Splendour Translations
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Chapter 2: The Female Lead's System Mission: Become Su Mu's Follower:
"Become a follower?"
The young girl was named Gu Xiaosang, the legitimate daughter of the Gu family, one of the three major families in Yanmen City. This status was naturally quite prestigious in Yanmen City, but in the face of a giant like the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect, it was insignificant.
Gu Xiaosang had decent talent, arguably the best among her generation in Yanmen City. However, even with her current abilities, becoming the follower of the Holy Son candidate wasn't an easy task.
"I possess a hidden physique, but the condition to activate it is to first become his follower..." Gu Xiaosang bit her red lips gently. She lifted her beautiful eyes and gazed at Su Mu, who was sitting high on the main seat.
One had to admit... Whether in appearance or temperament, this candidate for Holy Son of the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect was the most outstanding man she had ever seen in her life. He was like an immortal descended into the mortal world, making it difficult for anyone to take their eyes off him.
If his character was as good as his looks, becoming his follower wouldn't be a bad thing. Not to mention, she couldn't bear the punishment of failing the system mission.
Moreover, the Gu family had offended a large sect nearby.
If she became a member of the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect, that trivial threat would naturally be resolved. And if she could go further and become a follower... That so-called large sect would probably visit the Gu family in fear, offering apologies.
Lost in thought, Gu Xiaosang didn't notice the simple-dressed young man not far away, who was staring at her face with undisguised admiration.
"What? Have you taken a liking to that little girl?" A faintly amused voice sounded in his ear. "I advise you to give up. The little girl's eyes are practically glued to that Holy Son of the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect."
Gu Chen withdrew his gaze and glanced at Su Mu, who was seated on the high platform. A trace of barely noticeable jealousy flashed in his eyes.
"Junior sister Xiaosang isn't that kind of person!" He said in a low voice, but his tone was firm, "As an illegitimate son of the Gu family, I've endured contempt since childhood. In the Gu family, only Xiaosang has been kind to me, not caring about my status. How could someone like her be a sycophant?"
(T/N: sycophant means a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage.)
"Besides, with your guidance, Master, what does the Holy Son of Absolute Beginning Holy Sect amount to? He'll be under my foot sooner or later!"
Inside the space of the ring on his hand, a stunning figure in red was lying sideways on a soft couch. Resting her white arm on her head, she rolled her eyes upon hearing his words.
This brat had a twisted perspective!
Not liking him and preferring someone more excellent—was that sycophancy? Wasn't that just human nature?
Moreover, the little girl was indeed kind to him, but that was because he was of the same clan, and she pitied him for his miserable childhood. Every time she looked at him, there was a trace of sympathy in her eyes—without a shred of romantic feeling!
She could tell at a glance that the girl named Gu Xiaosang was outwardly warm but inwardly cold. Beneath her gentle exterior was a heart as cold as ice.
But alas, those caught in the situation were often blind, while the bystanders were clear.
Poor Holy Son of the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect—being resented without even knowing it...
"Tsk, I have to admit, that little guy from the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect is indeed quite handsome, with a good temperament too. Even I was almost moved. No wonder the little girl can't take her eyes off him... Ugh, why am I getting sleepy?"
Muttering to herself, she covered her red lips and let out a small yawn. Her eyelids drooped, and soon she fell into a deep sleep.
And just as she drifted off, a faint system prompt sounded quietly in her consciousness.
...
The elimination process was swift.
The Absolute Beginning Holy Sect had strict requirements for disciples, rejecting anyone over eighteen and enforcing strict criteria for talent. This meant that most people were eliminated right from the start.
The City Lord of Yanmen kept a close eye on Su Mu's expressions, observing any changes.
However, he was disappointed.
From beginning to end, this candidate for the Holy Son of Taichu remained very calm, with an expression as still as a deep well, as if nothing in the world could stir his interest.
After a while, it was finally Gu Xiaosang's turn for selection.
Her dress fluttered as she quickly walked to the center of the square. Ignoring the burning gazes from all around, she extended her fair wrist and gently placed it on the talent assessment stone.
With a 'boom,' the testing stone suddenly emitted a bright beam of light.
Gu Xiaosang lifted her head and looked toward the high platform, only to find that the Holy Son hadn't even glanced at her. He was calmly drinking tea, and her heart couldn't help but sink in disappointment.
She was confident in her appearance, but to not even be able to catch his eye—this was somewhat frustrating!
But she didn't get discouraged.
As long as she could enter the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect, she still had a year to prove herself!
Seeing the light beam, the elders and direct disciples of the Absolute Beginning Holy Sect, who had been chatting among themselves, were finally drawn to the scene.
They let out soft exclamations and nodded in approval.
"An Upper-Grade Water Spiritual Root? Not bad, a fine seedling indeed."
"It wasn't a wasted trip."
"An Upper-Grade Spiritual Root—there might not be one in a hundred cities. Seems we've had good luck!"
Below, the head of the Gu family beamed with pride. Stroking his long beard, he smiled and nodded to the other two envious patriarchs beside him, his posture becoming more upright.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, the City Lord of Yanmen noticed something.
Just now, he clearly saw the Holy Son pause in his tea-drinking, and a hint of surprise flickered in his usually calm eyes. Though it disappeared in an instant, he was sure he hadn't imagined it.
"Could it be that His Highness is interested in Gu Xiaosang?" The City Lord of Yanmen glanced enviously at the Gu family patriarch.
Even if Su Mu didn't become the Holy Son in the future, at the very least, he would be an inner elder! The Gu family was bound for greatness!
"Brother Gu, congratulations, congratulations!" The City Lord of Yanmen sent a smiling message.
"Haha, my daughter is just a little talented, not worth mentioning" The Gu family patriarch replied.
"Why be so modest, Brother Gu? I noticed earlier that when your daughter appeared, His Highness the Holy Son showed a slight change in expression for the first time... Ahem, I'm sure you understand what I mean?"
Upon hearing this, the Gu family patriarch was initially stunned, then overjoyed as he quickly sent a message of thanks: "I understand, thank you, City Lord, for the hint!!"
The City Lord of Yanmen nodded with a smile. He had offered this hint to form a good relationship. If the Gu family rose to prominence in the future, even a small favor would suffice.
Sitting at the head of the table, Su Mu hadn't realized that the slight change in his expression had been completely misunderstood. His expression returned to calm, but his heart still carried a trace of surprise.
Because... He had just figured out the system's function!
Just as he was taking a sip of tea earlier, a pleasant notification suddenly rang in his ear...
[You took a sip of tea. Water Element Spiritual Energy Affinity +1]
-To be continued!
T/N: Thanks for reading!
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