Chapter 141 - 132: The Servant Disciple is also a Sword Sect Disciple_1

Before afternoon arrived, the base of No-Sword Peak was already densely crowded with a significant number of people. Even Su Bei, perched halfway up the mountain, could hear the buzzing noise from below. However, since it wasn't time yet, Su Bei couldn't be bothered to go down. Wasn't it better to spend this time checking the cultivation progress of his apprentice? He absentmindedly stroked Xiao Ruoching's soft hand and paid no further attention to the commotion below. 「At the foot of the mountain.」 "Why only female disciples? Why can't male disciples participate?" "I was trembling with anger when I saw the announcement, my whole body breaking out in cold sweat with icy hands and feet!" "It's blatantly obvious that Elder Su is looking for these hundred female disciples to dance, what's the fuss about..." A group of male disciples gathered around to watch the excitement. Suddenly, discussions emerged among the female disciples, their faces powdered and painted. Following their gaze, one could see ordinary-looking women arriving at the foot of No-Sword Peak one after another. "Isn't that the mute from the Sword-Cleaning Pool? Why has she come? Does she really think the Fifth Elder would choose a mute?" "Shh! Don't say it so loudly, it's not good to be overheard..." "Look at that one, isn't she the deaf girl, Du Xiaohua, from the kitchens? What's she doing here making a commotion!" "Yeah, why have so many people turned up..." "Wow, really finding a loophole... But do they not realize how Elder Su could possibly choose them? Is he going to embarrass us in front of the entire Twenty-One Provinces?" ... The Sword Maiden had never experienced so many eyes instantly fixed on her. She turned pale and, shivering, tightly clutched the woman beside her, hiding behind her. The woman gently patted her small hand, offering her some comfort. Then, with a scoff and a sweeping glance around, she stepped forward and said, "What? The Sword Maiden can't come?" "The Fifth Elder only said that all female disciples of the Sword Sect could come; he didn't say they had to be formal disciples!" "Although the Sword Maiden is a menial disciple, in my heart, she is a hundred times better than some so-called formal disciples who only know how to sneer at others behind their backs and insult them!" "Is this the kind of temperament you cultivate? You might as well give up now, go home, get married, have children, and nurse babies. With such a temperament, if you achieve cultivation success in the future and harm others, it would be better to leave early. Die an ordinary person, and you'll cause harm for fewer days!" Hearing the woman's voice, the Sword Maiden quickly tugged at her arm, signaling her not to say any more. Her eyes misty, her hands clenched tightly. Bowing her head and looking down at the tips of her shoes, tears dripped onto the ground. As soon as the woman finished speaking, the female disciples who had been discussing among themselves became agitated, each stepping forward to argue with her. "Heh? Who are you scolding, Du Er Ya?" "What is the Sword Maiden to you that you're so protective of her? With your looks, do you think you're worthy of coming to the foot of No-Sword Peak for the Fifth Elder's selection?" "Exactly! An ugly girl, a mute! Over there's a deaf girl, and there's even a cripple..." Du Er Ya looked coldly at the crowd in front of her. Holding the trembling Sword Maiden, she said indifferently, "There's an old saying that goes well: throw a stone in a pigpen, and the loudest squealer is the one that got hit." ... "You!" "Say that again!" "If the likes of you get selected, I'll clean the toilets for a week!" ... Du Er Ya did not bother with these spiteful female disciples and simply led the Sword Maiden to a corner, where they waited quietly. Though she felt annoyed, there was nowhere to vent her frustration. Suddenly, she felt a caress on her cheek, touching the scar there. She looked up to see the Sword Maiden's soft gaze. The Sword Maiden began to sign: "The senior sisters are right. Sword Maiden should leave. Sword Maiden would indeed bring shame to the Sword Sect... The Fifth Elder surely won't choose Sword Maiden. But Sword Maiden is very happy that Senior Sister stood up for Sword Maiden!" ... Seeing the Sword Maiden communicating through sign language, looking at her with a tender gaze, Du Er Ya felt an unbearable pang of bitterness. Such a kind-hearted, easily content woman. Why had fate treated her so cruelly? Gently holding her, without a word, they could feel each other's heartbeats. ... Finally, the time had come. DONG! The great bell tolled. The base of No-Sword Peak had gathered countless women, all eagerly awaiting Su Bei's selection (or 'favor'). The scale was grand, attracting countless people from the Sword Sect. All the Sword Sect Elders and officers gathered around No-Sword Peak as if to join in the excitement, prepared to see what new trick Su Bei was going to play. After a while, amidst a swell of voices and shouts, Su Bei finally descended the mountain with Xiao Ruoching. "AH—" "Elder Su! Elder Su, choose me! Degrade me!" "Elder Su, I love you! I want to bear your monkeys!" "Elder Su, WAHHH, I eat little, can take a beating well, and I'm not afraid of candle burns..." What in the world? Under Xiao Ruoching's cold gaze, Su Bei wore an expression of nonchalance, ignoring these statements, some of which were quite ludicrous. And then, under the gaze of the crowd, he stepped onto the high platform, gave a light cough, and declared in a loud voice, "This time, we have gathered the Sword Sect Disciples here to select one hundred female disciples to accompany this Elder to the Sacred Land's upcoming recruitment ceremony!" "Ahem, the whole process will be fair and just..." After finishing some polite remarks, Su Bei looked at the dazzling array of female disciples before him, each with their distinct expressions and chirping like orioles. For a moment, he truly felt as if he were choosing concubines... His heart itched. No wonder those Emperors of old didn't live long... Who could withstand this? To appear more fair and just, Su Bei instantly entered the Selfless Realm, suppressing his leader-like ego. With hands clasped behind his back, he began to make his selections seriously. Wenren Pingxin watched Su Bei's earnest demeanor with a mix of irritation and amusement, but she didn't say anything, crossing her arms to see what kind of female disciples he would end up choosing. Looking intently at the female disciples before him, Su Bei spoke with an indescribably righteous sincerity, "Hmm! You there, disciple, how long are your legs?" The disciple who was asked was obviously excited. She swallowed hard, and at a loss for words, hurriedly replied, "Replying to Elder Su, this disciple's legs... they are just long enough to wrap around your waist." ?!...! Su Bei's eyes brightened. Then, sensing several piercing glares fixed on him, he continued with an indifferent expression, "Hmm, you're good. Mainly because you have a kind heart. You're chosen!" ... "AH!! Really?!!" Seeing the disciple who was so excited she was about to faint, Xiao Ruoching's eyes held a cold gleam as she glanced at Su Bei. Clutching her longsword tightly with a cold smirk, she wished she could chop him into pieces on the spot. "Hmm? You... One look at you, and it's clear you have a generous heart!" "You're honest and upright. You're in!" ... More and more people began recklessly pushing towards Su Bei... Du Er Ya looked at the bustling scene not far away with complex emotions. This doesn't belong to them. Like a forgotten islet, standing quietly in the corner, as if mediocrity were fated never to blend into this world. The Sword Maiden gently patted Du Er Ya's hand and smiled sweetly at her. Then, she gently tugged her hand and signed, "Let's go back." Du Er Ya took one last glance at the crowd over there, nodded gently, and turned to leave. ... Surrounded by a group of female disciples, Su Bei looked around and somehow noticed a few solitary figures. Amidst the disciples all drawing near him, they were moving in the opposite direction... Dressed in attire that wasn't for formal disciples, their somewhat thin shadows were stretched long under the sunlight. A sudden throb raced through his heart. He seemed to remember that attire. It was the uniform of the Sword Sect's menial disciples. Su Bei pursed his lips, as if struck by a thought. Then, he pushed through the layers of people and strode forward. Suddenly, a shadow fell over the Sword Maiden. Du Er Ya frowned and was about to speak when she saw a handsome smile. Lips curved, eyes sparkling brightly, devoid of any impurity, simply looking at her. It was the Fifth Elder! Du Er Ya felt a bit shaken. She quickly pulled the Sword Maiden and cautiously said, "Du Er Ya pays her respects to the Fifth Elder!" The Sword Maiden was somewhat flustered. She looked at Su Bei, who had suddenly appeared before her, unsure what to do with her hands, then hurriedly began to sign to him. Seeing Su Bei's brows slightly furrow, Du Er Ya's heart chilled. She hastily explained to Su Bei, "Fifth Elder... Sword Maiden is mute!" "That... that is, Sword Maiden is very kind-hearted, and also very beautiful... She, she has to wash swords in the Sword-Cleaning Pool every day..." In her panic, she didn't know what else to say, just spilling everything she knew as best she could. Su Bei quietly observed the two women before him. One with a hideous scar on her face, the other somewhat fearful and shrinking behind the other. Then he gently bent down, looked into the Sword Maiden's somewhat frightened eyes, patted her head, and revealed a tender smile as he gently said, "Your name is Sword Maiden?" The Sword Maiden looked at Su Bei, a little shocked, and nodded gently. She hadn't expected the Fifth Elder to specially come after her just to take a look at her. Su Bei took her small hand, looking at the many small calluses on it. Were these the people forgotten by the Sword Sect in corners where the light couldn't reach? Not just in the Sword Sect, but how many such people were there in the entire Twenty-One Provinces? The Sword Maiden was unfortunate, yet also fortunate... Su Bei smiled gently and looked up at Du Er Ya. Watching the scene before her, Du Er Ya felt a lump in her throat for some reason. She pursed her lips and carefully asked, "Fifth Elder, menial disciples are also Sword Sect Disciples... right?" A pleasing curve touched the corners of Su Bei's mouth. He felt as if he had done something wrong, but thankfully, it wasn't too late. He gazed tenderly at the Sword Maiden. A gentle breeze brushed past, lifting his hair, which fluttered lightly. The dappled sunlight fell upon Su Bei's face. Then gently, tenderly, his voice, as if imbued with magic, resonated clearly enough for everyone at the foot of No-Sword Peak to hear: "Yes. Menial disciples are also Sword Sect Disciples." ...