CHAPTER 28: SECT MASTER

Suppressing his spiritual sense, he bowed his head slightly and followed the elder up the final steps, careful not to glance directly at the woman atop the dais.

Then, her voice echoed through the hall—clear, ethereal, with a note of casual power.

"Grand Elder Haiyun... what brings you here? And who’s this quiet little stray?"

Her tone was cool, mildly curious. But even that carried a faint spiritual tug—like silk threads brushing the mind.

Tian Lei felt the charm effect immediately.

Like invisible perfume seeping into his thoughts, trying to soften his wariness.

But he didn’t collapse or swoon. He stood tall.

’So this is the infamous charm body? Hah. If she thinks I’m some wide-eyed puppy, she’s dead wrong.’

Yet, even he had to admit—she was dangerously beautiful.

Even without fully looking at her, his spiritual sense caught glimmers:

Her skin pale as moon jade, hair like starlight dipped in ink, and an aura like a half-step divine empress. Even her presence seemed to bend the Dao around her like she was the world’s favored daughter.

Still, he remained composed—outwardly calm, inwardly shielded.

Elder Haiyun chuckled. "I found him on the way back from my walk through the lower regions. Didn’t expect to meet a lost talent—seemed like fate. I’ve accepted him as a personal disciple. Brought him here to officially introduce him to the Sect."

The woman finally put her brush down and glanced up.

Her eyes—glowing silver with faint violet rings—briefly met Tian Lei’s.

In that instant, his mind nearly blanked.

A strange warmth flooded him, his heart skipped, and for a second... he genuinely forgot why he was wary.

But then—clarity returned.

Not gradually. Instantly.

Tian Lei’s mind, soul, and will snapped into focus like a sword sliding back into its scabbard. The warmth, the haze, the allure—all vanished in the blink of an eye.

It wasn’t just resistance.

It was absolute immunity.

’So... this is what it means to have a soul that is invincible.’

His powerful soul had reacted on its own, dispersing the charm effect like wind sweeping away mist. Even when Mu Qinxue pushed her presence further—cranking her charm aura toward its peak—he didn’t budge.

No heartbeat skipped.No breath hitched.His gaze lifted calmly to meet hers.

And that shocked her.

Mu Qinxue blinked, visibly intrigued.

’He’s not even affected. Not a single thread of emotion stirred? What... exactly are you?’

A thin smile curved her lips as she deliberately released more of her charm aura—wave after wave rolling off her body like scented moonlight.

Elder Haiyun, standing respectfully behind Tian Lei, instinctively lowered his head and suppressed his senses.

Even he wasn’t immune.

A bead of cold sweat rolled down his cheek.

’Why is she releasing her full physique’s charm? Is she testing him... or seducing him?’

But Tian Lei stood like a mountain, unmoved by her divine allure.

His gaze held steady, serene.

Mu Qinxue’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of curiosity flashing within.

Finally, she spoke, her voice still carrying a faint, melodic hum:

"My name is Mu Qinxue. Sect Master of the Azure Feather Sect."

Her words were laced with power—not just charm, but intent—spoken to reach every layer of his being.

Tian Lei bowed smoothly, his tone respectful, firm.

"I greet the Honored Sect Master."

She studied him for a heartbeat longer.

Then, as if conducting an experiment, she stepped forward, reaching out with one finger to gently tap the air in front of him. Threads of invisible charm essence swirled into his aura like silk ribbons.

And still—nothing.

’Still unaffected. Even through direct eye contact and spiritual touch? Is this brat truly immune to me... or he is not an boy?’

Mu Qinxue exhaled faintly, withdrawing her aura entirely. Her charm pressure dropped to zero in an instant.

She gave a light chuckle. "Interesting. You’re not someone I can control. That makes you either a danger... or a priceless asset."

With a subtle flick of her sleeve, she turned and walked back to her seat.

Behind her, Elder Haiyun released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and muttered softly, "Thank the heavens..."

He lifted his restrictions cautiously and watched as Tian Lei stood unfazed.

’This boy... might be far more valuable than I thought.’

Mu Qinxue sat down again, her voice calm, composed.

"Grand Elder, you’ve brought me something... exceptional. I approve of his entry. But from now on, Tian Lei—"

Mu Qinxue’s eyes lingered on Tian Lei, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she spoke lightly—though her words dropped like thunder.

"From now on, you are my personal disciple."

Silence.

Even Elder Haiyun looked stunned.

Qinxue continued nonchalantly, as if choosing a fruit at the market. "I’ve never taken a disciple. Male or female, they either fell for me or fled from me. I never got to teach anyone—charming people into spiritual puppets is not very instructional."

She tilted her head at Tian Lei with an expression halfway between curiosity and challenge.

"But you..." she squinted slightly, "You’re immune to my charm. Makes me question if you’re even a boy." She waved a hand. "But let’s set that aside for now. Grand Elder?"

Elder Haiyun, still recovering, gave a deep nod. "If the Sect Master herself has taken a liking to him, then... of course. Let him be yours."

Mu Qinxue glanced at Tian Lei again, her tone light, but her eyes sharp. "Just so you know, this ’soul-steeled brat’ actually made me take a Soul Oath before agreeing to enter the sect."

Her lips curled with amusement.

She leaned in ever so slightly, as if inspecting a curious artifact.

"Tell me, Tian Lei. Why would you do that?"

Tian Lei’s eyes darkened for a moment, and he cast a subtle glance toward Elder Haiyun. Receiving a silent nod, he answered, voice even.

"My last sect betrayed me."

There was a faint pause.

"...They even killed someone I cherished."

The weight in his tone was light, but the pain behind it bled through. Mu Qinxue’s teasing expression faded slightly, replaced by something unreadable.