Chapter 264 - 136: Upper Sect Selection! Zhang Su’s Token Arrives, Astonishing the Crowd

A glint flashed in his eyes.

He waved his hand.

The box flew into his grasp from across the room.

The motion was casual and effortless.

But Zhang Su saw it clearly: Yao Yuanji’s hand never touched the box.

It had flown over on its own.

This was the power of an Innate Grandmaster.

For an Innate Grandmaster, fetching an object from a distance was a simple feat.

Yao Yuanji placed the box before him and opened it.

The instant the lid was opened, a terrifying chill emanated from it, causing the temperature in the entire room to plummet.

Zhang Su couldn’t help but shiver.

The cold was so intense it felt as if it could freeze the very blood in his veins.

The Pure Yang Gang Power within him automatically circulated, resisting the chill.

Zhong Wangji also frowned, circulating his Inner Strength to dispel the cold.

Yao Yuanji, however, seemed to feel nothing at all.

His gaze fell upon the contents of the box, his eyes filled with delight.

Inside, a snow-white lotus rested on a bed of white velvet.

The lotus wasn’t large, only about the size of a fist. Its petals were layered and translucent, as if carved from jade.

A thin layer of frost coated every petal, shimmering with a faint, iridescent light.

At its heart was a faint touch of turquoise, resembling a seed pod or some kind of fruit.

"Excellent! It really is a Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus. I never expected your Guiyuan Sect to possess such a treasure..."

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Yao Yuanji’s face.

He carefully examined the Ice Lotus in the box, looking it over and over, even leaning in to smell it.

The cool, clear fragrance that drifted into his nose invigorated his entire being.

’A Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus...’

It could even help one break through to the Innate Realm.

Even in the Upper Sect, this would be considered an extremely precious heavenly treasure.

Although the Upper Sect had a deep foundation, three-thousand-year-old treasures weren’t something one could obtain casually.

Treasures like the Ice Lotus, which could aid in reaching the Innate Realm, were especially scarce.

Many Martial Artists at the Peak of the Postnatal Realm were stuck at the bottleneck, lacking just that little bit of opportunity.

A single Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus might just be the thing to help them overcome that hurdle.

"Are you planning to offer this to the Peak Master in exchange for a Named Disciple spot?"

Yao Yuanji asked.

He closed the box, his gaze returning to Zhong Wangji.

"Yes."

Zhong Wangji nodded.

Yao Yuanji pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "Actually, there are two ways to become a Named Disciple. I can introduce you to the Peak Master. For a Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus, the Peak Master would likely be tempted and grant you a spot."

"There is another way. I can also arrange the Named Disciple spot for you. In that case, this Ice Lotus would be mine. However, once Zhang Su enters Mixed Element Peak, he would likely be marked as part of my Yao Family’s faction. There are some benefits to that, but there could also be trouble. The choice is yours."

Having said his piece, Yao Yuanji fell silent.

He closed his eyes, as if awaiting Zhong Wangji’s decision.

The room grew quiet as well.

Zhong Wangji and Zhang Su exchanged a glance.

In truth, they both understood.

Yao Yuanji had his eye on this Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus.

The Sect Leader had originally said the Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus was to be offered to the Peak Master of Mixed Element Peak.

But from the sound of it, if the Peak Master granted them the Named Disciple spot, their interaction would end there.

It would be a completed transaction, with both parties going their separate ways.

But if they gave it to Yao Yuanji, Zhang Su would be connected to the Yao Family.

He might even be considered one of the Yao Family’s own.

The benefits were obvious. The Yao Family was a major power on Mixed Element Peak, and even throughout the entire Upper Sect.

With the Yao Family’s label, life on Mixed Element Peak would be easier for Zhang Su.

As for the downsides, it was likely that the Yao Family also had rivals.

He might run into trouble.

’But who would bother with a mere Named Disciple?’

At this thought, Zhong Wangji had already made his decision.

He took a deep breath and said in a solemn voice, "The Guiyuan Sect is willing to gift this Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus to you, Elder Yao!"

This was what Sect Leader Meng Shouzhen had instructed before they came.

Once at the Yao Family’s residence, they were to act according to the situation.

If Yao Yuanji wanted the Ice Lotus, they should give it to him.

What the Guiyuan Sect wanted wasn’t a connection with the Peak Master of Mixed Element Peak, but for Zhang Su to remain in the Upper Sect.

Who the Ice Lotus was given to didn’t matter.

The important thing was that Zhang Su secured the spot of a Named Disciple.

"Good!"

Yao Yuanji smiled.

He opened his eyes, his expression much softer than before.

It was clear he was truly satisfied with the Ice Lotus.

"The Upper Sect is currently selecting disciples, so things are very busy. Wait a few more days. The Named Disciple spots should be confirmed after the selection is over. I will inform you then."

Yao Yuanji said.

His tone was more casual than before, even carrying a hint of familiarity.

"Then we must thank you for your trouble, Elder Yao."

Both Zhong Wangji and Zhang Su bowed to Yao Yuanji, then took their leave.

The two of them walked out of the courtyard gate.

Neither said a word along the way.

After they had walked for a long time, far from Elder Yao’s courtyard, Zhong Wangji finally let out a long sigh of relief.

In the presence of an Innate Grandmaster just now, Zhong Wangji had felt immense pressure.

He hadn’t dared to show the slightest bit of disrespect.

He had been terrified of angering an Innate Grandmaster.

"Thank you for your hard work, Elder Zhong."

Zhang Su bowed to Zhong Wangji.

This time, Elder Zhong had truly done his best.

From the moment they entered the Yao Mansion, Zhong Wangji had been extremely cautious, afraid of saying even a single word wrong.