The patriarchs of the various prominent families were seated before their computers, watching the live broadcast of the disciple selection.
As their respective family members were eliminated one by one, the smiles on their faces gradually disappeared.
"What does this mean? Not a single person from my Li family made it to the final selection? These good-for-nothings only know how to eat, drink, and play all day. Tell them all to get offline. Useless things, don't embarrass me by being there!"
"Fortunately, my Ouyang family still has two people on stage!"
"The situation is a bit grim; our family only has one person on stage!"
Aside from the complete elimination of the Li family, other families had some members still on stage. However, at this moment, only eight people remained.
All the families, except for the Li family, were filled with apprehension.
"Master, don't let his sickly appearance fool you. At least among these people, his aptitude is the best!"
Zhang Pingfan followed the gaze of the Pingjiang City Lord and saw the young fellow.
He wasn't old, perhaps around sixteen or seventeen.
However, with a physique as thin as a beanpole, it was likely that his family hadn't held much hope for him from the beginning.
Since that was the case, he decided to choose him.
Zhang Pingfan stood up, and everyone present grew tense.
"Ahem, the Pingjiang City Lord and I have made our decision. Among you eight, I will only choose one. And that person is..."
The atmosphere instantly became extremely quiet, so quiet that not even the sound of heavy breathing could be heard. Everyone waited in silence for Zhang Pingfan's announcement.
The various families watching the live broadcast from their computers were also incredibly nervous, their palms even breaking out in a sweat.
After all, becoming the village chief's disciple, even an outer disciple, came with countless benefits.
"It's you. From now on, you are my outer disciple!"
To everyone's surprise, Zhang Pingfan pointed at the fellow who looked like a beanpole.
"What? That guy is only level 11!"
"Damn it, did I hear that wrong, or am I blind? How can the village chief have such poor judgment in selecting people? That guy could be blown over by a gust of wind. What's the use of having him as a disciple? I feel like I'm not even as good as him!"
Seeing the village chief choose the sickly person, the other seven individuals on stage were quite displeased.
"Village Chief, I don't understand why you chose him. Are the seven of us not as good as a sickly person?"
Zhang Pingfan's expression changed slightly.
"Are you questioning my decision?"
Meeting Zhang Pingfan's cold gaze, the speaker immediately lowered his head.
"I dare not, I only implore you to reconsider your choice!"
"There's no need. So what if he's sickly? Can this village chief not even train a sickly person? This village chief simply likes challenging tasks!"
Damn it! Zhang Pingfan's statement left everyone present dumbfounded.
So, it turned out the village chief was looking to increase the difficulty for himself.
If they had known this earlier, they should have chosen more people with poor health.
The patriarchs watching the live broadcast from their computers were in a state of flux.
Even the Nangong family members were somewhat bewildered.
This young fellow was from the Nangong family, but he had been temporarily roped in to make up the numbers. This was because there were too few young people in the family who played this game, so they brought whoever they could.
And this young fellow was an outsider in the family. Due to his chronic illness, his status within the family was quite low.
"This... Patriarch, our Nangong family has been selected, but this..."
Although everyone present was happy internally, they couldn't express their joy outwardly.
The Nangong family patriarch's expression was also not very pleasant.
"Since he has been chosen by the village chief, it is his good fortune. After he finishes the apprenticeship ceremony, teach him some manners. Make sure he doesn't anger the village chief!"
"Yes, I'll attend to it immediately!"
Although the patriarchs of the other families were displeased, ever since they learned of the game's capabilities, they dared not be negligent!
The Pingjiang City Lord waved his hand and said, "Everyone else, leave. That young fellow, come here!"
The other seven, though unwilling, could only watch as the sickly fellow walked towards Zhang Pingfan.
Zhang Pingfan looked at the sickly boy before him. Logically, the game's abilities should have been able to treat his illness. Judging by his appearance, it seemed it hadn't taken effect yet.
"What is your name?"
"Nangong Zhenghao, in-game name Changsheng!"
Zhang Pingfan was a little stunned. To choose such a name, his physical condition in reality must surely not be good.
"Are you suffering from any illnesses?"
"Yes, but I've come to terms with it!"
"If you've come to terms with it, why is your in-game name still Changsheng?"
"I..."
Zhang Pingfan smiled and said, "No need to explain further. From today onwards, you are my outer disciple. This is your senior sister, Dou Youyou!"
Changsheng knelt on both knees.
"Disciple Changsheng pays respects to Master, and greets Senior Sister!"
"Mmm, rise! From today onwards, you are my village chief's disciple. Although you are only an outer disciple, I will not permit anyone to bully you. Let everyone listen: whoever dares to bully my disciple, dies!!!"
Instantly, everyone was filled with reverence. With such a master, it would be difficult to die.
After all, the preceding examples were right before their eyes.
"Changsheng, Master is now assigning you your first mission: raise your level to 30 as quickly as possible. During this time, you can seek any help from the City Lord's mansions in Pingjiang City, Seven Star City, and Seaside City. I hope you reach level 30 in the shortest possible time!"
"Yes, Master! But, my physical condition..."
Zhang Pingfan looked at the Pingjiang City Lord.
"Do you have any solutions?"
The Pingjiang City Lord shook his head and said, "This subordinate does not, but Hei Huang might!"
That's right, Hei Huang was skilled in alchemy and had various herbs. Perhaps they could be of some help to his physical condition. Of course, he didn't know if they would also be helpful in reality.
"Mmm, Changsheng, from now on, you will follow the Pingjiang City Lord to learn!"
"Yes, Master!"
"Yes, Master!"
[Ding! System Prompt: Pingjiang City Lord is bestowing upon you the hidden profession of Azure Lotus Sword Immortal. Do you accept!]
Changsheng looked at the Pingjiang City Lord with a surprised expression. He hadn't expected such a benefit to come so quickly.
"Master, I..."
Zhang Pingfan said, "Accept it. Even as an outer disciple, your abilities should not fall behind others!"
"Yes, disciple obeys Master's command!"
"Accept!"
[Ding! System Prompt: Player Changsheng has successfully transferred to the hidden profession of Azure Lotus Sword Immortal! Becoming the 3rd player with a hidden profession!]
The system prompt immediately caused the onlookers to explode.
"Holy crap, an outer disciple can easily obtain a hidden profession? This is simply enviable!"
"Envy, jealousy, and hatred!"
"While we envy and are jealous, thinking of those eliminated players, they probably wish they were dead right now!"
That's right. At this moment, those eliminated players, seeing this sickly fellow obtain the hidden profession of Azure Lotus Sword Immortal, were grinding their teeth in anger.
"What kind of rotten luck is this? The person is almost dead. Isn't this a waste of societal resources?"
"The village chief is truly blind. How long can this guy even live, and a hidden profession is wasted on him!"
"Good heavens, if I had known, I would have faked being sick too!"