Shaolin had one mission: Find four disciples and leave this world.
But how does one find strong, loyal, and talented disciples?
Simple. By letting fate throw them into his lap.
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Scene 1: The Rogue Assassin
It started in a quiet, misty village on the border of the Demon Lands.
Shaolin was enjoying some mediocre spiritual tea at a rundown inn when his system chimed.
> [Potential Disciple Detected.]
His eyes flickered with interest. Oh?
The moment he looked up, the innkeeper suddenly screamed.
SHING!
A cold, gleaming dagger shot toward his neck.
Shaolin sighed. "People just love trying to kill me."
With a flick of his fingers, the dagger stopped midair.
A young woman, clad in all black, stepped forward from the shadows. Her long, silver hair was tied in a loose braid, her eyes sharp like a hunter's.
She was fast. Dangerous. But…
She was trembling.
Not in fear—in excitement.
"You really are strong," she murmured, eyes glowing with obsession. "I knew it the moment I saw you."
Shaolin blinked. "…Uh, what?"
She suddenly knelt before him.
"Take me as your disciple."
"…"
WHAT KIND OF ASSASSIN JUST KNEELS AFTER FAILING A KILL ATTEMPT?!
> [Mission Update: First Disciple Candidate Found!]
Shaolin rubbed his temples. "You just tried to kill me."
"Yes, but you're still alive."
"…That's not how this works."
"I only follow those stronger than me," she said, eyes burning with intensity. "I will either kill you or follow you."
Shaolin narrowed his eyes. "You were testing me."
She smirked. "Would you accept a weakling as your disciple?"
…Touche.
He stared at her. She didn't flinch.
> [System Analysis: This individual possesses Heaven Defying Talent.]
[Hidden Bloodline Detected: ???]
Shaolin raised an eyebrow. "What's your name?"
"Yue Qingying."
"…Fine. You're in."
She smiled.
And for some reason, it gave him chills.
---
Scene 2: The Fallen Prince
As they left the village, the system chimed again.
> [Second Disciple Candidate Found.]
Shaolin sighed. "Of course."
This time, the fateful encounter happened in a city engulfed in flames.
A young man, dressed in torn royal robes, was fighting off twenty cultivators alone.
He was bruised, bleeding, and cornered. But his eyes burned with unyielding defiance.
Shaolin leaned against a tree, watching. "System, what's his deal?"
> [Fallen Prince of the Northern Empire. Betrayed and hunted by his own family. Possesses the Tyrant Emperor's Bloodline.]
Shaolin smirked. Interesting.
Just as the last enemy prepared to strike the prince down—
Shaolin snapped his fingers.
BOOM!
The attackers exploded into flames.
The prince collapsed to his knees, panting. His gaze slowly lifted to meet Shaolin's.
"Who… are you?"
Shaolin stepped forward, smirking. "Your new master."
The prince's eyes widened. Then—he laughed.
"…Hah! Fine. I'll follow you. Let's see if you're worthy of it."