But the Qingyang Sect immortal envoy said nothing more. He raised his cup and took a sip. Seeing that Mr. Brooks was still visibly indignant, his anger not yet dissipated, he pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “Enough, Junior Brother Brooks, we’ve been friends for a hundred years—how could we let official business harm our relationship? Since you think so highly of this young man, then outside of my official duties, I suppose I can give him a chance as well. It all depends on whether he’s willing!”

Outside the hall, Henry Carter was recalling the sense of mystery that the teachings of “The True Explanation of the Dao Source” had recently brought him. He slowly stood up, intending to leave this unwelcoming place. Just then, a voice sounded behind him: “You are Henry Carter?”

Turning around, Henry Carter was taken aback to see a middle-aged man in a purple robe standing behind him with his hands clasped behind his back. It was the immortal envoy from the Qingyang Sect. The City Lord, General Foster, and others were also at his side, looking at him with somewhat complicated expressions. Emily Bennett and the other young prodigies on the Jiazi Ranking followed behind, each with a look of confusion and concern on their faces.

“Yes, I am.”

Henry Carter replied politely, not losing his manners.

“I heard you were originally at the top of the Jiazi Ranking, but because of a word from me, you lost your qualification to be listed. Do you harbor any resentment in your heart?”

The Qingyang Sect immortal envoy sized up Henry Carter, smiled slightly, and asked in a gentle voice.

“I’d love to draw a little figure and stab your mouth with needles every day out of spite…”

Henry Carter thought to himself, but on the surface he calmly said, “Blaming others is useless. I have no time for resentment—my only wish is to start over!”

The immortal envoy was momentarily surprised, then laughed and said, “I was worried you’d be so discouraged by this setback that you’d give up and never recover. It seems I was overthinking it. For someone so young to have such a mindset is rare. However, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. From this year on, the Immortal Hall will no longer accept disciples, and with your age, by the time you finish your studies, you’ll have missed the best years for cultivation!”

“Hm?”

Henry Carter was slightly taken aback, his expression changing.

“But…”

The immortal envoy suddenly changed his tone and smiled. “I don’t really want to snuff out a promising talent, so I’ll make an exception and give you a chance. Becoming a disciple of the Qingyang Sect is impossible, but even as a menial worker in the immortal sect, you can still cultivate. If you do well, you might even be promoted to the inner sect. I can take you to the immortal sect as a menial worker. Are you willing?”

“A menial worker?”

Suddenly, there was a stir all around, and everyone’s eyes became animated.

Emily Bennett couldn’t help but glance at Henry Carter, and in her usually indifferent eyes, a faint trace of mockery appeared.

The City Lord of Taiyue, Samuel Bennett, and General Foster both clearly breathed a sigh of relief, the corners of their mouths curling into a playful smile.

It must be known that the immortal sects are strictly hierarchical. Above ordinary disciples are the inner sect disciples, who are the cream of the crop, one in a hundred. Among the inner sect disciples, only one true disciple is chosen every three years. Each true disciple receives the sect’s special attention and is a figure admired by all, enjoying a century of honor regardless of their cultivation…

Otherwise, with Emily Bennett’s talent and potential, why would the City Lord ever consider marrying Henry Carter into the family?

But to enter the immortal sect as a menial worker—this was the complete opposite extreme…

To have the top of the Jiazi Ranking, someone who should have been a true disciple, become a menial worker—wasn’t this an insult?

Henry Carter’s feelings at this moment were extremely complicated, and he even felt a surge of anger, wanting to turn and leave.

But he took a deep breath and forced down his inner turmoil.

In the shortest time possible, he seriously considered all the possible futures.

When he was sure that this was truly the last path left before him, he raised his head and answered earnestly:

“I am willing!”

Chapter Four Qingyang Sect

Very soon, it was time for the prodigies of Taiyue City to set out for the immortal sect.

In these ten-odd days, not only the Qingyang Sect, but the other four great immortal sects of Yue Kingdom also sent immortal envoys, selecting suitable disciples from among the young prodigies who had made the ranking.

In previous years, some prodigies on the Jiazi Ranking would be courted by multiple immortal sects, each vying to recruit them. This was always the most talked-about topic among the common folk of Taiyue City. But this year, strangely, no one paid attention to this.

Everyone’s complicated gaze was focused on the one person in the most unusual situation.

Henry Carter, who was originally the top of the ranking, would also follow the immortal sect’s flying ship to the Qingyang Sect—as a menial worker.

Menial workers in the immortal sects have always been looked down upon.

They live with the immortals deep in the mountains, unable to enjoy the pleasures of the mortal world, and have no hope of becoming exalted immortals. In just a few short decades, their lives are buried in the remote mountains and forests. Anyone would feel pity at the mention of it!

Yet Henry Carter unexpectedly agreed.

Because of this, many people in Taiyue City sighed, lamenting the stubbornness of this child, fearing it might ruin his whole life.

The enormous immortal ship was already floating in the sky east of Taiyue City, dark and oppressive like a massive cloud. From the ship, a staircase of clouds extended all the way to the ground. The young prodigies ascended step by step, truly looking as if they were rising straight to the heavens.