Nangong Yao glanced at Zhao Ting, then slowly sat down in his seat and said calmly, "Elders, there's no need for formalities, please be seated."

"Thank you, Sect Master."

The elders bowed and took their seats.

Only Zhao Ting and Shen He remained kneeling, not daring to rise.

Nangong Yao picked up the teapot, pouring himself some tea as he spoke, "I heard on my way here that we've recruited a disciple with a Heavenly Gold Spirit Root from outside. Is it this one?"

Elder Liu Yunjian immediately smiled and replied, "Yes, Sect Master, it is this one. His name is Zhao Ting, recruited by Inner Sect Steward Shen He from the area around Celestial Clarity City."

Nangong Yao nodded and looked at Shen He, saying, "Steward Shen, well done. For this, I will credit you with a merit. Currently, there is a vacancy for an Inner Sect Elder position at Earth Profound Peak. What do you think?"

The elders were secretly surprised. The Sect Master intended to directly promote Shen He to Inner Sect Elder!

But it was fitting.

Not to mention that Shen He had served as an Inner Sect Steward for many years, working diligently, and now he had recruited such an outstanding disciple for the sect. It was indeed a case of "when the water reaches, the channel forms."

Shen He was stunned, his eyes wide open, his head a bit dizzy from the unexpected joy, hardly daring to believe it.

He had thought he might earn a significant merit, but never imagined he would be directly promoted to Inner Sect Elder!

He had been in the Dao Heaven Sect for many years, and although he had recruited Zhao Ting, the position of Inner Sect Elder was something he never dared to dream of!

But now...

Liu Yunjian looked at the dazed Shen He, frowned, and said, "Shen He, the Sect Master is speaking to you, why are you daydreaming?"

Shen He snapped back to reality, quickly suppressing his joy, and bowed his head respectfully, "Thank you, Sect Master. Shen He will dedicate himself to the sect, even unto death!"

At this moment, Shen He dared not be modest, saying things like he was unworthy. When opportunity knocks, one must seize it quickly.

Nangong Yao nodded slightly and said, "Very well, you may withdraw for now. I will arrange for an elder to visit Earth Profound Peak regarding your promotion to Inner Sect Elder."

"Yes! Shen He takes his leave!"

Shen He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, and bowed as he retreated.

But everyone could see that he could barely suppress the smile on his face.

"Shen He, if I'm not mistaken, you are only at the Late Foundation Stage, correct?" Liu Yunjian suddenly asked.

Shen He paused and quickly bowed, "Yes."

At the same time, Shen He felt nervous again. Would his promotion be delayed? After all, the position of Inner Sect Elder required at least the Core Formation Stage.

Liu Yunjian smiled and said, "Don't worry. I just wanted to say that you must work hard on your cultivation in the future. Otherwise, the other Inner Sect Elders won't respect you. Do you understand?"

Shen He breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Understood!"

Then, Shen He gratefully glanced at Zhao Ting, who was like a lucky star to him, and quickly left.

Only then did Nangong Yao turn his attention to Zhao Ting, with a slight smile on his face, and said, "Zhao Ting, now that you are here at Dao Heaven Sect, consider the sect your home."

Zhao Ting felt the kindness from Nangong Yao, and his nervousness eased considerably. He finally dared to look at Nangong Yao, but quickly lowered his head again, respectfully replying, "Zhao Ting will remember this."

Meanwhile, the elders' eyes were flickering, eager to act.

Soon, Third Elder Jiang Bailu cleared his throat, stood up, and said, "Sect Master, Zhao Ting is reserved in character and of good conduct. I am quite fond of him. May I take Zhao Ting as my disciple?"

The status of a Purple-Robed Disciple is high for this reason.

Behind every Purple-Robed Disciple stands a core elder of the sect!

Nangong Yao smiled slightly, not rushing to say anything, because he knew Third Elder was just starting things off.

Sure enough, the next moment, a beautiful female elder stood up, cupping her hands, "Sect Master, Third Elder already has a Purple-Robed Disciple. Adding another might be too much to handle. I currently have none, so taking Zhao Ting would be quite fitting."

Jiang Bailu's eyelid twitched as he stared at the female elder, "Fourth Elder, you..."

Fourth Elder Chu Ningshang glanced at Jiang Bailu expressionlessly, showing no intention of backing down.

Although Chu Ningshang was the Fourth Elder, she was also the Punishment Elder in charge of the sect's penalties!

Jiang Bailu said irritably, "Fourth Elder, aren't you busy enough managing the sect's punishments? If Zhao Ting follows you, won't he be neglected? Hmph! If you delay Zhao Ting's cultivation, how will you punish yourself, Fourth Elder?"

Chu Ningshang's lips curved slightly, "That's not for you to worry about, Third Elder."

Jiang Bailu's expression darkened, and he flicked his sleeve, saying no more.

Seeing this, some other elders dared not speak up for the moment.

It was clear that both the Third and Fourth Elders were particularly eager for Zhao Ting... but they wanted him too!

Zhao Ting had never seen such a scene before. While he was frightened, he couldn't help but feel a bit proud, as the elders were all vying for him.

Second Elder Liu Xuanyin pondered, "Sect Master, perhaps..."

Nangong Yao understood Liu Xuanyin's implication and said:

"Alright, Zhao Ting should choose his own master. I won't interfere, nor will I favor anyone. Let Zhao Ting decide for himself."

Hearing Nangong Yao's words, the elders relaxed and immediately turned to Zhao Ting, each recommending themselves, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Zhao Ting, I am the Sixth Elder. If you become my disciple, I will provide you with the best cave, artifacts, and techniques!"

"Bah, who cares about those? Zhao Ting, I've raised a Treasure-Seeking Spirit Pet. With it, treasures will come in abundance. If you join me, the spirit pet will be yours!"

"Gasp, Ninth Elder, you're really going all out. That Mysterious Yellow Mouse is your treasure, and you're giving it to Zhao Ting?"

"It's just a Treasure-Seeking Spirit Pet. Zhao Ting, I know you have a Heavenly Gold Spirit Root. Coincidentally, I am the sect's only Master of Artifact Refining. Join me, and I will teach you everything I know."

"Everything? Isn't that a bit much?"

"Zhao Ting, I have only one thing to say: I also have a Heavenly Gold Spirit Root!"

The last statement was from Chu Ningshang.

As the elders spoke one after another, Zhao Ting was already sweating profusely.

However, Grand Elder Liu Yunjian and Second Elder Liu Xuanyin did not join the battle for the disciple.

The reason being that Liu Yunjian, as the Grand Elder, was busy with sect affairs, and Liu Xuanyin already had two Purple-Robed Disciples.

Nangong Yao smiled and said, "Zhao Ting, you don't need to fear offending any elder. They are not so petty. Just follow your heart."

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Upon hearing this, Zhao Ting took a deep breath, bowed to the elders, and said with difficulty:

"Thank you, elders, for your kindness... I wish to become a disciple of the Fourth Elder."