After a round of pleasantries, Ji Yuan descended from Lei Ze Peak, and in his hand, a token appeared within the Cloud Jade Pendant.
This token, a gift from Xu Qiqi, granted him the ability to ascend Lei Ze Peak directly without prior announcement. However, access was restricted to certain areas, with other places off-limits for casual entry.
Ji Yuan paid little mind to this, as he had no intention of venturing into unauthorized areas even if he could freely enter and exit Lei Ze Peak.
Upon leaving, he did not immediately return to Xuan Tian Peak. Instead, he made his way to the area designated for outer disciples.
After some inquiries, Ji Yuan finally located Lin Miaoyi’s residence and knocked on the door of her small courtyard.
He hadn't anticipated that she would be living in such a secluded corner. While the area was tranquil and the environment pleasant, it differed somewhat from his expectations.
A moment later, the courtyard gate opened, but it was not Lin Miaoyi who emerged, but another young woman.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in outer disciple attire. Her appearance was rather ordinary, and her cultivation level was merely at the initial stage of the first realm.
“May I ask who you are?”
The woman looked at the young man before her with a hint of confusion, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
Within the Nine Profound Sect, it was rare for disciples to wear anything other than the standard uniform. Those who possessed the privilege to do so were invariably individuals far beyond the reach of outer disciples.
With this thought, the woman’s expression immediately turned serious, and her demeanor became somewhat reserved.
“May I ask if Lin Miaoyi is here?”
Ji Yuan smiled gently and stated his purpose directly.
The woman did not seem surprised, even appearing to confirm her expectations. With a smile and a request to wait a moment, she quickly turned and hurried back into the courtyard.
Although he could glimpse the courtyard’s interior through the open gate, Ji Yuan took a few steps back and turned to face a distant bamboo grove.
For reasons unknown, it seemed that many cultivators favored planting various kinds of bamboo on their own grounds.
Confucian cultivators, in particular, held a near-obsessive affection for bamboo.
Without a long wait, Ji Yuan soon heard footsteps behind him, and a familiar presence registered in his senses.
They had spent a considerable amount of time together when they first entered the underground dojo, establishing a degree of familiarity.
He turned his head and saw Lin Miaoyi hurrying towards him, a look of bewilderment on her face.
Upon seeing Ji Yuan, her eyes flickered with surprise, mixed with a profound sense of joy.
“Daoist, it has been a while. Are you well?”
Lin Miaoyi regained her composure, bowed gracefully, and then spoke.
As she spoke, the confusion in her eyes deepened.
While she hoped for more interaction with the young man before her, otherwise she would not have frequently brought small gifts to Xuan Tian Peak after returning to the Nine Profound Sect, and cultivated good relations with those there.
However, Lin Miaoyi was self-aware. She was merely an outer disciple, and despite being able to be of some use at times, she was not qualified to warrant a personal visit from him.
“I intend to recruit some handyman disciples, as well as outer disciples with good potential, to join Xuan Tian Peak.”
Ji Yuan bypassed any pleasantries and directly stated his intention, “Might I ask if Daoist Lin could offer some advice?”
Among the outer disciples, many elders did not understand the disciples as well as the woman before him.
With her assistance, he could gain a clearer understanding of whether disciples who appeared upright on the surface were genuinely so in private.
Upon hearing this, Lin Miaoyi nodded immediately. Her reaction suggested that she was not surprised, but rather, it was within her expectations.
After all, she considered this to be her primary role, and most people who sought her out had similar intentions.
“Handyman disciples are quite straightforward; many of them have good character.”
She spoke without hesitation, as if she had already prepared: “As for outer disciples with good potential…”
Currently, the most talented among the outer disciples were Lu Yuzhe and Zheng Jiaxing. It was even rumored that both had caught the eye of inner sect elders. Although they had not yet been accepted as direct disciples, it was only a matter of time.
Once they ascended to the inner sect, it was not impossible for them to be taken on as personal disciples.
Within the inner sect of the Nine Profound Sect, disciples were broadly categorized into three types: first, ordinary disciples who had not yet joined a specific peak and did not practice the Nine Meridians cultivation techniques; second, disciples who had joined a specific peak and could be considered direct disciples; and third, personal disciples of the lineage elders or the sect leader.
“How is their character?”
As soon as she mentioned them, Ji Yuan directly inquired.
When choosing individuals to invest in, it was natural to select the best. Lu Yuzhe and Zheng Jiaxing were undoubtedly in this category in terms of talent.
“While both have minor flaws, they are harmless and their fundamental character is quite good.”
“Lu Yuzhe is somewhat aloof, but he highly values promises and favors. When he was still unawakened and uninitiated, he once disregarded everything to defend a friend who was being bullied by outer disciples.”
“As for Zheng Jiaxing, despite coming from a wealthy family, he lacks the typical arrogance of a privileged young master. He is cheerful and enjoys befriending those with similar temperaments.”
Lin Miaoyi truthfully shared what she knew.
These two had their strengths and weaknesses. One was straightforward and prone to impulsive actions, while the other was cheerful and thoughtful.
“Does Daoist have time to accompany me for a walk?”
Ji Yuan smiled slightly and then made the suggestion.
Lin Miaoyi readily agreed and took the lead, walking beside him.
Along the way, she spoke continuously, mentioning not only Lu Yuzhe and Zheng Jiaxing but also several other outer disciples who possessed considerable talent and excellent character.
Ji Yuan listened quietly, speaking little, occasionally nodding. He had already formed an assessment of several disciples in his mind.
After the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, they arrived outside a small courtyard. Upon knocking, the door was opened shortly thereafter.
“Ling Yu!”
Upon seeing the person at the door, Li Junxian exclaimed with delight.
The group, after becoming familiar with each other, had begun to address Ji Yuan by his Daoist name. While it might have seemed distant, they all understood it as a sign of their closeness.
Having not been addressed so warmly by his Daoist name in a long time, Ji Yuan’s face broke into a broad smile. After exchanging greetings, he and Lin Miaoyi were led into the courtyard by Li Junxian.
As soon as he stepped inside, he spotted another familiar figure: Zheng Wanrong, who was originally planning to become Dao companions with Li Junxian after the grand competition.