Volume Five: Amethyst Turns to Mist Chapter One: Accepting a Disciple

The morning weather was less than ideal, with a gentle rain falling continuously. After finishing her breakfast, Yaoguang arrived at the police station unusually early—a rare occurrence for her. When Xuan Chen saw her sipping coffee, he couldn’t help but tease, “What brings you here so early today?”

“I woke up,” Yaoguang replied with a playful grin.

“You being awake is already a miracle,” Xuan Chen chuckled. “Oh, right, I have someone for you to meet,” he said mysteriously.

“Who is it?” Yaoguang turned to look at him, but Xuan Chen only smiled, maintaining his air of secrecy.

“Come in,” Xuan Chen called toward the doorway.

Yaoguang followed his gaze and saw a graceful figure entering, carrying a long sword on her back. The elegant sword tassel contrasted with the girl’s shoulder-length hair, lending her a refined yet spirited aura—a beauty that was hard to describe. “Jiang Yun!” Yaoguang exclaimed with delight upon recognizing her. “You…”

“Phoenix Sister, after you mentioned it to me the other day, I thought it over seriously and discussed it with my family. My parents support me. Practicing swordsmanship is a comfort for my desire to uphold justice. I never imagined you’d have such faith in me, so I came,” Jiang Yun said earnestly.

After the matter of the Sword Spirit, Yaoguang had sought out Jiang Yun, telling her that she was exceptionally talented, deeply understood the essence of the Tai Chi sword, and, with the Sword Spirit by her side, would make Tianjian even stronger if she joined. After the great battle that year, Tianjian’s elite were decimated, and Yaoguang had long intended to recruit new talent, always keeping an eye out. When she met Jiang Yun, she found the girl radiated intuition and brilliance, a prodigy seemingly destined for the Immortal Sect. Yaoguang resolved to make an exception and recruit her directly. Although Jiang Yun hadn’t graduated from the police academy, such procedures were minor obstacles for Yaoguang—she only needed to speak with Jiang Yun. However, Yaoguang worried Jiang Yun might refuse: a top finance student giving up a comfortable office job to follow her through wind and rain seemed unfair. Torn between uncertainty and reluctance to let such talent slip away, she approached Jiang Yun. After Yaoguang’s sincere explanation, Jiang Yun surprised her by saying, “Phoenix Sister, may I have some time to think about it? I need to discuss it with my family.” Hearing that, Yaoguang was overjoyed—there was hope. She carefully outlined Tianjian’s situation and left Jiang Yun to consider. Yaoguang felt Jiang Yun would agree, but didn’t expect an answer so swiftly, which surprised her greatly.

“So, what’s the situation now?” Yaoguang asked.

“All the paperwork is done. All that’s left is your signature. Once you sign, I can officially start,” Jiang Yun replied cheerfully.

“My signature?” Yaoguang asked, puzzled.

“Yes, the Director said that for anyone joining the Tianjian Special Investigations Unit, after the group leader signs, Officer Phoenix must also approve.” Jiang Yun explained sincerely.

Yaoguang immediately understood—this was a little scheme cooked up by the old guard to give her some authority, a privilege granted by the Director and others to comfort her after Tianjian’s wings were clipped. She glanced at Xuan Chen and realized they had planned this together, just to surprise her. “Bring it here,” Yaoguang said to Jiang Yun with a gentle smile, extending her hand.

Jiang Yun respectfully handed over the folder. Yaoguang opened it and saw that it had already been signed all the way to the Provincial Office, with only one blank space left for the Special Advisor’s signature. Yaoguang picked up her pen to sign, then paused, casting a mysterious look at Jiang Yun. With a flick of her hand, a delicate white jade phoenix seal appeared in her palm. Yaoguang raised the seal, spiritual energy gathering around her hand, and pressed it firmly into the blank space.

When she lifted the seal, Jiang Yun saw four golden characters gleaming on the document: "Phoenix Imperial Seal." The golden glow shimmered faintly, astonishing Jiang Yun. She looked at the seal, then at Yaoguang’s smiling face, full of questions—she hadn’t seen Phoenix Sister use any ink, so how was the imprint made? And how had the seal appeared so suddenly? She had not seen it clearly at all.

“Phoenix Imperial Seal! Phoenix, you really pulled out all the stops. Girl, from now on, no one in the entire station will dare underestimate you,” Xuan Chen exclaimed, shaking his head in envy.

“Captain Xie, what does this mean?” Jiang Yun asked, bewildered.

“The Phoenix Imperial Seal, also known as the Phoenix Gold Seal, is no ordinary thing. Phoenix is not just an ordinary person. This seal connects the three realms, and its power cannot be described with words. Those blessed with this seal have half a foot in the Immortal Sect—it’s a tremendous privilege, sought by countless cultivators but rarely granted. For Phoenix to bestow it on you means she thinks highly of you. There’s another meaning as well: Phoenix intends to take you as her final disciple. Phoenix is a legendary figure in the police world—a mentor many dream of having. Don’t just stand there, hurry up and pay your respects to your master.” Xuan Chen was both excited and envious.

“Ah…” Jiang Yun was astonished. She knew something about the Immortal Sect, and Qing You had later explained Phoenix Sister’s origins—she was well aware of how formidable Phoenix Sister truly was. Now, to be given the Phoenix Gold Seal by such a master—only a fool would refuse. Jiang Yun immediately picked up Yaoguang’s cup, took tea leaves from her bag, carefully brewed a cup of tea, and raised it above her head. With a thud, she knelt and declared in a clear voice, “Master, please accept your disciple’s respects.”

Yaoguang took the cup with a delighted smile, and Jiang Yun solemnly performed the three bows and nine prostrations.

“Get up,” Yaoguang said, pulling Jiang Yun to her feet. She turned Jiang Yun’s right palm upward, wrote something on it, then formed a hand seal and pressed firmly against Jiang Yun’s palm. Jiang Yun felt a sudden warmth in her hand, and when she looked down, she saw golden light radiating from her palm, with four characters: "Phoenix Gold Seal."

“This Phoenix Gold Seal is now engraved in your soul. It will aid your cultivation. As for its benefits, you’ll have to discover them for yourself,” Yaoguang said with a mysterious smile.

“Thank you, Master,” Jiang Yun replied, holding her right hand to her chest, cherishing the moment.

This scene was witnessed by colleagues arriving for work and they were astonished—Phoenix Imperial Seal, what kind of newcomer was this?

“Phoenix Imperial Seal, what luck! She’s become Phoenix Sister’s final disciple…” Huo Mingkun’s voice, full of envy and admiration, broke the silence.

“Greetings, seniors. I am Jiang Yun, the new arrival. It is an honor to be shown such favor by my master. I ask for your guidance in the days ahead. If I make any mistakes, please forgive me. Thank you all,” Jiang Yun said, bowing deeply to everyone.

Yaoguang watched quietly, joy in her heart—this girl truly knew how to conduct herself. Her judgment had been right.

After Jiang Yun’s words, everyone found her likable and sensible, and the room was soon filled with friendly chatter.

“When this file reaches the top, those old-timers will probably be stunned. The Phoenix Imperial Seal hasn’t appeared in ages,” Xuan Chen remarked, shaking his head.

Yaoguang merely smiled.

Afterwards, when the folder reached the higher-ups, they convened a meeting specifically for this matter. The outcome: Jiang Yun would skip the probation period and be immediately confirmed as a full member, specially approved as a Level Three Police Inspector, with all benefits and equipment to be implemented within three days. For the next three days, Jiang Yun was busy signing documents and receiving endless supplies—uniforms, service weapons, files, equipment, office supplies—all delivered to Tianjian. Her desk was even placed right next to Yaoguang’s. To avoid complaints from the rest of Tianjian, everyone except Yaoguang herself received a new set of items. Jiang Yun recognized the gesture and promptly hosted a meal for the team, earning their affection. (Aside: Yaoguang’s possessions are all self-provided—ordinary people couldn’t handle them.)

Yaoguang was overjoyed—this charming, socially adept beauty was now hers. Ha!

Following Yaoguang’s arrangements, Jiang Yun studied alongside Huo Mingkun, which made Huo Mingkun ecstatic; he had already felt lucky to have Phoenix’s recognition, and now was even happier to benefit from Jiang Yun’s presence. Although he didn’t have the Phoenix Gold Seal, his treatment was no less favorable.

Yaoguang watched the two diligent newcomers with great satisfaction. Amid her contentment, she reminded herself: this time, she would protect them, no matter what. Tianjian—no one would ever hurt its members again. No one…