Master Chao is a man of great virtue and is a gentleman admired by all. His disciples are spread throughout and beyond the Taiyan imperial court. Now that you have become Master Chao's disciple, your future is bright, and you might even reach heights never before attained by anyone from Qidong County!"

David Brooks let out an awkward laugh: "Hehe, sir, everything you say is right. I am very grateful for the county academy's regard, and I will definitely consider the county academy first."

While he spoke these dignified words, he was already making his way out. What a joke—my old man has already made a deal with the Fire-Drinking Sect. If I join your county academy, won’t my father skin me alive when I get home?

While Mr. Miller was trying to persuade David Brooks, in the backyard of the county academy, a thin, elderly man was leisurely watering flowers. From a side room came the crisp, oriole-like sound of students reading aloud.

An assistant instructor rushed in, flustered: "Sir, good news! A disciple with six stone rings!"

Elder Chao was surprised as well: "Qidong County actually produced a disciple with six stone rings?"

"Exactly! Mr. Miller is stalling them right now. I came to ask for your decision—if we’re late, those sects will snatch him away." He quietly explained the whole situation, feeling a bit embarrassed that things had turned out this way.

The Old Instructor didn’t mind their "methods" at all. After pondering for a moment, he asked about David Brooks's usual conduct. The assistant instructor had no choice but to answer. The Old Instructor smiled: "Very well, I’ll go in person. Educating the people is my duty."

The assistant instructor nodded repeatedly, throwing in a compliment: "Sir, your noble character is beyond what we can hope to match."

The Old Instructor called into the side room: "Emily, Claire, would you like to come with me to see the disciples here for the assessment this time?"

The reading stopped, and a cheerful voice immediately came from inside: "Sure, Grandpa!"

Soon, two girls came out hand in hand from the side room, about the same age as David Brooks. The girl on the left was lively, the one on the right elegant—each as beautiful as spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, both outstanding in their own way. For a moment, it was impossible to say who was more beautiful, and one could only marvel at the Creator’s wonder in making two such equally stunning yet uniquely charming beauties.

The Old Instructor walked ahead with his hands behind his back, smiling, with the two girls following. The assistant instructor couldn’t help but feel that the old man’s smile held some deeper meaning.

David Brooks was almost at the county academy’s main gate when a gentle cough sounded. James Brooks's expression changed, and he hurried forward to pay his respects: "I didn’t expect to trouble Master Chao himself—what an honor for my son!"

Chad Chao chuckled and waved his hand: "Selecting and nurturing talent for the court is my duty, nothing to be troubled about. But James, you’ve raised a fine son." As he spoke, he looked at David Brooks with satisfaction.

The first thing David Brooks noticed was not Chad Chao, but a mischievous little head peeking out from behind him. Her long, indigo hair was tied into little braids, her nose was high and delicate, and her lips were like ripe cherries. But what caught his attention most were her eyes—full of spirit, like a lively fawn in the wild mountains.

This natural aura struck David Brooks’s heart like a thunderbolt, making his mouth dry and his whole body tingle. Just then, another elegant figure, equally matched with the first girl, appeared on the other side. She blinked her clear, autumn-lake-like eyes and looked at David Brooks with curiosity, sending another shock through his heart!

"Doomed! Doomed! Doomed!" David Brooks screamed inwardly, "This time, I’m definitely going to get skinned alive by my old man."

"Where did these two little enchantresses come from? Only girls like this are worth me losing my chastity for!"

James Brooks tugged at his dazed son: "Idiot! Hurry and pay your respects to Master Chao. Master Chao is a great cultivator of our dynasty, renowned and respected everywhere. If you can learn even a third of his skills, our The Brooks Family will be truly blessed!"

David Brooks finally snapped out of it, reluctantly glancing at the two girls before bowing in greeting: "Greetings, Elder Chao." Chad Chao saw through all of David Brooks’s reactions but kept a straight face and asked, "David, what do you think of our county academy? Would you like to study under me?"

Without thinking, David Brooks nodded and agreed: "I’d be honored!"

Chapter 011: An Unexpected Loss (Part 1)

James Brooks was dumbfounded. What’s wrong with you, you brat? All the things I told you on the way here—did you forget them all? How am I supposed to explain this to the Fire-Drinking Sect?

At this moment, David Brooks had only those two fairy-like girls in his mind. As for the agreement between his father and the Fire-Drinking Sect—what a joke! So what if I get skinned alive? Nothing is more important than my own happiness!

Chad Chao nodded with a smile: "Good. Then report to the county academy in four days. I will personally instruct you."

David Brooks bowed deeply: "Your student obeys."

Chad Chao didn’t stay long. He chatted briefly with James Brooks, encouraged David Brooks a bit, and then left with the two girls. David Brooks’s eyes were still glued to the girls, and even after they disappeared, he craned his neck to look toward the back of the academy.

Smack!