The next morning, before the children awoke, Feng Jiu rose early. After preparing herself, she went to the guest room in the western courtyard. Upon arrival, she found the masked man seated in the courtyard. Seeing her, he gestured to the seat opposite him and said, "Sit." Feng Jiu glanced at him, then walked over. She bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for saving my child." "You wish to thank me?" He asked, looking at her. Feng Jiu's eyes flickered, and she smiled, taking the seat. "What kind of thanks do you require? If it's within my power, I will not refuse." "I want your daughter as my apprentice," the masked man stated. Feng Jiu remained composed. "I still don't know who you are." "If I tell you, will you agree?" His voice rose slightly, with a hint of disapproval. Feng Jiu didn't answer directly. "I don't believe we've met before, but I can see your strength is unfathomable, and you possess the Nine-Precious Immortal Fruit. It's clear you come from an extraordinary background. If so, why do you desire my daughter as your disciple?" She paused, looking at him. "If we're speaking of talent, she may be exceptional, but she's not unique. Therefore, I don't understand your determination to have her as your disciple." The masked man glanced at her. "Does one need a reason to find her pleasing?" Feng Jiu frowned slightly, about to speak, when he continued. "I saved her life. If not for me, she would be dead. Therefore, from the moment I saved her, her life is almost mine. Now, I want her as my disciple, and I see nothing wrong with that." His voice was cold and firm. "Your Excellency saved Yue'er. I am grateful, but I can repay you in other ways. Yue'er is my child, not an object. She has her own opinions and thoughts. If she wishes to be your disciple, I won't stop her. If she doesn't, then no matter what you say, I won't agree." Her voice trailed off, and she smiled at the man, whose aura had cooled. "Your Excellency likely knows who I am. Even if we haven't met, you've heard my name. If you wish to fight me, I will oblige." The masked man narrowed his eyes, seemingly displeased. "I don't wish to be your enemy. I simply want a disciple." Feng Jiu glanced at him. "The disciple you desire is my child." "So, what will it take for you to agree?" he asked calmly. "I said earlier: if Yue'er agrees, I won't stop you. However, even if she does, you must reveal your true face and tell me your real name and origin. Only then can I allow my daughter to leave with you. Otherwise..." "Otherwise?" he asked, snorting. "Otherwise, you still wish to challenge me?" "That's unnecessary." Feng Jiu smiled lightly, her gaze scrutinizing him. "I'm merely curious about your abilities that qualify you to be my daughter's master."