January 17th.
The New Year’s festivities gradually faded, and people were returning to their daily routines.
Early this morning, after Zhao Ya got up, he prepared to go to the Library.
Although he had now advanced to the Meridian Opening Realm, and both his leg technique and lightweight skill had improved, he temporarily had no weaknesses in strength.
But Zhao Ya did not relax because of this and tried everything possible to enhance his strength.
Especially guarding this treasure trove, the Library of the Azure Dragon Temple, it would be a pity not to seize the opportunity.
It should be known that even though Zhao Ya tirelessly read books every day, the books he read were less than one-tenth of what the Azure Dragon Temple held.
In addition, with Guo Luming’s careful guidance, Zhao Ya cherished this opportunity even more.
But before he could leave the house today, Tian Yixin rushed over.
"Senior Brother Tian, why have you come so suddenly?" Zhao Ya was a bit surprised.
"Junior Brother Zhao, my master requests your presence, saying there is something important to discuss with you," Tian Yixin said with a smile.
"Oh? Elder Qin has something for me?" Zhao Ya was momentarily stunned, then nodded.
"Alright, let’s head over now."
On the way, Zhao Ya asked Tian Yixin what was going on.
But Tian Yixin couldn’t explain clearly, only saying it was important and handed down directly by the Grand Elder.
Zhao Ya felt a bit puzzled.
The year had just ended, what could the Grand Elder possibly want to instruct at this time?
When they reached the courtyard where Qin Jianji resided, following Tian Yixin, Zhao Ya was surprised to also see Shen Yunshen present.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya, Shen Yunshen laughed heartily.
"Kid, how was your New Year?"
"Replying to Elder Shen, it went quite well."
"Is that so? I heard you didn’t even rest on the first day of the year, spending it in the Library."
Zhao Ya chuckled sheepishly, "I had nowhere to go, might as well be at ease in the Library."
"You rascal...," Shen Yunshen laughed, shaking his head, feeling that Zhao Ya had changed significantly over the New Year.
At least his aura was much stronger than before.
In fact, not only Shen Yunshen felt this change, but Guo Luming was also very surprised at first sight when he met Zhao Ya.
But neither Guo Luming nor Shen Yunshen thought that Zhao Ya had already advanced to the Meridian Opening Realm.
After all, it was truly incredible.
In the general understanding, the advancement from the Fifth Realm to Meridian Opening required extremely meticulous preparation.
First and foremost was having an experienced master for guidance, which was crucial.
Many geniuses, shining incredibly bright, eventually stumbled at this step.
So neither Guo Luming nor Shen Yunshen considered the possibility of Zhao Ya advancing to the Meridian Opening Realm.
"I wonder what Elder Qin and Elder Shen have called me here for?" After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Ya asked.
Qin Jianji and Shen Yunshen exchanged glances, then Qin Jianji spoke.
"The reason we called you is mainly to seek your opinion on a matter."
"Oh? What matter would need my opinion?" Zhao Ya was a bit taken aback.
He was just an ordinary disciple, even though he had made a splash due to the Yu Zhang incident, it wasn’t to the extent that even elders would consult him.
"The matter is quite simple; the Grand Elder wants to rebuild the external branch, and everything is nearly ready except for the role of a senior brother to manage the daily affairs."
"Yun Shen highly recommended you to the Grand Elder, and I also believe you are the most suitable for this role, so the Grand Elder wishes to ask your opinion. If you are willing, you would be appointed as the managerial senior brother for the external branch."
Zhao Ya was quite surprised upon hearing this.
In fact, Zhao Ya had already heard about the Grand Elder’s plan to rebuild the external branch.
But he didn’t expect the Grand Elder, Shen Yunshen, and others to have such high expectations of him.
This managerial senior brother, although titled as such, was essentially the actual manager of the external branch with significant authority.
Truthfully, Zhao Ya was quite tempted by the offer.
Because he had made quite a few enemies in the Azure Dragon Temple, especially Xia Jiye, who probably wished to devour him alive.
Moreover, having advanced to the Meridian Opening, further improvement was not a short-term achievement; it required gradual refinement of all the body’s meridians and acupoints.
This required a stable environment.
Therefore, being assigned to the external branch as the managerial senior brother seemed a good choice no matter how he looked at it.
However, Zhao Ya did not rush to agree but pondered for a moment, then asked, "I have no objections, but I’d like to know who the elder in charge of the external branch is?"
Qin Jianji gave a wry smile, "That would be me."
Shen Yunshen chuckled at his response, "Old Qin, don’t look so glum. I was previously busy in the Sect Contribution Department, working tirelessly while you enjoyed leisure at home. Do you think that’s fair?"
"Now that the Grand Elder has assigned you to lead the external branch, it’s a testament to their trust, so let’s no longer make jokes at each other’s expense."
Qin Jianji wore a look of helplessness.
But he couldn’t deny that Shen Yunshen was right; previously, he only managed the triennial mountain-opening ceremonies, remaining idle at home most times, which seemed unfair to those busily engaged in work.
He then turned to Zhao Ya, "Ya, there’s no need for concern; if you wish to go, then go, if not, no one will force you."
Zhao Ya laughed in response, clasping his fists, "It’s perfect; I’ve been feeling a bit bored in the temple, going out for a change would be nice."
Qin Jianji was overjoyed upon hearing this.
In his eyes, Zhao Ya was not only exceptionally gifted with commendable strength but also had a remarkable ability to get things done.
This was evident from two prior sect missions.
If Zhao Ya could accompany him to the external branch, he could swiftly establish operations and significantly reduce his workload.
"Great, the sooner, the better. Let’s report this to the Grand Elder now."
"So soon?" Zhao Ya was slightly surprised.
"Of course, the Grand Elder has urged several times, saying the external branch is ready and only lacks personnel."
Qin Jianji and Shen Yunshen took Zhao Ya to meet the Grand Elder.
Guan Xuejiang was naturally pleased and immediately approved, praising Zhao Ya greatly.
Zhao Ya simply smiled in response.
Upon exiting the Grand Elder’s place, Zhao Ya didn’t rush back to pack, but instead went to the Library again to see Guo Luming.
Guo Luming apparently already knew about this matter and merely smiled.
"The external branch is just ten miles down the mountain; with your speed, it’s a short tea break away, so if you encounter any issues while training, feel free to come back and ask me."
Naturally, Zhao Ya nodded and continued reading the secret manuals on the third floor.
However, he was unaware that when the news spread, it caused a stir throughout the entire Azure Dragon Temple.
"What? Guan Xuejiang has actually appointed Zhao Ya to the managerial senior brother role at the external branch?" Xia Jiye said angrily.