriated. Their elders had encouraged them to strive to become disciples of certain elders, and yet here was the most talented among them, being sought after by these elders, casually turning them all down. They didn't think Yan Zhu Guang was out of her mind; rather, they felt she was dismissive. And if they now begged an elder to take them in, wouldn't they be admitting inferiority? Blast it! How could they possibly join this sect now?