Hu Shang said, "A wise man knows when to adapt to circumstances. My master, Ming Xuan Shuang, ranks first among the Eight Xuans, with boundless prospects. He is far superior to the often elusive Yun Shu Xuan Master of the Sixth Xuan. You should weigh the options yourself."
Ming Zhi Tian replied, "But I have already chosen the Sixth Xuan."
Hu Shang waved his hand, "What does that matter? It's not official until you've entered meditation. Besides... look, my master is here."
A man in dark ink attire with a cloud-shouldered cloak descended from the sky, his brows radiating starlight. His gaze finally settled on Ming Zhi Tian, as if trying to glean more information.
Ming Zhi Tian shivered, thinking, "So powerful. I feel as if I am witnessing the presence of an eternal emperor."
Ming Xuan Shuang exuded an icy chill. He landed slowly before the two, scrutinizing Ming Zhi Tian, "You are Ming Zhi Tian, the 'God Realm' spoken of by Hu Shang?"
Ming Zhi Tian nodded, "This disciple greets Xuan Master Ming."
Ming Xuan Shuang nodded with satisfaction, "Indeed, a promising talent. I shall take you. From this day forward, you are my first personal disciple. Come with me."
Seeing him about to lead him somewhere, Ming Zhi Tian quickly called out, "Wait!"
Ming Xuan Shuang turned in confusion, "Hm? What is it?"
Ming Zhi Tian choked back a sob, "This disciple had already agreed to go to the Sixth Xuan..."
"Insolence!" Hu Shang's hair stood on end. "Do you know who stands before you? That is the Xuan Master of the First Xuan, the foremost of the Eight Xuans! Ming Zhi Tian, do not be ungrateful!"
Ming Zhi Tian cupped his hands respectfully, "Brother Hu's kind offer is appreciated, but I had already promised to go to Xuan Master Yun Shu of the Sixth Xuan. Please lead the way."
"You!..." Hu Shang started to speak.
Ming Xuan Shuang waved him quiet. He actually appreciated Ming Zhi Tian's directness, "Since you are here, make yourself at home. Since you intend to take a master, why not follow me? I will not mistreat you."
Ming Zhi Tian shook his head, "I am sorry, this disciple intends to apprentice under Xuan Master Yun Shu."
Ming Xuan Shuang felt a pang of annoyance but suppressed his inner turmoil, "I can make an exception and provide you with double the cultivation resources allocated to personal disciples. What do you say?"
Ming Zhi Tian cupped his hands respectfully, "Thank you for Xuan Master Ming's kind offer, but this disciple still intends to apprentice under Xuan Master Yun Shu as promised."
Ming Zhi Tian's repeated rejections, his constant mention of Xuan Master Yun Shu, and Ming Xuan Shuang's early departure from seclusion to personally greet him resulted in a slap in the face!
He was enraged. With a mighty sweep of his hand, a chilling current erupted!
Ming Zhi Tian, unable to react in time, was struck, sent flying, and fell to the ground spitting blood! He was severely injured!
"Is this the Heavenly God Realm?"
"Hmph!" Such disrespect. Ming Xuan Shuang flicked his sleeve and departed!
"Cough... cough..." Ming Zhi Tian struggled to his feet. After taking two high-grade healing pills, Hu Shang, despite his reluctance, had to follow the rules and brought him to the Sixth Xuan Gate.
Hu Shang said, "The person has been brought here. You rashly refused my master and have offended him greatly. Even if you possess extraordinary talent... you must look after yourself from now on."
Ming Zhi Tian cupped his hands respectfully, "Thank you for the information, Senior Brother Hu."
...
Hu Shang, outwardly compliant but inwardly treacherous, reported, "Master, Ming Zhi Tian has entered the Sixth Xuan. What should your disciple do next?"
Ming Xuan Shuang's brows were etched with displeasure, "If you cannot have it, destroy it. While his wings are not yet fully grown..."
Hu Shang's lips curled upwards, "Strangle it in the cradle."
"Indeed." Ming Xuan Shuang's chin tightened, "Proceed as you see fit, but do it cleanly. Let no one find fault."
"Yes! I will obey your command, Master."
...