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Though the Inner Hall Examination had concluded, the multitude gathering at the Ancestor Hall square had yet to disperse.
For the most crucial segment remained—
The Hall Masters had yet to select their disciples.
This was the greatest advantage upon becoming an Inner Hall disciple.
One could not easily predict this, for even if one were a Prince, the Hall Masters might not necessarily hold one in high regard.
There was a peculiar phenomenon—
Martial Arts prodigies emerging from the Xiahong clan seemed not to be highly valued by the Ancestor Hall. Even a supreme Martial Arts prodigy like Prince An Qing was only taken as an Inner Sect disciple by one Hall Master, while the others would only accept him as a registered disciple.
The Ancestor Hall appeared disinclined to intertwine too deeply with the Xiahong clan’s higher-ups.
Moreover, though a Prince today, destined to be a significant figure stirring clouds in the future, that was still the future.
Everyone understood that once they accepted Lin Yue, the Seventeenth Prince, as a disciple, they would inevitably bear a myriad of tribulations for him.
Even if the Prince matured into Martial Saint status, how much could it aid the Martial Saints themselves?
It would be nothing but a troublesome burden.
"Go, inform the Hall Masters about the examination outcome."
Receiving directives from the Main Hall Master, several Elders immediately headed deep into the Ancestor Hall.
Duke Heng smiled and said, "The Main Hall Master is hosting the Inner Hall Examination this time. You should have priority in disciple recruitment, do you have any intention of choosing a disciple?" Your journey continues with NovelFire.Côm
"Indeed, I have such thoughts."
The Main Hall Master nodded slightly and said, "I intend to take the Seventeenth Prince as my Direct Disciple and Baili Fengzhi as my Inner Sect disciple."
Upon hearing this, Duke Heng could not help but reveal a hint of joy.
The Hall Masters of the Ancestor Hall were all Martial Saints, with capabilities on par with Princes, having the entire Ancestor Hall as a backing, not far off in status compared to Princes.
Such a significant figure as a support was far more stable than relying on Duke Heng’s estate!
"Oh?"
The Twelfth Prince maintained a gentle smile on his face, only saying softly, "Does the Main Hall Master truly wish to take my Seventeenth brother as a Direct Disciple? Have you considered it thoroughly?"
The others all understood what he meant by this.
First, the Hall Masters had very high standards in selecting disciples. Even someone as extraordinary as Baili Fengzhi was typically only accepted as an Inner Sect disciple, at most.
After all, becoming a Hall Master and ascending to Martial Saint status meant having encountered numerous prodigies, and with the Hall Master’s discerning eye, would they not discern that Baili Fengzhi’s fundamental reason for being extraordinary lay in the Fire Phoenix Divine Body?
The true Martial Arts talent, in the eyes of a Martial Saint, was only mediocre at best.
Whether future prospects could culminate in becoming a Martial Saint was uncertain.
To be given a chance as an Inner Sect disciple was already quite commendable.
Furthermore, the relationship between the Ancestor Hall and the Imperial Family was somewhat delicate. Individuals from the fourth-generation bloodline of the Xiahong clan could not become the true core high-level descendants in the Ancestor Hall. Even if they reached a Martial Saint level, they couldn’t become Hall Masters.
Thus, Princes like the Crown Prince and Prince An Qing, despite adequate strength, could not become high-level descendants in the Ancestor Hall.
Furthermore, the Xiahong clan’s Imperial Family had no way to meddle in the eminent inner workings of the Ancestor Hall.
Even so, the willingness of the Main Hall Master to accept Lin Yue as a Direct Disciple clearly indicated sincere admiration!
"No matter."
The Main Hall Master said calmly, "The Seventeenth Prince’s demeanor aligns with my preferences well, so I accept him as a disciple. As for power struggles within the Ancestor Hall? I am not particularly concerned."
Within any vast power structure, power struggles were inevitable.
This was equally true within the Ancestor Hall.
Various factions, led by the Hall Masters, had members underneath each competing, with disciples acting as prime aides.
However, Princes, set to never become the power core of the Ancestor Hall, naturally offered little assistance.
Baili Fengzhi was also a personal servant of a Prince and could not enter into the core of the Ancestor Hall either.
"Main Hall Master, admirable," Duke Heng quietly lauded.
"My Seventeenth brother seems rather fortunate." The Twelfth Prince maintained a serene smile, showing no signs of emotional change.
Though he was somewhat wary of the Main Hall Master, he held no fear, as he was a Prince.
Even if Lin Yue became the Main Hall Master’s True Disciple, in terms of connections and background, he still could not measure up to him and wouldn’t know how many years it would take to catch up.
Sufficing for self-preservation, yet lacking in competition.
...
On the plaza below.
"Your Highness, given your talents, surely a Hall Master will accept you as an Inner Sect disciple."
Baili Fengzhi softly said, "I wonder how many Hall Masters are there in the Ancestor Hall. Unfortunately, we do not know much about these Hall Masters."
Lin Yue nodded slightly and said, "I have only known of the Main Hall Master till now."
The Hall Masters, all being Martial Saints, held a status higher than many Commandery Princes, not something one could investigate easily.
"Your Highness, I know about them."
Xiahong Baiye chimed in, cheerfully saying, "Besides the Main Hall, the Ancestor Hall includes the Ancient Hall, Black Sand Hall, Yuan Yang Hall, Canghai Hall, and the Myriad Swords Hall. The Hall Masters of these six auxiliary halls are all Martial Saints. As for other auxiliary halls, though existing, their founding Hall Masters have passed away, leaving them as ordinary halls."
Lin Yue raised an eyebrow slightly, asking, "Which auxiliary hall’s Hall Master is more formidable?"
"That must be the Ancient Hall."
Xiahong Baiye replied without hesitation, "My sixth uncle once said that among the various auxiliary halls of the Ancestor Hall, only the Ancient Hall had, historically, five Martial Saints emerge in succession. The current Ancient Hall Master holds a high reputation, is extremely powerful, and is likely to become the Main Hall Master of the Ancestor Hall in the future."
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