After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 8 - Kneel Before Your Master

…

“He Ange, Wang Qiong already secured an undefeated record in the outer sect, and now that you’ve defeated him, it’s only fair that the spot for promotion to the inner sect goes to you.”

“However, the inner sect is where the core disciples of our sect gather. The cultivation environment is rigorous, and the rules are strict. Any disciple wishing to enter must choose one of the elders present as their master and kneel in acknowledgment.”

“But…”

“As it stands, not many elders seem willing to take you in.”

Standing before the elders’ platform, He Ange waited for the sect master to officiate the brief apprenticeship ceremony. Though his performance in the duel had earned the elders’ respect, his lack of a spiritual vein made many hesitant.

After all, taking in a disciple was a matter of great importance, tied to the reputation of the master and their lineage. No one wanted to waste their efforts on someone deemed a “waste.”

He Ange’s current strength was undeniable, but without a spiritual vein, his cultivation would stagnate in the long run. In ten years, he’d likely be left behind by his peers, and any elder who took him in would only be burdened.

The atmosphere grew awkward as the elders shook their heads one by one. Finally, a voice broke the silence.

“He Ange, become my disciple, and the resources of the Treasure Pavilion will be at your disposal.”

The clear, poetic voice came from a black-dressed fairy seated at the back of the elders’ platform. Her words caused the other elders to frown and turn toward her.

The voice belonged to Qin Shiyan, a fairy clad in a black silk qipao with a high slit, revealing her long, pale legs. The golden embroidery on her dress added a touch of elegance, accentuating her slender waist and noble aura.

Her phoenix-like eyes, high nose, and youthful yet mature features made it impossible to discern her exact age. She exuded an air of mystery and authority.

“Senior Qin, are you serious?” the sect master asked, sitting up straighter.

The Treasure Pavilion was a collective term for the Skill Pavilion, Artifact Pavilion, and Pill Pavilion, housing the sect’s most valuable resources. Qin Shiyan, as the overseer of these pavilions, held immense power within the Shengxu Sect.

More notably, Qin Shiyan had only ever taken in five disciples over the years. She rarely participated in these ceremonies, let alone showed interest in a disciple. Yet today, she was willing to accept He Ange, a “waste” without a spiritual vein, and even promised him access to the Treasure Pavilion’s resources.

“Senior Qin,” another voice interjected coldly. “I don’t know what has come over you today, but I think this is a mistake. A waste without a spiritual vein entering the inner sect is a waste of resources, no matter how many divine pills or techniques you throw at him.”

The speaker was Mo Qianhua, a cold-faced elder who stepped forward, her gaze filled with disdain as she looked at He Ange.

“In my opinion, since no other elder wants him, the inner sect spot should go to someone with more potential—like Wang Qiong.”

Her words made many elders nod thoughtfully. Mo Qianhua’s intentions were clear; she owed her position as an elder to the Wang family’s support. Naturally, she would do everything in her power to favor Wang Qiong.

This was not uncommon. Many elders had ties to influential families, and no one wanted to upset such powerful backers.

However, allowing He Ange to lose his rightful spot would blatantly violate the sect’s rules.

“Junior Mo,” Qin Shiyan said, her tone icy. “Since when do I need your advice on how to do my job?”

Though the atmosphere remained calm, Mo Qianhua visibly trembled under the pressure of Qin Shiyan’s words. Her pupils dilated, and cold sweat dripped down her face.

Moments later, Qin Shiyan dismissed her sternness and smiled at He Ange, gesturing for him to step forward.

Gulp.

“Fairy Qin is terrifying…” He Ange swallowed nervously but approached her nonetheless.

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The elders’ platform was elevated, so He Ange had to tilt his head slightly to meet Qin Shiyan’s gaze. From this angle, he couldn’t help but notice her long, pale legs and the black-and-gold high heels she wore.

High heels? In a cultivation world?

He Ange was taken aback. As far as he knew, high heels were a modern invention from Earth. Only his black market shop in Yong’an City custom-made such fashionable footwear for wealthy clients.

Seeing He Ange’s interest in her shoes, Qin Shiyan’s suspicions were confirmed—he was the mysterious boy she’d encountered in the black market.

She smirked, crossing her legs to adjust her posture, then leaned forward, resting her hand on He Ange’s face. Her finger tilted his chin upward, forcing him to meet her sharp, phoenix-like eyes.

“Your name is He Ange, correct?”

“Yes, Fairy Qin,” He Ange replied, nodding obediently under her commanding gaze.

“So, Ange, have you considered my offer?”

“None of the other elders want you, but I’m willing to take you in. What do you say?”

Before He Ange could respond, Qin Shiyan shrugged and sneered. “If you refuse, I can’t protect you. The spot will go to Wang Qiong, and you’ll return to the outer sect.”

“Or perhaps you enjoy the freedom of the outer sect? It would make it easier for you to sneak off to the city, wouldn’t it?”

Her tone grew accusatory, her eyes narrowing as she studied He Ange.

She suspected him of being a demonic sect spy. His lack of disappointment at being rejected by the other elders only fueled her doubts. Perhaps he had never intended to join the inner sect at all.

Letting him return to the outer sect would be like releasing a tiger back into the wild. For someone as controlling and curious as Qin Shiyan, it was better to keep He Ange close and monitor him personally.

“Fairy Qin, I’m not as complicated as you think,” He Ange said, scratching his cheek with an awkward smile.

“If you don’t mind taking in a disciple without a spiritual vein, how could I refuse someone as beautiful and divine as you?”

His flattery was well-received. Qin Shiyan chuckled, her earlier doubts momentarily forgotten.

Who could resist a polite, charming young man with a silver tongue?

Still smiling, she pinched his cheek playfully. But before she could say more, He Ange stepped back and knelt before her.

In the cultivation world, a master was akin to a parent, guiding their disciples on the path of immortality. Kneeling during the apprenticeship ceremony was a solemn and sacred act.

“Master, please accept this bow from your disciple!”

…

To be honest, He Ange hadn’t expected to be accepted into the inner sect.

Challenging Wang Qiong had been partly to secure the spot and partly to settle old grudges. He never imagined an elder would actually take him in.

From today onward, He Ange was Qin Shiyan’s disciple and an official inner sect member.

An Luo Yi would likely be pleased—her “useless” junior brother was finally making progress.

But for He Ange, this development was troublesome.

He already had a master.

Back in the secret realm’s abyss, He Ange had been forced to accept the Abyssal Phoenix Fairy as his master to survive after losing his spiritual vein. This marked his entry into the demonic sect.

Now, with Qin Shiyan overseeing him, the risk of his demonic cultivation being exposed had increased significantly.

Moreover, He Ange frequently visited Yong’an City’s black market to fund his cultivation. If the inner sect’s rules were too strict, even leaving the sect would become a hassle.

Still, being Qin Shiyan’s disciple had its perks. As her student, he would have access to the Treasure Pavilion’s resources.

“A blessing and a curse. Let’s see how it goes,” He Ange muttered, stretching lazily as he walked back to his dorm.

But as he opened the door, he froze.

Sitting on his bed was a figure cloaked in emerald phoenix energy.

“He Ange, you hesitated for so long before kneeling to me, yet you knelt to Qin Shiyan without a second thought.”

…