20 Heavenly Daod̶d̶y̶'s little princess*

Amid the unfolding tests of the disciple acceptance ceremony, Jianyu's gaze remained fixed on every action of Xiao Xiang's brother, a figure who was seemingly most likely a heaven-blessed individual or rather 'Heavenly Daod̶d̶y̶'s little princess™'.

These individuals were marked with great luck, destined for greatness, their fate governed by extraordinary fortune. In simpler terms, getting rid of such beings proved a challenging ordeal, given their resilience akin to cockroaches, coupled with the temperament of wild boars.

By the way, did you know Headless roaches may survive for weeks on end? Yup, these heaven-blessed sister-f*ckers can survive even after dying, like someone gotta nerf these bitches.

[AN:- Now that I think about it sister-f*cker is the most accurate curse word for xianxia protags.]

Anyways, As the disciple competition continued, Jianyu's conviction grew that this young man was undoubtedly the elusive 'Heavenly Daod̶d̶y̶'s little princess™. Moreover, strong evidence suggested his connection to the mysterious auction attendee from years past.

'This could get troublesome,' Jianyu mused, a sense of impending complications tingling at the edges of his thoughts. 'But knowing he's the heaven-blessed, there's bound to be a conveniently orchestrated event for him to eliminate me. I'll have to turn the tables then. But I must handle Xiao Xiang with caution and I need to ascertain the kind of heaven-blessed he is.'

Jianyu mused at his thoughts a bit more.

His contemplations drifted further. 'Perhaps an ancient tomb or a long-lost inheritance site will soon emerge, or even remnants of a bygone realm... OH!! I can hardly wait.'

A smile etched across his face as his thoughts danced within his own little fantasies of all the benefits his treasure-hunting rat('Heavenly Daod̶d̶y̶'s little princess™) would provide him.

Amidst his musings, Xin Dongyang's voice called him back to reality.

"Yu'er," Xin Dongyang's voice disrupted his reverie.

Jianyu refocused. "Yes?"

"That young man you're observing seems to be blessed with great luck."

"Is that so?" Jianyu responded, his answer tinged with a hint of hesitation. 'Could he possibly be aware of my plans? No, it's more likely that he's merely concerned about me. Someone at his level, who has touched the Dao, can perceive the flow of luck and destiny, even peering into the heavenly Dao to an extent.'

The pair's gazes returned to the arena as silence enveloped the atmosphere. The second test concluded with only a handful of candidates remaining standing, including Xiao Xiang's brother.

Subsequent challenges assessed the participants' mental fortitude through illusions. This test held immense significance, as a cultivator's mental stability profoundly impacted their practice. Distorted thoughts during cultivation could lead to qi deviation or, at worst, inner devil formation, which would ruin the cultivator's future and the resources invested in them.

Jianyu watched the trials unfold, the sense of anticipation gripping him as the candidates encountered and overcame illusions. Xiao Xiang emerged first, followed by her brother and others, eventually including Yin Xifeng.

'She took longer than I anticipated...' Jianyu noted. Yin Xifeng's duration inside the illusion caught him off guard, given her upbringing in two of the three great families. 'She's still young; I can't compare her to me or someone like Xiao Xiang, or the heaven-blessed... Did her illusion involve her parents?'

Sorrow tinged his thoughts as he pondered Yin Xifeng's experience.

'But what about that guy in white robes... Considering Judging by his demeanor and bearing, he's likely a sword cultivator – a talented one at that...'

Jianyu's scrutiny intensified as he observed the young man in white robes, his sharp eyes honing in on the one possessing ebony hair.

'He seems quite... useful.'

These tests unfolded, revealing candidates' potential, and his suspicions regarding the heaven-blessed narrowed to three possibilities: a reincarnated expert, a youth with an inherited legacy, or a possessed individual concealing his true nature.

'Confirming his identity is necessary, only then can I formulate my plans...'

The trials culminated in sparring matches, each combatant stepping onto one of twelve elevated platforms. Each participant was granted two opportunities to engage in a duel. Those who could maintain their stance on the platform until the final round would secure additional resources and direct promotion to the esteemed rank of inner disciples.

For these twelve individuals, a promising destiny awaited. In accordance with their talent, they could be candidates for direct apprenticeship under the guidance of the sect's esteemed elders, paving the way for a secure and prosperous journey through their cultivation paths.

Returning to the ongoing events, Jianyu's attention shifted toward the heaven-blessed candidate. This boy had taken the stage after more than half of the participants had already engaged in sparring. As the heaven-blessed initiated a duel with a youth donning extravagant attire, Jianyu observed with keen interest.

'Seeing that he is using wood and earth techniques, he appears to have earth and wood spiritual roots... Perhaps more.' With a contemplative gesture, Jianyu rested his hand on his chin, delving into thought.

Despite employing rudimentary techniques, the heaven-blessed displayed a remarkable mastery over them. This skillful execution led Jianyu to contemplate potential explanations—whether the buy was a reincarnated expert, possessed by an exceptional being, or simply an unparalleled genius in his own right.

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As the trial approached its conclusion, only a select few remained standing: Yin Xifeng, Xiao Xiang, her brother, the youth in white robes, and the ostentatiously dressed young master who cast a disdainful glance at the heaven-blessed candidate. Among the original twelve participants, these five individuals had proven themselves exceptionally adept in their respective techniques and combat styles.

Yin Xifeng's mastery lay in her spells, dispatching opponents with a single strike that left them incapacitated. Despite struggling with controlling spiritual energy, the young master displayed inherent talent and aptitude. The heaven-blessed participant cleverly combined fundamental wood and earth techniques, masking the depth of his skill. Xiao Xiang relied on her innate brilliance to deduce and outsmart her adversaries.

Lastly, the youth adorned in white robes exhibited a remarkable proficiency in sword arts, effectively suppressing his opponents. While sword cultivators' advantage over others of similar cultivation base was common knowledge, this particular practitioner demonstrated a notable prowess, highlighting his aptitude for his chosen path.

Jianyu's attention now shifted. 'Time for me to join the fun.' He left his vantage point, his grin a harbinger of what was to come.

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"To all the disciples who have reached the rank of twelve stars, I congratulate you for you shall be the future of our sect and the resources you earn here shall greatly help you in your endeavors, however..."

The announcement echoed through the gathered disciples, its weight accentuated by the elder's dramatic pause.

"There is one more challenge, another opportunity for those who wish for glory. This year the sect has a special disciple, an exception so to say... an exception that was admitted to the sect without going through any of the prior tests, having a truly magnificent talent."

This revelation left many disciples perplexed, curious about the magnitude of this newcomer's abilities, to think the profound heavens sect made an exception, just how great this talent must be?

"This personage is a year younger than you and thus can be considered a fitting opponent, now whoever is able to defeat him will get ten times the resources."

The news stirred a spirited discussion among the disciples, excitement and speculation swirling among them.

"Now then, I welcome the young star of the Xin Clan, the unparalleled genius, Xin Jianyu!!"

As the elder's voice resounded, an additional platform materialized. Yet, all eyes were drawn to a young boy making his way towards it. His unparalleled beauty stole the attention of the onlookers, his raven-black hair flowing like a silken waterfall, and his eyes emitting a mystical amethyst radiance. Clad in robes of regal Tyrian purple, he exuded an aura of innocence, an enchanting smile gracing his lips.

Stepping onto the platform, he leaped gracefully, capturing everyone's focus. With a bright smile, he addressed the gathering, his words carrying a sense of anticipation,

"I hope we get to learn something new from each other today." His smile grew even more luminous as he playfully added within his thoughts,

'Especially you, my dear Heavenly Daod̶d̶y̶'s little princess™'.