Chen Ziling's Physical Examination!

In the main hall of the Chen family mansion, Su'en sat in the highest seat, with Ye Lingyun beside him. The elders of the Chen family were seated on both sides of them.

"The Chens are honored to have you here!" Chen Wu got up from his seat and cupped his hands. "If you have any requests at all, do let us know, and we'll see to them immediately."

"Don't worry yourself with minor details. I believe we should discuss your dispute with Black Cloud City," Su'en said, sipping from his cup of tea.

"Of course." Chen Wu turned serious as he launched into explanation. "The duel between the two cities will be in a month's time, at the flat ground above the spirit stone mine. My sources say that the people from the Nether Saber Sect met up with the Wang family yesterday. There were five of them, all true disciples, and at the Crystallization Realm."

Chen Wu glanced at Su'en. Even after the two representatives from the Heavenly Domain had arrived, he still didn't know who this man was, let alone if he was stronger than Chen Wu himself.

As if reading Chen Wu's mind, Su'en smiled. "Allow me to make the introductions. I'm Su'en, the most senior disciple of the true disciples of the Dao Sect. Beside me is my junior, Ye Lingyun."

Chen Wu was shocked; he hadn't expected the sect to send such important individuals. The most senior disciple was also the strongest of the sect–it seemed like their chances of victory were hopeful! Hope swelled in his heart.

"Since the duel is in a month, we'll stay here until then. We'll let you know in advance if we have other plans," Su'en said slowly.

"Of course. Do as you see fit, Exalted One. It is the honor of the Chen family to have members of the Exalted Sect stay with us. We have already prepared a banquet, which we dearly hope you will attend," Chen Wu replied hastily.

Drinking and eating were no longer of any use to Su'en, who had already entered the Crystallization Realm. However, since he was already here, it wouldn't be polite to refuse, so he followed Chen Wu to the dining table.

Ever since he entered the Dao Sect, he had rarely been tainted by common grain–the spiritual energy he cultivated every day in the Heavenly Domain could maintain the energy his body needed. He hadn't been this far from the sect in many years. What harm was there in trying something new?

...

After eating, Su'en went to the courtyard that the Chens had prepared for him. He marveled at their hospitality. The courtyard was serene, complete with a fountain and bamboo forest–clearly designed to convey an air of relaxation.

He sat down on a stone block and prepared to rest, only to be interrupted by an unexpected arrival.

"Lord Su, this is Chen Wu. May I enter?" Chen Wu's voice traveled from outside.

"Come in!" Su'en's eyes remained shut in recuperation.

Chen Wu pushed open the courtyard door and walked in, Chen Ziling on his heels.

"How can I help you?" Su'en asked.

"Your assistance is our great fortune, Lord Su. Please, accept this as a token of our appreciation." As he spoke, Chen Wu brandished a golden box. "I obtained this Divine Spirit Fruit two years ago. It's a thousand years old. I hope you will not refuse this gift."

He opened the box, and an exquisite, fruity scent wafted up Su'en's nose.

"A Divine Spirit Fruit?"

Su'en opened his eyes and peered into the box, in which sat a white fruit with a hint of red coloring. Spiritual energy danced around it, beautiful as a canvas of stars. Divine Spirit Fruits only grew in areas rich with spiritual energy. It was common for them to be a hundred years old, but a thousand… now that was something valuable!

A thousand-year-old Divine Spirit Fruit was equivalent to a Divine Spirit Pill, and a prized commodity on the market.

Looking at the Divine Spirit Fruit in the box, Su'en was sure he had found his opportunity.

"Of course. I accept your gift." Su'en didn't stand on ceremony–he wasn't about to refuse the Divine Spirit Fruit, which was as precious as a Divine Spirit Pill. "Now, tell me, what other requests do you have of me?"

He and Ye Lingyun had come to help the Chens claim ownership of the spirit stone mine, but if Chen Wu was willing to relinquish such a valuable item, he must have another motive.

"Being honest, I do have a personal favor to ask of you." As he spoke, Chen Wu turned around and pulled Chen Ziling in front of him. "My daughter has been tested, and proven to be of adequate talent. We earnestly hope that you will accept her as a disciple of the Dao Sect."

He glanced at his daughter and continued, "Quick, pay your respects to the Exalted Disciple."

"Exalted Disciple, my name is Ziling." Chen Ziling hurriedly bowed to Su'en.It was obvious she had taken the time to doll herself up–her black hair was a smooth waterfall of ink, and a purple gown flowed down her body. She looked stunning.

It reminded Su'en of how cute Ye Lingyun had been when she first joined the Dao Sect. "Show me your hand," he said, giving Chen Ziling an appraising once-over. He had to confirm her talent for himself. After the gift her family had given him, he could directly accept her as a disciple, provided her talent was indeed passable.

"Of course." Obediently, Chen Ziling stood in front of Su'en and extended one pale wrist to him.

Su'en placed his hand on her wrist. A wave of True Qi passed through her, traveling up and down her body. For a moment, Chen Ziling felt her body tremble, and her face flushed red. It was as if something strange had entered her body.

"Not bad. Above average, I'd say."

Su'en released her, expressionless. In truth, Chen Ziling's raw talent was greater than his, bordering on outstanding. Who knew such a prodigy would be found amongst the Chen family's ranks? It was like stumbling upon a rare jewel.

"From now on, she is a disciple of our sect." Su'en nodded at Chen Wu. The Dao Sect needed to strengthen itself by taking in new disciples. Chen Ziling was quite talented; if all went as planned, she should be able to enter the Spirit Realm in the future.

"Hurry up and thank the Exalted Disciple!" Chen Wu urged his daughter, overjoyed.

The Heavenly Domain was the holy land of cultivation that everyone in Jingzhou yearned to enter. If his daughter could train there, her cultivation prospects were bright–along with his hopes for the revival of the family.

"Thank you, Exalted Disciple!"

Chen Ziling, too, was elated. The Heavenly Domain–it was the place of her childhood dreams!