Is he Ye Zhiqiu's master

Indeed!

Prior to this, many had speculated that with Ye Zhiqiu's performance, the Qingyun Sect would surely extend an invitation.

Now, the Qingyun Sect's Sect Master himself had personally come forward to recruit him—what an unparalleled honor!

Envy. That was the only emotion in everyone's hearts, yet none felt jealousy, for they all understood that Ye Zhiqiu's treatment was earned through his own talent and relentless effort.

He had fought for this glory with his own strength.

This was a world where the strong reigned supreme, and in the face of such power, everyone was filled with reverence.

Jealousy only existed among those of comparable strength.

Ye Zhiqiu's performance made them feel they didn’t even have the right to envy him.

Ye Zhiqiu turned his gaze toward Lu Mengran. He wasn’t surprised by the offer—such was his confidence—but…

"Apologies, Sect Master Lu. I already have a master and cannot join the Qingyun Sect."

Boom!

The moment these words left his mouth, an uproar erupted!

He refused?

Ye Zhiqiu actually refused the Qingyun Sect’s invitation?

Did he even understand what joining the Qingyun Sect meant?

It meant gaining a formidable backing, receiving the sect’s focused cultivation, and obtaining cultivation resources others could only dream of.

These were things countless people couldn’t attain even in their wildest dreams—so why would he refuse? Why?

They couldn’t comprehend it.

Many now looked at Ye Zhiqiu as if he were a fool.

Even if he had a master, that shouldn’t stop him from joining the Qingyun Sect. Besides, how strong could his master possibly be? Stronger than the Qingyun Sect?

"Foolish, utterly foolish! Does Ye Zhiqiu not know what’s good for him?"

"Exactly! Joining the Qingyun Sect would elevate him instantly. With his talent and strength, the sect would surely pour all its resources into him. How could he just give that up?"

"To each their own, but I still think Ye Zhiqiu will regret this choice for the rest of his life."

"True, he’s a genius, but ‘geniuses die young’ isn’t just a saying. Without the Qingyun Sect’s protection, he might not even survive long enough to grow."

"Tch, if he doesn’t want this opportunity, I’ll take it. I’d kill for a chance like this."

The crowd gathered atop Qingyun Peak buzzed with discussion, none able to make sense of his decision.

Similarly, Lu Mengran hadn’t expected to be rejected—and without even a moment’s hesitation from Ye Zhiqiu.

Was his master truly that remarkable?

"Ye Zhiqiu, won’t you reconsider?"

"The Qingyun Sect has no issue with you having a prior master."

"It wouldn’t hinder your joining us."

Lu Mengran’s words made everyone gasp. The sect master was being far too lenient!

Even now, he was still giving Ye Zhiqiu a chance?

"If the sect master is going this far, and Ye Zhiqiu still refuses, then he’s truly ungrateful."

"Right, who does he think he is, making the sect master lower himself like this?"

"Once he joins, I’ll find a way to teach him a lesson."

The Qingyun Sect’s disciples were furious—not just because Ye Zhiqiu had humiliated their sect’s reputation today, but also because of his disrespect toward Lu Mengran.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master Lu. But… I truly have a master, and I’ve never considered joining the Qingyun Sect."

"So… I can only apologize." Ye Zhiqiu refused once more without hesitation.

This time, even Lu Mengran felt his pride wounded.

"I’m genuinely curious—who is your master, that you’d reject the Qingyun Sect again and again?"

"Could it be that our Qingyun Sect is inferior to your master?" Lu Mengran frowned.

"Sect Master Lu, you misunderstand."

"Just because my master may not compare to the Qingyun Sect, does that mean I should abandon him?"

"That’s not something I, Ye Zhiqiu, would ever do."

"A master for a day is a father for life. The strength I possess today is largely thanks to my master’s teachings. I am no ungrateful wretch."

"Moreover, I don’t believe my master is truly beneath the Qingyun Sect."

Ye Zhiqiu’s words were firm and resolute, leaving the crowd both impressed by his reasoning and admiring his integrity.

The more he spoke, the more Lu Mengran’s appreciation for him grew.

Even the four peak lords of the Qingyun Sect rose to their feet, their gazes filled with approval and warmth.

"Ye Zhiqiu, your talent is exceptional, your strength astonishing, and your character beyond reproach."

"Might we ask who your master is? Is he present?"

"If he is, invite him forth. We can discuss this properly."

"If he’s willing, he could even become an honorary elder of the Qingyun Sect."

"Sect Master, what do you think of this proposal?" The Dayun Peak Lord smiled.

Hearing this, Lu Mengran’s heart stirred. An excellent idea! This way, they wouldn’t just recruit Ye Zhiqiu—they’d bring in his master as well.

"Indeed, this is a fine solution."

"As sect master, I have the authority to make this decision without consulting the elders."

"Ye Zhiqiu, what do you say?"

The Qingyun Sect’s attitude left everyone utterly dumbfounded.

Was Ye Zhiqiu really so captivating that the sect would relent again and again?

Had Ye Zhiqiu single-handedly elevated his master’s status as well?

An honorary elder of the Qingyun Sect wasn’t a position just anyone could attain.

In the past, even some Immortal Realm experts had sought to join as honorary elders, but the Qingyun Sect would subject them to rigorous investigation and trials before approval.

Yet Ye Zhiqiu’s master—unknown in identity, unclear in strength—was directly offered the position. Wasn’t this entirely due to Ye Zhiqiu’s face?

They envied Ye Zhiqiu, but even more so, they envied his master. What incredible luck to have taken him as a disciple before his rise—this was truly heaven-defying fortune!

Meanwhile, Fang Yunxi’s expression was a sight to behold. Making Chen Chang'an an honorary elder?

If these people knew that even their founding ancestor, Lu Qingyun, wasn’t worthy of Chen Chang'an’s regard, how would they react?

Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t expected the Qingyun Sect to be so persistent. Left with no choice, he turned his gaze toward Chen Chang'an’s location.

Noticing his look, the crowd paused before following his line of sight.

Hm?

The Fang family?

Was his master one of them?

"No way… could it be the Fang family’s ancestor?"

"Wouldn’t that mean the Fang family is about to hitch a ride on the Qingyun Sect’s ship?"

"Who’d have thought Ye Zhiqiu’s master was from the Fang family? Though… why do they seem so calm? Not even a hint of excitement?"

Under the crowd’s scrutiny, Chen Chang'an slowly rose to his feet.

"Master, this matter should be left to your discretion."

Huh?

Master?

This young man was Ye Zhiqiu's master? He barely looked a few years older than Ye Zhiqiu!

The moment they laid eyes on Chen Chang'an, everyone froze.

No matter how much they speculated, who could have guessed that Ye Zhiqiu's master would be this young—and his cultivation… weaker than Ye Zhiqiu's?

Stunned!

Every single person was utterly dumbfounded.

Lu Mengran's heart churned with mixed emotions. For someone like this, Ye Zhiqiu had turned down the Qingyun Sect?

Was he out of his mind?