Chapter 16: Probationary Disciple

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Probationary Disciple

It was only after they neared the gates of The Wenjian Sect that Sui Sui finally began to stir from his nap.

"How was your sleep, Junior Brother Bai? Did you enjoy sleeping in my arms?" a familiar voice teased.

The familiar voice instantly chased away the last traces of drowsiness clouding Sui Sui’s mind. As his eyes slowly focused, he suddenly realized the position they were in. His ears reddened almost immediately, and he hurriedly struggled in embarrassment.

"S-Senior Brother... you can put me down now."

Seeing that they had already arrived at the sect, Yizhou decided not to tease him any further. A faint smile lingered on his lips as he gently set Sui Sui back on the ground.

Towering stone gates stood before them, with the words Wenjian Sect carved boldly across the entrance. Several disciples were stationed nearby, carrying out their usual duties. The moment they caught sight of the approaching figure, their expressions brightened with surprise.

"Senior Brother Yizhou, you’re back! That’s great!"

A few of them quickly walked over to greet him, the atmosphere becoming noticeably livelier than before. Although Yizhou had entered the sect later than many of the disciples present, his cultivation had long surpassed that of his peers. Within the Wenjian Sect, strength determined seniority, so it was only natural that everyone respectfully addressed him as Senior Brother.

The disciples chatted with him for a while, asking about his trip outside the sect. Their attention was so focused on Yizhou that no one seemed to notice the quiet figure standing beside him. It wasn’t until one disciple’s gaze drifted over that he froze slightly.

"Senior Brother... this person is?" he asked, glancing curiously at Sui Sui.

The others followed his gaze one after another, only now realizing someone had accompanied Yizhou back.

"Oh, you may have heard of him before." Yizhou looked toward Sui Sui before continuing, "This is Junior Brother Bai Sui Sui, Senior Brother Bai’s younger brother."

As soon as they heard his identity, several disciples exchanged knowing looks.

So this was the infamous little fool who liked following Senior Brother Yizhou around.

No one said the words aloud, but the meaning behind their expressions was obvious enough.

Feeling several pairs of eyes resting on him, Sui Sui instinctively lowered his head. It felt as though every gaze carried a silent judgment, making him increasingly uncomfortable. Without thinking, he quietly shuffled closer to Yizhou, using him as an unintentional shield from everyone’s attention.

Yizhou naturally noticed the small movement.

"Alright, don’t stare at him. Junior Brother Bai is a little shy."

There was a trace of amusement in his voice, but the disciples immediately understood his meaning. They awkwardly looked away, some clearing their throats while others returned to their posts, though a few couldn’t resist stealing one last curious glance at Sui Sui.

With the crowd finally dispersed, Yizhou led Sui Sui toward the living quarters of the probationary disciples.

Although Sui Sui had entered the Wenjian Sect through his family’s connections, that was as far as those connections could help him. Once inside the sect, he had to rely entirely on his own abilities to obtain cultivation resources, no different from any other probationary disciple.

All probationary disciples were required to stay in the living quarters assigned by the sect. Even those with family members who were already inner disciples were not exempt from the rules, nor could they use those connections to receive preferential treatment. The Wenjian Sect was particularly strict in this regard.

Within the sect, there were only three ways to become an inner disciple.

The first was to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. While this was the most straightforward path, it was also the most time-consuming, with many disciples spending years unable to cross that threshold.

The second was to become the direct disciple of one of Wenjian Sect’s elders. However, for those with mediocre aptitude, such an opportunity was almost impossible to obtain.

The final path was the annual Inter-Disciple Competition. During the event, disciples were matched against opponents of similar cultivation levels and competed within their respective categories. Any outer disciple fortunate and capable enough to secure a place within the top ten would be promoted directly to an inner disciple.

Unfortunately, the most recent Inter-Disciple Competition had only concluded not long ago. If Sui Sui wished to take that route, he would have no choice but to wait another year.

After walking for a while longer, Yizhou and Sui Sui finally arrived at the living quarters of the Probationary Disciples.

Rows of simple residences stood neatly along the stone paths. Compared to the elegant buildings of the inner disciples, the quarters here were far more modest, though they were still clean and well maintained. Several probationary disciples could be seen coming and going, each occupied with their own business.

"Junior Brother, which room do you stay in?" Yizhou asked as he glanced around the courtyard.

"Uhmm..." Sui Sui paused in his steps.

Truthfully, he had no idea. He hadn’t inherited the previous Bai Sui Sui’s memories, so there was no way he could tell Yizhou which room belonged to him.

Just as he was wondering how to respond—

"Ah!"

A voice suddenly called out from behind them.

"Oh, it really is you, Sui-ge!"

The two turned around to see a young boy around the age of fifteen or sixteen hurrying toward them. Dressed in the standard dark blue robes of Wenjian Sect, he had a pair of bright almond-shaped eyes and a slightly chubby figure that only made his already handsome features appear even more youthful.

Before Sui Sui could react, the boy had already linked arms with him in a familiar manner.

"It’s good that you’re back! Boohoo... do you know I’ve had no one to talk to at all?" the young boy fake-wailed, aggrievedly shaking Sui Sui’s arm.

Sui Sui staggered from the vigorous shaking, only managing a helpless smile as he let the boy continue his dramatic performance.

It was only after a few moments that the chubby boy seemed to realize they weren’t alone. His eyes drifted toward the smiling Yizhou standing beside Sui Sui, and his expression immediately changed.

"Sui-ge... isn’t this..."

As though remembering something, he abruptly stopped himself mid-sentence, his lively demeanor instantly becoming much more restrained.

"Hello, Junior Brother. I am Yizhou. May I know who you are?" Yizhou asked with a gentle smile. His voice was calm and unhurried, carrying none of the arrogance one might expect from someone of his status. Instead, it put Shi Qing at ease, easing the nervousness that had suddenly crept over him.

Seeing this Sui Sui thought that this person really deserved to win an oscars with how good an actor he was.

"Ah, yes! I forgot." Shi Qing let out an awkward laugh before scratching the back of his head. Realizing he had neglected proper etiquette, he quickly straightened his posture and offered a respectful salute. "Hello, Senior Brother. My name is Shi Qing. I’m Sui-ge’s best friend."

"I see." Yizhou’s smile remained unchanged as he gave a small nod of acknowledgment. His gaze briefly swept over the two standing side by side before returning to Shi Qing.

"Since you’re acquainted with Junior Brother Bai, could I trouble you with showing him to his room?" he asked.

"Sure, sure!" Shi Qing nodded repeatedly, patting his chest as though accepting an important mission. "It would be my pleasure to help."

Without wasting another moment, Shi Qing led them deeper into the residential area until they stopped in front of one of the many rooms within the probationary disciples’ quarters.

The room was small and plainly furnished. Inside was only a single bed, a wooden desk, and a wardrobe for storing clothes and personal belongings. Although simple, everything was neatly arranged.

After confirming that Sui Sui had arrived safely, Yizhou turned to leave.

"Well then, I’ll be taking my leave for now. I’ll see you two later."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Sui Sui replied. Yizhou gave a slight nod before turning around and walking away, his figure gradually disappearing down the stone path.