As time gradually passed, the assassination attempt on Zhong Nan also faded considerably with the approach of the finals.

Some people also got wind of insider news.

Due to Zhong Nan being attacked this time, the National Master's Institute decided to return to the Celestial Capital early for Zhong Nan's safety.

This means Zhong Nan will not attend the final awards ceremony.

Upon hearing this news, many were very disappointed.

For ordinary people, to see the National Preceptor even once in their lifetime is exceedingly difficult.

Many even bought tickets at a high price, not to watch the competition, but to see Zhong Nan.

Lin Chen originally thought it was just a rumor, until Zhong Nan appeared here with Zhang Jin.

This time, he came during the day, openly bringing the Celestial Shadow Guard.

However, he was not here to see Lin Chen, but Bai Ling who was staying here.

Liu Gu had come to stay here, so Bai Ling naturally came too.

"Old sir, you've come?" Bai Ling was very happy to see Zhong Nan, running out, until she noticed Zhong Nan's poor condition.

He was gaunt, with wisps of white hair, looking even worse than when Bai Ling first met him.

Seeing Bai Ling's concern, Zhong Nan just squinted and smiled, saying, "Don't worry, I'm fine, just recently attacked."

"Attacked?!" Bai Ling was initially stunned, as she didn't understand many things, but she wasn't foolish.

She actually knew Zhong Nan's identity was not simple, yet she had never imagined Zhong Nan's identity as the National Preceptor.

She swallowed, and seeing Zhong Nan willingly reveal this information, Liu Gu and Lin Chen understood he intended to come clean to Bai Ling.

They stepped forward, bowing, saying, "Greetings, National Preceptor."

"You... you are the National Preceptor?" Bai Ling confirmed the answer but still found it somewhat unbelievable.

Since childhood, she heard from her father about the importance of the National Preceptor to a nation, being the foundation of the country's stability.

Bai Ling gradually encountered knowledge about the National Preceptor in books.

She didn't have that kind of fanatical admiration but understood that the National Preceptor was the soul ensuring the country's peace.

As she pondered, another matter came to mind.

Zhong Nan intended to take her as his disciple.

"Old... Greetings, National Preceptor." Bai Ling bowed.

But Zhong Nan said, "You previously agreed to become my disciple, so shouldn't you be calling me teacher now?"

Bai Ling was taken aback, looking to Liu Gu and Lin Chen for help, a little at a loss as to how to handle it.

Of course, Liu Gu and Lin Chen did not speak.

They could not intervene in this matter.

"I... I didn't know you were the National Preceptor, and... and..." Bai Ling stammered.

Zhong Nan chuckled, saying, "My identity doesn't affect whether you wish to become my disciple."

Watching the nervous Bai Ling, Zhong Nan opened his mouth again, "I'll ask you once more, are you willing to be my disciple?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jin beside him and Zhu Tong who had hurried over behind all took a deep breath.

If Bai Ling doesn't agree, perhaps she won't get involved in the storm over the Celestial Capital.

Yet, once Bai Ling agrees, countless troubles would follow.

Everyone knows of Zhong Nan's weakness, even if he won't announce Bai Ling as the next National Preceptor for now.

But Zhong Nan accepting a disciple now will surely attract the attention of the mighty forces in the Celestial Capital.

"Old sir, I...." Bai Ling began to ponder.

Initially, she agreed, truly thinking not to let the sick Zhong Nan down, as well as his promise to help the Calamity-Devouring Beast.

But now she realized, this matter was not as simple as she imagined.

This time she didn't look back at Liu Gu and Lin Chen, because she understood, Liu Gu and Lin Chen had already made it clear to her.

The final decision lies in her own hands.

"One year, just one year." Zhong Nan said, "Then whatever you wish, I'll let you leave, and my promise remains unchanged, I'll help your Spirit Beast grow."

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling glanced back at the Calamity-Devouring Beast, finally holding her breath and said, "Bai Ling is willing to be your student."

Zhong Nan smiled, saying, "I told you, you and I have fate."

He then said to Zhu Tong and Liu Gu, "I'll temporarily take care of your student, and after one year of perfection, whether she remains at the National Master's Institute will be entirely her choice."

"Yes."

Zhu Tong and Liu Gu were apprehensive, naturally not daring to say no.

Bai Ling still hadn't realized she would be the next candidate for National Preceptor.

Perhaps from Zhong Nan's words, he also intended to observe Bai Ling over this year to see if she was suitable.

After one year, the final choice would be entrusted to Bai Ling.

Lin Chen strongly agreed with this; joining the National Master's Institute would be an opportunity for Bai Ling's Spirit Beast's growth and personal development, though with some risks...

But with Zhong Nan around, no one should be able to harm her.

And after a year, if Bai Ling withdrew from the competition for the National Preceptor, there wouldn't be much trouble.

The Spirit Academy wouldn't fail to protect her.

"Will the National Preceptor take her away now?" Liu Gu asked.

"No rush, after the competition ends and when she returns to the Spirit Academy and is ready, I'll send someone to the Spirit Academy to fetch her." Zhong Nan finished saying and prepared to leave.

"Yes."

Everyone nodded in unison to see Zhong Nan off, Bai Ling standing there in a bit of a daze.

....

The matter of Zhong Nan accepting a disciple did not spread in White Emperor City.

Such matters are inherently sensitive, but among the mighty forces in the Celestial Capital, they could not be hidden.

Gu An, residing in White Emperor City, was among the first to receive this news, even asking Ji Ru several times.

"Did Zhong Nan personally say it?"

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