"I choose you!"

The disciples in the back were rapt with attention, excited to see Bai Jing pointing in their direction. These disciples stared directly at Bai Jing's face hopeful to meet her gaze but sadly noticed her eyes were not focused on them.

Instead Bai Jing was staring at an unassuming girl that unlike the other disciples had her eyes closed and head lowered. The surrounding disciples looked at the girl in envy and dissatisfaction.

"..."

Bai Jing's brows furrowed seeing the girl was so meek and timid she didn't dare to look up and see who was chosen. The idea she would be picked not even crossing her mind.

The fact that the girl even came to this gathering was pushing herself far out of her comfort zone and limits.

...

The young woman had been exiting the Alchemy Hall the day Bai Jing first came to the sect, escorted by Jiang Fu, and from the moment she saw Bai Jing, she was completely enamored. She had never felt this way about another before and didn't know how to handle her intense outburst of emotions. Bai Jing was perfect in her eyes, the definition of beauty, one that could not, can not be surpassed, her ideal.

The lovestruck girl quietly listened in on the surrounding disciples discussions and found out her name and some of her background, then she went to look up some information on her own. She was both in amazement and depressed over the revelation. Amazed at such a peerless beauty with so much talent, power, and background. Depressed because she knew they belonged in different worlds and nothing would ever occur between them, she would be able to consider herself lucky by just seeing her in the distance. As the girl tried to quell her feelings of a love that knew would never be, she discovered the announcement that Bai Jing would be selecting a servant disciple, and any female disciple is eligible to come and compete.

The girl was happy and full of hope hearing this, but that only lasted mere moments. She knew herself well enough that such an event had no place for her. That day she didn't cultivate or do any of her normal activities, she just sat on the ground hugging her knee's, her moist eyes staring blankly at a wall for an unknown period.

Eventually she woke up from her dazed state where her thoughts ran wild, her heart pumping rapidly like never before. Her mind was chaotic but a clear goal had imbedded itself in her thoughts and she did somethin normally unthinkable to her usual self. She swiftly registered for the so called gathering. Afterwards she deflated like a balloon, exhaustion and worry filling her body.

As the days passed and the day of the gathering grew near, she could no longer meditate, nor refine pills. She was far too nervous and constantly thought about the upcoming event, trying to talk herself out of showing up. There was no point to it, but she was never able to commit to the thought brought on by her worries, keeping a glimmer of hope deep within herself she couldn't let go of.

She promised to herself that she would take this opportunity and go. She hoped that a miracle would come but realistically, in her heart, knew such a thing would not. However, she had to give it a chance, even if just to see Bai Jing one more time. It was unknown when she would get another opportunity see her. Maybe she would even have a chance to talk to her or even confess her feelings... no, that was just fantasy, she knew she could never do such a thing. No matter how much she imagined doing so in her mind.

The day of the competition she struggled to get to her feet, body trembling she broke out in a cold sweat. Pain and a tingling sensation radiated from her chest and stomach, she took over an hour just to force herself out her abode. Feeling sick to her stomach, she went off to the arena, never daring to look back or else cowardice and fear would overtake her mind causing her to return.

Once she entered the Arena, the place she considered the point of no return, she managed to calm down no longer feeling so painful, just the tingling sensation and her nerves tense. As she stood on the stage and waited for what felt like days she finally noticed Bai Jing's arrival.

Seeing Bai Jing again only intensified the feelings she had when she first saw her. Compared to the first time, Bai Jing was even more beautiful and holy in her eyes. The girl felt even more inferior as depression grew within her, her nose soured and her eyes teared up at the disparity but she managed to hold it in.

As she stared at Bai Jing she noticed her eyes glow as they swept over her and the surrounding disciples. She felt intimidated, exposed, and couldn't help but lower her head in cowardice. She tried taking glances up at Bai Jing every now and then but they were only for a split moment, sometimes not even taking in the sight of Bai Jing's full body.

Eventually she herd the Vice Sect Masters announcement, unable to take the increasing suspense and depression that was sinking in, she closed her eyes as her head was lowered towards the ground.

'This is it, what do I do after this. Maybe I can try to walk past her as I exit and say something. No maybe I should trip and fall near her, maybe she will help me up then? I should of brought a gift maybe I could of brought her a present. No, no what if I....' The girl's fantastical thoughts ran wild as she tried to find some method to interact with Bai Jing, or at least try to convince herself to make some kind of move.

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"I choose you!"

That's when for the first time she heard Bai Jing's angelic and smooth voice ring into her ears, comforting her. She immersed herself Bai Jing's words, imagining the disciple it was said to was herself. She began daydreaming of walking hand in hand with her like lovers and Bai Jing creasing her cheek while telling her she loves her. She didn't hear the surrounding disciples murmurs or feel the stares directed at her.

...

Bai Jing, seeing that the young woman she was pointing at had made no move to raise her head after some time, rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers with her already outstretched hand.

After the snap the ignorant girl's skirt started to flutter as wind gathered beneath her, a mini tornado forming below her feet, levitating her off the stage.

"Ueeeeh, w-w-wha, huhhh?" Startled, the girl made unintelligible noises causing a few of the nearby disciples to scoff.

The girl was looking around confusedly as she was forced into the air, passing above the other disciples and heading towards Bai Jing.

The young woman noticed where she was headed after a few moments upon catching sight of Bai Jing's figure growing near. She was floored, greater confusion filling her head. Her heartbeat sped up and her mouth felt dry, she didn't know what to do or what was happening.

The girl came to a stop about a meter from Bai Jing.

Bai Jing started to observe the girl closely, up and down. After seeing the girl up close, Bai Jing thought it would be generous of her to rate the girl a five. Yet the girl's confused timidness continued to increase her cute appeal, which Bai Jing found a different kind of beauty in.

'I'd love to tease her in front of everyone but it looks like she's already about to cry. I'll be nice for now.' Bai Jing suppressed her urge to tease the poor girl.

Jiang Fu had come to Bai Jing's side once again to get a good look at the girl she had chosen.

His brows furrowed as he did not find her familiar and with a scan of his Divine Sense he found nothing outstanding about her. Tapping on his sect token, Jiang Fu looked up the young woman's information, yet again he found nothing too outstanding about her. Below average or average in most things except some proficiency in alchemy.

Jiang Fu wanted to dissuade Bai Jing from picking her as a servant disciple. He opened his mouth to speak but knew of Bai Jing's quirks, knowing that doing so wouldn't prove useful. Pausing for a moment he saw Bai Jing was just staring at the poor girl while rubbing her chin in contemplation and the other girl looked confused about the situation, looking everywhere except directly at Bai Jing.

"Little Jing, shouldn't you at least ask some questions before you decide on her?" Jiang Fu tried to steer Bai Jing back on track.

"Ah, yes..." Bai Jing stared into the girl's eyes, fidgety eyes that wouldn't look back at her.

"Name?" Bai Jing simply spoke.

"..." There was no response.

Bai Jing willed the girl closer then tapped her forehead with a finger.

"Eh?" The girl looked up, staring at Bai Jing's face.

"What's your name?"

"M-m-my name? Uh, my name is ummm... Qiqi. Uhhh, Qian Qiqi." Her voice trembled as she softly spoke for the first time. Her first few words hoarse but they slowly became pleasant and shaky as she spoke to the end.

"Age?"

"Age? Me? I'm ummm... I'm uhh, t-twenty, twenty five." Her head was in a mess and she found it difficult to process or recall information.

'A cute older gal, eh? I don't mind. The name suits her and about average level of talent I guess. Reaching Mid Stage Foundation Establishment at twenty five isn't the worst.' Bai Jing concluded while rubbing her chin in contemplation.

Reaching Core Formation before thirty years of age is considered the basic standard for any genius within the True Origin Sect and the other top institutions of the world.

"Alright then, you're my maid now." Bai Jing stated a matter-of-factly.

"Maid?"

"Yes, as in servant disciple. Why else would you be here? Uncle Jing lets finish this up." Bai Jing waved Jiang Fu over.

"Wait. R-really? You chose me... really? Hoowhie?" Qiqi stubbled over her words at the end and looked embarrassed, face flushed a deep red.

"Yup.'" Bai Jing's replied simply while looking towards Jiang Fu and giving him a nod to finish things up.

Jiang Fu shrugged his shoulders, looking like he didn't care anymore.

"Outer Disciple Qian Qiqi do you accept becoming Inner Disciple Bai Jing's servant disciple?"

Hearing Jiang Fu's question the reality of the situation seemed to kick in for Qiqi. Instead of being flushed red she became pale as if in shock, she swayed and looked like she may faint. Though, this also managed to give her a moment of clear-headedness.

"Yes... yes, I agree!" Qiqi's voice was faint, she clenched her fist in excitement with what little strength she could muster.

Nodding Jiang Fu rubbed his sect token, causing both of the tokens on the girls' waists to glow for a moment.

"Alright that's settled then. Disciples, you are dismissed!" Jiang Fu called out to the disciples below.

The disciples slowly dispersed showing a variety of emotions. Some seemed to want to stay and speak with Bai Jing and others seemed to have other motives. Bai Jing shot a look at a few of them but decided to ignore them.

Returning her gaze to the nervous Qiqi, Bai Jing asked her if she was ready to leave with her.

"Yes! Oh, no ummm.... I have some things at my place I need to get!" Qiqi said in realization.

"Alright go quickly. Can you make it to Beast Hall in about an hour?"

Qiqi quickly nodded her head up and down repeatedly.

"Good, I'll see you there." Saying so Bai Jing lowered Qiqi back down to the ground after seeing that she was not so pale anymore.

Qiqi quickly took a few steps as soon as she landed but immediately tripped and almost fell down. Embarrassed, she looked around and then took a peak up toward Bai Jing, hoping she didn't see her trip. Qiqi almost jumped in fright when she saw Bai Jing looking down at her with a smile, looking amused.

Quickly looking down in shame, Qiqi hurried her way out of the arena. Seeing her leave Bai Jing finally stopped paying attention to the mess of a girl.

"So, what did you see in that girl Little Jing? I don't think she has the mentality or ability to serve you in any manner. Nor dose she have talent great enough to aid you in the future." Jiang Fu looked at Bai Jing intrigued.

Ying Ying also looked towards Bai Jing curiously. Ying Ying thought she would have a capable companion to help with Bai Jing's various needs but it seems she thought too much.

"Oh... I just thought she was a little cute."

"..."

"..."

"I see... so are you planning on going to the Beast Hall now?" Jiang Fu decided not to pursue the matter and gave up.

"Mhm, the mountain is a bit dull so I wanted to get a few animals to make it more lively. I thought I would pick up a spirit beast or two while I am here. Come with me, I have a few things I wanted to ask you as well."

"No problem, I can also help you pick out some good Spirit Beasts. I'll lead you there, follow me."

The three made their way towards the Beast Hall. Bai Jing and Jiang Fu communicated through voice transmissions on the way.