Volume One, Chapter 11: Trading Watermelons for Sesame Seeds

Lin Xiu!

The moment this name was mentioned, the crowd instantly erupted in a commotion.

The members of Qianyun were bewildered, having never heard of a prodigy named Lin Xiu within the Great Qian Dynasty.

The Lin family was equally surprised when Jiang Mu spoke the name Lin Xiu.

It wasn’t that Lin Xiu’s talent was mediocre; in fact, compared to them, Lin Xiu’s aptitude was quite remarkable. However, within the exalted Xuantian Dao Sect, Lin Xiu’s talent was considered ordinary and hardly worthy of special attention.

For a moment, even Lin Xiu herself was taken aback, glancing at Jiang Mu with a puzzled look, as if wanting to ask where he had heard of her extraordinary talent.

Lin Ting, however, was quick to react. Suppressing his excitement, he cautiously inquired, “Young Master, our Lin family does have a disciple named Lin Xiu, who happens to be my legitimate eldest daughter. But… her talent is only at the Yellow rank. Is the noble sect truly willing to accept her as a disciple?”

After Lin Ting’s question, Lin Xiu’s heart tightened as she looked at Jiang Mu, unable to hide her anxiety.

Nearby, Qianyun, upon hearing that Lin Xiu’s talent was merely Yellow rank, immediately felt her hope vanish and was about to refuse.

“Young Master, this Yellow rank talent is indeed rather low; perhaps we should—”

Before she could finish, Jiang Mu shook his head.

“No matter. Talent does not necessarily determine everything. I have heard that Miss Lin Xiu of the Lin family is wholeheartedly devoted to cultivation. If given a chance, I believe she will become even more diligent and bring glory to your Lin family.”

“I will. I definitely will!” Lin Xiu eagerly stepped forward, not waiting for Lin Ting to respond.

This caused Qianyun’s expression to darken instantly, her gaze toward Jiang Mu tinged with displeasure.

She had thought that the sect master’s younger brother, no matter how inept, would at least understand the bigger picture. But his handling of this matter clearly showed he was a mediocre man blinded by personal gain, losing sight of what truly matters.

She wondered whether it was good or bad for the sect to entrust such power to this incompetent younger brother of the sect master.

Jiang Mu naturally paid no heed to Qianyun’s thoughts. Meeting the burning gazes of Lin Ting and his daughter, he nodded lightly.

“If that is so, Miss Lin, would you be willing to join the Xuantian Dao Sect?”

“I’m willing! Father, you… please agree for me!” Lin Xiu never imagined such a fortunate opportunity would fall into her lap. She hurriedly shook Lin Ting’s arm, her shyness cast aside.

Lin Ting would never miss such a good chance. He immediately cupped his fists toward Jiang Mu.

“Then Lin hereby thanks the Young Master for his favor. In the future, if the Young Master ever needs anything from the Lin family, just say the word. The Lin family will follow the Young Master’s lead without question!”

Lin Ting had already realized that the young man before him was indeed the one in charge at the Xuantian Dao Sect. Even Qianyun had to obey his commands. So, despite Qianyun’s reluctance, he earnestly sought Jiang Mu’s approval.

Seeing this, Jiang Mu stood up with satisfaction, patted the little one in his arms on the head, and said casually,

“Rest assured, Master Lin, I will visit your family again. I will certainly bring a grand gift. I hope you will be pleased.”

“Young Master, you honor us too much. If you deign to grace us with your presence, the Lin family will welcome you a hundred miles out of the city!”

“Ha ha, good. Master Lin, don’t forget!”

With that, Jiang Mu did not linger. He carried the little one and headed outside the Lin mansion.

Seeing this, Qianyun could only sigh helplessly, glancing at the ecstatic Lin Xiu and said plainly,

“Then you shall accompany them.”

Lin Xiu nodded, showing no expression, but in her heart, she sneered disdainfully.

She was merely a sect master’s attendant—now she was someone valued by the Young Master. As long as she worked hard, she would have her day to shine before Qianyun!

Lin Ting led the Lin family disciples to escort Jiang Mu and his group away. Only when the mysterious beast spread its wings and soared into the heavens did he burst into loud laughter.

“Bring me a grand feast! Our Lin family has had two members enter a top-tier sect within a single day. This is a joyous event unseen in hundreds of years. Today, I shall celebrate extravagantly so that all of Jing’an City knows of our Lin family’s happiness!”

Immediately, the Lin family decorated their home with lanterns and banners and began the celebrations.

Unaware of this, Jiang Mu and the others were already on their way back to the sect.

Above the clouds, several young men and women glanced at Jiang Mu’s tall silhouette and whispered among themselves. Though their words were inaudible, their disdainful expressions revealed their critical opinions of Jiang Mu.

In contrast, Lin Xiu could hardly contain her excitement. She glanced here and there, stealing occasional looks at Jiang Mu, her eyes filled with the tender feelings of a young maiden’s blossoming affection.

Yet… why did the Young Master’s silhouette seem so familiar?

Jiang Mu naturally noticed Lin Xiu’s gaze but showed no reaction. Bringing Lin Xiu into the sect was only his first step. This was no impulsive act; what he intended to do next was a secret known to no one.

At this moment, Qianyun could no longer hold back and approached Jiang Mu, lowering her voice to ask,

“Young Master, I truly do not understand why you would forsake a prodigy and instead bring someone with only average talent into the sect. Her appearance is nothing remarkable either. If you wish to find a Dao companion, there are many outstanding disciples within the sect. The sect master would surely…”

Hearing Qianyun’s words, Jiang Mu smiled wryly. With no one else present, he resumed his earlier calm demeanor and patiently explained,

“Sister Qianyun, please don’t be anxious. I have my plans. Lin Xiao is arrogant and unscrupulous in pursuit of his goals. Bringing him back would not be beneficial for the sect. As for Lin Xiu, Sister Qianyun, you need not concern yourself with her. I can assure you I have no other intentions toward her whatsoever.”

Hearing Jiang Mu’s confident words, Qianyun could not argue further and chose to trust that he had considered everything carefully.

Still… she could not fathom the reason behind his decision.

After a long silence, she sighed and said weakly, “Very well. But when the sect master returns, you must explain this to her. I simply do not know how to put it.”

Jiang Mu immediately assured her, “Sister Qianyun, rest easy. I will bear all responsibility for this matter myself. If Third Sister blames anyone, it will be me alone.”

Qianyun looked up at Jiang Mu, her lips moving slightly, but she said nothing, only shaking her head helplessly.

“We will arrive back at the sect early tomorrow. Young Master, you should rest. I will call for you when we arrive.”

After this brief instruction, Qianyun sat down cross-legged nearby. Though she had already reached the Tongtian Realm, she was unwilling to waste even a moment of cultivation.

Jiang Mu sat down as well, but unlike the others who exhaled to cultivate, he simply gazed quietly into the distance.

The little one in his arms slept soundly, occasionally shifting. Under the sunset’s glow, the pair—man and dog—presented a serene and peaceful picture of tranquil days.