Chapter 77

### Chapter 77: Excuse

Turning to them, Mo Wu smiled at the several cave masters and said, “Masters, please call these nine juniors here; I would like to meet them.”

The four great caves each selected two, and Qian Yue Cave had one extra, Chen Ansheng.

Nan Gong Xiu looked in Chen Ansheng’s direction, feeling surprised but also happy.

It wasn’t that she was glad Chen Ansheng had found a good place, but rather that she no longer had to worry about the vow, and her daughter would no longer be troubled by it.

“We respect the command of our esteemed master.”

A few of them bowed and then flew towards their respective disciple groups.

Nan Gong Xiu was the first to arrive in front of Chen Ansheng and smiled, “Congratulations, little master uncle! This opportunity has come your way, and you will surely soar to great heights in the future.”

Chen Ansheng, startled by her voice, forced a smile. “I didn’t expect my luck to be this good.”

In reality, Chen Ansheng was in a deep dilemma about whether to join the Immortal Mansion or not.

Meanwhile, Yao Jianyuan looked at Chen Ansheng with a bemused expression. “Little master uncle? Nan Gong Cave Master calls you that! You little rascal…”

Yao Jianyuan instantly felt like he had been played.

He thought Chen Ansheng was just an ordinary person, but who knew he was actually Nan Gong Xiu’s senior? He had even been chatting with him about Ji Ziling… What a slick character!

Chen Ansheng glanced at Yao Jianyuan, unsure how to explain in front of Nan Gong Xiu, and could only display a helpless expression.

“Lord Mo of the Immortal Mansion wishes to meet you, little master uncle. Please hurry,” Nan Gong Xiu urged, fearing that Chen Ansheng would keep him waiting.

“Alright.” Chen Ansheng nodded, steeling himself to follow Nan Gong Xiu.

Yao Jianyuan glared angrily at Chen Ansheng and muttered, “Damn you, daring to play tricks on me, you rascal!”

He was then called away by his second uncle to the main battle platform.

Once the nine selected disciples were gathered, Mo Wu waved his hand, setting up a barrier that isolated the battle platform from outsiders.

“Do not forget to pay respects to Lord Mo.”

One of the cave masters spoke, and everyone hurried to bow.

“There’s no need for excessive courtesy. You all are talented individuals suited for my Xuan Yang Immortal Mansion’s disciple selection. In the future, follow me in your cultivation, and in due time, you will soar to the sky. Hahaha.”

As a peak Xuanxian, Mo Wu exuded a friendly demeanor in his every gesture, showing no airs.

“Thank you, Lord Mo. We will devote ourselves to our cultivation and will not disappoint your expectations.”

Some clever disciples earnestly expressed their determination, trying to leave a good impression on Mo Wu.

“Good, good, good! You several should tidy up and say goodbye to the elders in the sect. Tomorrow, we shall return to the Immortal Mansion together.” Mo Wu nodded with satisfaction.

Then, he exchanged glances with a nearby attendant, who took out several items from a storage bag.

“Masters, these are gifts from Elder Mo for you all, each a precious treasure; please select one.”

In the past, the Xuan Yang Immortal Mansion had this segment for collecting disciples, as if to exchange possessions for disciples from each cave. The cave masters regarded this merely as unexpected wealth, as being able to choose disciples from their own caves was a great fortune.

“Thank you, Lord Mo.”

The four of them each took a treasure and thanked him with smiles.

At that moment, Yao Jianyuan could no longer hold back and stepped forward to bow to Mo Wu. “Lord Mo, I cannot go to the Immortal Mansion with you.”

Upon hearing this, Yao Qingtian, Yao Jianyuan’s second uncle, immediately darkened his expression, secretly cursing that this troublesome boy was truly hard to manage, daring to speak recklessly in front of Lord Mo.

“Jianyuan, stop messing around!” Yao Qingtian hurriedly reprimanded, then turned to smile appeasingly at Mo Wu. “Lord Mo, this boy is my grandson and has always been a bit mischievous. If he enters under your guidance, I hope you can discipline him well.”

“Ha ha.” Mo Wu waved his hand lightly, “A young person with a lively spirit is a good thing. In cultivation, one should follow their heart to achieve the Great Way; what should I care about?”

“Wonderful! Lord Mo’s words have enlightened us all!” One cave master quickly flattered, and this caused the other disciples to secretly scoff.

However, in Yao Jianyuan’s heart, he was already determined not to take risks by going to the Xuan Yang Immortal Mansion. He then said, “Lord Mo, my partner is about to give birth in a few months. I wish to wait for my child to be born before reporting to the Immortal Mansion; I hope Lord Mo will permit this.”

Hearing this, Yao Qingtian’s face quickly turned green with anger.

Ever since this boy was jilted by that Ji girl, his mind has not been quite right. What partner does he have? Surely, he’s just imagining things.

But this boy had already fabricated a story; if he exposed him now, not only would it reveal his mental state, but it would also offend Lord Mo. What was to be done?

Indeed, Mo Wu’s expression darkened slightly as he looked at Yao Qingtian. “Master Yao, is there such a matter?”

While Yao Qingtian’s mind raced, he ultimately did not dare to expose him, fearing he would offend Mo Wu. He replied, “There is such a matter; my grandson is very considerate and therefore is worried about his partner.”

Meanwhile, Chen Ansheng, still calculating, secretly admired Yao Jianyuan’s cleverness. He didn’t directly refuse; instead, he used an excuse to delay, which at least wouldn’t anger the other party.

Mo Wu pondered for a moment and said slowly, “Thus, it appears your character is quite good. I permit you to enter the Immortal Mansion after your child is born.”

Yao Jianyuan smiled, “Thank you for your approval, my lord.”

At the same time, Chen Ansheng stepped forward, “My lord, my parents passed away unexpectedly, and I am still in mourning for the three years. I hope my lord will grant me permission to finish this mourning before entering the Immortal Mansion.”

Nan Gong Xiu was left bewildered by Chen Ansheng’s words.

This guy was lucky enough to be selected, and she would no longer have to worry about him, yet he fabricated a lie to decline?

What on earth was he doing!?

Mo Wu’s expression darkened again. Being chosen by Yu Die was a great honor for them, and it had not happened before that anyone would decline to enter the mansion. Why were there two refusals today?

Moreover, one of them was an extra selection, surely implying great potential!

“Master Nan Gong, is he your disciple?” Mo Wu asked in a flat tone.

“Indeed.” Nan Gong Xiu nodded. “It is true that his parents passed away, but he still has a younger brother and sister in mourning, so it is reasonable for him to leave for now.”

Chen Ansheng’s body stiffened, cursing inwardly, “Damn you, Nan Gong Xiu! If it were truly a pit of fire, you’d have caused my death!”

Yao Jianyuan, on the side, cast a glance at Chen Ansheng filled with schadenfreude, as if to say, “You little brat dared to play tricks on me; you got what you deserved!”

“Mm.” Mo Wu nodded lightly. “Master Nan Gong speaks rightly. You have younger siblings at home in mourning, so there is no need to delay your entry to the mansion; lest it hinders your cultivation and future.”

“But, Lord Mo…”

Chen Ansheng looked up, wanting to find another excuse to stall, but the communication jade given to him by Zhong Li suddenly made a noise.

Instantly, Chen Ansheng focused his mind and connected to the communication jade.

Inside came Zhong Li’s panicked voice: “Fool, run! Quickly leave Ninefold Flower Mountain!”