In a moment of leisure, Jiang Hao took a trip to the Spirit Herb Garden. As soon as he entered, he overheard the rabbit discussing with Cheng Chou about what kinds of people are the tastiest.
"Sixteen-year-old daughters of wealthy families are the most tender. They love giving their rabbits delicious carrots," the rabbit explained. "Lord Rabbit loves them because they show him so much respect." Turning to Jiang Hao at the door, the rabbit added, "Oh, Master, you're back? I was just enjoying some carrots. Would you like one? Friends from the Dao world especially picked these for me."
As the rabbit chomped on a carrot it mysteriously procured, Cheng Chou greeted Jiang Hao respectfully. Ignoring the rabbit, Jiang Hao inquired of Cheng Chou, "Do you have any difficulties with your cultivation?"
"A little," Cheng Chou replied, awkwardly bringing up a few questions, which Jiang Hao patiently answered. "You're close to advancing. It would be wise to hone your cultivation to avoid mishaps."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Jiang," Cheng Chou responded excitedly. He's been stuck at the eighth level of Qi Refining for too long, and with Jiang Hao's guidance, he's finally about to move to the ninth. As an inner disciple, he'd feel secure under Jiang Hao's protection, but...
Jiang Hao tended to the spirit herbs before being approached by Senior Sister Zhou Chan, who handed him a clear box sent by Elder Bai Zhi. After expressing his gratitude, he watched her leave, knowing the box contained his second set of equipment, likely a reward for his diligent gardening over the past six months.
"Looks like it's a wrist guard, but it needs to be appraised," Jiang Hao thought as he put it away. Later, he visited his master's residence.
"Come in," came the voice of his master, Ku Wuchang, whose usual frown was deeper than usual. Jiang Hao sensed the change but dismissed it; his master often wore a stern expression, perhaps because of disputes over two highly talented disciples.
"Is there something important?" Ku Wuchang asked, his voice low. Jiang Hao recounted the incident involving Miao Tinglian in detail, waiting for his master's decision. After a thoughtful silence, Ku Wuchang instructed, "Bring her in."
"Yes," Jiang Hao replied, retreating to carry out the order. With his master's approval, he had one less thing to worry about. He still needed to decide who else to bring to Broken Hearts Cliff the next day.
The following morning, Jiang Hao met up with four others to fly on their swords through the misty abyss again. "Any news on which sects those two joined?" Zheng Shijiu asked, curious.
"We didn't get them," Feng Baifei from Hundred Bone Forest grumbled. "Neither did we," Le You added, shaking her head as she carried her massive sword. "I heard Junior Sister Zhao entered White Moon Lake," Xin Yuyue offered.
Seeing the others look his way, Jiang Hao shook his head. "I have no idea." Zheng Shijiu sighed, "Seems like they were taken by another main sect, probably Law Enforcement Peak. Word is, they haven't accepted disciples in a long time."
Law Enforcement Peak was not as daunting as it seemed; the real authority lay with the Law Enforcement Hall. Other halls, like the Merit Hall, didn't carry much intimidation. Even picking disciples was strict. Entry was tough, and the rare few who made it weren't easy to get along with. But the hall wasn't the safest, often offending people, so every member was exceptionally talented and strong, top of their peers.
Soon, they arrived at the peak designated for disciple recruitment. With enough people this time, everyone felt more at ease. Now they only needed to select three disciples to complete their task.
"Senior brothers, the new disciples are gathered here," reported Miao Xing, leading hundreds up the mountainside. Zheng Shijiu and others nodded, preparing to choose three.
Miao Tinglian approached Jiang Hao nervously. "What now?" she asked. "Fairy, just follow me to see the master," Jiang Hao replied honestly. He walked to the edge of the peak, surveying those climbing up, noting that only about a hundred could manage the journey.
Having reached this point already was an achievement, yet only a handful would make it to the top. Observing the scene, Jiang Hao reflected on the harshness of the path to immortality. Some fell along the way; some before even entering. The word "immortal" drew countless people toward it.
Crack!
Suddenly, a sound erupted as one climber's grip on the rocks failed. "Ah~" a young man fell off the cliff. Jiang Hao flicked his finger, an invisible force gently caught the boy safely. "Return," Jiang Hao softly commanded, his voice reaching the boy even across the mountain breeze. The boy, filled with reluctance, knelt toward Jiang Hao and gave a deep, sincere bow before leaving. Whether he gave up was unknown, but perhaps not.
"You shouldn't be so sentimental. You've already reached Foundation Establishment, and yet you still act so compassionately. Isn't Heavenly Sound Sect supposed to be a Demonic Sect?" Miao Tinglian teased. Jiang Hao thanked her and turned his attention to a little girl named Xiao Li.
Xiao Li, anxiously waiting to know if she would be accepted, had nowhere else to go. She had eaten all the provisions Granny Xu gave her. Seeing Jiang Hao approach, her face lit up with joy, and she donned her most adorable expression.
Unmoved, Jiang Hao began appraising her. To his surprise, the divine feedback was slower this time.
[Xiao Li: A member of the Dragon Clan. Cannot appraise her talents by ordinary means. She was severely injured by Heavenly Thunder, lost her memory and power, and was found by an elderly couple in the river. Too costly to keep due to her appetite, they tearfully sent her to Heavenly Sound Sect, hoping she could find a meal.]
Jiang Hao was momentarily speechless.
Two things shocked him: that she was dragon kin, and he almost missed it; and that she merely sought a meal, reminding him of Liu Xingchen's idleness before going undercover.
Seeing her hopeful eyes, Jiang Hao sighed, "Come with me." Xiao Li jumped excitedly, and Jiang Hao thought maybe she could just stay outside Broken Hearts Cliff where not many people lingered, hoping she could protect herself. As for her dragon identity, that would be up to his master to recognize.
Later, Jiang Hao approached Lin Zhi. "You'll come too." Lin Zhi was surprised but knew being chosen was fortunate, so he gratefully nodded. Choosing these two along with Miao Tinglian should avoid drawing attention and discontent. After all, one lacked talent, and the other was below average. Even Miao Tinglian's exceptional talent wouldn't cause much trouble.