I Have A Disciple Simulator
Lu Changsheng's soul crossed into the world of cultivation, and he became an Elder of Mount Shu, acquiring the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator. He simulated the lives of disciples, returned teachings, and received rewards for the disciples' realm advancements. This book is also known as "What Should I Do When My Master Is Too Kind to Me," "My Master Never Hides Anything from Me," and "My Master Is Omniscient."
I Have A Disciple Simulator #Chapter 1 - 1: The Grand Disciple Induction Ceremony - Read I Have A Disciple Simulator Chapter 1 - 1: The Grand Disciple Induction Ceremony Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 1: The Grand Disciple Induction Ceremony
Translator: 549690339
"Elder Lu, tomorrow marks our Mount Shu's once-in-a-decade Disciple Selection Ceremony. The Sect Leader has decreed that all elders not in seclusion must attend. Elder Lu?"
"I am aware."
"What a strange man."
From within his cave abode came the voice of Elder Lu, the Mount Shu disciple who had come to relay the message muttered dejectedly.
Lu Changsheng was one of the elders of Mount Shu. A hundred years ago, he stepped into the Nascent Soul Realm and had been in closed-door cultivation ever since. Most disciples who joined Mount Shu in the last hundred years had never seen this elder. If it wasn't for the Disciple Selection Ceremony, even the inner sect disciples would have forgotten that Mount Shu had such an elder.
"Then, junior takes his leave."
The Mount Shu disciple summoned his Flying Sword and sped off into the sky, standing atop the sword.
Sword Flight is an essential skill for inner sect disciples of Mount Shu, signifying at least the cultivation level of the Qi Transformation Realm.
"Disciple Selection Ceremony…"
Within his cave abode, Lu Changsheng murmured to himself.
Lu Changsheng's soul had transmigrated to this world of cultivation and it took him three days to assimilate all the memories of this body.
This elder of Mount Shu, also named Lu Changsheng, perished three days ago from his soul entering deviance while attempting to break through to the Dao Palace Realm.
Mount Shu, one of the six great Orthodox Sects of Xia State, was established hundreds of thousands of years ago. Despite countless dynastic changes in the mundane world, it stood unyielding, taking it upon itself to slay demons, eliminate evil, and uphold the heavenly order.
Mount Shu was an unprecedentedly massive floating mountain with hundreds of peaks both large and small. Each peak had an elder, at least a Nascent Soul Realm inner sect disciple who had made significant contributions to Mount Shu, and only then could one qualify to become an elder.
Lu Changsheng was one such elder who did not have much of a presence.
"Confirmation successful… Loading Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator… Loading complete…"
"Detecting the number of host's disciples…"
"Current number of disciples: 0."
A cold voice echoed through Lu Changsheng's Sea of Consciousness.
Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator?
Lu Changsheng was thrilled; it seemed this was the golden finger he had obtained after crossing over.
Lu Changsheng carefully studied the system.
The Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator could reveal a disciple's talent, simulate the disciple's life, and even trigger rewards for the mentor as the disciple's cultivation improved.
The higher the disciple's cultivation, the richer the mentoring rewards.
Because Lu Changsheng was a cultivation fanatic, solely focused on his own advancement, he presently did not have a single disciple.
It wasn't that the more disciples you have, the better. In fact, having too many disciples could hinder one's own cultivation. Therefore, most Mount Shu elders abide by the principle of quality over quantity, taking on disciples only if they encounter someone with exceptional talent and character.
"To become stronger by taking disciples?"
Lu Changsheng, now clear on the function of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator, patiently awaited the next day's Mount Shu Disciple Selection Ceremony.
From the memories of this body, Lu Changsheng knew that the Mount Shu Disciple Selection Ceremony was an event of Xia State held once every ten years, a grand occasion. Families and commoners within a hundred thousand li of Xia State did everything they could to get their progeny into Mount Shu for cultivation.
After all, Mount Shu was one of the six great Orthodox Sects of Xia State, with a high reputation for slaying demons and eliminating evil. In Great Xia, many households worshipped clay figures of Ancestor Daoist Taiqing of Mount Shu, the devotion enduring for hundreds of thousands of years.
Due to his closed-door cultivation and hermit-like existence, Lu Changsheng had missed the previous nine Disciple Selection Ceremonies.
Now that he had acquired the Disciple Apprenticeship System, he could perhaps find a disciple with impressive talent during this ceremony.
The next day, Lu Changsheng, with a longsword on his back, left his cave dwelling which he hadn't left for a hundred years.
With a thought, the longsword flew out from behind him, and Lu Changsheng used his Qi to control the sword, transforming into a streak of light that broke through the sea of clouds. The clouds flowed like the wind as he flew towards the Great Hall of Mount Shu.
Among the clouds, Lu Changsheng's streak of light was not the only one; other Elders of Mount Shu were also on their way. Multicolored streaks of light shuttled through the cloud sea, a sight of grandeur.
This was the foundation of Mount Shu.
The main peak of Mount Shu stood ten thousand feet tall, piercing the heavens, with an aura as grand as fighting bulls.
In the plaza of the Great Hall of Mount Shu, thousands of young men and women from the hundred counties of Xia State had gathered, the number no less than ten thousand!
These young men and women had already gone through preliminary rounds of selection, or else their numbers would have been countless.
One by one, the Elders of Mount Shu flew in on their swords, entering the main hall of Mount Shu.
Their imposing presences were awe-inspiring, and the people in the plaza of the main hall looked up at these Elders passing overhead as if they were ants gazing up at the towering trees of the sky.
The Elders of Mount Shu, with the lowest among them being cultivators of the Nascent Soul Realm, made the millennial families seem insignificant in their presence.
"Mount Shu truly lives up to its reputation as an ancient sect with a heritage of several hundred thousand years, with a deep foundation. There are hundreds of Elders at the Nascent Soul Realm."
"It is said that before the current Sect Leader of Mount Shu took charge, he had already broken through to the Dao Palace Realm three thousand years ago. After three thousand years, his cultivation must have reached an unimaginable level."
"Among the six great Orthodox Sects, Mount Shu ranks first. If you, young Sect Leader, could be taken as a disciple by an Elder of Mount Shu, or even by the Sect Leader himself, our family's prospects would be promising."
"Your Highness, joining Mount Shu is a matter that concerns the millennial heritage of our Great Xia Dynasty; success or failure hinges on this moment."
People in the plaza of the main hall of Mount Shu were filled with longing as they watched the Elders pass by.
Inside the main hall of Mount Shu, hundreds of Mount Shu Elders had congregated, each one looking distinguished and exuding righteousness.
Mount Shu is an orthodox sect, and the current disciple recruitment ceremony is primarily to admit a new batch of Mount Shu disciples, but also to showcase their foundation to the nefarious factions and deter the demons.
"Brother Lu, you've finally come out of seclusion. It has been a hundred years since our last meeting. Back then, you were one of the few disciples the Sect Leader valued the most, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm after just fifty years of cultivation. Time flies, and your cultivation must have significantly improved."
A familiar voice rang out; a middle-aged man with a square-shaped face wearing a green robe smiled warmly as he greeted Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng quickly searched his memory and soon identified the man – his senior apprentice brother, Li Changye, a mighty cultivator with great accomplishment in the Dao Palace Realm, the foremost disciple of the current Sect Leader of Mount Shu.
Three hundred years ago, Li Changye fought one against three, slaying three cultivators of the Demonic Dao, all in the Dao Palace Realm, and struck awe among the six Orthodox Sects and four Demon Sects.
Li Changye was regarded by the other five Orthodox Sects as the Elder most likely to succeed as Sect Leader of Mount Shu.
Other reclusive Elders of Mount Shu, who practiced from the previous generation, might not necessarily be inferior to Li Changye in terms of cultivation, but these old peculiar beings were of the same generation as the Sect Leader and would no longer vie for the position of Sect Leader.
"Nascent Soul Realm with great accomplishment… It seems, Brother Lu, you'll soon break through to the Dao Palace Realm. Congratulations, Brother Lu."
Li Changye saw through Lu Changsheng's cultivation; Lu Changsheng was at the ninth level of the Nascent Soul Realm, just a step away from the Dao Palace Realm.
One could become an Elder of Mount Shu at the Nascent Soul Realm, but the Dao Palace Realm is where Mount Shu's true pillars of strength lay.
Lu Changsheng's cultivation over a hundred and fifty years, advancing successively through the Foundation Establishment Realm, the Qi Transformation Realm, and the Golden Core Realm to reach the Nascent Soul Realm, then closing himself off for a hundred years, was on the verge of stepping into the Dao Palace Realm. Such speed of cultivation was notable even among the ranks of Mount Shu.
Lu Changsheng had decent aptitude to begin with, or else he would not have stood out during the discipleship ceremony and been chosen as a disciple by the Sect Leader of Mount Shu.
However, what Li Changye didn't know was that the original Lu Changsheng, due to his excessive dedication to cultivation, had become extreme and ultimately perished from cultivation deviation.
And the Lu Changsheng before him had come from a distant place called Earth.
"Thank you, Senior Brother. This time, I've ended my seclusion for two reasons: to clear my mind, and to see if there are any promising youths. I intend to take on one or two disciples."
"Hahaha, who would have thought the solitary Brother Lu would have a day when he wanted to take on disciples, truly remarkable…" Li Changye was chatting with Lu Changsheng when his expression suddenly turned solemn, "The Sect Leader has arrived."
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Chapter 2 Heart of the Innocent
Translator: 549690339
"
Boom!
A vast and oppressive force descended upon the main peak of Mount Shu, silencing the incessantly noisy crowd in front of the hall as well as the Mount Shu elders and disciples within.
The entire main peak of Mount Shu trembled slightly, as clouds churned and a purple aura swept in from three thousand miles away!
Some outsiders who had never witnessed such a sight were trembling in their souls.
A figure appeared out of thin air at the main seat of the grand hall of Mount Shu, with hair and beard flecked with gray, an aura of a sage about him, clothed in a Daoist robe adorned with the Taiji Yin-Yang symbols, and his profound eyes reminiscent of the vast starry sky.
The elder waved his sleeve, and the terrifying pressure that enveloped Mount Shu's main peak was swallowed up like by a whale, vanishing in an instant.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!"
"Greetings, Sect Leader!"
Mount Shu's many highly cultivated elders were all respectful and reverent, performing salutations to the elder seated in the main seat.
He was the twenty-seventh Sect Leader of Mount Shu, the Taiyuan True Person, the overtly strongest fighter of Mount Shu, who, three thousand years ago, had already reached the Dao Palace Realm!
"Changye, during my seclusion, has there been any disturbance in Xia State?"
"Reporting to the Sect Leader, all is calm in Xia State. However, there seems to be some unrest in Huang State, which has had a slight impact on us… I will report the details to the Sect Leader afterward."
"Hmm. Changsheng, it's been a hundred years since we last met; your cultivation has improved a great deal, but cultivators should be wary of isolated cultivation; it is a grave taboo. It's good that you've managed to overcome your inner demons and emerge from seclusion."
Taiyuan True Person's piercing gaze swept over him, completely perceiving Lu Changsheng's level of cultivation.
However, even with Taiyuan True Person's level of cultivation, he didn't know that his disciple's soul had already been replaced by someone else.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with the elders, Taiyuan True Person slowly said, "Since all the elders, except those in seclusion, are present, let's begin the Disciple Apprenticeship Ceremony."
"Yes."
"By the Sect Leader's command, the Disciple Apprenticeship Ceremony begins!"
Li Changye's voice, loud as thunder, echoed throughout the main peak of Mount Shu, and the myriad mortals waiting to have their talents tested were all solemn.
A cultivator with Great Accomplishment in the Dao Palace Realm is someone they would look up to for their entire lives.
A large mirror flew out from the grand hall, growing larger in the wind and floating above the square, emitting an astonishing spiritual energy.
"This is Mount Shu's low-grade Immortal Artifact—the Gallbladder Mirror!"
"This object can assess physique, comprehension, and qi destiny; it's truly marvellous. The reason why each generation of Mount Shu is brimming with talent is due to the Gallbladder Mirror's merit."
"Mount Shu's foundations are indeed unfathomably deep."
Some old servants who had followed their young masters to Mount Shu, worldly and well-informed, cried out in amazement.
A low-grade Immortal Artifact is not something that mortals, let alone cultivators, could see even once in their lifetimes.
Mount Shu's outer sect disciples maintained order, dividing the crowd into groups of ten, who went in turn to stand in front of the Gallbladder Mirror to test their qualifications.
Every one of them was nervous; becoming a disciple of Mount Shu, especially an inner sect disciple, would set them on the path of cultivation, changing their encounters in life, no longer remaining as mere mortals.
Among the crowd were the children of prestigious families, princes, princesses, and loose cultivators.
"Cai Zhiyin, Root Bone mediocre, Comprehension poor, Qi Destiny poor, cultivation at the third layer of Foundation Establishment Realm, unqualified."
"Lin Chunping, Root Bone high-grade, Comprehension mediocre, Qi Destiny mediocre, cultivation at the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment Realm, qualified."
"Chen Ruyi, Root Bone low-grade, Comprehension high-grade, Qi Destiny high-grade, cultivation at sixth layer of Foundation Establishment Realm, qualified."
…
The Gallbladder Mirror displayed everyone's qualifications, and anyone with two low-grade aspects was deemed unworthy of the way of the immortals.
Those who were qualified could become the outer sect disciples of Mount Shu, whilst only those taken as disciples by the Sect Leader or elders could become inner sect disciples.
Lu Changsheng activated the search function of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator; his invisible divine sense covered the whole of Mount Shu's main peak, revealing the qualifications of everyone except for the Sect Leader, Taiyuan True Person.
It was not only Root Bone, Comprehension, and Qi Destiny that Lu Changsheng could see, but also things that even the Gallbladder Mirror couldn't.
Looking towards his senior brother, Li Changye, a brilliant golden light burst from the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator in his Sea of Consciousness, and Li Changye's information appeared in Lu Changsheng's mind.
[Li Changye]
[Talent: Eternal Wilderness Body, Fire Spirit Root, Cursed with Gambling]
"
[Cultivation: Ninth Layer of Dao Palace Realm]
[Dao Bone: 500 years]
As expected of the most valued direct disciple of the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, Taiyuan Zhenren, with just 500 years of cultivation, he has reached the ninth layer of the Dao Palace Realm, only half a step away from the Void Refinement Realm.
"Senior Brother actually has a special physique, the Eternal Wilderness Body… But such a person who possesses such cultivation always loses in gambling; it seems his Qi Destiny is lacking…"
Lu Changsheng secretly scrutinized his senior brother Li Changye's talents. Li Changye was extraordinarily gifted, but it was impossible for Lu Changsheng to accept him as a disciple.
Lu Changsheng shook his head, his Divine Sense scanning over the mortals below being tested, looking for a suitable candidate for discipleship.
The higher a disciple's cultivation rises, the more generous the rewards from the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
Training a disciple in the Nascent Soul Realm is far more valuable than training a hundred disciples in the Qi Transformation Realm. The higher the disciple's talents, the faster the cultivation speed, which is why quality should not be sacrificed for quantity.
"Bamboo Shuangshu, Root Bone of medium grade, Comprehension of lower grade, Qi Destiny of lower grade, no special physique. Not good, not good."
"Chu Feiyan, Root Bone of high grade, Comprehension of high grade, Qi Destiny of high grade, no special physique, definitely can become an outer sect disciple, even with Elders willing to take them as inner sect disciples."
"Li Gang, damn, Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star?!"
Lu Changsheng saw a mortal named Li Gang whose talent was actually "Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star."
The fate of the Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star doesn't affect the person themselves but is extremely harmful to those around them.
Having such a disciple might mean not living to see next year.
"Xiao Xiangdao, Root Bone of supreme grade, Comprehension of supreme grade, Qi Destiny of high grade, cultivation in the third layer of the Qi Transformation Realm, possesses a special physique – the Spirit Sword Physique!"
The Mount Shu Elders who were selecting disciples suddenly burst into excitement.
The Gallbladder Mirror shook violently, displaying three golden ancient seal characters: "Spirit Sword Physique!"
Even Taiyuan Zhenren was moved by this.
A special physique indicates extremely high talent.
The eldest Senior Brother, Li Changye, was almost unmatched within the same realm thanks to the Eternal Wilderness Body.
"This is the third Prince of Liang Kingdom, Xiao Xiangdao!"
"Who would've thought that the royal family of Liang Kingdom would produce someone with the Spirit Sword Physique!"
"Indeed, Mount Shu's fortune is waxing strong. With a disciple having the Spirit Sword Physique, in a thousand years, this person will surely become a pillar of Mount Shu!"
The crowd waiting for the talent test was in an uproar.
A special physique, one in a million.
"Without a sword in hand but one in the heart, the comprehension of the Sword Dao by someone with the Spirit Sword Physique is as simple as eating and drinking water for a mortal."
Li Changye, hands behind his back, looked towards Xiao Xiangdao with apparent appreciation for this youth.
Many Mount Shu Elders had eager eyes; they all wanted to take Xiao Xiangdao as a disciple, a rare gem that could be encountered only once in a millennium.
Yet, no one dared to openly accept Xiao Xiangdao as a disciple.
The reason was simple: with a rough jade, an unskilled craftsman dare not carve, lest it becomes a waste of heaven-sent talents.
Everyone turned their gazes unanimously towards Taiyuan Zhenren, for here, the only one capable of nurturing the Spirit Sword Physique seemed to be Taiyuan Zhenren himself.
"I have fortuitously attained some insight recently and must go into seclusion for some time. The affairs of Mount Shu will be handled by you, the Eldest Senior Brother, in my stead. As for this Xiao Xiangdao, Changye, you may accept him as your disciple."
"Me?"
"The Eldest Senior Brother is indeed the most suitable."
"Yes, yes."
The many Mount Shu Elders were all convinced by the Eldest Senior Brother Li Changye's abilities, so they had no objections to Taiyuan Zhenren's decision.
Other than Taiyuan Zhenren and the reclusive old monsters on the back mountain, here, only the Eldest Senior Brother Li Changye was qualified to take the Spirit Sword Physique as a disciple.
While everyone's attention was drawn to the rare Spirit Sword Physique that appeared once in a thousand years, Lu Changsheng's Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator had found a plain and unremarkable youth in the crowd.
"Talent, Heart of the Innocent!!"
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Chapter 3 Are you sure you want to take him as a disciple?
Translator: 549690339
Lu Changsheng's gaze fell upon a young attendant of Xiao Xiangdao, the third prince of Liang Kingdom.
With his Spirit Sword Physique, Xiao Xiangdao had alarmed the people of Mount Shu, so much so that even the eldest senior brother, Li Changye, decided to personally take him as a disciple.
However, the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator showed that Xiao Xiangdao's attendant possessed the Heart of the Innocent, with potential even above Xiao Xiangdao himself.
With virtue as profound as that of an innocent child.
Those with the Heart of the Innocent, although seemingly mediocre, with slow progress in the early stages of immortal cultivation, might just reach enlightenment upon embarking on the path of immortality, possibly in just one day.
According to ancient Mount Shu records, eighty thousand years ago, there was an outer sect disciple who spent fifty years advancing from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Qi Transformation Realm, but in a single day, he gained Path Comprehension, leaping directly from the Qi Transformation Realm over the Golden Core Realm and the Nascent Soul Realm to the Dao Palace Realm. The Sect Leader at the time, believing he had the Heart of the Innocent, made an exception to accept him as a disciple.
Such a disciple is a rare find.
"Xiao Xiangdao, I intend to take you as my disciple, do you wish to accept?"
Li Changye extended the offer of discipleship, and mortals awaiting their trials below all cast envious glances at the third prince of Liang Kingdom.
Li Changye was regarded as the foremost among the young elders of Mount Shu and was a candidate to be the next Sect Leader. To become Li Changye's chief disciple meant a boundless future.
"Liang Kingdom is one of the vassal states of the Great Xia dynasty, and with Mount Shu as its backer, the stature of Liang Kingdom will rise."
"The third prince of Liang Kingdom possesses the Spirit Sword Physique, and in the future, he is at least guaranteed to be an elder of Mount Shu."
"I wonder if the third prince is already married? If we could form a marital alliance with him, our family could soar to great heights."
"Dream on, the third prince is not only of the Liang royal family but also a Mount Shu disciple, why would he take an interest in a daughter from an ordinary prestigious family?"
Many prestigious families and loose cultivators whispered among themselves.
"This disciple is willing!"
Xiao Xiangdao's eyes blazed with fervor, and he immediately agreed.
With the True Person of Taiyuan in constant seclusion, Li Changye effectively oversaw Mount Shu on his behalf. Being taken as Li Changye's chief disciple meant that ascending to the position of Sect Leader of Mount Shu was not an impossible dream.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, for achieving your wish and being accepted into Mount Shu. From now on, our Liang Kingdom doesn't need to look to other feudal states any longer."
"This joyful news must be reported to His Majesty immediately!"
The Liang Kingdom military generals escorting Xiao Xiangdao and his entourage congratulated him and then prepared to make their journey back home.
Mount Shu disciples are not permitted to bring servants, even if they are princes from the mortal kingdoms.
Before the colossal presence of Mount Shu, the mortal kingdoms seem insignificant.
"Hold on."
The voice of Lu Changsheng rang out, causing the Liang Kingdom's people to startle.
"What important matter brings the Elder here?"
The Liang Kingdom's people were apprehensive. Had they inadvertently offended this Mount Shu elder?
"I see that this person has the fate of an immortal, and I intend to take him as a disciple."
Lu Changsheng pointed to a youth dressed in green.
This young man had a very ordinary appearance, and at first glance, looked somewhat honest and simple, hardly the sort that would be described as having the fate of an immortal…
"Qingzhi, the Elder wants to take you as a disciple. You really are lucky."
"Aren't you going to bow and thank the Elder quickly?"
The leading Liang Kingdom military general, a high-level expert in the Qi Transformation Realm, knew that for a mortal, having a Mount Shu elder willing to take him as a disciple was a tremendous fortune, so he hurriedly urged the youth to pay respects.
The youth was somewhat puzzled as he scratched his head: "But I didn't sign up to join Mount Shu…"
"You single-minded fellow, I really don't understand how the Elder sees potential in you."
The Liang Kingdom military general held his forehead in frustration. It was a chance of a lifetime that ordinary people could not even dream of.
"Mount Shu's recruitment of disciples is not limited to the grand ceremony of accepting disciples. As long as you are willing to take me as your master, you can embark on the path of immortal cultivation, and Liang Kingdom will benefit as well," said Lu Changsheng, whispering like a devil.
"Dis-, disciple is willing."
After a serious consideration, the youth accepted the offer, to the urgent dismay of those around.
This was an opportunity to become an inner sect disciple of Mount Shu!
"Very well."
Lu Changsheng satisfactorily accepted his first disciple.
"Lu has actually taken a disciple?"
"Could it be that this person possesses some unique traits?"
"Why not use the Gallbladder Mirror to see his aptitude?"
The other Mount Shu Elders, finding the usually solitary Lu Changsheng willing to take a young boy as a disciple, began to chatter with excitement, eager for gossip.
Taiyuan, also somewhat puzzled, activated the Immortal Artifact Gallbladder Mirror, directing it towards the boy.
The Gallbladder Mirror revealed the boy's aptitude: Lin Qingzhi, lower-grade Root Bone, lower-grade Comprehension, lower-grade Qi Destiny, no special physique.
"This…"
A group of Mount Shu Elders were stunned speechless.
Initially, they had assumed Lu Changsheng's apprentice to be a genius, but they hadn't expected such… mediocrity.
With such aptitude, without the favor of Mount Shu's Elders, he wouldn't even qualify to be an outer sect disciple.
"Brother Lu, this person's aptitude is too mediocre, are you sure you want to take him as a disciple?"
Many Mount Shu Elders sent over looks of doubt.
You understand nothing.
Lu Changsheng muttered to himself.
A disciple with the Heart of the Innocent is a rare find in ten thousand years.
"Ahem, aptitude is one thing, but character is more important."
Lu Changsheng forcibly explained.
Taiyuan and Li Changye nodded in approval; this had been one of Mount Shu's founding principles.
"Let the disciple recruitment ceremony continue!"
After Lu Changsheng took his disciple, the recruitment ceremony proceeded, with more candidates being taken as disciples by Mount Shu Elders, while those not favored by Elders could only become outer sect disciples of Mount Shu.
Should they make significant progress in their cultivation or contributions to Mount Shu, outer sect disciples could become inner sect disciples, or even Elders.
Apart from Xiao Xiangdao, several disciples with special physiques stood out and were taken as disciples by several senior Elders.
The strengths of special physiques varied, and even though these disciples' special physiques were more formidable than those of ordinary cultivators, they still couldn't compare to the Eternal Wilderness Body or the Spirit Sword Physique.
"This child was picked up from the battlefield by the Naval Commander of Liang Country, and he also serves as a Chess Attendant for the Third Prince. Aside from his skill in chess, he usually seems rather slow-witted. Should he cause any offense in the future, I ask for your understanding, Taoist priest. Qingzhi, you must cultivate diligently and not miss this opportunity for immortality."
Before leaving, the Liang Kingdom's Military General entrusted Lin Qingzhi to Lu Changsheng.
Xiao Xiangdao glanced at his follower, also not expecting that an orphan would be taken as a disciple by a Mount Shu Elder.
Fortunately, Lu Changsheng was just an ordinary Elder of Mount Shu, not as prominent as Li Changye.
Otherwise, where would he, the Third Prince, place his face if his own retainer were to surpass him in cultivation?
Xiao Xiangdao clenched his fists; with his aptitude, becoming a Mount Shu Elder in the future was not difficult, and he would certainly not be surpassed by an orphan.
Lu Changsheng paid no attention to Xiao Xiangdao's thoughts but turned to check the panel of his newly accepted disciple on the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator:
[Lin Qingzhi]
[Talents: Heart of the Innocent, Innate Spirit Vein, Wood Spirit Root]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm, first layer]
[Dao Bone: 15 years]
[Merits: 0]
[Mind Technique: none]
[Magic Treasure: none]
[Generosity Opportunities Today: 1/1]
[Blessing Opportunities Today: 1/1]
[Simulation Opportunities Today: 1/1]
Chapter 4: Power-infusing Initiation
Translator: 549690339
Qingyun Peak, shrouded in clouds and mist, was abundant with spiritual energy. Birds sang and flowers bloomed, and from time to time, immortal cranes soared high with rainbows hanging across the sky and the clear sound of streams flowing.
The spiritual energy in Mount Shu was denser than in ordinary places; to call it a Cave Heaven Blessed Land wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Qingyun Peak was one of Mount Shu's peaks and also the cave abode of Lu Changsheng.
"This is Qingyun Peak. It has a formation that confines the spiritual energy, preventing it from leaking out of Mount Shu. From now on, this will be the place where you and I cultivate and reside. The cave abode at the peak is where I go into seclusion for meditation, halfway up the mountain is reserved for the disciples to cultivate, and at the foot of the mountain is where the miscellaneous workers of Mount Shu reside."
"Currently, I only have you as a disciple, so you are the only one living halfway up the mountain. But in the future, you will have junior brothers and sisters. As the eldest senior brother, you must cultivate diligently to avoid being surpassed by your junior fellow disciples."
Lu Changsheng, eager to try the return function of the Disciple Apprenticeship System, brought Lin Qingzhi back to his own cave abode.
"Sit on this meditation cushion."
Lu Changsheng pointed to a meditation cushion inside the cave abode. Once Lin Qingzhi sat down, Lu Changsheng placed his palm on Lin Qingzhi's head.
"Master, what are you going to do?"
"Your cultivation level is too low; I'm going to transfer some of my cultivation to you. Relax your entire body."
Lu Changsheng saw that Lin Qingzhi's Root Bone was too poor and that his cultivation was only at the first layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. If Lin Qingzhi were to cultivate step by step, who knows how long it would take to elevate his cultivation.
Therefore, Lu Changsheng decided to directly consume his own cultivation to help Lin Qingzhi advance in his realms.
"Master, you mustn't, this will consume your own cultivation!"
Lin Qingzhi became anxious.
He had heard that cultivators could improve their cultivation levels by undergoing a power-infusing initiation, but such a method greatly exhausts the cultivator who imparts the cultivation, often not worth the loss, and may even result in a fall in cultivation level.
He had just become a disciple, and yet Lu Changsheng was willing to sacrifice his own cultivation to help him advance his levels. Such a master was too generous!
"Enough talk, remember, a master's order must not be disobeyed!"
Lu Changsheng began transferring cultivation, the spiritual energy from his palm poured into Lin Qingzhi's Heavenly Spirit, then merged into his Zodiac Meridians, circulated and flowed, and finally settled in the Dantian, helping Lin Qingzhi to establish his Dantian and solidify his foundation.
Being at the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, a strand of spiritual energy was immensely overwhelming for Lin Qingzhi, who was only at the first layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Lin Qingzhi clenched his teeth, his face flushed red, as the cultivation transferred by Lu Changsheng nearly burst him open!
This was Lu Changsheng's first time transferring cultivation to his disciple, and he hadn't grasped the right amount of spiritual energy to infuse, pouring just a tiny bit too much.
But Lin Qingzhi was notably stubborn. When Lu Changsheng told him to keep quiet, he restrained himself from speaking.
Besides, Lin Qingzhi was deeply moved by Lu Changsheng's willingness to damage his own cultivation for him and dared not say more.
Fortunately, Lin Qingzhi had an Innate Spirit Vein, allowing him to withstand more spiritual energy; otherwise, if he were a mortal, he would have already exploded and died.
"One day's cultivation, two days' cultivation, three days' cultivation…"
Time trickled by, and Lin Qingzhi's cultivation level was rapidly increasing.
True to the Innate Spirit Vein, Lin Qingzhi's meridians quickly adapted to the spiritual energy transmitted by Lu Changsheng.
So, Lu Changsheng continued to pour spiritual energy, a tiny bit more yet again.
"Forty-eight days' cultivation, forty-nine days' cultivation, fifty days' cultivation…"
"Ugh…"
Lin Qingzhi's forehead bulged with veins, and he let out a pained groan. Lu Changsheng had slightly overestimated the strength of his meridians; if this continued, he would explode!
"Stop!"
Realizing Lin Qingzhi had reached his limit, Lu Changsheng quickly ended the power-infusing initiation.
All in all, Lu Changsheng had poured fifty days of cultivation into Lin Qingzhi.
Fifty days of Lu Changsheng's cultivation was a massive windfall for Lin Qingzhi, who was at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
[Ding, you've transmitted fifty days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi'. Lin Qingzhi actually received ten days of Heavenly Cultivation. Lin Qingzhi's current realm is the third level of the Foundation Establishment Realm. After Refining all the Spiritual Energy, he can be promoted to the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Before Refining all the Spiritual Energy, you may not transmit power again or it will damage the meridians.]
[Ding, you have received a hundredfold return reward for discipling: one thousand days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
[Ding, the number of times you can transmit power today has decreased by 1.]
Becoming a mentor actually yields rewards!
Lu Changsheng's heart surged with excitement.
The efficiency of power-infusing initiation wasn't high. Lu Changsheng spent fifty days of his cultivation, but Lin Qingzhi only received ten days. It was originally a losing deal, which is why so few cultivators are willing to perform the power-infusing initiation.
However, Lu Changsheng had the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator. By transmitting fifty days of cultivation, he could receive a thousand days as compensation, effectively saving nearly three years of cultivation time!
Lu Changsheng felt a massive surge of pure Spiritual Energy suddenly emerge in his Dantian, and the Nascent Soul within his Sea of Consciousness grew in size, bringing him one step closer to opening his Dao Palace.
Thump, thump, thump.
Lin Qingzhi kowtowed solemnly to Lu Changsheng, deeply moved, "Disciple understands that the power-infusing initiation can damage Master's cultivation. Your great kindness and virtue, Qingzhi will never forget for all eternity! Please, Master, do not do this again."
Not do this again?
Lu Changsheng actually wished he could perform the power-infusing initiation for Lin Qingzhi every day, to take advantage of the system's loophole.
"After you return and Refine all the Spiritual Energy, come back to the cave dwelling to find me, and I will transmit power to you again."
Lu Changsheng felt some regret. It will take Lin Qingzhi some time to Refine the Spiritual Energy he transmitted and solidify his foundation. During this period, he could not transmit power again, as it would be the equivalent of trying to help a shoot grow by pulling it upward.
At this rate, Lin Qingzhi will soon reach the Qi Transformation Realm.
According to the introduction of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator, every time a disciple advances to a higher major realm, a reward can be collected. The further you go, the more substantial the rewards become.
Moreover, rewarding disciples with treasures, cultivation techniques, and elixir pills can also result in rewards, but the rewarded items must not exceed the disciple's current major realm.
What? From what Master said, he will often perform power-infusing initiation for me?
Lin Qingzhi's eyes widened, and he became unable to think.
In his memory, even the State Preceptor of Liang Kingdom wouldn't sacrifice his own cultivation to enhance the realm of a Prince, let alone do it frequently. This was practically tantamount to self-harm.
"Absolutely not, Disciple must cultivate on his own and not drag Master down!"
Lin Qingzhi was overwhelmed with gratitude and hurriedly refused.
This disciple really was somewhat naive.
Lu Changsheng rolled his eyes. If he didn't transmit power to you, how could he exploit the system's loophole?
"Master has his own considerations; you need not worry. Simply focus on your cultivation."
Lu Changsheng couldn't wait to perform the power-infusing initiation multiple times.
"For Master's rebirth-like kindness, Disciple is willing to go through fire and water for Master without hesitation!"
Lin Qingzhi was utterly moved.
In this world, was there a better master than this? Not even the bond between father and son could compare, right?
"This 'Taxuan Skills' cultivation technique is a Profound Rank high-quality technique, divided into six levels. It's the best technique that your current realm can practice. This is Master's reward to you. You must cultivate it well."
Lu Changsheng flipped his palm, and a green scroll appeared in his hand.
"Profound Rank high-quality cultivation technique…"
Lin Qingzhi's hands trembled as he received the scroll. This single scroll alone could be exchanged for ten cities in the secular kingdom, and yet Lu Changsheng had simply rewarded it to him.
Master was really too good to him.
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Chapter 5: Rewarding the Disciple, Taiqing Wuji Technique!
Translator: 549690339
[Ding, you have gifted your disciple "Lin Qingzhi" with a high-grade Profound Rank cultivation technique and received an 80,000-fold reward: a high-grade Heaven Rank cultivation technique "Taiqing Wuji Technique".]
[Ding, the number of times you can gift today has decreased by 1.]
Inside Lu Changsheng's Daoist robe, a scroll of a cultivation technique appeared—it was a high-grade Heaven Rank cultivation technique!
Cultivation techniques are divided into four major ranks: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, each rank is further divided into high-grade, mid-grade, and low-grade.
The Taiqing Wuji Technique, being a high-grade Heaven Rank cultivation technique, was six ranks higher than the high-grade Profound Rank technique "Taxuan Skills" that Lu Changsheng had been cultivating before!
"Disciple is grateful for Master's profound kindness, but such a technique is invaluable, I dare not…"
Lin Qingzhi held the scroll of the Taxuan Skills, still somewhat hesitant.
"Take it, cultivate according to the technique, and if you encounter anything you don't understand, come back and seek guidance from your master."
Lu Changsheng, eager to cultivate the Taiqing Wuji Technique and having used up all of today's gifting and Power-infusing Initiation opportunities, waved his hand to indicate that Lin Qingzhi should go back and cultivate.
With the Taiqing Wuji Technique in hand, Lu Changsheng truly didn't care about the Taxuan Skills anymore.
What is that rubbish to him?
Seeing Lu Changsheng disdainfully toss the Taxuan Skills to him, Lin Qingzhi thought to himself, "The depth of Mount Shu's foundation is truly unfathomable. A mere Elder dismisses a high-grade Profound Rank technique as nothing. It seems my own experience is far too little. How embarrassing…"
"Disciple will never forget Master's deep kindness and will cultivate diligently, aiming to enter the Qi Transformation Realm as soon as possible."
Lin Qingzhi respectfully put away the Taxuan Skills, kowtowed again, and then left Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling to head to the mid-mountain area where disciples lived to cultivate.
After Lin Qingzhi had left, Lu Changsheng flipped his palm, and the scroll of the Taiqing Wuji Technique appeared.
"To know the white, yet hold to the black, is the model for the world. To be the model for the world, the constant virtue remains unerring, returning to the infinite…"
Muttering the mnemonic verse, Lu Changsheng followed the diagrams of the Taiqing Wuji Technique to circulate Spiritual Energy through his Zodiac Meridians.
Lu Changsheng's Nascent Soul entered a wondrous state.
All around was chaos, boundless and indistinct, with no up or down, left or right, nor directions of east, south, west, and north.
Lu Changsheng's Nascent Soul practiced Sword Flight within the chaos, but he could never depart from it.
Lu Changsheng reached out and faintly touched the laws of the universe, gaining a deeper understanding of the Dao.
"An undifferentiated mass of chaos was born before heaven and earth. Silent and vast, standing alone unchanged, circling endlessly… I do not know its name, and so I call it 'Dao'!"
With a thunderous boom as if enlightenment was being poured into him, akin to the ringing of bells and gongs!
Hum!
Lu Changsheng's Nascent Soul returned to his Sea of Consciousness, his eyes flashing open, his Daoist robe soaked with sweat.
"The 'Dao' existed before heaven and earth were born?"
Lu Changsheng was greatly shaken by the profound state of the Taiqing Wuji Technique; just brushing against the edge of the Dao, his Nascent Soul Realm was already struggling to bear it.
According to the Taiqing Wuji Technique, the Dao existed before heaven and earth.
"Whew…"
Lu Changsheng exhaled a breath of stale air, then took a deep breath as nature's spiritual energy from around Qingyun Peak rushed frantically towards him!
"The Taiqing Wuji Technique is actually so astonishing!"
Lu Changsheng's inhalation and exhalation had become ten times stronger than before, meaning his cultivation speed was now also ten times faster!
Such is the preciousness of a high-grade Heaven Rank cultivation technique.
Even with a foundation as robust as Mount Shu, Heaven Rank techniques are limited and only available to the Sect Leader of Mount Shu or Elders and disciples who have made significant contributions to the sect.
Not to mention that the Taiqing Wuji Technique is among the elite of Heaven Rank techniques.
"In this way, I'll soon be able to break through the Nascent Soul Realm and step into the Dao Palace Realm. Then I can join the core circle of Mount Shu… No, that's wrong, a cultivator should keep a low profile, stay low-key…"
Lu Changsheng was a cautious man, always striving to keep a low profile.
This great continent is not as peaceful as one would imagine. From the Sect Leader to the disciples of Mount Shu, all adhere to the rules and uphold the Righteous Dao, trustworthy indeed.
But in Xia State, there are also five other Orthodox Sects and four Demon Sects.
The five Orthodox Sects are dissatisfied with Mount Shu's position as the foremost, as Mount Shu's reputation is so great that many cultivators with exceptional talents choose to join them. Consequently, the number of cultivators that join the other five Orthodox Sects is naturally fewer.
Therefore, the five Orthodox Sects subtly show a tendency to vie with Mount Shu for the status of the first Orthodox Sect.
The four Demon Sects, even more, share a feud with the six Orthodox Sects so deep that each year sees the fall of disciples from both sides; some elders of Mount Shu even meet their demise at the hands of the four Demon Sects.
The number of Demon Sect elders who fell to the sword of the eldest senior brother, Li Changye, is countless.
The four Demon Sects are quite wary of Mount Shu and even send disciples to infiltrate, attempting to probe the cultivation levels of the Mount Shu elders.
To pretend weakness to hide one's strength is truly the superior way to survive.
With the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator at my disposal, I can quietly improve my cultivation and live until I achieve sainthood.
Lu Changsheng slightly sorted out his thoughts and then continued to practice the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
The Taiqing Wuji Technique is divided into nine levels. As the unnamed sage who created it described in the preface, reaching the ninth level is merely the beginning of comprehending the Great Dao.
"This sage is indeed modest, truly a role model for our kind."
After circulating the True Qi through the Zodiac Meridians twelve times, Lu Changsheng finally achieved comprehension of the first layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
However, starting from the second layer, it became even more arcane and difficult to understand.
If the first layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique is like basic addition and subtraction, then the second layer is calculus.
"Fortunately, I have the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator. As long as I perform the Power-infusing Initiation, I can regain my cultivation and should swiftly come to fully grasp the essence of the second layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique."
"What? Three days have already passed?"
Lu Changsheng had only been guiding his True Qi through the Taiqing Wuji Technique within his body for twelve Zodiac Meridians, and upon counting, he realized three days had gone by.
No wonder the ancients said that seven days in the mountains are a thousand years in the world.
"That means I can perform the Power-infusing Initiation for my disciple and reward them again."
Lu Changsheng smiled slightly, looking forward to the feeling of exploiting the system's loopholes.
"Wait, I haven't used the function that simulates a disciple's life."
Lu Changsheng discovered he had overlooked a feature of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
The Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator can simulate a disciple's future to enable a master to better guide the disciple and alter the disciple's life.
The reason it's a simulation is that such forecasts are not necessarily set in stone.
Obviously, if Lu Changsheng does not intervene, the simulation might become reality.
"I wonder to what realm my disciple will eventually reach?"
Lu Changsheng cared quite a bit about his first recruited disciple, so he decided to use this function of the simulator.
[Ding! You have begun simulating your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi's' life.]
[Ding! Number of simulations available today -1.]
[Simulation begins]
[At 15, Lin Qingzhi became your disciple. Under your perfunctory guidance, he broke through to the Qi Transformation Realm in one month.]
Soon, the first line appeared.
"I performed the Power-infusing Initiation for him, and he broke through to the Qi Transformation Realm in a month. How can that be called perfunctory?"
Lu Changsheng could not help but murmur to himself, then continued to read further.
[At 16, Lin Qingzhi, under your perfunctory guidance, broke through to the Golden Core Realm within a year.]
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Chapter 6: Simulating a Disciple's Life
Translator: 549690339
[At the age of 18, among the young disciples of the Shu Mountain Sect embarking on their journey of cultivation experience, Lin Qingzhi reached the fifth level of the Golden Core Realm.]
[At the age of 19, the Shu Mountain team that Lin Qingzhi was part of completed their training mission, and on their way back to Mount Shu, they were ambushed by disciples of the Demon Sects.]
[Most of the Shu Mountain disciples were killed, and Lin Qingzhi revealed his true strength. After a bitter fight, he managed to rescue two Shu Mountain disciples.]
[Subsequently, an Elder of the Demon Sects arrived, tracking them by the scent of blood. Lin Qingzhi was no match and died under the hands of the Demon Sect Elder.]
[Lin Qingzhi, deceased.]
[Simulation ends.]
"…"
Lu Changsheng saw that his chief disciple, only 19 years old, had been killed by a Demon Sect Elder.
The path of cultivation was indeed perilous.
Although Lin Qingzhi had the Heart of the Innocent, an Innate Spirit Vein, and limitless potential, his Qi Destiny was not favorable, as he encountered a Demon Sect Elder on his very first journey out.
The Elders of the four great Demon Sects were at least practitioners in the Nascent Soul Realm, not to mention the old monsters in the Dao Palace Realm.
19-year-old Lin Qingzhi was only in the Golden Core Realm, and he was definitely no match for a Demon Sect Elder.
"Hold on, how did the Demon Sects know the route taken by the Shu Mountain disciples on their cultivation experience? And even had a Demon Sect Elder make a move?"
"Which one of the four great Demon Sects ambushed the Shu Mountain disciples, or did all four have a hand in it?"
Lu Changsheng knew that Mount Shu was always on guard against the four great Demon Sects.
The first experiential task for every generation of Mount Shu disciples was kept secret; the disciples would disguise themselves as mortals or Loose Cultivators, dividing into several teams to undergo their training.
Each team had at least an Inner Sect Disciple with Great Accomplishment in the Golden Core Realm, or even an Elder in the Nascent Soul Realm leading the team, with the training lasting one year.
However, according to the simulator's results, the team Lin Qingzhi was in was completely annihilated.
"A disciple with the Heart of the Innocent is a rare find; we can't let him die just like that."
"There are three methods to break this outcome."
"Firstly, raise Lin Qingzhi's cultivation to the Nascent Soul Realm within four years, by which time he might not fear a Demon Sect Elder."
"Secondly, I could secretly protect the disciple. As soon as a Demon Sect Elder appears, I would immediately strike to kill."
"Thirdly, inform the Sect Leader or my senior apprentice brother of this issue, either to cancel the training mission or to send an Elder to secretly protect them."
After a moment of thought, Lu Changsheng saw at least three solutions.
The first solution was somewhat difficult.
It was somewhat fanciful to expect a disciple with little foundation to reach the Nascent Soul Realm within four years and match the combat capabilities of a Demon Sect Elder.
The third solution might arouse the suspicion of the Sect Leader and senior apprentice brother.
In that case, it would be most straightforward for him to take action himself, and he might even unravel the mysteries behind this.
Four years was enough time for Lu Changsheng to step into the Dao Palace Realm and advance further in the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
As long as he didn't encounter the Sect Leaders of the four great Demon Sects or some old monsters, Lu Changsheng truly wasn't afraid of a typical Demon Sect Elder.
Thinking this, Lu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator could simulate the life of the disciple and help them avoid misfortune.
"Master, I have refined the Spiritual Energy, and now my cultivation has reached the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm."
The honest voice of Lin Qingzhi sounded from outside the cave abode.
As expected of one with an Innate Spirit Vein, the speed of refining Spiritual Energy was extremely fast, very suitable for the method of Power-infusing Initiation.
If it were a mortal, not to mention they would explode and die during Power-infusing Initiation, their speed of refining Spiritual Energy would also be far behind that of one with an Innate Spirit Vein.
The Heart of the Innocent, coupled with the Innate Spirit Vein, meant that this disciple's potential was truly amazing.
"Come in."
"Yes."
"How is your practice of the Taxuan Skills going?"
"I am incompetent, Master; I have only cultivated the Taxuan Skills to the second level."
"Hmm, it's already good that you've reached the second level in three days… What? You've reached the second level?"
Lu Changsheng was taken aback.
His disciple looked somewhat simple-minded, but he was truly a cultivation prodigy!
"Very well, your master will transfer more power to you now."
Lu Changsheng was very satisfied with this disciple, a fine choice for reaping benefits.
This time, Lin Qingzhi did not speak further, but quietly waited for Lu Changsheng's power-infusing initiation.
His master indeed kept no secrets from him, even transferring his cultivation to his disciple. Where else could one find such a master?
After Lin Qingzhi's cultivation level had improved, his Dantian could accommodate more spiritual energy, so Lu Changsheng infused even more spiritual energy into him.
"Ooh…"
Lin Qingzhi still felt discomfort, his face flushed red as his Zodiac Meridians were filled with the vast spiritual energy!
The Innate Spirit Vein was almost burst by the spiritual energy!
"Hmm?"
Lu Changsheng noticed that Lin Qingzhi had reached his limit, so he withdrew part of the spiritual energy, reducing the pressure on Lin Qingzhi.
With the experience from last time, the subsequent power-infusing initiation went smoothly.
[Ding, you have transferred one hundred days of cultivation to your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi'. Lin Qingzhi has actually gained twenty days of cultivation. Lin Qingzhi's current realm is the sixth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm. After refining all the spiritual energy, he can be promoted to the seventh level of the Foundation Establishment Realm.]
[Ding, you have received a two hundredfold return award for teaching your disciple: four thousand days of cultivation.]
[Ding, the number of power infusions you can perform today -1.]
"Phew…"
Lu Changsheng stopped, elated in his heart. His Dantian was now brimming with a majestic surge of spiritual energy, equivalent to suddenly gaining ten years of cultivation!
Lu Changsheng's Dantian was overflowing, ready to open up a Dao Palace and step into the Dao Palace Realm.
"Disciple thanks Master for the power-infusing initiation."
Lin Qingzhi still harbored gratitude. In his view, Lu Changsheng had been sacrificing his own cultivation to help him improve every time.
"When you return, besides refining spiritual energy, you must continue to practice the Taxuan Skills. Once the Taxuan Skills are perfected, your master will teach you even more profound cultivation techniques."
The Taiqing Wuji Technique is a Heaven Rank cultivation technique, and with Lin Qingzhi's current realm, he cannot comprehend it. Teaching it to Lin Qingzhi would also not yield a teaching reward.
"Disciple will keep this in mind."
"Here is a superior-grade spiritual artifact called the 'Green Abyss Sword'. Your master bestows it upon you for protection, and it shall be your first Flying Sword. With your realm, activating a superior-grade spiritual artifact is already at the limit."
With a thought from Lu Changsheng, a precious sword flew out from within the cave dwelling, clad in an ancient-looking greenwood sheath.
"Thank you, Master,"
Lin Qingzhi had grown numb to this.
His master never hid anything from him, not only providing power-infusing initiations but also giving him various treasures continuously.
If he were to refuse his master's kindness, he would even be scolded by his master.
Could this all be a dream?
"In four years, you will be facing a life-threatening challenge. You must train diligently to overcome it."
Lu Changsheng, having simulated Lin Qingzhi's life, foresaw Lin Qingzhi's upcoming tribulation and thus warned him.
"Yes…"
Lin Qingzhi's eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Lu Changsheng.
His master could predict the future, and his power-infusing initiations were as simple as eating and drinking. Could it be that Lu Changsheng was already a Saint?
"You may go and cultivate now."
"Disciple takes his leave."
[Ding, you have bestowed the superior-grade spiritual artifact Green Abyss Sword to your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi', and received a thousandfold return award: a low-grade Innate Spirit Treasure 'Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword'.]
[Ding, the number of rewards you can bestow today -1.]
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Chapter 7 Innate Spirit Treasure
Translator: 549690339
"
A precious sword emitting a piercing cold light appeared within Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling, enveloped by ghastly thunder, exuding a terrifying pressure that made Qingyun Peak tremble.
The menial workers at the foot of Qingyun Peak couldn't help but look towards the summit, where dark clouds gathered densely, casting a shadow over the city.
The one who could cause such a disturbance at Qingyun Peak could only be Qingyun Peak's Elder Lu.
"Indeed, an Innate Spirit Treasure!"
Lu Changsheng held the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword. With a slight swing, lightning flashed and thunder roared, startling the entire Qingyun Peak!
Spiritual artifacts can be categorized into Spiritual Artifacts, Acquired Spirit Treasures, Innate Spirit Treasures, and Immortal Artifacts.
Immortal Artifacts are the treasures that uphold the six major Orthodox Sects and the four major Demon Sects. With their hundreds of thousands of years of heritage, they might possess only one or two Immortal Artifacts.
The majority of Mount Shu disciples wield Spiritual Artifacts, while Mount Shu elders may have one or two Acquired Spirit Treasures.
But an Innate Spirit Treasure?
These are the magical treasures only possessed by the Sect Leader of Mount Shu or some of the old oddities of Mount Shu!
Lu Changsheng had only casually tested the might of the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword. He hadn't even unleashed its Sword Qi; otherwise, Qingyun Peak would have suffered greatly.
Qingyun Peak was Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling. He certainly didn't want to harm the flowers and plants there with a trial of his sword.
Besides, if the news of his acquiring an Innate Spirit Treasure were to spread, he might attract the attention of the major Demon Sects.
Lu Changsheng sheathed the sword, and the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword returned to calm.
With this Innate Spirit Treasure, Lu Changsheng believed he was virtually invincible in the Nascent Soul Realm.
"With my current cultivation, I could step into the Dao Palace Realm at any moment, but for the sake of cautious progression, I should continue to solidify my realm before opening the Dao Palace."
The original owner of the body that Lu Changsheng's soul had transmigrated into had perished from demonic possession during the opening of the Dao Palace. Lu Changsheng didn't wish to repeat the same mistake.
The next day, Lu Changsheng summoned Lin Qingzhi and rewarded him with a Foundation Establishment Pill.
This is a third-rank elixir, which can be used only in the Foundation Establishment Realm. It helps cultivators solidify their foundation and slightly enhance their Root Bone, with a value that is worth a fortune.
[Ding, you have gifted your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi' with a third-rank Elixir Pill, obtaining a 500-fold return reward: a sixth-rank elixir 'Soul Nourishing Pill.']
[Ding, your gifting attempts for today have decreased by 1.]
The Soul Nourishing Pill can be used only in the Nascent Soul Realm. It nourishes the soul, strengthens the Nascent Soul, and lowers the risks when breaking through to the Dao Palace Realm.
Lu Changsheng had lacked just this pill!
With this superior elixir, he could now confidently start to open the Dao Palace.
However, Lu Changsheng was so cautious it was infuriating, and he still didn't break through.
In the following month, Lu Changsheng provided Lin Qingzhi with Power-infusing Initiation four times, receiving 2000 days, 1500 days, 3500 days, and 5000 days of cultivation, respectively.
In addition, every day Lu Changsheng would find a way to reward Lin Qingzhi with treasures that were useful in the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Rewarding a first-rank elixir, "Qi-Returning Pill," in return he received a fourth-rank elixir "Earth Spirit Pill."
Rewarding a first-rank elixir, "Blood Qi Pill," in return he received a third-rank elixir "Scarlet Blood Pill."
Rewarding a third-rank elixir, "Scarlet Blood Pill," in return he received a fifth-rank elixir "Scarlet Blood Consolidating Essence Pill."
Rewarding a high-quality Spiritual Artifact "Soft Hedgehog Armor," in return he received a high-quality Acquired Spirit Treasure "Taiyi Daoist Robe."
Rewarding a high-quality Spiritual Artifact "Quality Alchemy Furnace," in return he received a low-quality Innate Spirit Treasure "True Fire Alchemy Furnace."
Rewarding an ordinary stone, in return he received a Spirit Stone.
Rewarding a Spirit Stone, in return he received a fifth-rank refining material, the Sky Crystal Stone.
"
Bestowed the Profound Rank mid-grade swordsmanship "Soaring Cloud Sword Technique," and returned the Earth Rank superior swordsmanship "Myriad Swords Return to Origin."
…
Lu Changsheng tried bestowing Lin Qingzhi with various items, from elixir pills to treasures, cultivation techniques, and even ordinary stones, in an attempt to exploit the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
When Lin Qingzhi received the ordinary stone awarded by Lu Changsheng, he pondered seriously whether his master had some deeper intention. Unable to figure it out, he enshrined the stone and offered incense to it every day.
Besides his daily exploitation of the system, Lu Changsheng practiced the Taiqing Wuji Technique and the newly-acquired Earth Rank superior swordsmanship "Myriad Swords Return to Origin," deepening his understanding of the Taiqing Wuji Technique and the Sword Dao.
On the mountainside of Qingyun Peak, Lin Qingzhi was meditating, meticulously circulating spiritual energy according to the Taxuan Skills, breathing deeply and rhythmically.
Occasionally, Immortal Deer, Spirit Birds, and Spirit Squirrels appeared around Lin Qingzhi, feeling a closeness to his Heart of the Innocent and Innate Spirit Vein.
The spiritual energy of Mount Shu was richer than any other place in Xia State. Even if Lin Qingzhi's talent was not high, he dedicated himself with single-minded focus, and with Lu Changsheng continuously performing Power-infusing Initiation, his cultivation progressed at a rapid pace.
"The third layer of the Taxuan Skills."
Lin Qingzhi achieved a comprehensive understanding, practicing the Taxuan Skills to the third layer, when suddenly the spiritual energy in his Dantian started boiling.
"Just one month's time, and I'm about to step into the Qi Transformation Realm."
Lin Qingzhi had heard from his master that this was a sign of Dantian expansion and the formation of a Qi Sea.
Lin Qingzhi found his own cultivation progress hard to believe.
In the Liang Kingdom where Lin Qingzhi lived, masters of the Qi Transformation Realm were either esteemed Military Generals or widely respected Loose Cultivators in the martial world.
However, merely one month after joining Mount Shu, Lin Qingzhi was already making a sprint towards the Qi Transformation Realm.
Since Lin Qingzhi would face a tribulation in four years, Lu Changsheng did not teach casually during the apprenticeship and earnestly instructed Lin Qingzhi on how to form a Qi Sea during his breakthrough.
Lin Qingzhi's greatest advantage was his unwavering focus, committing all of Lu Changsheng's instructions to memory.
"I've done it!"
Following his master's instructions, Lin Qingzhi broke through smoothly and formed his Qi Sea, elevating his cultivation to the first level of the Qi Transformation Realm.
Without any surprises, it was as if everything fell naturally into place.
Inside Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling, his Divine Sense swept over Qingyun Peak and sensed his disciple Lin Qingzhi's aura greatly increase, and the speed at which he absorbed nature's spiritual energy also sharply rose.
Lu Changsheng revealed a look of satisfaction. Indeed, this disciple's potential was astonishing, like a rough jade.
If it were not for Lu Changsheng discovering this disciple, Lin Qingzhi might have simply vanished into the crowd.
Only when there is a Bole can there be a thousand-mile horse.
[Ding, your first disciple 'Lin Qingzhi' has advanced from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Qi Transformation Realm. You receive a reward for your disciple's realm advancement. Since this is the first time the realm advance reward has been given, you receive a special constitution: Innate Taoist Body.]
[Ding, the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator is cleansing your marrow and transforming your physique.]
Lu Changsheng's body grew hot, as all meridians and root bones underwent earth-shaking changes.
Lu Changsheng didn't possess an Eternal Wilderness Body like his senior fellow disciple Li Changye, having only an ordinary physique, but now he had obtained the Innate Taoist Body!
Although Lu Changsheng was still unaware of what exactly made the Innate Taoist Body special, judging solely by the name, it was definitely not simple!
"Ah ah ah…"
Lu Changsheng showed an expression of agony as the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator performed Marrow Cleansing and Rebirth on him. The pain penetrated deep into his bones, and his Sea of Consciousness, Nascent Soul, Dantian, and Qi Sea nearly collapsed.
Previously, only Lu Changsheng's spirit had undergone a transformation, but now his body was also reborn.
"What's happening to Master?"
Within the cave dwelling, Lin Qingzhi noticed that Lu Changsheng's aura was fluctuating erratically, and he couldn't help but worry.
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Chapter 8: Entering the Dao Palace Realm
Translator: 549690339
"Huff… "
After enduring the grueling process of Marrow Cleansing and Rebirth for quite some time, Lu Changsheng finally managed to persevere. He emerged as if crawling out of a muddy pit, gasping for breath, with all the impurities within him expelled.
The Innate Taoist Body contained not a speck of impurity and merged seamlessly with heaven and earth. Even without conscious breathing, the spiritual energy around him would flow into his Innate Taoist Body, making Lu Changsheng's practice advance at an incredible pace.
Following his Rebirth, Lu Changsheng also gained a special physique.
"The second layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique, I've fully comprehended it."
The Cultivation Technique that had once puzzled Lu Changsheng was now completely understood.
This is the power of the Innate Taoist Body!
"This Innate Taoist Body might not be inferior to the Elder Brother's Eternal Wilderness Body."
Lu Changsheng was thrilled.
The Innate Taoist Body rewarded by the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator was exceptionally suited for cultivating the way of immortality.
With ease, Lu Changsheng comprehended the second layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique and began practicing the third layer.
With the Innate Taoist Body, understanding came naturally to Lu Changsheng, who soon grasped the third and fourth layers of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
It was at the fifth layer that Lu Changsheng encountered resistance.
"The fourth layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique would suffice even at the Dao Palace Realm."
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, his hearing and vision clearer than ever, and his Divine Sense stronger. The grass and trees of Qingyun Peak were all within the reach of Lu Changsheng's perception.
The Innate Taoist Body, a special physique preexisting the heaven and earth, was close to the Dao itself.
With the Innate Taoist Body, coupled with the fourth layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique, the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword, and the Myriad Swords Return to Origin Swordsmanship, Lu Changsheng was invincible within his realm and could even battle beyond his tier.
"It's time to break through the Nascent Soul and step into the Dao Palace Realm."
Lu Changsheng solidified his foundations and, with the transformation of Rebirth, was almost certain to break through the Nascent Soul Realm.
However, before the breakthrough, Lu Changsheng noticed his disciple, Lin Qingzhi, standing outside the cave residence like a wooden stake, apparently having waited for a long time.
"Qingzhi, you may come in now."
"Yes."
"How many days have you been waiting outside the cave residence?"
"Master, your disciple has been waiting for seven days and seven nights. I was afraid something might happen to you, but also worried that entering the cave residence midway would cause you to go berserk."
"… "
Truly the Heart of the Innocent.
This disciple, although a bit naive, has a simple and pure nature with impeccable character.
"I need to retreat for some time and won't be able to perform the Power-Infusing Initiation for you. Continue your practice on your own, and once I leave seclusion, I will transmit my cultivation to you."
"Yes."
Lin Qingzhi respectfully bowed and then left the cave residence.
Lin Qingzhi, brought onto the path of cultivation by Lu Changsheng, was already on the right track. Even without Lu Changsheng's Power-Infusing Initiation, Lin Qingzhi's cultivation would continue to progress daily, but naturally, not as quickly as with Lu Changsheng's initiation.
Before making his breakthrough, Lu Changsheng took out a sixth-grade elixir pill known as the Soul Nourishing Pill.
This pill exuded astonishing Spiritual Energy.
Even for the six Orthodox Sects and the four Demon Sects, a sixth-grade elixir pill was a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure.
Lu Changsheng consumed the Soul Nourishing Pill and began Refining the medicinal power within his body.
Boom!
As the medicinal power entered his body, it surged into the Sea of Consciousness, causing upheaval!
The golden Nascent Soul within the Sea of Consciousness absorbed the medicinal power, its aura grew immensely, and it visibly expanded and solidified.
Lu Changsheng, while solidifying his realm in the Nascent Soul Realm, took advantage of the Nascent Soul's growth and with great momentum, he opened the Dao Palace!
Within the Qi Sea of the Dantian, a small world was created, as if carving out heaven and earth, a Dao Palace materialized faintly within.
In the Dao Palace Realm, one could create a small world within their body.
The spiritual energy of Qingyun Peak rushed wildly into the cave dwelling, pouring into Lu Changsheng's body.
To establish the Dao Palace realm, an immense amount of spiritual energy is needed, and Lu Changsheng's dantian swallowed it greedily like a whale, to the extent that the sea of clouds surrounding Qingyun Peak turned into a huge vortex, with purple aura coming from the east, manifesting an extraordinary phenomenon of heaven and earth!
Boom, rumble…
Lu Changsheng's dantian qi sea underwent an earth-shattering transformation, with flashes of lightning and peals of thunder, and the turbulent qi sea was filled with rolling purple clouds!
The Dao Palace realm simulates the initial evolution of heaven and earth, equivalent to opening up a small world of one's own.
Although this small world was insignificant compared to the vast universe, being less than an ant, it was nonetheless a world of his own making.
The Dao Palace realm is not on the same level as the Nascent Soul Realm.
Elders of the Dao Palace realm are the true pillars of Mount Shu, while those in the Nascent Soul Realm are only considered ordinary elders.
"Hmm?"
On the main peak of Mount Shu, the first senior brother Li Changye was meditating when he suddenly sensed a great disturbance from Qingyun Peak.
It wasn't just Qingyun Peak; the nature's spiritual energy from the surrounding peaks was also converging towards Qingyun Peak.
"Sword, come!"
At the thought of Li Changye, the longsword was unsheathed, and in the next moment, Li Changye had arrived near Qingyun Peak, witnessing the extraordinary phenomenon of heaven and earth there.
"Indeed, it is Junior Brother Lu breaking through to the Dao Palace realm."
"Junior Brother Lu has cultivated for 250 years, stepping into the Dao Palace realm, that's indeed rapid progress."
"However, why is the disturbance caused by Junior Brother Lu's breakthrough so immense?"
Li Changye was shocked by the disturbance Lu Changsheng caused during his breakthrough.
Normally, when a Mount Shu elder made a breakthrough, it would at most consume the nature's spiritual energy of one peak, but Lu Changsheng's breakthrough attracted the spiritual energy of the surrounding peaks as well.
Even Li Changye, who possessed the Eternal Wilderness Body, did not cause such a disturbance when he broke through.
What Li Changye didn't know was that Lu Changsheng had solidified his foundation at the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, having accumulated a wealth of cultivation that burst forth upon breaking through, and with his Innate Taoist Body, the breakthrough inevitably caused an extraordinary phenomenon.
As long as he successfully broke through the Nascent Soul Realm, Lu Changsheng would be much stronger than other cultivators of the Dao Palace realm at the same level.
"If Junior Brother Lu successfully enters the Dao Palace realm, our Mount Shu will have another Dao Palace realm powerhouse, which is excellent news."
"Order someone to seal off the area around Qingyun Peak, not letting anyone disturb Junior Brother Lu."
"I will protect him personally."
Li Changye, with Mount Shu in his heart, felt not the slightest bit of jealousy towards Lu Changsheng, who caused the extraordinary event, but instead felt reassured.
With one more Dao Palace realm elder, Mount Shu's strength was further enhanced.
Moreover, given the disturbance Lu Changsheng caused during his breakthrough, his future cultivation level might be beyond just the Dao Palace realm.
Li Changye, at the ninth layer of the Dao Palace realm, personally took on the role of protector. Unless the Sect Masters of the Demon Sects or some old monsters attacked, no one could disrupt Lu Changsheng's breakthrough.
It was unlikely that the Sect Masters of the four major Demon Sects would dare to attack Qingyun Peak.
This was Mount Shu after all.
Lu Changsheng did not notice Li Changye sealing off the mountainside as a protector, as he was fully focused on establishing his Dao Palace.
Time flew by quickly, and before he realized it, ten days had passed.
"The Dao Palace is formed!"
Lu Changsheng established his Dao Palace within his dantian; after the tumultuous creation, the Dao Palace finally settled.
Not only did he establish the Dao Palace, but his dantian and qi sea had both expanded by twofold.
Lu Changsheng's cultivation level rose to the first layer of the Dao Palace realm, and he was close to reaching the second layer.
"Big Senior Brother?"
Lu Changsheng sensed that his senior brother Li Changye was currently meditating on the Flying Sword, secretly providing protection for ten days and nights, and couldn't help but feel moved.
His senior brother's character was beyond reproach.
"Congratulations to Junior Brother Lu for stepping into the Dao Palace realm. Your current level of cultivation is now beyond even my clarity," said Li Changye as he emerged after being discovered by Lu Changsheng. He looked again towards Lu Changsheng, who stood still like a chaotic expanse, making his level of cultivation difficult to perceive.
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Chapter 9 Assessment Tasks
Translator: 549690339
"
"With a solid foundation built up over time, I've finally made a breakthrough to the Dao Palace realm. Elder Brother, you flatter me."
"Now that you've reached the Dao Palace realm, according to our Mount Shu's rules, as long as you complete the Dao Palace realm assessment, Dao Palace realm elders can receive even more resources necessary for their cultivation every month."
"Please elaborate, Elder Brother."
Lu Changsheng knew that Mount Shu elders who reached the Dao Palace realm needed to pass an assessment.
By passing the assessment, as a Dao Palace realm elder, one could obtain more cultivation resources from Mount Shu every month.
Indeed, it was survival of the fittest, even in a world of cultivation; resources were limited, and the strong were entitled to more because Dao Palace realm elders could make greater contributions to Mount Shu and protect the sect for a longer time compared to Nascent Soul realm elders.
The assessment task for the elder should have been announced by Sect Leader Taiyuan, but since Taiyuan was in seclusion, it was instead assigned by Elder Brother Li Changye.
"You have cultivated at Mount Shu for a hundred years without experiencing the secular world. To stay behind closed doors can lead to deviation. It would be good to use this assessment as an opportunity to gain some experience. Do you know about Huang State?"
"Hmm. Huang State is located to the far south, with a million great mountains, all dense forests and wild tribal lands. The territories of the Huang Tribe and Demon Race crisscross there, its size not inferior to our Xia State."
"Exactly. Fifty years ago, there was turmoil in Huang State. The Huang Tribe and Demon Race were in constant conflict, which could potentially extend to our Xia State. Do you know about Liang Kingdom?"
"Are you referring to the Liang Kingdom in the southern part of Xia State?"
"Liang Kingdom is one of the top ten populous vassal countries in Xia State, bordering Huang State, and is also within the sphere of influence of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, one of the six Orthodox Sects. Recently, a branch set up by the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion on the border of Huang State was attacked. Three Nascent Soul realm elders and several hundred disciples… none survived."
"Since it is within the territory of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, the matter should be resolved by them."
Lu Changsheng was secretly shocked.
The Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, one of the six Orthodox Sects, although not as profound in heritage as Mount Shu, had existed for two hundred thousand years. And yet, someone dared to massacre one of their branches?
"That's the rationale, but the turmoil in Huang State affects not just the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion. Therefore, they requested that Mount Shu dispatch an elder to join their elders and investigate the matter on the borders of Huang State. This is both the wish of the Fairy Pavilion Master and my own."
"Elder Brother is truly the disciple that the Sect Leader values most, with such foresight. So you intend for me to go there?"
"That's right, it's an excellent opportunity for you to gain experience now that you've reached the Dao Palace realm. Inquiry Immortal Pavilion will send three Dao Palace realm elders, with Elder Ku Mu leading the team. If I remember correctly, his cultivation is around the fourth level of the Dao Palace realm. This shows how seriously Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is taking this matter. With the fourth-level Dao Palace realm Elder Ku Mu leading the team, and with you joining them, totaling four Dao Palace realm elders, it should not be too dangerous. Of course, caution is paramount when traveling."
Li Changye briefly explained the content of the assessment task.
Lu Changsheng understood that the main effort to resolve the issue would come from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
As for his own role, it was akin to that of an observer.
As Xia State's foremost Orthodox Sect, Mount Shu had to guard against potential threats.
A fourth-level Dao Palace realm expert leading the team should prevent any mishaps, right?
After Mount Shu's disciple induction ceremony, Lu Changsheng had not yet found another suitable disciple.
This journey could be an opportunity to scout for a potential disciple.
Lu Changsheng had the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator, which could automatically search for suitable disciples nearby, saving him the trouble.
"Then when do we depart?"
"Within ten days, rush to Zhen Nan Pass in Liang Kingdom."
"Understood."
"After returning, report to me the occurrences on the borders of Huang State, and you will have completed your assessment."
After assigning the assessment task, Li Changye left through Sword Flight.
With the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator in hand, Lu Changsheng truly wasn't concerned about the monthly stipend provided by Mount Shu.
Nevertheless, completing the sect's missions could accumulate points to exchange for rare treasures, cultivation techniques, and elixir pills in the Treasure Pavilion.
"
Moreover, Lu Changsheng descended the mountain once to see if there were any naturally gifted individuals he could take on as disciples.
Before leaving, Lu Changsheng did not forget to fleece the system once more.
Lu Changsheng summoned his disciple Lin Qingzhi and continued the power-infusing initiation.
This time, Lu Changsheng expended three hundred days of Heavenly Cultivation, Lin Qingzhi actually gained sixty days of cultivation, and Lu Changsheng received an eightyfold reward, returning four thousand eight hundred days of Heavenly Cultivation.
Lu Changsheng felt that the spiritual energy within his Dantian had increased by a fair amount, and his Dao Palace became more stable.
"This third-grade Elixir Pill 'Soul-Returning Pill' can consolidate your Dao heart after your soul has been attacked. I award it to you to save your life," he said.
Lu Changsheng took out a third-grade Elixir Pill.
"Thank you, Master."
In these past days, Lin Qingzhi had been given various magical treasures, Elixir Pills, and cultivation techniques by Lu Changsheng to the point of becoming numb to it.
If he did not accept the rewards, Lu Changsheng would be furious.
In Lin Qingzhi's eyes, his master was undoubtedly a strange person.
[Ding, you have awarded your disciple 'Lin Qingzhi' a third-grade Elixir Pill and obtained a ten-thousandfold return reward from the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator: a seventh-grade Elixir Pill 'Nine Nether Soul Gathering Pill.']
[Ding, the number of rewards you can give today -1.]
A seventh-grade Elixir Pill?!
Lu Changsheng was also startled by the return from the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator this time.
This time, he had actually triggered a ten-thousandfold reward, returning a seventh-grade Elixir Pill!
A seventh-grade Elixir Pill, even in Mount Shu, was a rare treasure.
The Nine Nether Soul Gathering Pill, even for cultivators at the Dao Palace Realm, if their souls were attacked and weren't completely scattered, could restore their soul upon consuming it.
"I need to go down the mountain in the coming days; meanwhile, you refine the spiritual energy I have transferred to you," he instructed.
"Your disciple will cultivate with diligence."
Lin Qingzhi knew that Lu Changsheng did not want to elaborate, so he did not ask more and took serious effort in cultivation as the best way to repay his master.
Having bid his farewell, Lu Changsheng, with the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword on his back and dressed in the Taiyi Daoist Robe, prepared to descend the mountain.
Even though this mission seemed easy, for the sake of caution, Lu Changsheng still brought along various magical treasures and Elixir Pills.
The matter of Huang State, which attracted the attention of both Shu Mountain Sect and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, two of the Orthodox Sects, and required four Dao Palace Realm experts to investigate the truth, was certainly not so simple.
A man drifting in the rivers and lakes cannot avoid getting slashed.
Lu Changsheng understood this truth, which applied in any world without exception.
Xia State was vast and boundless, but with Lu Changsheng's cultivation level, Sword Flight would only require a few days to arrive at Liang Kingdom.
Mount Shu was located in the central part of Xia State, while Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was in the southern part, and Liang Kingdom was within the sphere of influence of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
The original owner of the body that Lu Changsheng now possessed had cultivated for a total of two hundred and fifty years, mostly spent in Mount Shu, so his memories of the world outside Mount Shu were limited.
On this trip down the mountain, Lu Changsheng took the opportunity to connect with cultivators outside of Mount Shu.
With some luck, perhaps he could take on one or two more exceptional disciples.
"Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, among the six major Orthodox Sects, ranks fifth in strength. The Pavilion Master visited Mount Shu one thousand five hundred years ago and was defeated in three bouts against the Taiyuan True Immortal…"
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Chapter 10: When Bootlickers Reign
Translator: 549690339
Lu Changsheng summoned his Precious Sword and took to Sword Flight, his Daoist Robe fluttering fiercely. His Flying Sword tore through the sea of clouds like a streak of flowing light, spanning ten thousand miles in a day.
Even so, by the time Lu Changsheng rushed to Liang Kingdom's Zhen Nan Pass, a full five days had passed.
Zhen Nan Pass of the Liang Kingdom was one of the border defenses between Xia State and Huang State, guarded by three hundred thousand soldiers to prevent the tribes of Huang State from invading the Liang Kingdom.
Suddenly, a tall and straight figure descended from the sky and landed on the battle-scarred walls of Zhen Nan Pass.
This figure resembled an unsheathed longsword, commanding attention to the point where it was difficult for others to look directly at him.
"Who are you?"
The surrounding soldiers of the Liang Kingdom, brandishing swords and spears, surrounded Lu Changsheng, tense and on high alert.
Lu Changsheng, capable of Sword Flight, had at least reached the Qi Transformation Realm. The ordinary commanders of the Liang Kingdom were also only in the Qi Transformation Realm themselves!
With a flip of his hand, Lu Changsheng revealed a token made of metal inscribed with the ancient seal characters for "Mount Shu": "I am an envoy from Mount Shu. Where are the people from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion?"
"So it's an Immortal from Mount Shu!"
"Hurry and report to the Zhen Nan General and the Immortals of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion!"
"Please wait a moment, Mount Shu Immortal."
Seeing the Mount Shu token, the surrounding Liang Kingdom soldiers unanimously cast envious glances at Lu Changsheng.
Mount Shu is the foremost of the Orthodox Sects in Xia State, its lineage stretching over hundreds of thousands of years, and the Ancestral Master of Mount Shu is a legendary figure.
In their eyes, Lu Changsheng, with his Immortal-like presence and Dao Bone, was undoubtedly an Immortal himself.
"I am Yun Tiannan, the defender of Zhen Nan Pass, and I respectfully welcome the Elder of Mount Shu. Elder, please follow me; the Elders from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion have been waiting for you for a long time."
The Zhen Nan Pass defender was a Loose Cultivator who had reached the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm. To mortals, he was unfathomably profound, but at Mount Shu, his cultivation wouldn't even compare to the most junior Elder.
As for the Dao Palace Realm Elders of Mount Shu, they might well be figures he would look up to for a lifetime.
Lu Changsheng followed the Zhen Nan Pass defender into the fortress city and entered a resplendent mansion.
The Inquiry Immortal Pavilion party had been waiting there for a long time, about more than twenty people in total. The one leading them was an old man who looked withered and frail, leaning on a walking stick.
Despite his decrepit appearance, Lu Changsheng dared not underestimate him.
Elder Ku Mu, a previous generation Elder of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, had cultivated for eight hundred years, and the last time he made a move, he displayed the cultivation of the fourth layer of the Dao Palace Realm.
Aside from Elder Ku Mu, there were also two other Elders of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, one male and one female, both carrying longswords.
The man was fairly handsome with a distinguished air about him; the only issue was his fawning and ingratiating gaze towards the other female Dao Palace Realm cultivator.
A sycophant!
Lu Changsheng inwardly sighed.
It seems even in a world of cultivation, sycophants are prevalent.
Indeed, people are all about appearances.
Lu Changsheng's gaze then shifted to the female Dao Palace Realm cultivator of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, and he was momentarily startled.
This woman, dressed in white, had a beauty that outshined the snow, a jade-like stature, and hair that fell to her waist, with brows that framed her face like distant mountains and eyes as clear and lustrous as autumn waters.
Even with all the female celebrities Lu Changsheng had seen in his past life, not one could compare to her by even a fraction.
Just in terms of aura, there was quite a shortfall.
Standing there without moving a muscle, the spiritual energy of nature naturally converged into her body, making her appear like a fairy, transcending the mundane world.
No wonder the male Elder of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion had become a sycophant.
However, Lu Changsheng had an Innate Taoist Body, which allowed him to easily suppress his emotions. He was merely awestruck for a moment before he quickly regained his composure.
Just a fleeting instance and Lu Changsheng's expression was calm, "My name is Lu Changsheng, a disciple of the Taiyuan True Immortal, following the command of my eldest senior brother, I have come to assist all of you."
The female Dao Palace Realm cultivator of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was instead slightly startled.
It was the first time a male cultivator had seen her and managed to maintain a blank expression on his face.
The man before her was no ordinary person.
This was her intuition.
The young Elder of the Dao Palace Realm from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion frowned, "Lu Changsheng? If I recall correctly, he was the last direct disciple recruited by Ancestral Master Taiyuan, who entered the Nascent Soul Realm just a century ago. Could it be that you have not yet reached the Dao Palace Realm? This mission is no trivial matter; do not hold us back."
It seemed that the senior brother had not yet informed the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion about his breakthrough to the Dao Palace Realm.
Or was it that the senior brother deliberately concealed his cultivation?
After all, the less the other party knew about one's own capabilities, the safer one was.
Being in Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was not like being in Mount Shu; Lu Changsheng might not fully trust the former.
Thinking this, Lu Changsheng purposefully sighed, "Alas, my cultivation is not profound. A hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye, and now my cultivation is merely at the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul Realm."
The sycophantic Elder of the Dao Palace Realm revealed an expression as if to say, 'So it is', "Once we enter Huang State, you can just act together with our disciples."
"Luo Feng, do not be rude! Li Changye has arranged for Elder Lu to assist us, and there must be a deep meaning behind it," retorted Elder Ku Mu, scolding the sycophantic Dao Palace Realm Elder.
Li Changye's reputation was renowned across the six Orthodox Sects and four Demon Sects among the young generation of Elders.
Having cultivated for five hundred years, Li Changye had already reached the ninth layer of the Dao Palace Realm, while Elder Ku Mu, despite eight hundred years of cultivation, was only at the fourth layer, uncertain whether he would be able to make it to the fifth layer in his remaining years.
Elder Ku Mu almost worshiped Li Changye, who was younger yet more advanced in cultivation, convinced that someone sent by him could not be wrong.
"Hmph, after two hundred and fifty years of cultivation I'm only at the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, perhaps destined to be stuck there for life. At this age, I had already entered the Dao Palace Realm. It seems that Mount Shu is nothing special after all," Luo Feng said dismissively, trying to belittle Lu Changsheng and highlight his own talent to catch the attention of a female Elder of the Dao Palace Realm.
Pathetic, a sycophant, ends up with nothing despite all the fawning.
Lu Changsheng muttered to himself inwardly, completely ignoring Luo Feng.
He had seen many such people before.
Elder Ku Mu coughed lightly, "These two are Elders of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion and also two disciples of our Pavilion Master, Luo Feng and Xia Ningxue."
"Hmph."
Luo Feng crossed his arms and snorted coldly.
The Dao Palace Realm Elder named Xia Ningxue, however, nodded in acknowledgment.
Inquiry Immortal Pavilion sent an Elder of the fourth layer of the Dao Palace Realm and two direct disciples of the Pavilion Master?!
Lu Changsheng looked over the people present, in addition to the three Dao Palace Realm powerhouses, there were more than twenty Elders or Inner Sect Disciples from the Nascent Soul and Golden Core Realms.
With the cultivation levels of these twenty-some people, the group was almost like a nation-destroying squad.
The fact that Inquiry Immortal Pavilion dispatched such a lineup to the borderlands of Huang State suggested that the issue was probably far from simple.
[Ding, the system is searching for suitable candidates to become your disciples… One has been found.]
As Lu Changsheng pondered, the cold voice of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator echoed within his Sea of Consciousness.
Oh? Is there a suitable candidate for a disciple nearby?
Lu Changsheng was taken aback once again.
He had not expected to come across a suitable disciple so soon after leaving Mount Shu.
[Ding, the disciple candidate the system has identified is named Xia Ningxue.]
"???"
Lu Changsheng was stunned.
This, this wasn't right, was she not a direct disciple of the Fairy Pavilion Master?
Was he supposed to poach from another institution?
Lu Changsheng looked towards Xia Ningxue, and as the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator in his Sea of Consciousness burst into dazzling golden light, he could see that her aptitude was not inferior to his senior brother's.
But how was he to take such a person as his disciple?
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Chapter 11: I have something on my mind, but I'm not sure if I should speak of it.
Translator: 549690339
Xia Ningxue's information appeared in the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
[Xia Ningxue]
[Talent: Lingwa Holy Body, Innate Spiritual Vein, Water Spirit Root, Turn Misfortune into Fortune, Virtuous Wife and Good Mother]
[Cultivation: First Layer of Dao Palace Realm]
[Dao Bone: 20 years]
Dao Bone of 20 years?!!
"The system can't be broken, can it?"
Lu Changsheng, seeing that Xia Ningxue only had a Dao Bone of 20 years but her Cultivation was at the first layer of the Dao Palace Realm, feared that there had been an error with the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
If the information displayed by the system was indeed true, then Xia Ningxue's aptitude was terrifying.
A 20-year-old at the Dao Palace Realm was even more incredible than Li Changye; she had a never-before-heard Lingwa Holy Body and the life pattern of Turn Misfortune into Fortune, undoubtedly a cultivation genius that appears once in ten thousand years.
No wonder the system suggested that he should take Xia Ningxue as his disciple.
It was only that Xia Ningxue was a direct disciple of the Fairy Pavilion Master.
Let alone whether Xia Ningxue would consent, if he succeeded in making her his disciple, the Fairy Pavilion Master herself might come after him with a sword.
As for the life pattern of Virtuous Wife and Good Mother, he didn't know what effect it could possibly have on cultivation.
"Fairy Xia, I have a matter I am unsure whether to mention."
Lu Changsheng didn't hold out much hope, but to miss such a cultivation prodigy was regretful to his Dao heart.
"Please speak."
Xia Ningxue was somewhat puzzled, what did this Elder from the Shu Mountain Sect want to do?
"I wonder if Fairy Xia would condescend to become a disciple under me?"
Lu Changsheng still took the plunge and asked shamelessly.
"Hah?"
Xia Ningxue was stunned.
Had she heard wrong?
A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator like Lu Changsheng wanted to take her as his disciple?
Not just Xia Ningxue, but Elder Ku Mu, Luo Feng, and the others were also open-mouthed with astonishment.
If it had been Taiyuan of Mount Shu coming to the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion to poach disciples, that would have been one thing, but a common Elder from Mount Shu wanting to take a Fairy Pavilion Elder as his disciple?
Moreover, Xia Ningxue's position in the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was far more important than that of most Elders.
"Elder Lu is quite humorous; unfortunately, I already have a master."
Xia Ningxue, indeed a direct disciple from a major sect, did not reject him outright but gave Lu Changsheng an out.
"Truly regrettable."
Lu Changsheng was serious.
If he weren't afraid of offending the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Lu Changsheng would have found a way to make Xia Ningxue acknowledge him as her master.
The Disciple Apprenticeship System was perfect in every way, except that when it automatically searched for disciple candidates, it never considered the backgrounds of those it selected.
"Lu, let's not joke about such things; this matter is urgent, and we should quickly proceed to the Great Wilderness Frontier to investigate."
Elder Ku Mu too treated Lu Changsheng as if he were joking, not taking it seriously.
Over two dozen streaks of light set out from Zhen Nan Pass, flying towards the southern mountains.
"Why did the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion establish a branch in Huang State; what was their objective?"
"It's simple: one reason is to keep an eye on the movements within Huang State, the other is to recruit tribespeople from the Huang Tribe with better aptitude. We suspect that the Demon Race perpetrated a bloodbath upon our branch. The Demon Race of Huang State might not necessarily be weaker than your Mount Shu. We must be extremely cautious on this journey."
Elder Ku Mu's face grew solemn as he spoke about this matter.
Lu Changsheng had indeed learned from the archives of Mount Shu that the so-called Huang Tribe were descendants from ancient times, scattered about the mountains of Huang State.
Though members of the Huang Tribe belonged to the human race, they had always lived in a tribal manner.
Because they were descendants from ancient times and were few in number, yet physically robust, the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion occasionally recruited disciples from the Huang Tribe to strengthen their sect.
Huang State was named after the Huang Tribe.
To the south of Zhen Nan Pass lay endless mountains. Lu Changsheng and his group traveled by Sword Flight for two days before finally arriving at the branch of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion here.
The branch was established in a Huang Tribe village, which was left in ruins when Lu Changsheng and his group arrived; corpses lay scattered everywhere, broken stone houses, dried riverbeds of blood, and stone axes covered in cracks could all be seen.
"Indeed, it was the work of the Demon Race."
Xia Ningxue looked at the huge claw print below, a trace left by a Great Demon during battle.
The scent of the Demon Race still lingered in the valley where the Huang Tribe resided.
"It's not just the Demon Race, but also remnants of the Demon Sects' presence."
Elder Ku Mu's expression grew even grimmer as he detected the traces of the Demon Sects.
Lu Changsheng's expression also became increasingly serious.
In Xia State, although the six major sects of the Righteous Dao competed, they joined forces to suppress the four Demon Sects, with the Dao always triumphing by a measure over the demons.
But if the four Demon Sects collaborated with the Demon Race of Huang State, it would disrupt the balance.
The waters are deep indeed.
No wonder the eldest senior brother is so concerned about the events unfolding here.
"Split up and search, see if there are any survivors."
"Yes."
The group from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion dispersed in different directions, looking for survivors.
Four powerhouses of Dao Palace Realm stood on their Flying Swords above the Huang Tribe's village.
"It's very likely that none have survived. Did the Demon Race aim to annihilate this Huang Tribe and incidentally destroy our branch, or did they come specifically for our branch?"
Luo Feng's face was ugly.
"That is exactly what I'm worried about. We can only glimpse the truth if we find survivors."
Elder Ku Mu's face was as wrinkled as tree bark, filled with concern.
Xia Ningxue's brows were slightly furrowed, and she stayed silent.
The tens of thousands in the Huang Tribe, wiped out in a single night.
"Elders, we haven't found anyone over here."
"Neither have we."
"Aaahhh!!!"
A scream came from several Inquiry Immortal Pavilion disciples responsible for searching the nearby woods.
Lu Changsheng, Elder Ku Mu, Luo Feng, and Xia Ningxue all immediately turned their gaze to the south, where a beast's claw, a hundred zhang wide, appeared, striking at an Inquiry Immortal Pavilion disciple from the Golden Core Realm.
The Golden Core Realm disciple attempted Sword Flight to escape the range of the beast's claw attack, "Elders, save me!"
Boom!
The merciless beast's claw struck down, slamming the Golden Core Realm disciple to the ground, erasing him with a single swipe!
The earth shook, and dust and stones flew around!
"We're ambushed, this is bad!"
Lu Changsheng immediately held his breath and focused, concentrating all of his attention.
This assessment mission was fraught with extreme danger!
"Hahaha, we didn't find that one person, but instead, you came to us. Since you're here, we'll take you down as well!"
Around the valley, hundreds of figures appeared, led by a man with a scar from a sword on his face, dressed in black sword attire, and radiating fierceness.
Over twenty people from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion were terrified as they looked around, realizing they were completely surrounded by Demon Sect disciples.
"Evil Sword, an Elder of the Reincarnation Hall, is at the same level as I am in the Dao Palace Realm. I will hold him off while you lead the team and break through the siege."
Elder Ku Mu secretly messaged Lu Changsheng, Luo Feng, and Xia Ningxue.
"Then what will you do, Elder?"
"I'll find a way to escape when the time comes, but you absolutely cannot die here, or else I cannot explain it to the Pavilion Master."
Elder Ku Mu was resolute, determined to save the disciple most valued by the Pavilion Master no matter what.
"Ku Mu, you have two Dao Palace Realm helpers there, and I also have two Dao Palace Realm Elders here, but I've also called upon the Demon Race's Black Tiger Daoist. Today, you will all be buried here! Hahahaha!!!"
Evil Sword laughed wildly. Four Dao Palace Realm cultivators and hundreds of Demon Sect disciples were facing the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's team of only three Dao Palace Realm cultivators, a nearly certain victory.
"…"
Lu realized that Evil Sword seemed to have forgotten to count him, another cultivator of the Dao Palace Realm.
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Chapter 12 Black Tiger Daoist
Translator: 549690339
A great demon with a tiger's head and a human body appeared beside the Evil Sword, coldly scanning the group from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, "Evil Sword, you deal with Ku Mu. I'll take care of the others."
"No problem."
The Evil Sword stretched out his hand, and the huge sword behind him flew out, landing in his hand as he cruelly licked the blade, his eyes bloodshot.
In his eyes, Lu Changsheng and his party were already corpses.
"Black Tiger Daoist, a Great Demon of the fourth layer of Dao Palace from Huang State, often devours humans of the Huang Tribe, and is naturally brutal and bloodthirsty. This is not good."
Having lived for eight hundred years, Elder Ku Mu was experienced and knowledgeable, and he also had an understanding of the loose cultivators from Huang State.
Elder Ku Mu could hold off Elder Evil Sword from the Reincarnation Hall, but he was completely unable to manage Black Tiger Daoist.
Therefore, Elder Ku Mu secretly transmitted a message, telling Lu Changsheng, Xia Ningxue, Luo Feng, and others to find a way to escape.
"Attack!"
Several hundred disciples of the Demon Sects, armed with various weapons, attacked Lu Changsheng and his group from all directions.
"Follow me and break through the siege."
Xia Ningxue drew a snow-white longsword, its Sword Qi sweeping across and slaying several Demon Sect disciples as she led the charge to break out.
"You heretics and evil-doers, you're seeking your own death!"
"Heaven Burning Sword!"
Luo Feng summoned a Precious Sword, which whipped up roaring flames. The Demon Sect disciples caught in the fiery Sword Qi did not even have the chance to scream before being turned to ash.
Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is one of the six major Righteous Dao, and its Dao Palace realm elders are by no means ordinary.
However, two elders of the Dao Palace realm from the Reincarnation Hall made their move.
The sound of chains swinging could be heard, and the sickle at the end of the chain slashed through the air towards Xia Ningxue!
Xia Ningxue used her Longsword to strike the sickle, but the Longsword was entangled by the chain, and the sickle still flew towards Xia Ningxue.
"Break!"
Xia Ningxue slapped with her left palm, blasting the sickle that was slicing through the air!
"Break again!"
With her right hand wielding the sword, Xia Ningxue's sharp Sword Qi cut through the chain!
"An Acquired Spirit Treasure of high quality?!"
The Reincarnation Hall elder who attacked Xia Ningxue was greatly surprised; Xia Ningxue's Longsword was exceptionally sharp, having cut through his chain and sickle with Sword Qi.
"One Sword of Frosty Cold!"
Xia Ningxue swung out a Cold Ice Sword Qi that stretched over dozens of yards, turning the air to ice wherever it passed!
The Reincarnation Hall elder couldn't dodge in time and had an arm severed by Xia Ningxue's Sword Qi!
The wound was frostbitten, and the Reincarnation Hall elder showed an agonized and ferocious expression.
He, too, was of the first layer of Dao Palace, but Xia Ningxue, born with the Lingwa Holy Body and Innate Spiritual Vein, and possessing a high-quality Acquired Spirit Treasure, completely overwhelmed the Reincarnation Hall elder.
"Within Reach, Ends of the Earth."
Xia Ningxue took a step forward and instantly appeared in front of the Reincarnation Hall elder, slaying him with one sword strike!
While stealthily dealing with the Demon Sect disciples, Lu Changsheng was secretly astounded.
Xia Ningxue was clearly not an ordinary elder of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"Useless trash!"
The muffled voice of Black Tiger Daoist rang out as a giant beast paw materialized, striking towards Xia Ningxue!
"Ice Sword Domain!"
The air around Xia Ningxue solidified into ice, with ice blades forming Sword Qi in front of her.
Crack!
The beast paw shattered the Ice Sword Qi and struck Xia Ningxue!
"Puh…"
Xia Ningxue was injured by a blow from Black Tiger Daoist, spitting out blood, her complexion pale.
Although she was nearly invincible in the same realm, Black Tiger Daoist was a fourth-layer Dao Palace Great Demon, three realms higher than her.
"Black Tiger Daoist, by colluding with the Reincarnation Hall, aren't you afraid of the six major Righteous Dao?"
Xia Ningxue's expression remained frosty, the more dangerous the situation, the more she needed to stay rational.
"The six major Righteous Dao mean shit; one day I will attack Mount Shu and devour a hundred thousand disciples!
"Die!"
Black Tiger Daoist mercilessly struck down, his beast paw lashing out again!
Xia Ningxue stepped on her Flying Sword, trying to dodge the beast's claw.
But as the beast's claw grew with the wind, it became like a small mountain, still slapping down fiercely!
"Pfft!"
Xia Ningxue spat out blood again, her face devoid of color.
The gap between their three realms made it difficult for Xia Ningxue to bridge the chasm.
"Junior sister!"
Luo Feng was locked in fierce combat with another Reincarnation Hall Elder and saw Xia Ningxue about to be annihilated by Black Tiger Daoist, his anxiety burning like fire.
But both he and the Reincarnation Hall Elder were of the second layer of Dao Palace Realm and evenly matched in their deadly fight, unable to spare any effort to assist.
"Die!"
Black Tiger Daoist continuously struck out with his claws, covering the sky and earth as they smacked down, shaking the ground.
Xia Ningxue appeared slightly disheveled, with no choice but to dodge with her sword.
"Ah!!!"
Another disciple from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was killed and fell from the sky.
The more than twenty people from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, under the siege of the Demon Sects, were quickly reduced to just over ten.
Lu Changsheng activated the Taiqing Wuji Technique, wielding the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword, battling alone against three Nascent Soul Realm Elders of the Reincarnation Hall without falling at a disadvantage. Swinging the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword, the sword moved with the power of wind and thunder, annihilating two Reincarnation Hall Elders!
In the intelligence from the Reincarnation Hall, Lu Changsheng was an Elder of the Nascent Soul Realm from Mount Shu, but in reality, he had already reached the Dao Palace Realm.
The Reincarnation Hall, having messed up the intelligence, suffered a great loss, and Lu Changsheng grew stronger as the battle raged, slaying another seven or eight Reincarnation Hall disciples.
"The most troublesome is Black Tiger Daoist. Even if I kill all the Demon Sect's disciples, if Xia Ningxue is killed by Black Tiger Daoist, I will also face disaster."
Lu Changsheng steeled his heart and attacked Black Tiger Daoist from behind with his sword.
"Hmph, a mere Nascent Soul Realm Taoist dares to ambush me?"
Black Tiger Daoist sensed the sword Qi approaching from behind and turned around to casually strike with his palm.
"Myriad Swords Return to Origin!"
Lu Changsheng frantically activated the Taiqing Wuji Technique, and a vast outpour of spiritual energy surged from his Dantian!
In midair, over ten thousand spirit swords formed from condensed spiritual energy aimed at Black Tiger Daoist!
In that moment, Lu Changsheng no longer concealed his strength but used his full power!
"What? You are in the Dao Palace Realm!"
Black Tiger Daoist was caught off guard, and because he miscalculated, he used too little power to block Lu Changsheng's palm.
Black Tiger Daoist's palm force only obliterated three thousand spirit swords, with seven thousand more bombarding him.
Boom, boom, boom!
Black Tiger Daoist, unprepared, was repeatedly struck by the spirit swords, finding himself in a very awkward position.
"Let's go!"
Lu Changsheng knew that by launching a surprise attack, he might be able to severely injure Black Tiger Daoist, but the idea of killing him across three realms was far too difficult.
Xia Ningxue's expression showed shock; Lu Changsheng was also of the Dao Palace Realm, whereas she had until then endured Luo Feng's taunts.
The group from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion fought as they retreated, and under the leadership of three Dao Palace Realm individuals, they broke through the encirclement.
"You dare injure me, unforgivable! Black Tiger Heart Devouring!"
Black Tiger Daoist, furious, sent a surge of black mist towards the group from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"Not good, he's targeting our souls!"
"Leave, I'll block it! The Dao follows Nature!"
Xia Ningxue stood behind everyone, forcefully enduring Black Tiger Daoist's attack.
The moment the black mist hit her, Xia Ningxue's soul felt as though it had been struck hard, and her eyes became lifeless.
"Struck by my Black Tiger Heart Devouring Technique, in no time, your soul will be torn apart."
Black Tiger Daoist was very confident in his technique.
He had used this move to exterminate countless exceptional beings.
"Take this elixir pill."
Lu Changsheng, unable to escape Black Tiger Daoist's pursuit alone, decisively took out a rank-seven Nine Nether Soul Gathering Pill and fed it to Xia Ningxue.
Xia Ningxue's soul began to reconvene, her eyes once again brightening. She miraculously survived, feeling it almost unbelievable.
"Hm?"
Black Tiger Daoist expended a vast amount of spiritual energy to perform his unique Dao technique, yet Xia Ningxue was easily rescued by Lu Changsheng.
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Chapter 13 Are Grade 7 Elixir Pills Really Rare?
Translator: 549690339
"
A mass of black mist swept over the valley, startling countless birds into flight. The terrifying divine sense of Black Tiger Daoist scanned the entire canyon but found no trace of Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue before finally departing.
The valley fell silent.
An hour later, the black mist returned; Black Tiger Daoist had doubled back on himself.
"It seems they're indeed not here."
Muttering to himself, Black Tiger Daoist rode the clouds and mists away from the area.
"Black Tiger Daoist is truly treacherous. Actual villains are much more cunning than those in TV dramas. Let's not leave the cave for the time being."
Inside a secluded cave, Lu Changsheng held his breath and concentrated, sensing the oppressive aura of Black Tiger Daoist fade away before finally letting out a sigh of relief.
Among the loose cultivators of Huang State, Black Tiger Daoist was notorious for his cruelty and cunning personality. Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue had narrowly escaped his pursuit.
Worried about encountering Black Tiger Daoist if they went out now, Lu Changsheng decided to stay in the cave for some more days.
Lu Changsheng sat in meditation, regulating his breath.
The sound of Xia Ningxue's breathing echoed in the cave.
Xia Ningxue had been injured by Black Tiger Daoist and was resting to recover.
"When Black Tiger Daoist's Dao technique shattered my soul, was it you who used the Seventh-grade elixir 'Nine Nether Soul Gathering Pill' to help me reconvene my soul?"
Xia Ningxue opened her bright eyes, looking at Lu Changsheng with a mixture of emotions.
The Nine Nether Soul Gathering Pill was a Seventh-grade elixir, something not even the elders reached in the Dao Palace, and even the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion couldn't produce many.
Yet, Lu Changsheng had administered it directly to her, dissolving Black Tiger Daoist's Dao technique and saving her life.
"Are Seventh-grade Elixir Pills very rare?"
Lu Changsheng was puzzled.
He knew that Seventh-grade elixir pills were valuable, but wasn't clear on just how scarce they were.
After all, it was a reward from the Disciple Apprenticeship System, something he took for granted; he could always fleece the system for more in the future.
"You…"
Xia Ningxue's pupils quivered. From what Lu Changsheng said, were Seventh-grade Elixir Pills insignificant to him?
Even her own master wouldn't dare to say such a thing, would he?
"Here is a Fifth-grade Elixir Pill 'Scarlet Blood Consolidating Essence Pill,' which can heal wounds and restore vitality."
Seeing that Xia Ningxue's injuries hadn't yet fully healed, Lu Changsheng flicked his fingers, sending out a pill.
"A Fifth-grade Elixir Pill… are you really giving this to me?"
Xia Ningxue caught the Elixir Pill, incredulous.
Lu Changsheng's face remained calm, as if to him a Fifth-grade Elixir Pill was nearly as insignificant as trash.
"You need to recover your vital energy as quickly as possible so that we have a chance to escape. Otherwise, with my power alone, facing Black Tiger Daoist would only lead to a dead end. Consider it a mutual benefit."
Lu Changsheng knew that if both of them restored their strength to the first level of the Dao Palace Realm, they could together stand a chance against Black Tiger Daoist, which is why he offered her the Scarlet Blood Consolidating Essence Pill.
"Alright."
Xia Ningxue understood that in their current predicament, they needed each other. Dropping any pretense, she consumed the Scarlet Blood Consolidating Essence Pill, closed her eyes to meditate, refining the pill's power as her wounds visibly healed at an remarkable rate.
Lu Changsheng also consumed a Fourth-grade Elixir Pill 'Earth Spirit Pill' to restore his own spiritual energy.
Fortunately, the Disciple Apprenticeship System had rewarded him with a bunch of superb elixir pills before they descended the mountain, enabling Lu Changsheng to narrowly escape this disaster.
Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue stayed in the cave for three days. Xia Ningxue's injuries fully healed, and Lu Changsheng's spiritual energy was also restored to its full capacity.
"Black Tiger Daoist hasn't doubled back within three days. We can go out now."
Lu Changsheng planned to return to Mount Shu to report to his senior brother about the situation in Huang State.
Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue led a group of disciples from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, breaking through the encirclement. The other disciples, with lesser skills, perished while being chased by Black Tiger Daoist and the Reincarnation Hall.
As for Elder Ku Mu and Elder Luo Feng of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, their whereabouts were unknown.
Had it not been for Lu Changsheng revealing his Dao Palace Realm cultivation, Xia Ningxue might have been annihilated by Black Tiger Daoist as well.
Thinking about the outcome of their journey, a hint of worry crossed Xia Ningxue's delicate features, "Elder Lu, I owe you my life. How do you want me to repay you?"
"
"If you wish to repay me, why not take me as your master?"
"Are you serious? But I have sworn a poison oath to my sect, never to betray it, apart from this, I can agree to anything you ask."
Xia Ningxue was taken aback; she thought that Lu Changsheng was only joking, and she didn't expect him to bring up the matter again.
"Apart from this, I can't think of anything else at the moment; we'll talk about it another day."
Lu Changsheng indeed lacked nothing in terms of magical treasures or cultivation techniques.
The proper course of action was to find a way to return to Mount Shu.
"Understood."
Xia Ningxue wasn't in a hurry to repay the favor. Both were members of the six Orthodox Sects and young elders; they would inevitably cross paths again.
Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue left the cave where they had been hiding.
Suddenly, Xia Ningxue gasped in doubt when she saw a strange pattern on a huge rock at the entrance of the cave.
"This is a secret signal used by the disciples of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion to communicate. A disciple from the Huang State branch is still alive; this is the signal she left."
Xia Ningxue's expression gradually cleared.
The Huang State branch had not been completely wiped out; there were survivors!
"She fled to the north, I hope Black Tiger Daoist hasn't encountered her."
"Let's hurry and catch up."
Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue flew north, skimming the ground on their Flying Swords.
The next day, when Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue arrived at a desolate village, they enveloped the village in their Divine Sense and detected two auras, one strong and one weak.
"Come out!"
Lu Changsheng shouted.
"Demon Sects, I'll fight you! We'll perish together!"
From inside the village, a Flying Sword was thrust at them, initiating a desperate move that would result in mutual destruction!
"Stop, I am Xia Ningxue of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion!"
Xia Ningxue, sensing the other was one of her own, softly scolded.
The Flying Sword hovered in midair, and the person wielding the sword was a female Golden Core Realm disciple of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"Disciple pays respects to the Holy Maiden!"
The female Golden Core Realm disciple, upon seeing Xia Ningxue, was overwhelmed with emotion and hurriedly retrieved her sword to pay respect.
Holy Maiden?
Lu Changsheng looked at Xia Ningxue with a strange expression. This person's status in Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was indeed not low.
But Xia Ningxue still owed him a favor…
"Evil Sword from Reincarnation Hall and Black Tiger Daoist from the Demon Race joined forces to massacre our branch, I was the only one who managed to escape through a tunnel, the others…"
The female disciple choked up and her eyes reddened as she mentioned this.
"We've also encountered Evil Sword and Black Tiger Daoist."
"Then, Holy Maiden…"
"Apart from the two of us, the rest are either dead or missing."
"That makes sense, the Holy Maiden has not cultivated for long, and is not a match for Black Tiger Daoist."
"Why did Black Tiger Daoist attack our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion branch?"
Xia Ningxue regained her composure; the ultimate purpose of this journey was to uncover the truth behind the events in Huang State.
"There's another person involved in this matter. Black Tiger Daoist and Reincarnation Hall probably came for this person, come out."
The female disciple wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and called out to another person hiding in a stone house.
Lu Changsheng looked towards the stone house, only to see a little girl with her face covered in mud hiding behind the wooden door, peering out at them nervously.
"Ding, the system has found a suitable candidate for discipleship… one has been found."
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Chapter 14: The Second Disciple
Translator: 549690339
The Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator suddenly reacted, bursting forth with dazzling golden light.
The source of the golden light was a little girl hiding behind a wooden door, looking somewhat timid.
The information of the little girl appeared within the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator.
[Name: None]
[Race: Huang Tribe]
[Talent: Martial King Divine Physique, Fire Spirit Root, Tragic Destiny]
[Cultivation: Fifth Level of the Qi Transformation Realm]
[Dao Bone: 7 Years]
The Huang Tribe with 7 years of Dao Bone, and cultivation at the Fifth Level of the Qi Transformation Realm?!
Could this little one have been born at the Qi Transformation Realm?
Lu Changsheng had heard that the Huang Tribe were descendants of an ancient tribe, some of whose offspring had strong bloodlines and were born with cultivation levels.
He had not expected this little girl to possess a special constitution—the "Martial King Divine Physique."
The only pity was that the girl's destinial pattern was not good.
Lu Changsheng waved his hand, and although the little girl was still timid, she was drawn out by the attraction of Lu Changsheng's Innate Taoist Body.
"A month ago, a group of Huang Tribe warriors protected her and sought refuge at our branch pavilion, but were attacked by the Black Tiger Daoist and the Reincarnation Hall. The Hall Master instructed me to take her and escape through the tunnel before dying. Afterwards, the Hall Master chose to self-destruct, destroying the tunnel entrance, and I was able to escape to safety, until I met the Holy Maiden."
The female disciple narrated the causes and consequences of the events in Huang State.
"Since the matter of Huang State is so closely related to her, we can take her back to the sect and hand her over to the Pavilion Master for disposition."
Xia Ningxue found a clue and planned to take the little girl back to the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"Hold on a moment."
Lu Changsheng had finally found a candidate disciple with exceptional talent and could not afford to miss this opportunity, so he stopped Xia Ningxue.
"What's the matter?"
"Since Fairy Xia is unwilling to become my disciple, I plan to seek the next best option and accept this girl as my disciple and take her back to Mount Shu."
"You're from Mount Shu? This person was found by our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, how can you take her to Mount Shu?"
The female disciple became anxious, as their branch pavilion had nearly been wiped out trying to protect this little girl of the Huang Tribe.
"You owe me a favor, do you not?"
Lu Changsheng looked at Xia Ningxue, who was the one in charge.
Xia Ningxue's eyebrows knitted slightly, and after careful consideration, she finally let out a long sigh, "Take her then."
"Holy Maiden, what if the Pavilion Master assigns blame…"
"I shall bear it alone. Moreover, entrusting her protection to Mount Shu might be better. After all, Mount Shu's foundation is stronger than that of our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion."
"I obey the order."
The female disciple of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion greatly admired the Holy Maiden Xia Ningxue. Once Xia Ningxue made a decision, she did not persist any longer.
"We are not far from Zhen Nan Pass now, and I presume the Black Tiger Daoist would not dare to enter the territory of our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion. Then, Elder Lu, I take my leave. We shall meet again if fate allows it."
Xia Ningxue motioned with her fingers, and the Flying Sword unsheathed, taking her and the female disciple back to the sect.
Before leaving, Xia Ningxue gave Lu Changsheng a deep look.
"This person's heart is of the highest quality."
Lu Changsheng exclaimed.
The character of Xia Ningxue was also rare in the world.
Only Lu Changsheng and the little girl of the Huang Tribe remained.
"Do you have a name?"
The little girl shook her head.
"Since we share a master-disciple fate, I shall name you 'Lian.' From now on, I am your master."
Lu Changsheng patted her head, unconcerned about her background. After all, taking her as a disciple and thoroughly exploiting the system was the plan.
"Mm."
The little Huang Tribe girl "Lian" nodded vigorously.
She vaguely felt that someone was after her life, and that Lu Changsheng could protect her.
"We're going back to Mount Shu."
Lu Changsheng swirled his Daoist robe, a breeze enveloped Lian, and she floated up, revealing a long-lost smile, seemingly finding it very amusing.
Lu Changsheng, with his spiritual energy, enveloped his newly accepted disciple in Sword Flight, returning to Mount Shu.
Lian's cultivation was far inferior to Lu Changsheng's, and with him eager to hit the road, he used his own spiritual energy to help his disciple hasten the journey.
After Lu Changsheng left Huang State, the Black Tiger Daoist was still frantically searching everywhere for Lu Changsheng and Xia Ningxue's traces.
Outside Zhen Nan Pass, a withered face suddenly emerged on the bark of a dead tree.
Elder Ku Mu stepped out from inside the tree, his cane already broken in two.
"The Evil Sword of the Reincarnation Hall couldn't keep this old man; I wonder if the Holy Maiden has safely returned to the Sect. Fifteen hundred years ago, the Pavilion Master challenged the Sect Leader of Mount Shu and suffered three defeats in three battles, losing all face. Now, the Pavilion Master has finally found a disciple with exceptional talent, seeking to redeem himself in the upcoming Six Paths Conference; the Holy Maiden must not encounter any mishaps…"
In the back mountain of Mount Shu, the eldest senior disciple Li Changye listened patiently to the detailed report of Lu Changsheng's affairs in Huang State, facing the sword marks on the stone wall.
Li Changye slowly said, "The Sect Leader has had a premonition that there will soon be a catastrophe in Xia State. Issue the order, every month all Mount Shu elders and disciples can receive double the cultivation resources. I hope everyone cultivates diligently and survives the calamity as best as they can."
Lu Changsheng furrowed his brows: "Are things really that dire?"
Li Changye turned around with a slight smile, "Junior brother need not worry too much, our Mount Shu has stood tall for hundreds of thousands of years, we've been through all sorts of trials and will not wither simply because of a calamity."
"Mm. Then how does eldest senior brother plan to deal with this daughter of the Huang Tribe?"
"Since she has been taken as your disciple by you, it means she has a destiny with our Mount Shu. She is your disciple and also Mount Shu's disciple; our sect will provide her with protection!"
The eldest senior disciple's tone was firm, filled with strong confidence.
This is Mount Shu!
Word is bond!
"Thank you, eldest senior brother. Junior brother takes his leave."
Lu Changsheng knew that with the eldest senior brother's character, even if Lian had the Martial King Divine Physique from ancient times, he wouldn't covet what wasn't his.
Lu Changsheng, with his second disciple, returned to Qingyun Peak and called over his first disciple, Lin Qingzhi, who had been diligently cultivating.
Lin Qingzhi, with the pure heart of an innocent, had focused solely on cultivation during Lu Changsheng's absence, undistracted by anything else.
"Master, who is this?"
"From today onwards, she is your junior sister, named 'Lian'. As the eldest disciple, you must protect your junior sister well, understand?"
"Disciple will remember well."
"Very good."
Lu Changsheng checked the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator, and the system showed the number of disciples as 2, and the daily reward opportunities, power-infusing initiation chances, and simulation chances had also increased from 1 to 2.
Having taken a second disciple, Lu Changsheng could exploit the system even better.
Next comes double the joy.
Pity that the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator seemed only to accept highly talented disciples, otherwise Lu Changsheng could have recruited hundreds of disciples, lining them up for power transmission and rewards.
"Next, I shall initiate each of you in power transmission."
Lu Changsheng never missed an opportunity for power-infusing initiation.
"Master is certain he wants to transmit power to the two of us?"
Lin Qingzhi was as stunned as a wooden chicken.
How could his master, just like an inexhaustible charging station, not fear that power-infusing initiation would drain his own cultivation?
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Chapter 15: Martial God, Starts Training from a Little Girl
Translator: 549690339
[Ding, you have transmitted 300 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple "Lin Qingzhi", who has actually received 60 days of cultivation. Lin Qingzhi's current realm is at the first layer of the Qi Transformation Realm. After refining all the Spiritual Energy, he may ascend to the second layer of the Qi Transformation Realm.]
[Ding, you have received a 70-fold return reward for imparting teachings: 4,200 days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
[Ding, the number of power-infusing initiation opportunities for today -1, the remaining number of power-infusing initiation opportunities for today is 1.]
As soon as Lu Changsheng returned to his cave residence, he immediately began the power-infusing initiation for his eldest disciple, and the system returned him more than ten years' worth of cultivation.
"Thank you, Master."
Lin Qingzhi's face turned red, his body filled with enormous Spiritual Energy, and it would take some time to refine this energy and consolidate his cultivation level.
At this rate of cultivation, Lin Qingzhi could reach the Golden Core Realm within a year.
To join Mount Shu and advance from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm within a year, such a speed of cultivation was simply inconceivable.
"Next, it's your turn."
Lu Changsheng placed his palm on the head of his younger disciple, Lian, with white steam coming from his palm as he began the power-infusing initiation.
Having had the experience of imparting to Lin Qingzhi, Lu Changsheng was even more skilled and confident, first infusing a strand of Spiritual Energy gradually.
"Hmm?"
As Lu Changsheng's Spiritual Energy entered Lian's body, he discovered the profound mysteries of the disciple's "Martial King Divine Physique."
Lian's meridians were thick, with golden blood flowing within, and an exceptionally powerful physique, making him a fine prospect for a Martial Cultivator.
Martial Cultivators focus mainly on Body Refinement, augmenting their training with Path Comprehension, which is equally a formidable path to follow.
The eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi, and the younger disciple, Lian, were on different paths.
As their Master, it was his duty to tailor his teaching according to their natural talents and guide them onto the paths best suited for them.
Lu Changsheng understood this well.
"It seems necessary to make a trip to the Scripture Pavilion; there should be records there regarding the Martial King Divine Physique."
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
Beyond storing rare cultivation techniques, the Scripture Pavilion of Mount Shu also contained various records, including those on special constitutions.
To not properly cultivate such a premium constitution as the Martial King Divine Physique would be a tragic waste.
Lu Changsheng knew that Lian, possessing the Martial King Divine Physique, could withstand more Spiritual Energy, so he increased the power of the Spiritual Energy transmission, by just that little bit extra.
"Master, my body feels so hot…"
Lian, experiencing the power-infusing initiation for the first time, felt his body becoming hot and covered in sweat, with no idea how to refine this influx of Spiritual Energy.
"Stay calm, listen to my guidance."
Lu Changsheng directed the Spiritual Energy to circulate within Lian's body, eventually settling in his Dantian, becoming his own Spiritual Energy.
Lu Changsheng guided him through three cycles, and Lian learned the process; the Spiritual Energy began to circulate on its own, continuously pooling into the Dantian.
Lian opened his bright eyes: "I think I understand."
Sure enough, as a disciple possessing the Martial King Divine Physique, he had monstrous talent, grasping the concept in an instant.
Thus, Lu Changsheng infused more Spiritual Energy.
Lian's little face turned bright red; the speed at which he was refining the Spiritual Energy couldn't keep up with the rate at which Lu Changsheng was conducting the power-infusing initiation.
Soon, Lian's body was filled with Spiritual Energy.
"Absorb!"
Lu Changsheng stopped the power-infusing initiation when Lian reached his limit, having expended a staggering 800 days of cultivation.
[Ding, you have transmitted 800 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple "Lian", who has actually received 160 days of cultivation. Lian's current realm is at the fifth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm. After refining all the Spiritual Energy, he may ascend to the sixth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm.]
"
[Ding, you have received a fifty-fold return reward for mentoring: Nine thousand Heavenly Cultivation.]
[Ding, your number of power-infusing initiations available for today has decreased by 1, the remaining number for today is 0.]
Because of the rewards from the two power-infusing initiations, Lu Changsheng's dantian Qi Sea gained two huge influxes of spiritual energy that filled the Qi Sea to the brim, ready to overflow.
After refining these two influxes of spiritual energy, Lu Changsheng could step into the second layer of the Dao Palace Realm at any time.
"The path you choose to walk is different from that of your senior brother. Besides cultivating the Dao, you also need to undergo body refinement."
"I don't have any suitable cultivation techniques for you here, so I will make a trip to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for a Heart Method and Body Refinement Method that suits you."
Lu Changsheng knew that Lian's physique was different from that of his eldest disciple and did not have any suitable cultivation or body refinement methods to bestow.
But Lu Changsheng had completed the assessment task of a Dao Palace Realm elder of Mount Shu and obtained 10,000 contribution points, which could be exchanged for cultivation resources such as cultivation techniques, mystical artifacts, and elixir pills.
Lian's Martial King Divine Physique was more suited for body refinement; her current cultivation was even higher than that of her senior brother Lin Qingzhi.
However, Lin Qingzhi had the Heart of the Innocent, which meant he might comprehend the Dao in a single day in the future—his potential could be no less than that of his junior sister.
"Right, what type of mystical artifact do you like to use?"
Lu Changsheng waved his sleeve, and weapons such as swords, spears, sabers, halberds, axes, hooks, forks, whips, maces, hammers, polearms, spiked clubs, sticks, lances, rods, and rakes appeared in the cave dwelling.
Mount Shu was mainly a place for sword cultivators, but it did not insist that all disciples must follow the Sword Dao.
Lian was a descendant of the ancient Huang Tribe and might not be suited for the Sword Dao.
Lu Changsheng tailored his teachings to the individual, allowing disciples to choose their own martial way.
Lian blinked her eyes and eventually chose a Red Tassel Spear.
Lian's petite figure seemed disproportionate to the length of the Red Tassel Spear, yet Lu Changsheng saw the rise of an unparalleled Martial God.
Lian was only seven years old, with boundless potential. What she would achieve in the future depended on how well her master would guide her.
A Martial God needed to be nurtured starting from a young girl.
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple "Lin Qingzhi" a third-grade elixir pill "Scarlet Blood Pill", and received a one hundred-fold return reward: a fifth-grade elixir pill "Scarlet Blood Consolidating Essence Pill".]
[Ding, your number of bestowals available for today has decreased by 1.]
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple "Lian" a second-grade elixir pill "Grand Qi Returning Pill", and received a five hundred-fold return reward: a fifth-grade elixir pill "Heavenly Spirit Pill".]
[Ding, your number of bestowals available for today has decreased by 1.]
Lu Changsheng had not yet found a suitable cultivation technique or mystical artifact for Lian, and his trip to Huang State had cost a large number of top-grade elixir pills, so he decided to bestow elixir pills on two disciples to fleece the system and replenish his stash of pills.
"You two go down and refine the spiritual energy. If you have any doubts during your cultivation, feel free to come to me for guidance."
"Yes. Junior sister, pay your respects to Master."
Lin Qingzhi taught Lian the etiquette of Mount Shu.
Lian made a graceful bow, looking adorably like a carved jade figurine.
As for her background, it remained a mystery till this day.
After the two disciples left, Lu Changsheng sat down to cultivate and refine the spiritual energy returned by the system.
The spiritual energy returned by the system was becoming more substantial, and it took Lu Changsheng quite a time to refine the energy and consolidate his realm.
"A trip to the Scripture Pavilion would be good."
Lu Changsheng summoned his Flying Sword and headed to the rear mountain of Mount Shu.
The Scripture Pavilion was a sacred site of Mount Shu, housing various cultivation techniques and scriptures, guarded by Dao Palace Realm elders.
Lu Changsheng's 10,000 contribution points might not be enough to exchange for top-notch cultivation techniques, but exchanging for a low-tier cultivation technique suitable for Lian should pose no issue.
Lu Changsheng had the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator which allowed him to exchange low-tier cultivation techniques and mystical artifacts, bestow them upon his disciples, and then obtain high-tier cultivation techniques and mystical artifacts through system rewards.
"
Chapter 16 The Scripture Pavilion of Mount Shu
Translator: 549690339
"So, it's Elder Lu of Qingyun Peak."
"Congratulations to Elder Lu for stepping into the Dao Palace Realm. According to the rules of the Scripture Pavilion, disciples below the Qi Transformation Realm can only access the first layer, disciples of the Golden Core Realm can only access the second layer, Nascent Soul Realm elders can only access the third layer, and Elder Lu may go up to the fourth layer."
The Mount Shu disciples guarding the Scripture Pavilion became utterly respectful upon seeing the arrival of the immortally elegant Lu Changsheng.
A Dao Palace Realm elder is indeed a mainstay of Mount Shu.
Lu Changsheng encountered the Reincarnation Hall in Huang State and displayed the cultivation of the Dao Palace Realm, so he no longer concealed the fact that he had entered the Dao Palace Realm.
However, Lu Changsheng's cultivation could advance to the second layer of the Dao Palace Realm at any time, and even if outsiders knew he was at the first layer of Dao Palace Realm, it wouldn't reveal his full strength.
"Take me to the second layer."
"The second layer?"
All the disciples were surprised.
The first layer of the Scripture Pavilion contains Yellow Rank cultivation techniques, as well as ordinary texts.
The second and third layers contain Profound Rank cultivation techniques and books recording strange and special events.
The fourth layer contains Earth Rank cultivation techniques and some of Mount Shu's secrets.
The fifth layer is only known to the Sect Leader and some old monsters regarding what's inside.
Since Lu Changsheng had already stepped into the Dao Palace Realm, why did he choose to go to the second layer?
"I want to exchange some cultivation techniques for my disciple."
"I see."
"To become a disciple of Elder Lu is indeed a blessing accumulated over three lifetimes."
The disciples suddenly understood and were filled with envy.
Lu Changsheng was willing to spend his own sect merit points to exchange for suitable cultivation techniques for his disciple, which speaks volumes about the kind of master he is.
Lu Changsheng arrived at the second layer, where quite a number of Golden Core Realm disciples of Mount Shu were browsing through the cultivation techniques.
Mount Shu disciples and elders can complete sect missions, slay demons, save the dying, aid the injured, and earn merit points, which can be exchanged for cultivation techniques in the Scripture Pavilion.
Any disciple with contributions will receive their due rewards.
The Scripture Pavilion also holds various types of texts.
Reading ordinary texts does not require merit points.
Some texts that record oddities and Mount Shu's secrets do require merit points.
Besides cultivation, experience and knowledge are also crucial.
Knowledge is power.
"The book I'm looking for is exactly this one!"
Lu Changsheng found a special text on the second-layer bookshelf titled "Records of Special Physiques Through the Ages."
This text is extremely thick, recording special physiques witnessed over hundreds of thousands of years by successive Sect Leaders, elders, and disciples of Mount Shu, including the known mysteries of various special physiques.
Perusing this text requires 2,000 contribution points.
Lu Changsheng used up 2,000 Mount Shu contribution points and began to read through the text, memorizing the records of various special physiques in his mind, as they might come in handy should he encounter these talented individuals with special physiques in the future.
[Eternal Wilderness Body, Number of occurrences: Once, Bearer: Li Changye, Sect: Mount Shu, Special Traits: No records yet.]
Lu Changsheng saw his senior brother Li Changye's special physique, but there was only a simple line of text.
"Indeed, senior brother is the next candidate for Sect Leader, details about his Eternal Wilderness Body could not appear in this book, otherwise it would be easy for the Demon Sects to study and target him."
Lu Changsheng continued to flip through the pages.
[Spirit Sword Physique, frequency of occurrence: ten times, possessors: Grandmaster Tailin (Mount Shu), Fairy Qingxia (Inquiry Immortal Pavilion), …, Elder Jingyu (Mount Shu), Xiao Xiangdao (Mount Shu), special feature: first seen with Grandmaster Tailin, the seventh Sect Leader of Mount Shu, those with this physique possess extremely high talent in the Sword Dao and, barring accidents, their cultivation at least reaches the Dao Palace Realm. Out of the ten Spirit Sword Physiques, half have reached the Void Refinement Realm, but their ultimate potential is unknown.]
Lu Changsheng saw the name of Li Changye's disciple Xiao Xiangdao and the basic records of the Spirit Sword Physique.
According to the records in Mount Shu's book, the Spirit Sword Physique had actually appeared ten times in the past hundreds of thousands of years!
Grandmaster Tailin, the seventh Sect Leader of Mount Shu, was a possessor of the Spirit Sword Physique.
"Senior brother's Eternal Wilderness Body is only recorded once in this book, whereas the Spirit Sword Physique has appeared ten times; it seems the Eternal Wilderness Body is even more domineering."
"The Holy Maiden of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion I met in Huang State, Xia Ningxue, with her Lingwa Holy Body has no records at all."
Lu Changsheng browsed through the entire book and did not find a single word about the Lingwa Holy Body.
"Found it, the Martial King Divine Physique."
Lu Changsheng found a record of his young disciple's special physique at the back of the book.
[Martial King Divine Physique, frequency of occurrence: once, possessor: Huang (Huang Tribe, unknown, hence named "Huang"), special feature: one hundred thousand years ago, Grandmaster Taixu, the twenty-first Sect Leader of Mount Shu, encountered a powerful member of the Huang Tribe in Huang State. This member of the Huang Tribe slayed a Flood Dragon in the Void Refinement Realm with a stone spear. As described by the Sect Leader, the Martial King Divine Physique originated from the ancient Huang Tribe, suited for Body Refinement and proving the Dao, with potential beyond measure. Unfortunately, the Sect Leader never saw this member of the Huang Tribe again, and the records about the Martial King Divine Physique are limited to this account.]
"One hundred thousand years ago, the Huang Tribe also had the Martial King Divine Physique? It seems that this special physique is unique to the Huang Tribe."
Lu Changsheng closed the "Records of Special Physiques Through the Ages," as the records about the Martial King Divine Physique were too scant. Not even the powerful members of the Huang Tribe who had this special physique in the past left their names behind; they were simply referred to as "Huang."
"My young disciple might be a descendant of this individual named 'Huang' from the Huang Tribe."
Lu Changsheng put the "Records of Special Physiques Through the Ages" back on the shelf, and then began to look for suitable Cultivation Techniques and Body Refinement Methods for his young disciple.
"'Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills,' Profound Rank high-quality Body Refinement Method, divided into ten layers, cultivating to the tenth layer grants the power of ten thousand phenomena, suitable for disciples at the Qi Transformation Realm and Golden Core Realm, requires 3000 contribution points."
"'Purple Flame Primordial Art,' Profound Rank medium-quality Cultivation Technique, suitable for disciples with Fire Spirit Root, requires 1500 contribution points."
"'Rapid Dragon Break,' Profound Rank medium-quality spear technique, suitable for disciples who prove the Dao with martial arts and use the spear as a Spiritual Artifact, requires 1500 contribution points."
Lu Changsheng exchanged three Cultivation Techniques, spending 6000 contribution points.
With only 2000 contribution points left, Lu Changsheng went to the Spirit Weapon Pavilion and exchanged for a high-quality Spiritual Artifact, "Red Fire Spear."
All 10,000 contribution points were used up, not one point remained.
Lu Changsheng, with three Cultivation Techniques and a Spiritual Artifact, returned to his dwelling.
The number of times a disciple can be rewarded daily is twice, and the same disciple can receive both rewards.
In other words, Lu Changsheng had to divide the rewards of the three Cultivation Techniques and the Spiritual Artifact across two days for his young disciple.
"Master, I have arrived!"
Having familiarized herself with Qingyun Peak, Lian was no longer timid but hopped and skipped into the dwelling, curiously exploring every corner of it, even climbing onto Lu Changsheng's head, tugging at his black hair.
Lu Changsheng frowned, worried that this disciple might become a little demon in the future. Once her Martial King Divine Physique was somewhat developed, Mount Shu might be in for chaos.
Who knows what the Sect Leader will think then.
It seemed necessary to simulate this disciple's future life later.
"Today, I will teach you how to temper your body."
Lu Changsheng took out the "Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills" and began to train this disciple from the Huang Tribe in the direction of becoming a Martial God.
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Chapter 17 The Life of a Monstrous Disciple
Translator: 549690339
"
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple "Lian" a Profound Rank high-quality cultivation technique, "Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills," and received a four hundred fold return reward for mentoring: a Heaven Rank mid-quality cultivation technique, "Nine Dragons Refinement Technique."]
[Ding, the number of available bestowals today has decreased by 1.]
Lu Changsheng, having exchanged for the "Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills" from the Scripture Pavilion, passed it onto his young disciple and found a "Nine Dragons Refinement Technique" had appeared in his bosom.
"Nine Dragons Refinement Technique," divided into nine levels, when cultivated to the ninth level, one can possess the power of nine flood dragons.
Thereafter, Lu Changsheng taught Lian how to breathe in and cultivate using nature's spiritual energy and the power of various elixir pills to temper his body.
Lian's Martial King Divine Physique was exceptionally tyrannical, absorbing all of the medicated water refined from dozens of first and second-rank elixir pills that Lu Changsheng had prepared in advance.
"Cultivating and body refining aren't contradictory, but they require double the effort. The advantage lies in possessing both powerful cultivation and a formidable physique at the same time."
While his little disciple was earnestly tempering his body, Lu Changsheng began to peruse the "Nine Dragons Refinement Technique."
Lu Changsheng could also practice martial and cultivation dual practice. After all, he had the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator; during power-infusing initiation, he could return cultivation, allowing Lu Changsheng's rate of cultivation to far surpass ordinary people. Even dual practice wouldn't take up much more time.
The excess spiritual energy could be fully used to temper his body, turning himself into a spiritual treasure.
By now, the spiritual energy accumulated in Lu Changsheng's dantian qi sea had overflowed, so he used the surplus spiritual energy to temper his body, ensuring every muscle and bone was refined.
"Master, Lian'er has made an initial achievement."
After cultivating in Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling for three days, Lian had reached the first level of "Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills." With just a single punch, without using spiritual energy, he could unleash the power of ten elephants.
If "Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills" was cultivated to the tenth level, then with a swing of Lian's little fist, he could wield the power of ten thousand phenomena and could shatter a mountain with his bare hands.
"Very good."
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes; his "Nine Dragons Refinement Technique" had also reached the first level.
"In the future, your master will frequently bestow you with elixir pills, which you can use to temper your body."
Lu Changsheng knew that his little disciple's Martial King Divine Physique needed an abundance of heavenly materials and earthly treasures to achieve minor accomplishments.
Fortunately, Lu Changsheng had the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator. As long as he bestowed low-grade elixir pills, it would return various heavenly materials and earthly treasures.
"Next, your master will impart to you the 'Purple Flame Primordial Art.'
Lu Changsheng wasn't in a hurry to pass on martial techniques.
Cultivation and physique are the foundation; martial techniques are just the icing on the cake.
If one's cultivation is high enough, every flower and blade of grass can become a weapon.
If one's physique is strong enough, they can slay great demons with their bare hands.
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple "Lian" a Profound Rank mid-quality cultivation technique, "Purple Flame Primordial Art," and received a two hundred fold return reward for mentoring: a Heaven Rank low-quality cultivation technique, "Heaven Burning True Essence Skills."]
[Ding, the number of available bestowals today has decreased by 1.]
Lu Changsheng had acquired another Heaven Rank cultivation technique.
However, the Heaven Rank low-quality "Heaven Burning True Essence Skills" did not compare to the Heaven Rank high-quality "Supreme Purity Limitless Technique."
Once Lian cultivates "Purple Flame Primordial Art" to its highest level and his cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul Realm, he can then practice Heaven Rank cultivation techniques.
What would the system return if he bestowed Heaven Rank cultivation techniques upon his disciple?
Could there be techniques even higher than Heaven Rank?
Lu Changsheng couldn't help but feel somewhat excited.
Lu Changsheng briefly explained the difficult points in cultivating "Purple Flame Primordial Art." Lian listened while blinking his eyes and looking around, it was hard to tell whether he had remembered anything or not.
Although his senior disciple, Lin Qingzhi, was somewhat slow, his advantage lay in his undivided attention; he absorbed everything Lu Changsheng said.
As for his junior disciple Lian, while naturally active, he had the Martial King Divine Physique, an innate martial arts prodigy with top-notch comprehension.
"Your destiny is tragic; you should focus on cultivating and not be playful. Go find your senior brother and let him supervise your cultivation."
"
Lu Changsheng finished his explanation and, in the end, handed over the tedious task of supervising the little disciple's cultivation to the patient senior disciple.
"Oh."
Lian's eyes spun around, and then she hopped and skipped out again, probably to go and cause trouble for the Immortal Cranes and Immortal Deers of Qingyun Peak.
"This disciple, probably won't be that peaceful to mind."
"System, simulate 'Lian's' entire life."
Lu Changsheng was curious about his little disciple's future achievements, so he chose to simulate her life in advance.
[Ding, you have started to simulate the life of disciple "Lian".]
[Ding, today's simulation count -1.]
[Simulation begins]
[At 7, Lian became your disciple, under your perfunctory instruction, she broke through to the Golden Core Realm in the second year.]
[At 10, because Lian did not know how strong she was, she injured a Mount Shu disciple of the Golden Core Realm at the Mount Shu Disciples Convention, causing a sensation across the entire Mount Shu.]
[At 11, the eldest senior brother Lin Qingzhi was killed by an elder from the Demon Sects, which angered Lian, and she sneaked down the mountain without telling you.]
[At 12, Lian found the Demon Sects' elder, but due to her usual playfulness, her cultivation was inadequate, and she was injured by the elder and escaped back to Mount Shu.]
[At 15, under your serious guidance, Lian cultivated diligently and broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm, becoming one of Mount Shu's elders. It took her six months to find and slay the Demon Sects' elder who killed Lin Qingzhi, avenging his death.]
[At 16, Lian swore at Lin Qingzhi's grave that she would cultivate even more diligently from now on and sweep through the Four Great Demon Sects with her master.]
[At 25, she broke through to the Dao Palace Realm, and the Martial King Divine Physique had minor accomplishments, participating in the great war between the Six Righteous Dao and the Four Great Demon Sects and the Demon Race with you.]
[At 30, for defeating Black Tiger Daoist of Huang State across ranks, Lian became famous in a single battle, attracting the attention of the Demon Race.]
[At 35, Lian was defeated by the Demon Tribe Prince and escaped back to Mount Shu, barely alive, and you helped her heal her injuries.]
[At 40, Lian fought the Demon Tribe Prince again and slayed him, her fame startling the Demon Race of Huang State.]
[At 50, with years of experience, Lian had become one of the pillars of Mount Shu, leading a team of Mount Shu elders and disciples to participate in the attack on the Reincarnation Hall stronghold, killing the son of the Reincarnation Hall Lord.]
[At 70, Lian led a team with you into Huang State to suppress the Demon Race.]
[At 75, Lian combined her many years of experience and insights, underwent seclusion and cultivation for five years, and smoothly broke through to the Void Refinement Realm, under your guidance, she left Xia State for further experience.]
[Ding, due to the insufficiency of your cultivation, you can only simulate a disciple's life for one hundred years.]
[Simulation ends.]
Lu Changsheng carefully went through the simulation of his little disciple "Lian's" life by the system, and he was struck by a turbulent surge of emotions.
At 8, in the Golden Core Realm.
At 15, in the Nascent Soul Realm.
At 25, in the Dao Palace Realm, with minor achievements in the Martial King Divine Physique.
At 75, in the Void Refinement Realm.
His own disciple, what a monster!
Eldest senior brother Li Changye had cultivated for 500 years and had only reached the ninth layer of the Dao Palace Realm.
Although, Lu Changsheng always felt that the eldest senior brother wasn't as simple as he appeared on the surface.
"Lin Qingzhi's fate has not changed."
"At the age of 25, Lian participated in the great war with me between the Six Righteous Dao and the Four Great Demon Sects, the Demon Race. In other words, the catastrophe the eldest senior brother talked about will happen in 18 years, I still have 18 years of time to cultivate."
Lu Changsheng, through simulating the life of his disciple, was also peeking into the secrets of heaven.
After all, Lu Changsheng is their master, the one behind the scenes of his disciples' lives is none other than himself.
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Chapter 18 The Path of Our Cultivation Requires Humility
Translator: 549690339
"My eldest disciple will face a calamity in four years. If I assist from behind the scenes, how would his life change?"
Lu Changsheng simulated Lin Qingzhi's life again, this time under the premise that at the age of 19, when ambushed by an Elder of the Demon Sects, he would secretly come to the rescue.
[Ding, you have changed the conditions, the system is re-simulating the life of the disciple "Lin Qingzhi".]
[Ding, today's simulation attempts -1.]
[Simulation begins]
[At 16, under your dedicated guidance, Lin Qingzhi broke through to the Golden Core Realm.]
[At 18, the young disciples of Mount Shu ventured out for experiential training.]
[At 19, the Mount Shu team that Lin Qingzhi was a part of completed their training mission and were ambushed by Demon Sect disciples on their way back to Mount Shu.]
[When the Elder of the Demon Sects thought he could annihilate all the Mount Shu disciples, you appeared from behind the scenes, killing the Elder with a single palm strike.]
[Elder of the Demon Sects, deceased.]
[At 25, Lin Qingzhi went down the mountain again for training and, during a dispute, defeated Xiao Xiangdao.]
[At 33, during the great calamity of the righteous path in Xia State, Lin Qingzhi fought alongside you and Lian against the four great Demon Sects and the Demon Race.]
[At 40, because you continually infused him with power, the mediocrely talented Lin Qingzhi broke through to the Dao Palace Realm.]
[At 42, Lin Qingzhi was plotted against in a major battle with the Demon Sects.]
[Lin Qingzhi, deceased.]
[Simulation ends.]
Lin Qingzhi died, again??
Lu Changsheng rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
This eldest disciple of his, saddled with poor Qi Destiny, when would his fortune finally turn?
People with the Heart of the Innocent are naive and are easily plotted against, and they exhibit mediocre talent in the early stages. The path of cultivation is extremely fraught with hardships.
The life of Lin Qingzhi, compared to that of his junior sister Lian's, which is monstrous, seemed somewhat lackluster.
Lu Changsheng was betting on Lin Qingzhi's potential for the future.
According to the ancient records of Mount Shu, cultivators with the Heart of the Innocent might one day achieve Path Comprehension and ascend to immortality.
Furthermore, having an innocent-hearted eldest disciple in the future to manage his younger brothers and sisters would mean that Lu Changsheng wouldn't need to worry too much and could focus on his own cultivation.
"Even if this unlucky eldest disciple of mine has a difficult fate at the beginning, I can simulate his life and assist at critical junctures, helping him to turn danger into safety… I hope he can achieve something great in the future."
While Lu Changsheng took disciples to exploit the system, a day as a teacher meant a lifetime as a father; he couldn't help but worry about his disciple's fate.
"I've used up both simulation chances for today, I'll simulate again later."
Lu Changsheng knew he could change his disciple's fate at critical junctures, so he wasn't in a hurry.
If in four years Lu Changsheng were to intervene, the eldest disciple Lin Qingzhi would be free from any life-threatening concerns before the age of 42.
Lu Changsheng meditated in a seated position, continuing to cultivate the fifth layer of the Supreme Purity Limitless Technique.
Although the system could return cultivation levels, Lu Changsheng still had to rely on himself to practice cultivation techniques and consolidate his realm.
In the following month, Lu Changsheng alternately rewarded his two disciples with elixir pills, continuing the power-infusing initiation.
One month later, Lian had already mastered the second layer of the Purple Flame Primordial Art.
Lu Changsheng began to teach Lian martial techniques.
With Lu Changsheng's Dao Palace Realm, simultaneously cultivating the Supreme Purity Limitless Technique and the Nine Dragons Refinement Technique, he had plenty of leeway in instructing the Qi Transformation Realm Martial King Divine Physique.
[Ding, you have rewarded your disciple "Lian" with a Profound Rank mid-grade martial technique "Rapid Dragon Break", receiving a 400-fold payback reward: a Heaven Rank mid-grade martial technique "Azure Dragon Nine Forms".]
[Ding, you have awarded your disciple "Lian" a high-grade Spiritual Artifact "Red Fire Spear," and have received a thousandfold return reward for teaching: a low-grade Innate Spirit Treasure "Unparalleled Overlord Spear."]
[Ding, the number of rewardable opportunities today -2, the remaining number of rewardable opportunities is 0.]
Lu Changsheng held a Red Tassel Spear in both hands, demonstrating the thirteen spear techniques of the "Rapid Dragon Break."
A glint of cold light arrived first, followed by a spear thrust like a dragon!
The Red Tassel Spear whistled through the air, creating gusts of wind, its movements as fluid as drifting clouds and water, like a wind dragon roaring in a gale.
Lu Changsheng practiced the Sword Dao, but with his Innate Taoist Body, comprehending Profound Rank martial techniques was as simple to him as eating and drinking were for mortals.
Lian sat propped up by her hands, watching avidly.
Her eyes shone bright, filled with great interest.
After all, she was a descendant of the Huang Tribe, born with the Martial King Divine Physique; in her golden blood flowed genes that yearned for battle!
"Have you memorized it?"
"Mhm, I've remembered it all!"
Lian leaped up excitedly, wielding the Red Fire Spear, and adeptly executed the spear techniques recorded in "Rapid Dragon Break."
Because Lian was still small in stature, she looked somewhat comical wielding the long spear, but one should not underestimate the power of the Martial King Divine Physique.
As the long spear swirled, it occasionally produced the sound of tearing through air, and its force left cracks on the stone walls of the cave dwelling.
"This little one is indeed best suited for the martial path. When she is told to meditate and cultivate, she always seems restless, but when it comes to learning Profound Rank martial techniques, she masters them after just one look."
Lu Changsheng sighed at the affinity of the Martial King Divine Physique for martial arts.
Nevertheless, Lu Changsheng still pushed his little disciple to cultivate the Dao alongside her martial training, in order to unlock all her potential and allow her to go farther in the future.
"It's time to break through to the second layer of the Dao Palace Realm."
After teaching Lian the spear techniques, Lu Changsheng refined the cultivation he had received in return for the power-infusing initiation over the past month and went into seclusion for seven days.
Lu Changsheng was excessively cautious, accumulating strength in each realm before moving on; only when he was completely certain of success did he formally enter seclusion.
Seven days later, Lu Changsheng emerged from his cave dwelling, and when Lin Qingzhi and Lian saw their master again, they felt he had become even more unfathomable.
"It's time to give you your power-infusing initiation again."
Lu Changsheng's advancement to the second layer of the Dao Palace Realm was as smooth as the flow of water reaching its channel; fresh out of seclusion, he did not forget to take advantage of the system rewards.
"Every ten years, Mount Shu has a grand ceremony to accept new disciples. And every third year after the entry of each generation of disciples, there is an opportunity for them to spar with each other to see the progress of their cultivation over the three years, known as the 'Mount Shu Disciples Assembly.' Following that is their first foray out of the mountain for experience."
While preparing to perform the power-infusing initiation on his senior disciple Lin Qingzhi, Lu Changsheng recalled some of the Mount Shu's sect rules.
"Disciple will definitely perform well and dare not bring shame to Master's name."
Moved by Lu Changsheng's continuous power-infusing initiations that helped him improve his cultivation, Lin Qingzhi made a vow to make his master proud.
"Cough cough, when the time comes, restrain yourselves and do not display your full strength."
"Master, why is that?"
"The tree that sticks out from the forest gets blown down by the wind; the sediment that rises high on the riverbank gets eroded by the current; the person who stands taller than others will be the target of envy. By observing past lessons, we can prevent repeating the same mistakes. In short, we cultivators should keep a low profile and not be competitive."
Lu Changsheng spoke earnestly.
The Demon Sects of this world would not tolerate the growth of a protagonist; if they found a genius perceived as a threat, they would do whatever it took to eliminate them early on.
Only by lying low could there be a greater chance to reach sainthood.
Lin Qingzhi bowed solemnly, "Disciple will keep it in mind."
Lian's eyes, however, were filled with great confusion. What did keeping a low profile mean? Was it something one could eat?
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Chapter 19: The Three-Year Period
Translator: 549690339
Three years later, at Mount Shu's Qingyun Peak, a young girl practiced sword flight, deftly maneuvering through the forest and easily catching up with an Immortal Deer.
Mount Shu possessed a supreme magical formation capable of confining nature's spiritual energy, for the cultivation of Mount Shu's disciples.
The spiritual energy here was denser than in other places, which is why there were many Immortal Cranes, Immortal Deer, Spirit Apes, and Spirit Squirrels.
Some of the Immortal Deer that had been on Qingyun Peak for many years even possessed the cultivation of the Qi Transformation Realm.
It was said that over the tens of thousands of years in Mount Shu, there were small animals that, nurtured by the nature's spiritual energy, achieved the Nascent Soul Realm, transformed into human form, and became elders of Mount Shu.
The girl seemed to enjoy playing a lot, chasing all sorts of spirit beasts around Qingyun Peak, causing quite a commotion.
"Junior Sister, Master has summoned us to his cave abode, stop messing around."
A simple-looking man came flying over on his sword and stopped the girl.
"That's great, I can see Master again! This time Master's seclusion was really long, let me think, it's been a month already!"
The girl counted on her fingers excitedly. Her master, Lu Changsheng, had unwittingly been in seclusion for thirty-three days.
"Big Senior Brother, what realm do you think Master's cultivation has reached?"
"That probably only Master himself knows. I suspect that our Master is actually an Immortal."
Lin Qingzhi and Lian arrived at the cave abode on Qingyun Peak.
Inside the cave abode, a Daoist priest with a divine presence and handsome features was meditating and cultivating.
"Master, you have finally come out of seclusion!"
Lian rushed forward excitedly.
However, Lu Changsheng slapped her face aside, disapprovingly saying, "Have you forgotten the proprieties between master and disciple?"
"I've missed Master so much. Big Senior Brother does nothing but cultivate or play chess all day, which is really boring. And Master won't let me go down the mountain."
Lian pouted.
Lu Changsheng couldn't help but smile.
This disciple had a special background. All four Great Demon Sects and the Demon Race were searching for her; only Mount Shu could provide protection.
This was why Lu Changsheng did not permit his disciple to go down the mountain on her own.
"Tomorrow is Mount Shu's decennial disciple assembly. All disciples recruited within the last ten years will participate in sparring to check on their cultivation progress."
"At the same time, it is also an opportunity to accumulate real combat experience."
"The internal sparring among Mount Shu disciples can be seen as a simulation. If you encounter extremely vicious individuals from the Great Demon Sects or the Demon Race in the future, that would be a fight to the death."
"However, during this disciple assembly, you must not reveal your true cultivation."
Lu Changsheng called his two disciples to explain the upcoming Mount Shu disciple assembly.
The system indicated that after three years, Lin Qingzhi's cultivation had reached the sixth level of the Golden Core Realm, while Lian's had reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm.
Lin Qingzhi's cultivation of the Taxuan Skills had reached the fifth level.
Lian's Purple Flame Primordial Art was also at the fifth level.
Because Lu Changsheng continuously performed Power-infusing Initiation for his two disciples, their cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds, to an astounding degree.
Lu Changsheng worried that if the two disclosed their true cultivation at the upcoming Mount Shu disciple assembly, it would cause a sensation throughout the entire Mount Shu, and even disturb the Great Demon Sects.
Condensing a Golden Core in three years, forming a Nascent Soul in ten—such a speed of cultivation was unimaginable.
"At that time, just show the strength of about the seventh or eighth level of the Qi Transformation Realm. As for winning or losing the sparring match, your master doesn't care."
Lu Changsheng reminded his two disciples to conceal an entire realm of their actual cultivation level, which would make these two monstrous disciples appear more like "normal people" and not draw attention.
About winning or losing, or saving face, Lu Changsheng truly didn't care.
Lu Changsheng planned to quietly reach sainthood in Mount Shu.
"Master is truly an exemplar for us."
Lin Qingzhi looked at Lu Changsheng with even more respect.
In his view, his master was as unaffected as clouds and breeze, surely an Immortal without a doubt.
"This disciple understands."
Lian's eyes spun around, and she nodded obediently—she had listened, but not quite taken it all in.
The next day, the once-a-decade disciple convention on Mount Shu's main peak was held.
It was another grand event following the apprentice acceptance ceremony.
All newly recruited disciples from the various peaks, via drawing lots, would randomly select opponents to learn from each other, comparing cultivation levels, and accumulating practical combat experience.
Although Mount Shu did not advocate combat, both the rivers and lakes and the cultivation world were perilous, and lacking combat experience was undoubtedly like a flower in a greenhouse, unable to bear heavy responsibilities.
Wave after wave of flying swords tore through the sky, heading towards Mount Shu's main peak, crowding the place to the brim.
This grand occasion was seen by many Mount Shu disciples as an opportunity to bring honor to their masters.
Outer Sect disciples also had the chance to challenge Inner Sect disciples during this convention. Those who performed exceptionally might catch the eye of Mount Shu elders and be taken in as Inner Sect disciples.
If Inner Sect disciples were likened to private tutoring, then Outer Sect disciples were akin to public lectures. Moreover, the cultivation resources they received from Mount Shu were different, with Inner Sect disciples sometimes receiving private rewards of cultivation techniques or magical treasures from the elders, or even, in more extreme cases, Power-infusing Initiation.
To the Outer Sect disciples, the Mount Shu disciple convention was an opportunity to shine, and it wasn't without the possibility of rising in status.
Three streaks of light descended, and Lu Changsheng arrived at Mount Shu's main peak with his two disciples.
"Master, master, there are so many people here!"
Lian tugged excitedly at Lu Changsheng's sleeve.
In her three years of cultivating at Qingyun Peak, Lian had yet to meet other Mount Shu disciples.
"Just make sure you don't beat them to death later on."
Lu Changsheng issued his final caution to this little disciple, who possessed the Martial King Divine Physique.
Lian had already reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm, and her Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills had been cultivated to the stage of the Power of a Thousand Phenomena.
Don't be fooled by Lian being only ten—her tiny fists, when landing on someone, felt as if the person was struck by a thousand wild elephants.
It wasn't because Lu Changsheng was boasting, but among the new generation of Mount Shu disciples present, not one could withstand a punch from her.
Even the elite Golden Core Realm disciples of Mount Shu were no match for the ten-year-old Lian.
So Lu Changsheng reminded his young disciple not to accidentally kill any other Mount Shu disciples, or it would cause a big problem.
"Mhm, mhm."
Lian nodded, but there was some confusion in her eyes—Mount Shu disciples were clearly robust and formidable, so why wasn't her master worried about his own disciple, but instead, that others might be beaten to death?
Could it be that Lian was not important in her master's eyes?
At the thought, Lian pouted.
"Qingzhi, you know what to do, right?"
"This disciple knows."
"Hmm."
Lu Changsheng wasn't worried about Lin Qingzhi.
Lin Qingzhi's nature was non-competitive; he would definitely go easy.
"Lu, brother."
"Chen, senior brother."
"When did you take another disciple? And a girl at that?"
"Recently, I had some spare time, so I took in one more disciple to pass the time."
When other arriving Mount Shu elders inquired about Lian, Lu Changsheng casually dismissed the topic.
To date, only Lu Changsheng, Li Changye, Xia Ningxue from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, and a female disciple, as well as the Sect Leaders of Mount Shu and the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, knew Lian's true origins.
An elder from Mount Shu asked, "May I know the current cultivation levels of Lu's two disciples?"
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Chapter 20 Lu is Truly a Masterful Teacher
Translator: 549690339
All Mount Shu Elders looked toward Lu Changsheng and his disciples without prior agreement.
Three years ago, at the Mount Shu disciple induction ceremony, Lu Changsheng, who never left Qingyun Peak, made an exception and took a disciple—an orphan from Liang Kingdom with mediocre qualifications.
This matter was well known to everyone in Mount Shu.
Especially since Lu Changsheng became an Elder of the Dao Palace Realm, his status in Mount Shu was not low, yet he took a disciple with mediocre qualifications, as well as a young female disciple, which was indeed strange.
"It's embarrassing to say, but my eldest disciple is only at the Qi Transformation Realm," Lu Changsheng said, with neither a red face nor a skipped heartbeat.
"If I remember correctly, three years ago, he was just a mortal at the first level of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Lu is truly a genius who stepped into the Dao Palace Realm in just 250 years. In just three years, he managed to bring a disciple with mediocre talents into the Qi Transformation Realm. This is truly a serendipitous blessing that he has cultivated in his three lifetimes."
"Lu is indeed a master teacher."
"It's no wonder the Sect Leader initially took Lu as his direct disciple, Lu's future is boundless."
Many Nascent Soul Realm Elders heaped flattery upon him.
Hearing the dao has its order, although some Mount Shu Elders had been in the sect longer than Lu Changsheng, they might stop at the Nascent Soul Realm for life, whereas Lu Changsheng had stepped into the Dao Palace Realm three years ago, now holding a status above theirs in Mount Shu.
The flattery from these Nascent Soul Realm Elders of Mount Shu was not just for the sake of it. In their eyes, to be able to bring a disciple—whose Root Bone, Comprehension, and Qi Destiny were all inferior—from the first level of the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Qi Transformation Realm in three years was already quite remarkable.
Lu Changsheng would never perform a power-infusing initiation for a disciple with such qualifications, right?
Upon hearing the flattery of the numerous Mount Shu Elders and seeing their surprised expressions, Lu Changsheng was muttering in his heart.
If these Mount Shu Elders knew that Lin Qingzhi's cultivation had already reached the sixth level of the Golden Core Realm, wouldn't they be so surprised that their jaws would drop to the ground?
Furthermore, the mere ten-year-old Lian had already reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm.
If the Mount Shu Elders knew Lian's true cultivation level, wouldn't they be ashamed enough to want to find a hole to crawl into?
"The grandmaster and his disciples are here!"
"The Sect Leader is still in seclusion, so the grandmaster will preside over this meeting of disciples."
"The disciple of the grandmaster, Xiao Xiangdao, had already reached the third level of the Qi Transformation Realm three years ago and also possesses the special constitution 'Spirit Sword Physique'. Under the grandmaster's guidance, three years have passed; I wonder if he has already reached the Golden Core Realm?"
"Even if he hasn't reached the Golden Core Realm, I reckon he's not far off."
"Grandmaster."
Li Changye and his disciple Xiao Xiangdao, dressed in sword attire, arrived at the main peak, as numerous Mount Shu Elders nodded to Li Changye in greeting.
Xiao Xiangdao followed behind Li Changye, carrying a longsword on his back, with a dignified and spirited air about him.
His teacher was the first disciple of the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, the likely future Sect Leader.
The seventh-generation Sect Leader of Mount Shu, Grandmaster Tailin, was also of the Spirit Sword Physique.
He, Xiao Xiangdao, might also become the Sect Leader of Mount Shu in the future!
"Once everyone has gathered, the disciples participating in the sparring can begin drawing lots."
"During the sparring, it's light contact only, not a fight to the death."
"There will be Elders on the sidelines during the sparring, and if anyone is in mortal danger, they will immediately intervene to separate the two combatants," Li Changye explained the rules of the sparring between disciples in simple terms.
To prevent Mount Shu disciples from letting anger get the better of them and inadvertently turning the competition into a life-and-death struggle, there would be Mount Shu Elders watching the fight to intervene when necessary.
"For this sparring session among our Mount Shu disciples, we have also invited the Elders of the other five major Orthodox Sects to watch."
Li Changye announced another matter.
"Grandmaster, why would we invite the Elders of the other five major Orthodox Sects to watch our sparring? It would be bad if the other sects learned the depth of our Mount Shu disciples' abilities," someone said.
"That's right, although the six Orthodox Sects have joined forces to suppress the four Demon Sects, every party has its secrets. We can't let them know the details of our current generation of disciples."
Many elders from Mount Shu were astonished and did not understand the intention behind the eldest disciple's invitation to the other five major Orthodox Sects at this moment.
"This is the Sect Leader and the wishes of the Supreme Elders."
With that statement from Li Changye, the Mount Shu elders immediately fell silent.
The Supreme Elders and the Sect Leader were from the same era, and their ability to survive until now without death showed the terror of their cultivation levels.
Since it was the intention of the Mount Shu Sect Leader and Supreme Elders, who would dare speak further?
"Could it be that the eldest disciple is using the name of the disciples' grand meeting to summon the other five major Orthodox Sects for a discussion?"
Lu Changsheng secretly communicated with Li Changye.
"You cannot be deceived, indeed it is so."
Li Changye had sent Lu Changsheng to Huang State, and Lu Changsheng knew the reasons behind it, so Li Changye did not conceal them.
Lu Changsheng's eyes gleamed with a sharp light; the Demon Sects had exhausted all of their schemes, and now these high-ranking members of the Orthodox Sects were also strategizing behind the curtain, setting up their plans in advance. Truly, none was simple.
"Martial Alliance, Elder Ye has arrived!"
"Refinement Sect, Elder Lu has arrived!"
"Hidden Dragon Temple, Elder Zhuge has arrived!"
"Immeasurable Temple, Master Mingzhi has arrived!"
"Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Fairy Xia has arrived!"
Streaks of flowing light descended, and the elders from the other five major Orthodox Sects came to visit Mount Shu.
Fairy Xia?
Lu Changsheng looked towards the arrivals, and sure enough, there was Xia Ningxue from the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
Xia Ningxue knew the ins and outs of the incident in Huang State. It was not surprising that the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion sent Xia Ningxue to visit Mount Shu.
The other four elders had long and powerful auras, none of them being anything less than masters of the Dao Palace Realm.
The five major Orthodox Sects had clearly taken this matter very seriously, thus they sent significant figures from their own sects.
Xia Ningxue was cold as frost, commanding respect and distance from others, beautiful to admire from afar but not to be disrespected.
And when Xia Ningxue saw Lu Changsheng among the group of Mount Shu elders, she nodded slightly towards him—a gesture of recognition for they had once faced life and death together and escaped from the hands of Black Tiger Daoist.
"This Fairy Xia seems to be a direct disciple newly accepted by the Fairy Pavilion Master. I wonder about her cultivation level and Dao Bone?"
"Fairy Xia is indeed as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal. No, I must maintain my Dao Heart and not stray off the path, lest the six hundred years of my cultivation of the virgin boy technique go to waste."
"It's surprising that Immeasurable Temple actually sent Master Mingzhi. Master Mingzhi had reached the sixth layer of the Dao Palace Realm three hundred years ago."
"Refinement Sect's Elder Lu? This person can forge Acquired Spirit Treasures and is revered by the six Orthodox Sects!"
"Elder Zhuge from Hidden Dragon Temple is said to have a talent in the aspect of time, with unfathomable cultivation."
"Elder Ye from Martial Alliance is not an ordinary person either; he singlehandedly fought against ten Demon Sect elders two hundred years ago and still managed to emerge unscathed."
"The Martial Alliance focuses on martial practice; they're all a bunch of body refinement maniacs. One against ten is no surprise."
The Mount Shu elders whispered among themselves.
Apart from the young Xia Ningxue, the other four Dao Palace Realm elders were all well-known great figures with longstanding reputations.
"The Mount Shu disciples' grand meeting is now officially open."
After the arrival of the elders from the other major Orthodox Sects, Li Changye declared the beginning of the Mount Shu disciples' grand meeting.
Yet, Lu Changsheng knew that the Mount Shu disciples' grand meeting was a ruse, and Li Changye probably wanted to take the opportunity to discuss matters with the other five major Orthodox Sects.
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Chapter 21 Your Disciple Is In Big Trouble
Translator: 549690339
"Qingyun Peak disciple Lin Qingzhi, against Cangshan Peak disciple Wu Hao!"
"Xiaozhu Peak disciple Shangguan Yan, against Shuiyun Peak disciple Zhao Sanqian!"
…
The Mount Shu disciple convention continued with the results of the disciples' lottery draws being announced.
Lu Changsheng's eldest disciple's opponent turned out to be a disciple of an Elder from Cangshan Peak.
"Lian, go draw your lot as well."
Lu Changsheng wanted his young disciple to also gain some battle experience.
"Okay!"
Lian excitedly went up to draw her lot.
"Little girl, you're also participating in the competition?"
The Elder from the Nascent Soul Realm responsible for the lottery draw was incredulous when he saw a girl, only ten years old, coming up to draw a lot.
He thought Lu Changsheng had merely brought his young disciple to see the world; he never expected Lu Changsheng would actually let the girl compete.
"I am a newly admitted disciple of Qingyun Peak, so of course, I may participate!"
Lian, brimming with confidence, reached into the box and pulled out a slip of paper, unafraid of the imposing Mount Shu Elder.
"Number 137, your opponent is disciple Yang Ren from Zhiyue Peak."
"Yang Ren has been at the gates for eight years by now and is rumored to have reached the first layer of the Golden Core Realm!"
"Yang Ren, you're really lucky. Your opponent turns out to be a little girl."
"Don't hit too hard; Qingyun Peak's elder is already in the Dao Palace Realm."
"Yang Ren's master is Elder Zhao from Zhiyue Peak, and he's in the Dao Palace Realm too, sure isn't scared of Qingyun Peak's Elder Lu."
Many Mount Shu disciples whispered among themselves at the scene, considering it all a farce.
A ten-year-old girl facing an eight-year veteran prodigy disciple of Mount Shu— the outcome was predictable.
"Boring."
Disciple Yang Ren from Zhiyue Peak found it dull.
Li Changye, along with envoys from the five major Righteous Dao sects and various Elders of Mount Shu, were observing the performances of the disciples from above.
"In this disciple convention, the ultimate victor is nine times out of ten going to be the eldest senior brother's disciple, Xiao Xiangdao, who possesses the once-in-a-millennium Spirit Sword Physique."
"Grandmaster Tailin, our Mount Shu's seventh-generation Sect Leader, also had the Spirit Sword Physique. With less than a century of cultivation, he reached the Dao Palace Realm and later achieved the pinnacle, arriving at the supreme state of having no sword in hand but a sword in heart. It remains to be seen whether Xiao Xiangdao can reach the heights of Grandmaster Tailin."
"Xiao Xiangdao's Spirit Sword Physique is indeed rare, but it still can't compare to the eldest senior brother's Eternal Wilderness Body. Even the Sect Leader believes that the eldest senior brother's physique far surpasses that of most special physiques."
Mount Shu Elders were also whispering among themselves before the start of the disciples' sparring sessions.
The vast majority of Mount Shu Elders believed that the eldest senior brother's disciple Xiao Xiangdao would be the eventual winner.
"It has begun."
The Mount Shu disciple convention quickly got underway, with disciples beginning their sparring.
Lu Changsheng's only concern was for his two disciples.
His eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi's opponent from Cangshan Peak, was probably at the fifth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm.
"Please instruct."
Lin Qingzhi unsheathed his Green Abyss Sword.
"Of course. Today, you shall witness our Cangshan Peak's Flying Eagle Thirteen Swords."
The Cangshan Peak disciple also drew his longsword.
"We finally get to see Elder Lu's disciple in action."
Quite a few Mount Shu Elders focused on the battle between Lin Qingzhi and the disciple from Cangshan Peak.
Among the inner sect disciples, Lin Qingzhi had the most mediocre talent.
When Lu Changsheng first took him as a disciple, it surprised many Mount Shu Elders.
Three years later, they all wanted to know what sort of abilities the disciple taken in by Lu Changsheng really had.
"Elder Lu, although your cultivation is higher than mine, my disciple has been diligently practicing and has now reached the fifth level of the Qi Transformation Realm. He has also mastered the seventh stance of the Flying Eagle Thirteen Swords. This time, your disciple is in for a tough challenge."
The sect elder from Cangshan Peak was at the seventh layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, which didn't compare to Lu Changsheng, who had stepped into the Dao Palace Realm, but he was full of confidence in his own disciple.
His cultivation might not match Lu Changsheng's, but when it came to a disciple's talent, how could it be possible that his disciple was inferior to Lin Qingzhi, who had mediocre aptitude?
"What you said is true."
Lu Changsheng did not argue.
Below, Lin Qingzhi and the disciple from Cangshan Peak had already started clashing.
"Flying Eagle Thirteen Swords—First Stance, Eagle Strike the Heavens!"
The disciple from Cangshan Peak initiated the attack, and his sword qi crisscrossed mightily across the sky!
Lin Qingzhi operated the Taxuan Skills, holding his breath and concentrating his spirit.
Lu Changsheng had required him to suppress his strength by a major realm, so Lin Qingzhi didn't dare to be careless.
As the disciple from Cangshan Peak advanced, Lin Qingzhi countered with the Soaring Cloud Sword Technique, using his profound strength to neutralize the opponent's onslaught.
It appeared as though the disciple from Cangshan Peak was suppressing Lin Qingzhi, yet every move and stance were seen through by Lin Qingzhi with crystal clarity. He parried each move, shattering the incoming sword qi.
"How is this possible?!"
The disciple from Cangshan Peak became increasingly frantic as he fought.
He had heard that this opponent had lackluster talent, with both root bone and comprehension at the bottom level, and yet he couldn't defeat him.
As Lin Qingzhi crossed swords with his opponent, he felt the pressure exerted by the disciple from Cangshan Peak was far less than that from his junior sister.
His junior sister was endowed with the Martial King Divine Physique, a cultivation higher than Lin Qingzhi's. Sometimes she would strike out too heavy-handedly, and Lin Qingzhi could even be injured by her.
Compared to his junior sister, the attacks from the disciple of Cangshan Peak were somewhat… feeble and ineffective.
So Lin Qingzhi only paid attention to his opponent's techniques.
When the disciple from Cangshan Peak had exhausted the seventh stance of the Flying Eagle Thirteen Swords, Lin Qingzhi saw that his opponent had no new moves left, and with a slight exertion of force, he knocked away the other's longsword.
With a clang, the longsword flew from the hands of the disciple from Cangshan Peak, who was left standing there, dumbfounded.
He had actually been defeated by a Shu Mountain disciple with inferior aptitude, who three years ago was only at the first level of the Foundation Establishment Realm!
All the elders of Mount Shu watching this bout were rendered speechless.
Lin Qingzhi seemed to win easily, showing no signs of having exerted his full strength.
"Elder Lu, what exactly is the cultivation level of this disciple of yours?"
"If he was able to defeat Wu Hao of the fifth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm, his cultivation must be at least at the sixth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm."
"In three years, to raise a mediocre disciple from the first layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm to the sixth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm, Elder Lu's ability to teach disciples is simply too strong, I am truly ashamed."
After these elders came to their senses, they could not help but admire Lu Changsheng.
Who would have thought that a disciple from Mount Shu with mediocre talent could have such astonishing progress in cultivation?
In Lu Changsheng's heart, there wasn't a hint of disturbance.
This was still the result of Lu Changsheng asking Lin Qingzhi to go easy. Otherwise, with Lin Qingzhi's current cultivation at the Golden Core Realm, he could have defeated his opponent with a single move.
"Elder Lu's disciple is quite remarkable."
Li Changye also expressed genuine admiration.
Li Changye's disciple, Xiao Xiangdao, seeing his master praising someone else's disciple—the same person who had once been his chess attendant—his eyes couldn't help but flash with a hint of envy.
After all, he was the illustrious Prince of the Liang Kingdom.
"Is Elder Lu's newly accepted little disciple also going to step forward for a sparring match?"
"Her opponent is Yang Ren, a disciple from Zhiyue Peak, at the first layer of the Golden Core Realm, much stronger than Wu Hao from Cangshan Peak."
"Elder Lu, are you sure you want to let a little girl of about ten years old fight a disciple at the first layer of the Golden Core Realm?"
The other elders of Mount Shu cast odd looks toward Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng replied calmly and composedly, "My little disciple likes to play around. If I don't let her participate, she is likely to demolish my cave dwelling."
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Chapter 22 I'll Give You 3 Moves
Translator: 549690339
"Little junior sister, you are still young with limited cultivation. Go back to Qingyun Peak to practice, and maybe in ten or eight years, you'll be able to defeat me."
Yang Ren, a disciple of Zhiyue Peak, came to the competition stage. His opponent was Qingyun Peak's youngest disciple — the ten-year-old Lian.
Defeating such an opponent would not only fail to make a name across Mount Shu but might even seem like an easy, unearned victory.
"Hmph, don't underestimate me!"
Lian placed her hands on her hips, clearly unconvinced.
Yang Ren helplessly said, "Alright, alright, I'll let you have three moves."
"Oh really? Then take this punch from me."
Lian's eyes swiveled as she swung her little fist.
"Come on then."
Yang Ren was utterly unconcerned.
A ten-year-old girl, how advanced could her cultivation be?
Let alone giving her three moves, even if he allowed her thirty moves, what would that change?
Since Qingyun Peak's Lu Changsheng and Zhiyue Peak's Zhao Wuyan were both Dao Palace realm elders of Mount Shu, their disciples' competition drew considerable attention from other Mount Shu elders.
"Elder Lu, this is getting out of hand."
Zhiyue Peak's Elder Zhao Wuyan also felt this friendly match was somewhat inglorious.
"Is it?"
Lu Changsheng still had a calm and composed demeanor.
Zhiyue Peak's Elder Zhao Wuyan, who had reached the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm, was long-famous, and his disciple, a genius who achieved the first level of the Golden Core Realm after only eight years of practice, letting a little girl have three moves wasn't surprising.
"Disciple, you may use the cultivation of the first level of the Golden Core Realm."
Lu Changsheng transmitted his voice to Lian.
Although Lu Changsheng had requested his two disciples to only use the strength of the seventh or eighth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm before the Disciple's Conference, considering that the opponent was a disciple of Mount Shu from the Golden Core Realm, allowing his own disciple to employ the same level of cultivation wasn't too much, was it?
"Disciple understands!"
Lian, who had her cultivation severely restricted to an entire realm lower, became even more excited when Lu Changsheng allowed her to lift some of the limits.
"Ha!"
Lian let out a light shout, took a lunge forward, and in the next instant appeared in front of Yang Ren, her little fist carrying Gang Qi as it smashed outward, shaking the heavens!
Yang Ren felt the power of the punch and immediately sensed something was amiss, but it was already too late.
The next moment, Lian's little fist made contact with Yang Ren's chest.
Boom!
That punch contained the strength of myriad aspects!
Yang Ren felt as though he was struck by tens of thousands of rampaging elephants; even the spiritual energy in his body could not circulate in time, and he was sent flying by Lian's fist!
Bang!
Yang Ren fell hundreds of meters away, like a kite that had lost its string.
Sputter!
Yang Ren spat out a mouthful of blood, on the verge of unconsciousness.
The Mount Shu disciples and elders on site were all engulfed in stunned silence.
A genius disciple of the Golden Core Realm, severely injured by a punch from a little girl around ten years old?!
The world had gone mad!
Zhiyue Peak's Elder Zhao waved his sleeve, instantly appearing beside his disciple Yang Ren, and fed him a healing medicine before using his divine sense to check for life-threatening injuries. It was only after discovering none that he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But Yang Ren had almost all his ribs broken and needed Elder Zhao's power for healing. It would take a good while to recover, and even Zhao Wuyan, who was at the fifth level of the Dao Palace Realm, was shaken.
Just one punch, just one single punch, and his genius disciple had been reduced to such a state by a mysterious little girl.
Zhao Wuyan did not blame his own disciple but marveled at the monstrous talent of the other: "Elder Lu, it's not that I, Zhao Wuyan, have failed in instruction, but rather that your disciple is truly a monstrosity."
"Indeed, indeed."
"Elder Zhao took eight years to guide a disciple from the Qi Transformation Realm to the Golden Core Realm, which was already commendable. Truly, it is Elder Lu's disciple who possesses an excessively grotesque talent. So young, yet able to injure a Golden Core Realm disciple with a single punch—tsk tsk tsk—such a talent is simply unparalleled in the world."
"Congratulations to Elder Lu for having such an exceptional disciple."
Many Elders of Mount Shu chimed in with their agreement.
In doing so, they not only saved face for Elder Zhao but also praised Elder Lu's disciple.
"Is this the Huang Tribe girl who was hunted by the Demon Race?"
"There must be secrets yet to be discovered about her."
"No wonder your Mount Shu insists on protecting her, her future achievements are boundless."
Elders from the other five Orthodox Sects covertly sent messages, speaking to Li Changye.
"This girl's physique is extremely suited for the martial path, and our Martial Alliance possesses many Body Refinement techniques. She should join our Martial Alliance. Our leader would be very happy to take her as a disciple!"
Elder Ye of the Martial Alliance, upon seeing Lian, who possessed the Martial King Divine Physique, was thrilled.
The Martial Alliance sought enlightenment through martial prowess, focusing on the tough cultivation of the body, indubitably the most suitable for the overbearing special physique that is the Martial King Divine Physique.
"She has already been accepted into Mount Shu and has become our disciple; you of the Martial Alliance should give up the idea. Unless one day, the leader of the Martial Alliance can defeat the Sect Leader of Mount Shu."
Li Changye was protective and uncompromising.
Upon hearing the revered name of Taiyuan, the true person of Mount Shu, Elder Ye involuntarily shuddered.
Although the leader of the Martial Alliance possessed an extremely domineering special physique and could shatter a great mountain with a single punch, at the past Six Dao Conferences, he was still defeated by Taiyuan, the true person of Mount Shu.
Every Sect Leader of Mount Shu was an outstanding figure, and talents emerged in droves, which is why Mount Shu stood as the leader among the six Orthodox Sects of Xia State.
With Lian having joined Mount Shu and becoming a disciple, trying to woo her away from Mount Shu was exceedingly difficult.
"Although this girl's physique is unique and her cultivation speed is extraordinarily rapid, when I saw her three years ago, she was but at the fifth level of the Qi Transformation Realm. Only three years have passed, yet she now possesses the strength of the Golden Core Realm. Her speedy cultivation must also be related to her master, Lu Changsheng."
Xia Ningxue of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion pondered to herself and realized the crux of the issue.
Even if Lian were monstrously talented, to condense a Golden Core in three years was beyond astounding.
In Xia Ningxue's memory, only she cultivated at such a rapid pace—after all, she reached the Dao Palace Realm at the age of twenty…
Xia Ningxue looked towards Lu Changsheng, whose cultivation seemed somewhat elusive and difficult to discern.
"Master, how did I perform? I didn't kill him, did I?"
Lian returned to Lu Changsheng's side, clinging to his arm, and sought credit for her performance.
The surrounding Elders and disciples of Mount Shu looked at Lian as if seeing a beast.
She was absolutely the most monstrous presence among the new generation of Mount Shu disciples!
Even the disciple of the eldest brother who possessed the Spirit Sword Physique, Xiao Xiangdao, seemed somewhat overshadowed in Lian's presence.
According to the Mount Shu's chronicle "Records of Special Physiques Through the Ages," the Spirit Sword Physique had manifested ten times over the past several hundred thousand years, while Lian's Martial King Divine Physique had only one record, which also emerged in Huang State.
"You did very well."
Lu Changsheng praised succinctly.
His little disciple had only used the force of the first layer of the Golden Core Realm. The reason behind such a shocking display was because Yang Ren of Zhiyue Peak was too complacent, daring to face her without any defenses, and thus suffered a punch from the Martial King Divine Physique for nothing.
If Lian had used the force of the seventh layer of the Golden Core Realm, perhaps Yang Ren might have been killed by a single punch, and not even a Daluo Golden Immortal could have saved him.
"Who's my next opponent?"
Lian waved her little fists excitedly, looking incredibly adorable.
However, the Mount Shu disciples panicked, hastily checking their own numbers.
"It's me…"
The one with number 140, who had overcome the disciple with number 139, turned pale.
He would be the next to face Lian, denoted as number 137.
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Chapter 23 Senior Sister, please enlighten me
Translator: 549690339
"Junior Sister, spare me!"
"Master, your disciple is truly no match and can only forfeit!"
The Mount Shu disciples who sparred with Lian grumbled without end; the Martial King Divine Physique was too domineering. At the mere age of ten, Lian had defeated dozens of Mount Shu disciples, causing an uproar throughout Mount Shu.
The Mount Shu Disciple Convention was in full swing, and as disciples were continuously eliminated, eventually only eight remained. This included Lin Qingzhi, Lian, Xiao Xiangdao, and others.
"Among the new disciples Mount Shu has recruited in the past ten years, two of Elder Lu's disciples have made it to the top eight. Elder Lu is truly a great master."
"The futures of Elder Lu's two disciples are boundless. They might one day become the mainstays of our Mount Shu. It's really enviable."
"I wonder how Elder Lu's two disciples will fare when pitted against the possessor of the Spirit Sword Physique, Xiao Xiangdao?"
The Mount Shu elders, having seen the final eight disciples, including two of Lu Changsheng's disciples among them, could not help but express their admiration.
"Next up, Qingyun Peak's disciple Lin Qingzhi will face Bimoon Peak's disciple Chen Yao!"
On the Martial Arts Platform, two teenagers, a boy and a girl, each with a longsword on their backs, stood their ground, swords ready as unseen waves of energy whirled and clashed.
"Bimoon Peak? Isn't that… the dwelling of a Supreme Elder?"
"Aren't the Supreme Elders in seclusion? How could they recruit disciples?"
"It's said that one of the Supreme Elders had an epiphany, emerged from seclusion nine years ago, and brought a young girl back to Mount Shu when he returned. This girl was later taken as a disciple by this Supreme Elder. Being one of the new disciples Mount Shu has acquired within the last ten years, she naturally qualifies to participate in this Mount Shu Disciple Convention."
"Since she's been taken in by a Supreme Elder, there must be something special about her."
"Her entrance into the final eight Mount Shu disciples speaks to her talent."
Some Mount Shu elders engaged in gossip, enthusiastically discussing the matter.
It seems that even in the realm of cultivation, indulging in gossip is still a common human sentiment.
Lu Changsheng turned his gaze toward Chen Yao, the Mount Shu disciple who was about to duel his eldest disciple.
This Mount Shu disciple named Chen Yao was a disciple of an unnamed Supreme Elder of Mount Shu.
The Supreme Elders of Mount Shu, being of the same generation as the Sect Leader, were old monsters with inscrutable cultivation levels. They mostly spent their time in seclusion, focusing on their own cultivation, preparing for the Heavenly Tribulation, and seldom took on disciples lightly.
Unless the other party had a monstrous aptitude or fortuitous encounter, only then might they be taken in as a disciple by a Supreme Elder.
[The Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator is assessing the opponent's qualifications…]
[Name: Chen Yao]
[Race: Human]
[Talent: Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique, Thunder Spiritual Root, Formation Grandmaster]
[Cultivation: Golden Core Realm, Third Layer]
[Dao Bone: 19 years]
As expected, the disciple chosen by a Mount Shu Supreme Elder was astonishingly gifted.
This girl, slightly older than Lin Qingzhi, should be considered Lin Qingzhi's senior sister.
Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique?
According to the "Records of Special Physiques Through the Ages," the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique has appeared twice, solely in female cultivators. However, the record is vague about the peculiarities of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique.
A Formation Grandmaster is someone with an exceptional talent in setting up heavenly and earthly formations.
Some cultivators are adept at using formations to defeat their enemies.
The Great Demon Sects also have many elders proficient in array formations. There was once a Demon Sect Elder who, in order to improve his own cultivation, used a Blood Formation to refine an entire city, sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands.
"Qingzhi, your master permits you to use the cultivation level of the second layer of the Golden Core Realm."
Lu Changsheng knew that Chen Yao would be extremely troublesome for his eldest disciple. If he only used the cultivation level of the Qi Transformation Realm, Chen Yao would defeat him in no time.
It's better to allow Lin Qingzhi to accumulate experience battling a genius during this opportunity.
"However, in this battle, you must intentionally hold back and be content with stopping at the top eight," he instructed.
"Even if you achieve first place, Mount Shu's rewards won't be better than what your master has given you. There's no need to draw attention to yourself for the sake of coming first."
Lu Changsheng communicated secretly with Lin Qingzhi.
Among the remaining eight disciples, there were apprentices of the Sect Leader Li Changye and disciples of the Supreme Elders. Defeating them would likely cause an earthquake throughout Mount Shu.
Cultivation isn't about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and social etiquette.
Chen Yao's cultivation level was very high, so it was only logical for Lin Qingzhi to "naturally" lose to her.
"Disciple understands."
Lin Qingzhi, having no desire to stand out, suppressed his power to the second layer of the Golden Core Realm, drew his longsword, and faced Chen Yao.
"I am Lin Qingzhi of Qingyun Peak, please instruct me, senior sister."
"I am Chen Yao of Bimoon Peak, please enlighten me."
Chen Yao's voice was melodious; she stood upright and regulated her breathing.
She needed to defeat only three more opponents to fulfill her master's expectations.
In nine years, she went from a mortal with no cultivation base to a disciple of Mount Shu at the third layer of the Golden Core Realm, thanks to the sacrifices of the Supreme Elder who gave up time from his seclusion to guide her cultivation.
The elder who accepted her as a disciple felt that there was no hope for him to survive his Tribulation, and with little time left in his life, he gave up continuing his secluded cultivation to focus on teaching her.
The reason the human race has continued to thrive lies in passing on the torch from one generation to the next.
"I must not fail my master's expectations."
Chen Yao's right hand made a motion, and a deep blue radiance gradually appeared behind her longsword.
"This is the Skywave Sword of Bimoon Peak, an Acquired Spirit Treasure of medium quality!"
"Worthy of being a disciple recruited by a Supreme Elder, to have such a spiritual treasure in the Golden Core Realm!"
"With her current cultivation level, she still cannot unleash the full power of this spiritual treasure."
"Even so, Elder Lu's disciple is in for a tough fight."
Many Mount Shu elders were taken aback, and they all looked favorably upon the disciple recruited by the Supreme Elder.
Until now, Lin Qingzhi had only shown the highest cultivation level of the ninth layer of the Qi Transformation Realm, and he had been fortunate enough not to face any Golden Core Realm opponents.
There was no doubt about Chen Yao's current cultivation level being in the Golden Core Realm, and with a medium quality Acquired Spirit Treasure, the outcome seemed clear.
Lu Changsheng remained calm and collected. He had intentionally had Lin Qingzhi lower his realm to let him try fighting across different cultivation ranks.
Cultivators are not always able to suppress their enemies with their cultivation levels, sometimes they might encounter demons with higher ranks.
To defeat or escape unharmed from an opponent of a higher rank, while being lower in rank yourself, is what makes a truly formidable person.
Therefore, this served as "pressure resistance training" for Lin Qingzhi.
"Rise!"
Chen Yao's face turned serious as she pinched a sword spell with her left hand and pulled with two fingers of her right, the Skywave Sword emitted a clear ringing sound as it soared into the sky, its light shining for miles!
"Slash!"
As Chen Yao's sword technique changed, the Skywave Sword carried a momentum that seemed to split mountains and part seas as it slashed towards Lin Qingzhi!
She intended to defeat Lin Qingzhi in one move!
Compared to the medium quality Acquired Spirit Treasure "Skywave Sword," the superior quality Spiritual Artifact "Green Abyss Sword" seemed dull and lackluster.
"Elder Lu's first disciple has shown a cultivation level only up to the Qi Transformation Realm, it seems he will be defeated in one move."
"The opponent is a closed-door disciple recruited by a Supreme Elder, losing to her is no shame."
"Lin Qingzhi's entrance into the top eight already marks him as an elite disciple."
Seeing Chen Yao exert her full strength with the first move, many Mount Shu elders believed Lin Qingzhi wouldn't withstand a single sword strike, so they began to comfort Lu Changsheng in advance.
Lu Changsheng, an Elder of the Dao Palace Realm with two such outstanding disciples, should have no regrets.
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Chapter 24: Chapter 24: More Than Just Draining Water
Translator: 549690339
"Open Heaven's Gate!"
Lin Qingzhi shouted softly, executing the highest level of the Soaring Cloud Sword Technique. The Green Abyss Sword shone with intense green light, its fierce Sword Qi carrying an unstoppable momentum as it collided with the slash from the Skywave Sword in mid-air.
Boom!
Sword Qi streams crisscrossed chaotically, the solid giant timber used in the Martial Arts Platform scattered like paper, and even wooden pillars were completely pulverized!
Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao both staggered.
The onlooking Mount Shu Elders and Disciples could not help but be shocked.
Originally, they thought Lin Qingzhi would fall under the sword of Chen Yao, who was at the third level of the Golden Core Realm, but unexpectedly Lin Qingzhi staunchly blocked Chen Yao's astonishing sword momentum!
"Lin Qingzhi has attained the Golden Core Realm!"
"This is his true cultivation level!"
"Elder Lu, you're not being fair, having always told your Disciple to suppress his cultivation level until now, only revealing his true level under Chen Yao's pressure."
"How did Elder Lu manage to train a disciple of mediocre aptitude from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm within three years?"
Many Mount Shu Elders looked towards Lu Changsheng again, their eyes filled with shock, admiration, and confusion.
Inconceivable!
If Lin Qingzhi were a genius, it might not be so surprising for others that he advanced from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm in three years.
But Lin Qingzhi's aptitudes were all lower grade.
"This disciple of mine, at best, has reached the second layer of the Golden Core Realm."
Lu Changsheng sighed.
"Three years, from the first level of the Foundation Establishment to the second level of the Golden Core Realm? Could it be that this child is a genius, and our Mount Shu's Immortal Artifact 'Gallbladder Mirror' was mistaken?"
"If that's really the case, then Elder Lu has picked up a huge bargain this time."
"Golden Core Realm Second Layer, although still not as good as Chen Yao at the Golden Core Realm Third Layer, is already very impressive."
"Congratulations to Elder Lu."
Many Mount Shu Elders expressed their admiration without end.
" How is that possible…!"
Xiao Xiangdao, who followed Li Changye, was heavily shaken upon seeing Lin Qingzhi's cultivation reach the second layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Three years ago, Xiao Xiangdao was at the third layer of the Qi Transformation Realm. After cultivating alongside Li Changye for three years, Xiao Xiangdao's cultivation level improved to the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Xiao Xiangdao's cultivation level was higher than Lin Qingzhi's displayed level, but he still felt something was amiss.
The leap from the first layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm to the second layer of the Golden Core Realm, compared to going from the third layer of the Qi Transformation Realm to the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm, was more shocking.
"Regardless, during this Disciple Conference, the one who will rank first must be me, Xiao Xiangdao!"
Xiao Xiangdao clenched his fists, his eyes resolute.
On the Martial Arts Platform, the fierce battle raged on, with Sword Qi whistling through the air and explosive sounds like thunderclaps shaking the earth, reducing the Martial Arts Platform to ruins from the combat between the two!
Although Lin Qingzhi suppressed his cultivation level by four minor realms, still one minor realm below Chen Yao at the Golden Core Realm Third Layer, and his magical treasure was not as good as Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, Lin Qingzhi, after all, possessed the consciousness of the Golden Core Realm Sixth Layer, enabling him to fight Chen Yao on equal grounds with great difficulty.
"A strong opponent, that's good."
Each time Lin Qingzhi's Green Abyss Sword collided with Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, his Zodiac Meridians trembled violently. He quickly circulated his Taxuan Skills to suppress the surging blood and the chaotic Spiritual Energy.
In battling Chen Yao, Lin Qingzhi was accumulating combat experience.
After all, this was a brand new opponent, and Lin Qingzhi knew almost nothing about her, making it more akin to a real battle.
On the other hand, Chen Yao was also secretly astonished.
Lin Qingzhi, who seemed unremarkable in appearance and whose cultivation level seemed not very high, had actually managed to block her magical weapon.
Even though Chen Yao appeared to have the upper hand, if a third-level Golden Core Realm Disciple could not defeat a "second-level Golden Core Realm" Disciple, then in reality, it was she who had lost.
No, I can't disgrace my master.
Chen Yao bit her silver teeth, her green clothes fluttered, and the Skywave Sword returned to her hand.
"Junior brother, I don't want to hurt you. When I use that move, you should admit defeat," she said.
"Unity of Person and Sword!"
Chen Yao reminded Lin Qingzhi as the Skywave Sword emitted a myriad of blue lights, engulfing her. At that moment, it was as if she and the sword became one, transforming into an azure streak of light that shot up into the sky!
Boom-
Dark clouds hovered over the city, lightning flashed, and thunder roared. Chen Yao, holding the sword, stood in midair, the fierce wind howling, her green robe snapping in the wind, as numerous bolts of lightning were absorbed by the sharp edge of the Skywave Sword, resembling a massive whirlpool!
"You won't be able to block this sword!"
"Supreme Thunder Command!"
Chen Yao's lovely face turned red, and the autumn water-like divine sword, with its overwhelming and dazzling light, slashed towards Lin Qingzhi.
Into this sword, Chen Yao had poured all her spiritual energy and divine sense; to her, the world around seemed to quiet down.
Faced with this sword, she believed Lin Qingzhi would surely retreat.
However, Lin Qingzhi did not back down, and on the brink of life and death, he decided to give it a try.
"You'll lose your life… No, that's not right, your aura…"
In Chen Yao's eyes, Lin Qingzhi was the only one left, and she was startled to see that his momentum had suddenly increased several fold in that instant!
At the moment of life and death, Lin Qingzhi's instincts led him to release his true cultivation level, and Chen Yao, who had her attention solely on him, caught it.
"Enough is enough."
Boom!
A figure interposed between Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao; with a wave of his Daoist robe, an invisible current, like a dragon drawing water, absorbed all the immense sword energy of the Skywave Sword and dissipated it into nothingness.
This person was Lu Changsheng.
On the other side, Lu Changsheng also suppressed Lin Qingzhi's cultivation level.
It was a close call, his disciple nearly revealed his sixth-level Golden Core Realm cultivation.
Not only that, the stance of the two had already reached a life-and-death struggle.
Chen Yao's cultivation technique exceeded her current realm; if Lin Qingzhi had used all his cultivation to clash with her, the exhausted Chen Yao would definitely have suffered a backlash and most likely would have perished, while Lin Qingzhi might have been injured by her as well.
"You're being too reckless; this is just a sparring match, no need to go so far. Being too stubborn could easily lead to inner demons," Elder Lu admonished the Mount Shu disciple across from him.
"Thankyou, senior, for your guidance. I have learned my lesson," Chen Yao said, snapping back to reality and breaking out in a cold sweat, realizing she had indeed been too Impulsive and used a technique she had not fully mastered.
"If it hadn't been for my master blocking sister's sword, I would have faced disaster. I admit defeat," Lin Qingzhi actively sheathed the Green Abyss Sword, not minding winning or losing.
Many elders and disciples of Mount Shu were astounded and did not see Lin Qingzhi's voluntary admission of defeat as a dishonorable act.
The technique that Chen Yao used last had already surpassed the third level of the Golden Core Realm.
"Senior, your disciple… was holding back, wasn't he?" Chen Yao said to Elder Lu through a voice transmission as he was leaving with Lin Qingzhi.
In that instant, Chen Yao had sensed that Lin Qingzhi might have been concealing his true cultivation level.
Lu Changsheng could not deny it and smiled, acknowledging that it was not just holding back; it was more like a floodgate.
"Elder Lu, your disciple… his cultivation is not just this," Fairy Xia of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion secretly sent a voice transmission to Elder Lu.
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Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Go Comfort Her
Translator: 549690339
Xia Ningxue took the initiative to send a telepathic message to herself, and Lu Changsheng was slightly surprised.
Xia Ningxue was the Holy Maiden of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, usually as cold as frost, and he hadn't expected her to proactively send a message.
"My disciple is of mediocre talent and has achieved his current cultivation level only through dedicated focus and undivided attention," said Lu Changsheng indifferently.
Even though Lu Changsheng boosted Lin Qingzhi by using the power-infusing initiation, Lin Qingzhi's progress in cultivation was so swift because he possessed the Heart of the Innocent.
"Hmm. The six Orthodox Sects will soon convene the Six Dao Conference."
Without asking further, Xia Ningxue simply mentioned it.
The Six Dao Conference?
Lu Changsheng knew that once Xia State was in turmoil, the six Orthodox Sects including Mount Shu, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Martial Alliance, Hidden Dragon Temple, Refinement Sect, and Immeasurable Temple, would convene the Six Dao Conference to discuss how to deal with the catastrophe.
At the same time, the Sect Leaders and Elders of the six Orthodox Sects might compete at the Six Dao Conference, displaying their strength to elevate their sect's status.
Within the six Orthodox Sects, there are internal rankings as well.
The higher the rank, the greater the influence.
Although Mount Shu has been at the top for many years, it has not always been first.
Every so often, an unparalleled genius emerges among the other five Orthodox Sects.
Twenty thousand years ago, an extraordinary genius appeared out of nowhere, surpassing Mount Shu's Sect Leader at the time, and founded what is now known as Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
The Six Dao Conference, such an important event, determines the ranking of the six Orthodox Sects as well as their response to the catastrophe.
"This time, the Six Dao Conference is to be prepared by Inquiry Immortal Pavilion."
"Only those of Elder rank are qualified to attend the Six Dao Conference."
"Changsheng, you will accompany me when the time comes."
Sect Leader Li Changye sent a telepathic message to Lu Changsheng.
With a cultivation level in the Dao Palace Realm, Lu Changsheng was fully qualified to participate in the Six Dao Conference.
"Hmm."
Lu Changsheng also longed for the Six Dao Conference.
The Six Dao Conference, with the attendance of Sect Leaders and Elders from the six Orthodox Sects, mostly well-known figures, is undoubtedly the grandest event in Xia State.
While Sect Leaders and some Elders leave for the Six Dao Conference, the safety of Mount Shu is entrusted to the Supreme Elders, which is not a concern.
"Lian, intentionally lose to Xiao Xiangdao. I'll initiate power-infusing initiation foryou afterwards."
The disciples' assembly at Mount Shu was still underway, and Lu Changsheng sent a telepathic message to his junior disciple Lian, instructing her to deliberately lose to Xiao Xiangdao.
Lian, who had been fighting empty-handed from the start, was at a slight disadvantage against the sword-wielding Xiao Xiangdao.
Lian nodded her head and, after a fierce hand-to-hand battle with Xiao Xiangdao, pretended to be overpowered and stepped off the Martial Arts Platform.
"Hmph, I don't want to fight you."
Lian pouted and ran back to Lu Changsheng's side.
Xiao Xiangdao sheathed his Longsword, his brows tightly furrowed.
He always felt that his opponent had not gone all out, as if she had treated the match as a joke.
But since Lian was just a little girl, even if she really did treat it as a joke, Xiao Xiangdao couldn't very well lose his temper.
At the end, it came down to Supreme Elder's disciple Chen Yao and Sect Leader's disciple Xiao Xiangdao.
Chen Yao had the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique with a cultivation level at the third layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Xiao Xiangdao possessed the Spirit Sword Physique, at the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Both were among the most outstanding of Mount Shu's new generation, their Sword Qi wreaking havoc in the Martial Arts Platform once again.
In the end, because Chen Yao had expended a great deal of Spiritual Energy dueling Lin Qingzhi, she lost to Xiao Xiangdao, leaving him the victor.
Li Changye simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Li Changye also knew that if Lian, who had the Martial King Divine Physique, had fought at full strength, his disciple might not have won.
Even Chen Yao, a disciple of the Supreme Elders, might not have lost to Xiao Xiangdao had she not been drained of considerable Spiritual Energy by Lin Qingzhi.
Moreover, the seemingly mediocre Lin Qingzhi's true cultivation might not be just at the second layer of the Golden Core Realm.
One can only say that this generation's Mount Shu disciples are too extraordinarily gifted.
Li Changye felt greatly gratified.
With disciples such as Xiao Xiangdao, Lin Qingzhi, Chen Yao, Lian and other geniuses; Mount Shu's future is promising.
"I've lost…"
Defeated, Chen Yao carried the Skywave Sword on her back, her eyes red- rimmed as she vanished forlornly into the crowd.
She had hoped to earn some honor for her master, yet she did not expect to lose to Xiao Xiangdao, who possessed the Spirit Sword Physique.
"Qingzhi, go and console Chen Yao."
Lu Changsheng noticed Chen Yao's desolate departure. He always thought that the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique was exceptional, especially since Chen Yao's master was one of Mount Shu's mysterious Supreme Elders. It wouldn't be a bad thing to seek her goodwill.
"What should I do?"
Lin Qingzhi was completely puzzled.
He was clueless.
Lu Changsheng rolled his eyes; this disciple was too honest, "Just say some comforting words."
"As you command, master."
Following orders, Lin Qingzhi went after her.
In the bamboo grove on the back mountain, Chen Yao looked at the swaying green bamboo, her blue garments fluttering in the wind, with crystal clear tears occasionally dropping, glinting like silver.
Missing first place by just one step was, to her youthful disposition, inevitably regretful.
"Who's there?"
Despite her upset, Chen Yao still sensed someone approaching.
"Senior sister, I mean no harm."
"Is it you?"
Chen Yao looked up to see the newcomer, Lin Qingzhi, who had intentionally lost to her before.
"Are you crying?"
"I am not!"
Chen Yao hastily wiped her reddened eyes with her sleeve, unwilling to admit it. Lin Qingzhi scratched his head, and not knowing what to say, he recalled his master's words and spoke, "Actually, with senior sister's strength, had you not expended too much spiritual energy in the fight against me, brother Xiao would probably not be your match. So, in my view, senior sister is the real first place." "Really… Hmph, you don't need to say such comforting words. It's not like they make me feel any better…"
"But I am telling the truth. Also, our master said that as cultivators, we should be humble, not be competitive and overambitious. If senior sister can understand this principle, perhaps one day you might reach master's realm." "Are you lecturing me? Is this howyou comfort someone? You really are a blockhead." Chen Yao turned around, her black hair dancing in the wind among the bamboo, her eyes still tearful but smiling, "Regardless, thank you. Let's go back now."
By the time Chen Yao returned to the assembly with Lin Qingzhi, her mood had improved significantly.
Following the conclusion of Mount Shu disciples' assembly, the new generation of Mount Shu disciples had to complete their first sect trial mission.
The trial mission required them to descend the mountain.
Leaving the protection of Mount Shu to venture into the martial arts world could lead to encounters with Demon Sects' disciples or even extremely cruel loose cultivators and members of the Demon Race.
Thus, casualties were inevitable with each trial mission, an unavoidable occurrence.
The path of cultivation is fraught with danger, a matter of life and death.
It's not just the newly initiated disciples; even Mount Shu's Elders could fall upon leaving the shelter of Mount Shu.
Lu Changsheng himself once narrowly escaped death at the hands of a loose cultivator, the Black Tiger Daoist of Huang State.
All disciples drew lots to form teams, with every five individuals making up a small squad, led by either a seasoned disciple who had achieved great accomplishment in the Golden Core Realm or an Elder in the Nascent Soul Realm.
The trial mission was not only a matter of life and death but also a means to build the disciples' teamwork capabilities.
After all, cultivators do not necessarily have to fight their battles alone.
Lian, due to her unique status, couldn't leave Mount Shu; otherwise, it could alert the four Great Demon Sects and the Demon Race of Huang State, and the difficulty of this trial mission could instantly escalate ten thousand fold…
Moreover, with Lin Qingzhi going out for the trial, Lu Changsheng needed to leave a disciple behind. How else could he exploit the system for more benefits? "We're on the same team?"
Chen Yao, who drew number eight for the team, found herself in the same squad as Lin Qingzhi, a disciple of Lu Changsheng.
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Chapter 26: Chapter 26 My Master Can Tell Fortunes (Please Follow)
Translator: 549690339
Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao were in a squad led by an Inner Sect Disciple of the Golden Core Realm at the ninth level.
This Inner Sect Disciple had cultivated in Mount Shu for sixty years, not a novice by any means, with rich worldly experience, thus he was qualified to lead new disciples on their formative expeditions.
Normally, as long as one didn't encounter an Elder of the Demon Sects or a Great Demon, being at the ninth level of the Golden Core Realm meant one could traverse Xia State with impunity.
"The disciples of this generation in Mount Shu have boundless prospects." "Two years from now, we shall meet again at the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion." Following the conclusion of the Mount Shu Disciples' Conference, the Elders of the five Righteous Dao Sects held a covert meeting with Li Changye before taking to the skies on their swords and departing.
"Changsheng, have you noticed? Xia Ningxue, the newly accepted disciple of the Fairy Pavilion Master, possesses exceptionally high talent."
Senior Brother Li Changye watched the departing crowd and communicated telepathically with Lu Changsheng.
"Despite her young age, her cultivation has already reached the Dao Palace Realm, indeed formidable."
"During the Six Dao Conference, it's likely that the Fairy Pavilion Master will send this girl to challenge the rank of our young generation Elders in Mount Shu. Although I'm confident in defeating her, having cultivated for five hundred years, a victory over her would hardly be honorable."
"One thousand five hundred years ago, the Six Dao Conference was held at our Mount Shu, and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion challenged our position as number one. The Pavilion Master fought our Sect Leader and was defeated in all three battles, losing face completely. As a result, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's status fell to fifth place. I reckon the Fairy Pavilion Master still remembers this."
"You are the last direct disciple accepted by our Sect Leader. For this Six Dao Conference, we can only hope you will defeat Xia Ningxue."
Li Changye spoke with a heavy heart as he patted Lu Changsheng's shoulder.
Li Changye had been present to protect Lu Changsheng during his breakthrough to the Dao Palace Realm, witnessing the heavenly phenomena induced by Lu Changsheng. Believing that Lu Changsheng's talent was no less than his own, he hoped that Lu Changsheng could stand against Xia Ningxue and uphold Mount Shu's dignity.
To battle Xia Ningxue?
"Senior Brother, if I defeat Xia Ningxue when the time comes, you'll have my back, right?"
Lu Changsheng wasn't afraid of Xia Ningxue, but he was concerned about the Fairy Pavilion Master supporting her from behind.
How would he face it if the Fairy Pavilion Master, after finally finding an opportunity to disgrace the Mount Shu Sect Leader, decided to personally draw a sword and pursue him if he ruined it?
"Hahaha, both Master and I will have your back."
Understanding Lu Changsheng's implication, Li Changye reassured him.
It seems his Senior Brother also enjoys stirring up a bit of chaos.
Before his disciples set off for their trials, Lu Changsheng summoned Lin Qingzhi and performed a Power-infusing Initiation on him.
[Ding, you have imparted 300 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple "Lin Qingzhi," and Lin Qingzhi has actually gained sixty days of cultivation.] [Ding, you have received an eighty-fold return reward for your teaching: 4.800 days of cultivation.]
[Ding, the number of Power-infusing Initiation you can perform today -1, the remaining count for initiating today is 1.]
Due to Lu Changsheng's realm advancement, Lin Qingzhi only gained sixty days of his cultivation, but his Qi Sea was now brimming with spiritual energy. Lu Changsheng obtained over ten years of cultivation return, further solidifying his Dao Palace.
"Disciple, your master has foreseen through calculation that one year from now, on your way back to Mount Shu after completing your trials, you will encounter a tribulation."
"Master can tell fortunes?"
Lin Qingzhi's eyes widened.
To mysteriously calculate the ways of heaven, even the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple would not dare claim to accurately predict events a year in advance.
Yet, his master had outright stated that he would experience a tribulation in a year's time.
"I know a thing or two."
"How should your disciple face this tribulation?"
"When the time comes, you needn't worry, keep calm and handle it. If you truly cannot overcome, your master will appear and assist you in crossing the tribulation."
"Thankyou, Master. Your disciple takes the liberty to ask."
"Goon."
"Is Master… an Immortal?"
"Do I look like an Immortal to you?"
"Yes, very much so."
Lin Qingzhi was convinced that Lu Changsheng was an Immortal hidden away, cultivating in Mount Shu.
Otherwise, how could Lu Changsheng bestow limitless Power-infusing Initiation? How could he foresee the future and be so prescient?
"To me, an Immortal is nothing more than a cultivator with a much higher level of cultivation."
"Before you depart, as a reward, I'll bestow upon you some Elixir Pills for your survival during your trials."
Lu Changsheng casually handed over a bag of Elixir Pills.
With Lin Qingzhi's current realm, Elixir Pills below the third grade were more than sufficient; higher-grade Elixir Pills might risk causing his body to explode from their potent power.
Over the past three years, Lu Changsheng diligently exploited the system benefits every day, amassing hundreds of advanced Elixir Pills, including an eight-grade Elixir Pill that returned a ten-thousand-fold reward.
The power of an eighth-grade elixir pill is so strong that even those in the Dao Palace Realm cannot withstand it.
Lu Changsheng need only take out a few fifth-grade elixir pills to trade for a stack of third-grade or lower elixir pills at Mount Shu's Elixir Pavilion, never fearing a lack of elixir pills to reward his disciples.
As for high-grade elixir pills, Lu Changsheng uses them for body tempering himself and his young apprentice.
The higher the grade of the elixir pill, the better the body tempering effect, and the stronger the physique.
Of course, if the power of the elixir is too strong, it could easily result in the body exploding and death.
"Thank you, Master. Qingzhi has been away from Mount Shu for a year and couldn't serve by the Master's side. I hope the Master will forgive me,"
Lin Qingzhi bowed deeply, then respectfully took his leave.
"Master, Lian also wants to go down the mountain and play! Please- "
Lian clung to Lu Changsheng's arm, coquettishly pleading to descend the mountain for trials.
"No, you may not. Here in Mount Shu, you have the protection of your master, Sect Leader, eldest senior brother, and the Supreme Elders. If you leave, your presence could alarm the four Great Demon Sects and the demons of Huang State. Do you want to be devoured by a Great Demon?"
"Alright then…"
Lian, remembering being chased by the Black Tiger Daoist and Reincarnation Hall three years ago, reluctantly gave up the idea of leaving the mountain.
"So when can Lian leave the mountain?"
"You must at least reach the Dao Palace Realm, with your Martial King Divine Physique becoming somewhat established,"
Lu Changsheng pondered for a while and, considering his young apprentice's monstrous talent, realized that once she had somewhat established her Martial King Divine Physique, she would have no problem blowing apart Great Demons of the calibre of the Black Tiger Daoist with her bare hands.
"That's too long."
Lian pouted but continued to cultivate under Lu Changsheng's guidance.
For a peerless genius like Lian, who could reach the Dao Palace Realm in her twenties, such a period of cultivation was indeed insignificant.
In the Qi Transformation Realm, one's lifespan is 150 years.
In the Golden Core Realm, it is 300 years.
In the Nascent Soul Realm, it is 500 years.
In the Dao Palace Realm, it is a thousand years.
A dozen or so years, to a cultivator of the Dao Palace Realm, is no more than a year or two for a common mortal.
Lu Changsheng still wanted to linger in Mount Shu for a while longer.
Without being invincible, Lu Changsheng always felt the world of cultivation was fraught with danger.
Staying in Mount Shu was wonderful, with the protection of the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders, and the abundant nature's spiritual energy to use when breaking through – it was truly a Holy Land for cultivation.
Only if the spiritual energy of Mount Shu was no longer sufficient would Lu Changsheng consider relocating.
Lian continued cultivating with Lu Changsheng on Qingyun Peak, while his eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi, began his year-long trial as a disciple.
Lin Qingzhi's team was led by a senior disciple at the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm; it also included Chen Yao at the third layer of the Golden Core Realm, a disciple at the ninth layer of Qi Transformation Realm, one at the sixth layer, and one at the fourth layer, totaling six members.
"The Master has predicted that I will face a trial in a year's time; I must be especially cautious,"
Lin Qingzhi trusted his master, Lu Changsheng, wholeheartedly without a trace of doubt.
"Silly boy, what are you brooding over?"
Chen Yao carried the Skywave Sword on her back and, seeing Lin Qingzhi frown in thought, she approached him.
"My master said that in a year, our team will face a dire calamity; you should be careful too."
"I thought you were honest and simple, yet you want to deceive me. Do you think your master is the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple, known for his incredible predictions?"
Chen Yao was skeptical.
The Time Law is among the most difficult in all of nature.
To predict the workings of fate may also invite backlash.
Not even the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple can necessarily foresee events a year in advance.
Lin Qingzhi promised with conviction, "I swear, my master will not be wrong." "How about we make a bet? Whoever loses has to agree to do one thing for the other."
"The Master said the martial world is perilous, and we must not bet lightly with others."
"So you do not have confidence in your master's prediction?"
"The Master won't be wrong… Alright, I'll bet with you,"
Lin Qingzhi scratched his head.
What a fool, getting twisted into making a bet by me.
Chen Yao found it amusing, but what she didn't know was that Lu Changsheng had already used the system to simulate Lin Qingzhi's life beforehand; in the end, she was actually the one lured into the trap.
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Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Returning the Disciple, Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking
Translator: 549690339
"Today, I shall impart to you the secret technique for tracking," Lu Changsheng said.
Lu Changsheng took out a Profound Rank low-grade cultivation technique.
Although this was just a Profound Rank technique, it had no small use.
To track an enemy's breath and utterly exterminate them, eliminate all future troubles.
Lu Changsheng detached a wisp of spiritual energy and attached it to a Spirit Ape that he "invited" over, and Lian did the same, detaching his own wisp of spiritual energy.
"Recite the mnemonic verse of the tracking technique in your mind, maintain a sense of this wisp of spiritual energy, and no matter where the Spirit Ape has gone, you will be aware of it."
"Go," he ordered.
Guided by Lu Changsheng's directions, the Spirit Ape left the cave dwelling.
Being able to serve as a "teaching tool" for Dao Palace realm's Lu Changsheng was a great fortune for it.
Many spirit beasts in Mount Shu attained enlightenment, not just because the spiritual energy of Mount Shu was rich, but also because occasionally they could receive advice from the Mount Shu elders.
"Master, I can feel it; the Spirit Ape has reached the mountainside!"
Lian recited the mnemonic verse silently and then clearly sensed the location of the Spirit Ape.
"This is the simplest form of the tracking technique."
"Next, I will teach you the second layer of the tracking technique, which can search for enemies within a hundred miles by their scent."
"But you need to understand one thing, the tracking technique is not entirely reliable; the opponent can use different scents to mask their own, and by holding their breath and concentrating their mind, they can evade tracking. Even more formidable are those who use magic formations to conceal their existence and merge with nature."
"At this time, strategy is essential. You might launch a surprise counterattack or draw the snake out of the hole."
"When tracking an enemy, you also need to consider the most likely direction they would flee or the most likely place they would hide to find them the fastest."
"Ingenuity is also a part of strength."
"Using ingenuity is the highest realm of the tracking technique."
Lu Changsheng began to impart the second and third layers of understanding for the tracking technique.
Lu Changsheng took out a small twig from a bird's nest on Qingyun Peak, and then had Lian use the scent on the twig, covering Qingyun Peak with his divine sense to find the exact location of the bird's nest.
At first, Lian was not proficient and it took him half an hour to find the bird's nest on a crooked tree at the mountain's peak.
Once proficient, Lu Changsheng took out a pinecone, and this time, it took Lian less than a quarter of an hour to find the location of the Spirit Squirrel.
[Ding, you have bestowed your disciple "Lian" with the Profound Rank low- grade cultivation technique "Tracking Technique," and have received a five hundred times return reward for teaching: Heaven Rank low-grade cultivation technique "Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking."]
[Ding, the number of bestowal opportunities today -1.]
Out of nowhere, a Heaven Rank low-grade cultivation technique appeared in Lu Changsheng's arms.
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking," with just a faint wisp of scent, could track an enemy thousands of miles away, and at the highest level of cultivation, one could even see the scenes surrounding the person being tracked from thousands of miles away.
Isn't this just like having clairvoyance?
Lu Changsheng was elated.
If he could cultivate "Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" to the highest level, then even without leaving Mount Shu, he would be able to use the tracking secret technique to see what his disciple was doing.
This was one of its uses.
The most significant use of "Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" was for chasing down enemies.
"If you don't remove the roots, the spring breeze will bring them back to life."
By mastering this secret technique, it would be extremely difficult for the enemy to escape.
As a Heaven Rank technique, Lian was not yet able to comprehend it, so Lu Changsheng began to cultivate "Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" first.
Three months later, Lu Changsheng split a strand of his divine sense and, following the aura of his eldest disciple Lin Qingzhi, left Mount Shu to track Lin Qjngzhi's whereabouts.
"The Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking uses the Space Law, which is extremely difficult to comprehend."
Lu Changsheng guided this inconsequential strand of divine sense, tracking for thousands of li.
Three days and nights passed, and Lu Changsheng's strand of divine sense entered a feudal kingdom known as Ji Country.
The group of Mount Shu disciples that Lin Qingzhi was part of, under the guise of loose cultivators, traveled while slaying demons and promoting righteousness and was currently in Ji Country.
Lu Changsheng's divine sense, through the use of a secret technique, searched for Lin Qingzhi's exact location in Ji Country.
"Found you!"
Another day passed, and Lu Changsheng, using the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking, finally located his eldest disciple's position.
"Condense!"
Inside the cave dwelling on Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng's real body continuously changed hand signs, forcibly condensing the scenery thousands of li away.
"I see it."
Lu Changsheng peered across ten thousand li and vaguely saw the Mount Shu group where Lin Qingzhi was located.
In Ji Country, at Vast Wilderness Marsh, several hundred loose cultivators had responded to the local government's recruitment and gathered at the local military camp.
The military camp stretched for tens of li, with flags fluttering in the wind, and two hundred thousand mortal soldiers assembled.
A general with cultivation at the fifth layer of the Golden Core Realm, his demeanor imposing, said to the several hundred loose cultivators with a fist salute, "I am Chu Yu, the Great General of Ji Country! This time we are campaigning against the bandits in Vast Wilderness Marsh. I must trouble all the Daoist masters present to lend their aid. The bandit leader Sima Kuang is a heretic cultivator at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, who has rallied eight hundred highly skilled bandits, entrenched in the miasma-filled Vast Wilderness Marsh, and frequently raids various cities, engaging in arson, murder, and looting."
"The court has long sought to eradicate this bandit. However, each time we send troops against them, these eight hundred bandits would hide within the Vast Wilderness Marsh, elusive as spirits and ghosts, causing the grand army to return without success."
"Therefore, the court is sparing no expense this time, recruiting all the Daoist masters and dispatching an army of two hundred thousand, determined to exterminate these bandits."
"Tomorrow, the two hundred thousand-strong army will attack Vast Wilderness Marsh. All the Daoist masters need only to slay the bandit leader Sima Kuang. Leave the rest of the bandits to us."
"As long as the Daoist masters contribute to the victory, our Ji Country will surely reward you handsomely."
"Whoever slays the bandit leader Sima Kuang will be rewarded with a fifthgrade elixir pill!"
Chu Yu announced the contents of the bounty mission to the assembled loose cultivators.
Upon hearing about the fifth-grade elixir pill, all the loose cultivators present went wild with desire.
Such a pill was worth a fortune!
Especially for the loose cultivators presented, whose cultivation levels were mostly within the Qi Transformation Realm and Golden Core Realm, some might never even see a fourth-grade elixir pill in their entire lifetime, let alone a fifth-grade one.
Just a fifth-grade elixir pill…
Lu Changsheng, observing the crowd through the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking and seeing them go crazy over a single fifth-grade elixir pill, couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Because he consistently exploited the system for its benefits, Lu Changsheng had a mountainous pile of fourth-grade, fifth-grade, and sixth-grade elixir pills in his possession, and even a precious eighth-grade elixir pill that could shake the six Righteous Dao sects and the four Great Demon Sects.
It seemed that aiding Ji Country in the elimination of the eight hundred bandits in Vast Wilderness Marsh was the most important task for Lin Qingzhi and the Mount Shu group during this excursion.
The leader of the eight hundred bandits, Sima Kuang, a heretic cultivator at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, was of a lower realm than the leading Mount Shu disciple at the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm. The task appeared not to be a difficult one for this training mission.
However, Lu Changsheng knew there was something unusual about heretic cultivators.
Heretic cultivators practiced crooked and perverse Daoist techniques, often catching their adversaries off guard.
The Black Tiger Daoist Lu Changsheng encountered in Huang State had such a technique called "Black Tiger Heart Devouring" that could attack the soul of an enemy, causing their soul to scatter and disperse.
"I have a feeling that Master seems to be watching over us."
Lin Qingzhi, amidst the loose cultivators, suddenly had a realization; in the depths of his soul, it felt as if his master was paying attention to this training mission.
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Chapter 28: Chapter 28 This Disciple Might Just Be an Unparalleled Genius (Please Follow)
Translator: 549690339
"Junior Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? Elder Lu is thousands of miles away in Mount Shu, how could he be here?"
Chen Yao felt that Lin Qingzhi must have gone mad upon hearing him talk to himself.
"Perhaps I am overthinking it."
Lin Qingzhi also found it unbelievable.
How could his master be meditating on Qingyun Peak at this time and still be aware of events occurring thousands of miles away?
The Great General of Ji Country, Chu Yu, continued to describe the situation of the mission: "We will break camp tomorrow, so I ask all Daoist priests to rest well tonight in preparation for the major battle."
"Hold on a moment."
Just as everyone was about to go rest, Lin Qingzhi suddenly spoke up.
The surrounding Loose Cultivators, Ji Country's commanders, and even the disciples of Mount Shu who had come with Lin Qingzhi were all greatly surprised.
The unremarkable Lin Qingzhi actually stood up at this moment.
Lu Changsheng, who was observing this cultivation trial from thousands of miles away, also showed a hint of surprise, even more curious about what this usually low-profile disciple was going to do next.
"Ji Country has marshaled two hundred thousand troops and spared no expense in recruiting extraordinary individuals, all to exterminate the eight hundred bandits of Vast Wilderness Marsh. Since Sima Kuang has managed to escape the encirclement multiple times, his nature must be cunning and ruthless. Such a grandiose operation by Ji Country must have already alarmed Sima Kuang. If I were Sima Kuang, I would definitely send loyal subordinates to infiltrate our group of Loose Cultivators."
"In this way, every move we make would be in Sima Kuang's grasp. Two hundred thousand troops marching into Vast Wilderness Marsh would be nothing but a death sentence."
Lin Qingzhi's analysis was incisive, causing even the Great General of Ji Country to change color upon hearing it.
The Loose Cultivators present were in an uproar.
Upon careful consideration, they realized that what Lin Qingzhi described was highly probable.
One of the eight hundred bandits had already infiltrated their ranks!
"I've been sensing everyone's aura with Spiritual Energy just now. I noticed someone whose aura changed drastically after my analysis. If I'm not wrong, you are the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang."
Lin Qingzhi swiftly turned his gaze toward a Qi Transformation Realm seventh-layer Loose Cultivator, who was already sweating profusely.
"Damnit!"
This Loose Cultivator, exposed by Lin Qingzhi, attempted to draw his Flying Sword and fight to the death.
"Bandit, meet your end!"
A Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator acted first, a sword to the throat, killing the inside agent.
The inside agent's eyes were lifeless, as he fell to the ground.
A Qi Transformation Realm seventh-layer cultivator, when facing a Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator, had almost no chance of fighting back.
The Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave a toothy grin, saying to Lin Qingzhi, "Little Daoist priest, you truly have a natural eye for detail to be able to detect the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang. May I ask who is your master?"
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator inquired almost flatteringly.
However, Lin Qingzhi's expression was icy: "May I ask this fellow Daoist, why did you not attempt to capture the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang alive and have him lead us into Vast Wilderness Marsh, instead of immediately silencing him?"
Whoosh.
With Lin Qingzhi's reminder, the eyes of everyone present suddenly focused on the Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator.
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator certainly had a problem!
Had it not been for Lin Qingzhi's reminder, they might not have realized what was off.
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator, who was in a hurry to kill and silence, and sweating profusely, could very well be one of the eight hundred bandits!
"You bastard…" As expected, the exposed Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator became frantic, his expression twisting into a snarl, "F*kit all, I'm not hiding anymore! Yes, I am an inside agent of the eight hundred bandits. You dare to provoke us, you will have no grave to be buried in!"
A Loose Cultivator of the Golden Core Realm summoned a Flying Sword, and rode the sword to the sky.
"Hmph, tryingto escape?!"
Chu Yu, who was at the fifth level of the Golden Core Realm, immediately pursued into the sky, clenching his five fingers into a fist, carrying an unstoppable domineering aura, and smashed toward the insider!
Where the power of the fist went, the air exploded!
Lin Qingzhi, Chen Yao, and other Loose Cultivators of the Golden Core Realm took action at the same time, surrounding and attacking the unfortunate insider with their swords.
The insider at the Golden Core Realm was only at the second level of cultivation, and once exposed, he couldn't fend off the attacks from all sides, quickly getting beaten black and blue, and ultimately captured alive.
"This young Taoist is truly a remarkable person, with meticulous thoughts, actually able to root out Sima Kuang's insider among us."
Chu Yu, having captured alive the insider sent by Sima Kuang, couldn't stop praising Lin Qingzhi.
Even he had not noticed that every single one of his moves was under Sima Kuang's surveillance.
"Great General, Vast Wilderness Marsh is Sima Kuang's territory, filled with miasma and teeming with traps. An army of two hundred thousand marching into Vast Wilderness Marsh would surely suffer heavy casualties. Instead, using the insider's identity, we send false intelligence to Sima Kuang and lure the snake out of its hole."
"My senior sister is skilled in the Dao Array and can conceal everyone's Spiritual Energy. We can set an ambush along the way."
"Once Sima Kuang enters the ambush, the Great General can lead the troops in a counterattack, while we Loose Cultivators take care of executing Sima Kuang. Compared to a direct assault on Vast Wilderness Marsh, this might reduce the number of casualties."
After Lin Qingzhi offered his insights, the eyes of Ji Country's Great General, Chu Yu, shone even brighter.
"Brilliant plan! What a brilliant plan!" Chu Yu expressed his immense admiration, "Young Taoist is proficient in military strategy; if you could join us in Ji Country, my position as Great General could be yours in the future. How do you feel about that proposal, Young Taoist?"
"I am not that talented; it is all because of my master's good teaching. After this matter is resolved, I still have to return to serve at my master's side. My cultivation is far behind that of my master."
Lin Qingzhi calmly shook his head, declining Chu Yu's offer.
"If Young Taoist is already so capable, then your master must indeed be an unmatched hermit expert hidden from the world. Come to think of it, how could Young Taoist possibly care for the position of a Great General in our small country? Someone, proceed according to Young Taoist's plans!"
Chu Yu was filled with regret, always feeling that Lin Qingzhi was a superior military talent.
"Junior brother, you've gained my newfound respect."
Chen Yao put away her previous contempt for Lin Qingzhi and actually felt that a serious Lin Qingzhi had a certain charm.
"Really?"
Lin Qingzhi scratched his head; he simply had taken an interest in chess and military strategy due to the influence of the man who had adopted him, the Naval Commander of Liang Country.
"But just a little bit."
Chen Yao still didn't want to admit it.
"Hahaha, once we get rid of the bandit Sima Kuang, I must personally host a grand feast to treat all the Taoists, especially the two young Taoists!"
The Great General of Ji Country, seeing the conversation between Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao, always felt that the two had extraordinary backgrounds, hence he laughed heartily, intentionally mentioning the two of them.
At that moment, Elder Lu, who was observing in secret, felt a storm surge within him.
He had never expected that his disciple was feigning foolishness with great wisdom!
Aside from practicing, Lin Qingzhi usually either played chess or studied military tactics.
It appeared that his disciple, seemingly dull and silly at ordinary times, had his talents concentrated on focus, Go, and military strategy.
With undivided attention, one could achieve success in any path, and without a heart demon to trouble him, a clear and open journey awaits.
This was the terrifying aspect of having a Heart of the Innocent.
This disciple might well be an exceptional genius.
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Chapter 29: Chapter 29: You concealed your cultivation level? So did I.
Translator: 549690339
"Boss, our inside man has successfully poisoned them; the Great General of Ji Country and a bunch of Loose Cultivators are poisoned, gasping for air and resting in Mysterious Valley. Now is the perfect time for us to launch a surprise attack!"
"Once we annihilate Ji Country's two hundred thousand troops, how about leading our brothers to storm Ji Country's imperial city, seize the emperor's throne, and become the emperor ourselves, boss? With your sixth layer cultivation in the Golden Core Realm, playing emperor wouldn't be too bad." "Hahaha, I don't want to be any damn emperor. I would rather be a bandit, it's far more thrilling!"
Sima Kuang led eight hundred bandits on a rapid march, heading for an assault on Mysterious Valley.
The eight hundred bandits didn't detect any murderous intent along the way and entered Mysterious Valley without incident.
Inside Mysterious Valley, the encampment of two hundred thousand Ji Country soldiers was eerily silent.
"Boss, something seems off here."
"Damn it, we've been tricked!"
Having roamed the jianghu for many years, Sima Kuang was vicious and cunning and immediately realized they had fallen into a trap.
" Sima Kuang, you and your eight hundred bandits have done countless evil deeds, it's timeyou were brought to justice!"
From both sides of the valley, within the forest, hundreds of Loose Cultivators and two hundred thousand mortal soldiers burst out from magic formations, swarming forward in a dark mass and encircling the eight hundred bandits.
Five Mount Shu disciples, mingled with the hundreds of Loose Cultivators, sealed off all directions to prevent Sima Kuang's escape.
"Damn it, you used a magic formation to maskyour presence!"
Sima Kuang's expression grew darker by the moment.
"Indeed, the eight hundred of you bandits have sacked and pillaged, with no fewer than a hundred thousand lives on your hands. Your sins are as high as the heavens—you must be executed!"
Chen Yao gestured with her right hand, and the Skywave Sword at her back shone with a brilliant azure light.
The disciples of Mount Shu, righteous and chivalrous, were filled with righteous indignation upon encountering a ruthless villain like Sima Kuang.
"I've traversed the jianghu for eighty years, starting as an ordinary mountain bandit, struggling and surviving numerous brushes with death, to achieve my current level of cultivation. And you think you can kill me just like that?"
Sima Kuang drew a Demon Blade, his eyes fierce. Surrounded by countless troops and many Loose Cultivators, he remained arrogant.
Each of the eight hundred bandits had blood on their hands and dared not surrender, so they fought desperately.
These eight hundred bandits were Loose Cultivators and warriors with cultivation, which was why Ji Country had to mobilize two hundred thousand soldiers to exterminate them.
" Sima Kuang, good and evil will always be repaid in the end. This Mysterious Valley shall be your grave!"
Ji Country's Great General Chu Yu brandished a long spear, joining forces with the Mount Shu disciples and other Loose Cultivators, to besiege Sima Kuang and the Golden Core Realm bandits and warriors among the eight hundred bandits.
Two hundred thousand mortal soldiers simultaneously unleashed volleys of arrows, blades flashing and swords clashing, tasked with suppressing the bandits of the Foundation Establishment Realm and Qi Transformation Realm.
The leading Golden Core Realm ninth-layer disciple transmitted a message to the five Mount Shu disciples including Lin Qingzhi: "During this sect mission, I will only intervene in critical situations. You should try to complete the tasks on your own."
"Understood!"
Lin Qingzhi and Lian, two Golden Core Realm Mount Shu disciples, teamed up with Chu Yu, a fifth-layer Golden Core Realm cultivator, to besiege the sixthlayer Golden Core Realm Sima Kuang, theoretically gaining the upper hand.
The leading experienced Mount Shu disciple's mission was to protect the trainee disciples in dangerous situations and to record everyone's performance during the assessment. Unless absolutely necessary, issues had to be resolved by the newly initiated disciples themselves.
"Aaah!!"
A first-layer Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator was bisected at the waist by Sima Kuang's Blood Demon Blade in the midst of battle, his blood spraying across the sky, emitting a piercing scream.
The faces of the Mount Shu disciples on the training mission turned pale.
Unlike friendly sparring that stops at a light touch, during jianghu training against a cold-blooded Loose Cultivator like Sima Kuang, one could easily meet an untimely death.
"Slash!"
With a flick of her two fingers, Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, radiating a dazzling azure glow, slashed towards Sima Kuang!
"Blood Demon Blade Skills!"
Sima Kuang didn't dodge; instead, his Demon Blade, engulfed in a massive surge of blood, audaciously met Chen Yao's attack!
The blood-red light engulfed the sword qi, and surged back towards Chen Yao.
Chen Yao hastily dodged, but within the blood light, there was a nauseating, disgusting aura mixed in, various negative emotions surged to her mind, causing confusion and turmoil within her spirit.
"Senior sister, be careful!"
Seeing Chen Yao momentarily stunned, Lin Qingzhi stepped in front of her and used the Green Abyss Sword to block Sima Kuang's next slash with his blood blade.
The clash of blade and sword resonated like thunder in the sky, a vast and invisible shockwave emanated from the duo, rapidly expanding in all directions.
Throughout his training, Lin Qingzhi had always kept his realm suppressed at the second layer of the Golden Core Realm. Now outmatched by Sima Kuang, his body involuntarily flew backward.
Suddenly, warmth came from behind him as the revived Chen Yao caught him, stabilizing his form.
Chen Yao, with her special constitution and being a direct disciple of the Supreme Elders of Mount Shu, quickly adjusted despite the influence of the blood blade.
"How are you not affected by my Blood Demon Blade Skills?"
Sima Kuang was astounded.
His Blood Demon Blade Skills could awaken the inner demons deep within a person's heart, tormenting the opponent with unbearable pain, rendering them incapable of fighting. With this technique, Sima Kuang had roamed the martial world for many years, killing many powerful adversaries.
However, Lin Qingzhi possessed the Heart of the Innocent, free from inner demons.
In other words, the effectiveness of Sima Kuang's Blood Demon Blade Skills was greatly reduced against Lin Qingzhi.
"Sima Kuang, don't forget you're also fighting me! Our realms only differ by one layer, and I am aided by so many fellow cultivators. Your death is certain!"
Chu Yu attacked from behind, his lance trembling, turning into thousands of spear shadows, enveloping Sima Kuang!
Sima Kuang turned to counter with his blade, engaging in a fierce fight with Chu Yu!
Both moved with extreme speed, their forms flickering like phantoms, swiftly colliding.
"You think my true cultivation is only at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm? I've roamed the martial world for years, not only because of my decisive killing but also my patience! Now, let me show you my true cultivation!"
The aura around Sima Kuang surged as his cultivation level skyrocketed. Astonishingly, he ascended two levels, reaching the eighth layer of the Golden Core Realm!
"What?!"
Chu Yu was shocked and dismayed.
If Sima Kuang was only at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, then Chu Yu, being at the fifth layer, could have still fought.
But now, a gap of three minor realms stood between them!
True to his reputation, Sima Kuang, who had roamed the martial world for years, was indeed ruthless, never easily revealing his true power!
The people who had seen Sima Kuang's true power were all dead!
Sima Kuang launched another slash, its power greatly magnified; the Great General of Ji Country, unable to withstand Sima Kuang's strength, had his armor cleaved open, a bloody gash appearing on his chest.
The leading disciple of Mount Shu frowned, as Sima Kuang's realm far exceeded his predictions and was now beyond the capability of any new disciple who had joined the sect within the last ten years.
Just as he was about to intervene, Lin Qingzhi, with the Green Abyss Sword in hand and a determined expression, employed the Soaring Cloud Sword Technique and attacked Sima Kuang from behind.
"Little runt, don't you know my cultivation is at the eighth layer of Golden Core Realm now? What makes you, a mere second-layer Golden Core Realm brat, think you can oppose me!"
Sima Kuang mocked, ignoring Lin Qingzhi's sneak attack, intending first to slay the Great General of Ji Country, whom he perceived as a greater threat.
To kill the Great General would also demoralize the two-hundred-thousand- strong army of Ji Country, providing relief for the eight hundred bandits. "You're not the only one who has hidden their cultivation!"
"Open Heaven's Gate!"
Lin Qingzhi furiously channeled the Taxuan Skills, the Spiritual Energy in his Dantian overflowing into the Zodiac Meridians, his aura swelling, he suddenly reached the seventh layer of the Golden Core Realm!
During the Mount Shu disciples' grand assembly, Lin Qingzhi's real realm was still at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm. Before descending the mountain, Lu Changsheng performed another Power-infusing Initiation on Lin Qingzhi. After three months of refining Spiritual Energy and training, his cultivation had reached the seventh layer of the Golden Core Realm.
"No, impossible!"
Sima Kuang, realizing Lin Qingzhi's true power was only a minor realm below his own, was too late to defend fully.
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Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Disciple has a small request (please follow)
Translator: 549690339
Lin Qingzhi's Green Abyss Sword pierced through Sima Kuang's chest, and the fierce Sword Qi tore through Sima Kuang's meridians, causing blood to spill.
"Who would've thought that after roaming the jianghu for so many years, I would actually be plotted against, plotted against by a youngster like you…" As Sima Kuang neared death, he glared with eyes wide open, unable to close them in peace.
He never expected Lin Qingzhi, who was so young, to have reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm and had all along concealed his abilities.
A single misstep in the game had marked the difference between life and death.
The Loose Cultivators from Ji Country who surrounded Sima Kuang all stood frozen in place, and their gazes toward Lin Qingzhi were as if they were looking at a monster.
The vile and deeply scheming Sima Kuang, died under the sword of an unknown junior.
"I never would have guessed that young friend is actually an elusive expert, my apologies, my apologies!"
Ji Country's Great General Chu Yu, upon seeing Sima Kuang killed, was greatly shocked.
Lin Qingzhi's cultivation was higher than his, which made him respect Lin Qingzhi involuntarily.
Not only that, but considering Lin Qingzhi's young age and his level of cultivation, Chu Yu firmly believed that there must be an exceptional expert guiding him, or he wouldn't believe it even if he were beaten to death.
"So this is your true cultivation, the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm… you were indeed holding back against me before…"
Chen Yao, too, was astonished by Lin Qingzhi's true display of cultivation.
What was most rare was Lin Qingzhi's temperament.
Despite having such cultivation, he could have completely defeated her and Xiao Xiangdao in the Mount Shu disciples' conference and taken first place, but he chose to withdraw halfway through.
With the death of Sima Kuang, the highest cultivation bandit among the eight hundred, the other bandits were subsequently exterminated by the Ji Country's army and numerous Loose Cultivators.
Lu Changsheng, observing secretly, saw his disciple kill Sima Kuang with a concealed ability and a single sword strike, knowing that the following battle would have no suspense, thus he discontinued the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking.
Though the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking was mysterious and allowed one to observe scenes from ten thousand li away, it required a vast amount of Spiritual Energy.
With Lu Changsheng's current state, he could not sustain it for a very long time.
"My disciple's tribulations are still several months away. When the time comes, I will descend the mountain to help him through the dangers."
Lu Changsheng saw Lin Qingzhi making great progress during his trials and was very pleased, so he continued to cultivate the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
The Taiqing Wuji Technique was profoundly mysterious, and even for Lu Changsheng, who possessed the Innate Taoist Body, the fifth level of the technique was exceedingly difficult.
" I wonder what level of cultivation one must attain to comprehend the ninth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique. The creator of this technique, Nameless True Person, was indeed extraordinary."
Lu Changsheng meditated in seclusion for three days and three nights and only then grasped a small part of the fifth level. To fully comprehend the fifth layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique was still far off.
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, having already heard Lian's footsteps.
Sure enough, a girl in practice clothes bounced into the cave, her features fine and delicate, her big eyes watery and full of life, adding to her spirited look, each side of her face adorned with small dimples, winning people's affection.
However, upon seeing his disciple enter, Lu Changsheng slightly furrowed his brows.
This little ancestor was a bona fide wrecking force.
Three years ago, when Lian's cultivation was not high, she couldn't stir up much trouble, but as Lian's cultivation improved, she was almost tearing down Qingyun Peak.
Once her Martial King Divine Physique was slightly accomplished, it was likely that the whole Mount Shu would be turned upside down in chaos.
"Master, Lian has already Refining the Spiritual Energy from the last technique you taught me, and as instructed by master, I've come to receive the Powerinfusing Initiation-"
Lian sat on the cushion, chatting while sizing up what fun Spiritual Artifacts there might be in her master's cave.
Last time Lian took Lu Changsheng's Innate Spirit Treasure "Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword" out to play, she couldn't control the power of the Innate Treasure, and with one strike she chopped off the top of a hillock on Qingyun Peak, scaring all kinds of Spirit Beasts there.
Ever since that incident, Lu Changsheng simply placed the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword into his own Dao Palace to prevent Lian from taking it out again, completely destroying his cultivation retreat.
[Ding, you've transferred 500 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple "Lian", who has actually received 100 days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
[Ding, you have received a seventyfold return reward from teaching your disciple: 7000 days of Heavenly Cultivation. ]
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple "Lian" a second-grade Elixir Pill "Detoxification Pill", and you have received a four hundredfold return: a fifthgrade Elixir Pill "All-Poison Immunity Pill".]
[Ding, you have granted your disciple "Lian" a high-grade Spiritual Artifact "Purple Brilliance Battle Clothes", and you have received a three hundredfold return: a high-grade Acquired Spirit Treasure "Phoenix Feather Universe Clothes".]
[Ding, the number of times you can perform Power-infusing Initiation today -1, the number of times you can give rewards today -2.]
Following his usual routine, Lu Changsheng performed Power-infusing Initiation for Lian and also bestowed Elixir Pills and treasures, exploiting the system for his benefit.
The battle clothes given to Lian were a treasure used by female cultivators, and the item returned was also a high-grade treasure of the same type, albeit useless to Lu Changsheng.
Soon after, Lu Changsheng waved his sleeve, and a wooden barrel appeared. Inside was a Body Refinement Elixir concocted from second-grade, third- grade, and even fourth-grade Elixir Pills.
Lian's Martial King Divine Physique required a great amount of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to achieve minor accomplishment, and Lu Changsheng did not hesitate to use fourth-grade Elixir Pills to concoct the Body Refinement Elixir. In the future, he might even use fifth-grade, or possibly even sixth-grade Elixir Pills.
The more domineering the physique, the more Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures it requires. Ordinary sects truly can't afford to raise a disciple like Lian.
After Lu Changsheng left, Lian removed her clothes and soaked in the wooden barrel, meditating according to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills. Her flawlessly white Martial King Divine Physique absorbed the medicinal strength from the barrel, repeatedly reforging her body.
Lu Changsheng went to another part of the cave dwelling and began to practice the Nine Dragons Refinement Technique.
While cultivating the Taiqing Wuji Technique, Lu Changsheng was also engaging in Body Refinement to strengthen his own physique.
The Nine Dragons Refinement Technique was a Heaven Rank mid-grade Body Refinement Method that, when cultivated to the highest realm, could pack the force of nine flood dragons in a single punch.
Lu Changsheng, having an Innate Taoist Body, focused primarily on cultivation and secondarily on Body Refinement.
There are benefits to Body Refinement; if one's physical strength could match that of an Innate Spirit Treasure, one wouldn't be easily injured even if struck by an Innate Spirit Treasure.
Three days passed, and both Lu Changsheng and Lian finished their Body Refinement, having almost completely absorbed the medicinal strength.
"Master, your disciple would like to ask you for a small favor, could I?"
Lian shook Lu Changsheng's arm and blinked her eyes, evidently coming up with some mischievous idea.
"Speak."
"Lian wants to go out of the mountain to play… no, to train, just like the senior brothers."
"Not possible."
"Then, can Lian go and play on the other peaks of Mount Shu? Lian has grown tired of staying at Qingyun Peak. Please- – Master- -"
"Fine."
"That's great! I knew Master would agree! You are so good to Lian–"
"But you must not be reckless, and you are forbidden from going to the back mountain. The back mountain houses the dwellings of the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders. If you stir up trouble, your master won't be able to protect you."
"Moreover, do not neglect your cultivation due to playing too much."
Lu Changsheng appeared troubled on the surface, but his heart was blooming with joy.
This energetic little ancestor causing trouble for the other elders of Mount Shu was better than wreaking havoc on Qingyun Peak, right?
"Heehee, Lian will remember," Lian made a face and left the cave dwelling in high spirits.
"My fellow senior brothers, fend for yourselves…"
Lu Changsheng murmured to himself, then continued his cultivation of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
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Chapter 31: Chapter 31 Your Disciple Has Caused Trouble
Translator: 549690339
Zhiyue Peak, Elder Zhao Wuyan of Mount Shu's cave abode, where Zhao Wuyan was meditating and cultivating.
Zhao Wuyan, an Elder of the fifth layer of the Dao Palace Realm, held an extremely high status among the Elders of Mount Shu.
Elders of the Dao Palace Realm were the bedrock of Mount Shu, and what's more, Zhao Wuyan had long been famous, ranking among the strong within the Elders of the Dao Palace Realm.
"What's with all the hustle and bustle outside the cave abode?"
Zhao Wuyan frowned, his heart and mind restless, unable to continue meditating and cultivating.
"Enough, I'll go out and see what has happened."
His Zhiyue Peak had always been a haven of tranquil years, peaceful and uneventful.
When Zhao Wuyan stepped out of the cave abode, the scene before his eyes left him dumbstruck.
The Immortal Cranes of Zhiyue Peak had all been plucked of their feathers, and the Spirit Apes were like startled birds, screeching incessantly.
Many Zhiyue Peak disciples had been defeated, lying haphazardly on the ground, gasping for air, bruised and swollen.
"What has happened here while your teacher was in closed-door cultivation?"
Zhao Wuyan' s face turned dark.
His Zhiyue Peak looked as if it had been raided by disciples of the Demon Sects.
But this was Mount Shu, how dare the Demon Sects' disciples run wild here?
A disciple struggled to his feet, his face as bitter as a gourd, "Master, the junior disciples from Qingyun Peak barged into our Zhiyue Peak, insisting on sparring with the disciples. We were no match and got beaten down, even our Spirit Beasts from Zhiyue Peak weren't spared."
"Qingyun Peak is bullying our Zhiyue Peak too much! Although Lu Changsheng's disciple is freakishly talented, there's no need to show off like this all the time. I am, after all, his senior brother!"
Zhao Wuyan too was a direct disciple of Taiyuan, the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, with seniority lower than big brother Li Changye, and higher than junior brother Lu Changsheng.
That his junior brother Lu Changsheng's disciple would bully his way to Zhao Wuyan's Zhiyue Peak, Zhao Wuyan thought Lu Changsheng had intentionally sent Lian to Zhiyue Peak to stir up trouble.
"I will find him for an explanation!"
With a thought, Zhao Wuyan's Flying Sword left its sheath, as he took flight on his sword, heading to Zhiyue Peak.
Cangshan Peak, an Elder of Mount Shu in the Nascent Soul Realm was meditating in silence, when suddenly he smelled something burning.
He was shocked and opened his eyes, only to find his white beard catching fire.
"Who dares to make fun of me!"
The Cangshan Peak Elder hurriedly put out the fire, his once immortal qi-filled beard now singed and blackened.
Xiaozhu Peak, Dao Palace Realm's Fairy QJngru, clad in a moon-white Daoist robe, graceful and elegant, was calm and collected until she saw the spiritual medicine she had planted for a hundred years—used to maintain her youthful appearance—had vanished, causing her to lose all composure.
Without that spiritual medicine, should a wrinkle appear on her face, it would be disastrous.
Shuiyun Peak, the ancient pine bonsai of Elder Tian Song was transplanted to the back mountain.
Sanqing Peak…
For a moment, Mount Shu was in a state of utter chaos.
Mount Shu's Scripture Pavilion, a sly and ghostly figure flitted across the eaves, approaching the fifth level which only the Sect Leader and Supreme Elders were permitted to enter.
"Who dares to intrude into the fifth level of the Scripture Pavilion!"
"Seize them!"
Mount Shu's Scripture Pavilion contained the various cultivation techniques and texts that Mount Shu had accrued over tens of thousands of years. At the fifth level, there were Dao Palace Realm Elders guarding it to prevent anyone from the Demon Sects from trespassing.
"Not good, I've been discovered!"
"Encase in a Prison of Drawing!"
The surrounding space was sealed off, but it was a girl with delicate features.
"This seems to be a disciple of Elder Lu from Qingyun Peak."
"So it's her."
"How should we handle this?"
"The Sect Leader and the eldest senior brother have ordered that this girl must not be harmed. I think she was just being playful when she trespassed into the Scripture Pavilion on the back mountain, so a reprimand would suffice, followed by letting her go and forbidding her from returning."
Four elders from the Dao Palace realm who were guarding the Scripture Pavilion appeared and, after some discussion, did not punish the Qingyun Peak disciple too harshly because the Taiyuan Sect Leader and Li Changye had forewarned.
"I won't dare to do it again…"
Lian stuck out her tongue, genuinely surprised that the impressive pavilion on the back mountain was guarded by four Dao Palace realm elders.
Even if Lian was still naive, she now understood that this was an important area.
No wonder her master had specifically instructed her not to trespass into Mount Shu's back mountain.
The back mountain was where the true foundation of Mount Shu lay, with dragons hidden among its tigers.
"You should leave quickly."
"Unless one day you become the Sect Leader or one of the Supreme Elders of our Shu Sect, you will not be permitted to enter the fifth level of the Scripture Pavilion."
The four Dao Palace realm elders of Mount Shu waved their hands, signaling Lian to leave the vital area promptly.
"Thank you, elders, for showing mercy."
Lian was also sensible and left quickly.
With the presence of four Dao Palace realm elders, she could not cause any ruckus at her current level of cultivation.
"There is a familiar aura, how nostalgic."
On the first level of the Scripture Pavilion, a janitor elder felt a familiar aura leave the Scripture Pavilion, his murky eyes seemingly recalling the past as his movements unconsciously slowed down.
The surrounding Mount Shu disciples found nothing strange.
Mount Shu had not only a group of elders and disciples but also a large number of servants. These servants were villagers from nearby Mount Shu who received a monthly stipend for doing various chores for the sect.
At Qingyun Peak, the place was bustling.
Never before had so many Mount Shu elders visited Qingyun Peak.
Elder Zhao Wuyan from Zhiyue Peak, Fairy Qingru from Xiaozhu Peak, Fei Ying Elder from Cangshan Peak, Tian Song Elder from Shuiyun Peak, Lingyue Fairy from Sanqing Peak…
Approximately more than a dozen elders had come to inquire and reproach.
Among them were five Dao Palace realm elders, with the rest being Nascent Soul realm elders.
Now, the master of Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng, was an elder of the Dao Palace realm and the direct disciple of the Sect Leader Taiyuan. The Nascent Soul realm elders still didn't dare to question Lu Changsheng, but with five of their peers from the Dao Palace realm taking the lead, they were no longer afraid.
Moreover, leading them was Elder Zhao Wuyan of Zhiyue Peak, another direct disciple of Taiyuan and one of Lu Changsheng's senior brothers.
"Why isn't there anyone to receive us?"
Zhao Wuyan frowned.
There were only two disciples on Qingyun Peak, one was away on an excursion, and the other was always causing trouble—neither was present on Qingyun Peak right now, leaving only a bunch of servants.
These servants dared not receive a group of furious Mount Shu elders.
"Fellow seniors and elders, your visit to my Qingyun Peak truly graces this place with your presence."
Lu Changsheng came out of his cave dwelling, radiating an aura of Immortal Qi, his expression warm and cordial, completely unbothered by the fact that he was being questioned by a group of Mount Shu elders.
"Junior brother, are you aware that your little disciple has caused trouble?"
Zhao Wuyan held back his anger. He was interested to see how Lu Changsheng would explain this.
Lu Changsheng's gaze passed over those present and landed on the elder from Cangshan Peak whose beard had been singed. He could not help but smile.
Without a doubt, this had to be the handiwork of his own disciple.
It seemed not all disciples were as worry-free as his eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi.
Lian, with the constitution of the Martial King Divine Physique, was full of energy, which if not expended, would be detrimental to cultivation.
As for how to appease the wrath of the many Mount Shu elders, Lu Changsheng already had a plan.
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Chapter 32: Chapter 32: But he gave too much (please
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Translator: 549690339
"Your disciple, under the pretext of sparring, injured many of our Zhiyue Peak disciples, causing chaos among us with chickens flying and dogs jumping, and numerous spirit beasts living in constant fear."
"Your disciple burned my beard, a magnificent beard that I had grown for fifty
years."
"Your disciple destroyed the spiritual herbs I had cultivated for a hundred
years."
"Your disciple scribbled all over the portrait of this elder and also injured my
disciples."
A group of Mount Shu elders were filled with righteous indignation.
Lu Changsheng's disciple was truly too much trouble.
"Alas, my disciple is overly lively, and I am helpless in this regard, I hope the elders and fairies will be more accommodating on my behalf."
"Lu, how you deal with your disciple is your business, even if she tears down Qingyun Peak, it has nothing to do with our Zhiyue Peak. From now on, you must discipline your disciple and not let her leave Qingyun Peak."
Zhao Wuyan knew the special identity of Lian, and Lu Changsheng was also his junior fellow, and considering the damage Lian had caused was not that great, as long as Lu Changsheng admitted his mistake and disciplined his disciple from this point forward, Zhao would not pursue it further.
"Indeed, the elders of each peak must discipline their own disciples and kin.
"Elder Zhao's words are very true; I hope Elder Lu will strictly discipline his
own disciples."
The other Mount Shu elders echoed one after another.
"Ahem, elders, your words are too premature. I cannot suppress my disciple's nature, for that could easily lead to inner demons, which is detrimental to cultivation. I, Lu Changsheng, will not treat the elders unjustly. This is a fifthgrade elixir pill, a token of my apology; I hope the elders will be more accommodating in the future."
Lu Changsheng took out more than a dozen small jade bottles, each containing
a fifth-grade elixir pill.
With a thought, Lu Changsheng sent these small jade bottles into the hands of
the various elders.
Fairy Qingru opened a small jade bottle, and the potent strength of the medicine wafted out, undoubtedly a fifth-grade elixir pill!
"It really is a fifth-grade elixir pill… But such compensation is too generous, I
feel ashamed to accept it…"
"Elder Lu, how, how can we accept this?"
Initially, these Mount Shu elders wanted to scold Lu Changsheng loudly, but what he had given was too much…
It was so much that the Mount Shu elders actually started to feel guilty.
Despite the chaos Lian caused, it was ultimately a trifling matter that did not cause significant damage to the peaks, and yet Lu Changsheng had given each elder a fifth-grade elixir pill.
What could they say?
"My disciple is naturally playful, if the damage she causes in the future exceeds the value of this fifth-grade elixir pill, I will compensate the elders separately.
Lu Changsheng was generous with high-level elixir pills to win over the many Mount Shu elders, making them feel indebted to him.
"What are you talking about, Lu? We'll look after your little disciple from now
on."
"As long as there's no loss of life, everything is negotiable."
Even Zhao Wuyan's expression softened.
Lian's exceptional natural talent was well known; if Mount Shu raised her, she would surely protect Mount Shu in the future. So, letting her wreak a little havoc now seemed like an investment.
Moreover, Lu Changsheng had promised to compensate for all the damage caused.
"Then I thank all the elders and fairies very much."
"Lu, you're too good to your disciple, willing to use a fifth-grade elixir pill as compensation to maintain her natural disposition."
"She is indeed fortunate to have you as her master in her three lifetimes of cultivation."
"Brother Lu, we shall take our leave."
Having received the fifth-grade elixir pills, the Mount Shu elders' anger was quelled, and after expressing their feelings, they left satisfied.
"Fortunately, five-grade elixir pills are not a big deal for me.
Lu Changsheng used some five-grade elixir pills to get on good terms with many Mount Shu elders, so in the future, even if his disciples caused trouble everywhere, the elders wouldn't have much to say.
"Master, Lian is back, so tired."
Covered in dirt, Lian ran back to Qingyun Peak, stretched languidly, as the abundant energy of the Martial King Divine Physique finally gave out.
"Very good."
Lu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction.
The reason he let this disciple cause trouble everywhere was also very important—the more exhausted the Martial King Divine Physique became, the better the effects of the next Body Refinement would be.
It seemed that training this disciple really did cost money.
"Go wash your face and change into clean clothes."
"Yes!"
Lian then ran to the stream on Qingyun Peak to wash his face.
The daily routine of cultivating at Qingyun Peak was just like this, nothing out of the ordinary.
Several months later, Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao's Mount Shu squad had left Ji Country and arrived at Chen Country, all the while performing acts of chivalry and accumulating merit.
In Chen Country, at a Mountain God Temple, on a night dark and stormy, a Golden Core Realm ninth layer Mount Shu disciple led the team to hunt down the bandits within the temple.
The group of bandits consisted of raper with high cultivation levels practicing evil techniques, who had harmed many virtuous women and were on the wanted list by the Chen Country officials.
There were three Mount Shu disciples in the Golden Core Realm, and three more in the Qi Transformation Realm, unleashing Flying Swords and sending Sword Qi slashing through the air.
About a dozen bandits inside the Mountain God Temple were caught off guard by the sudden attack from the Mount Shu squad and were quickly killed. After a tough fight, all bandits were subdued except for one who escaped using Earth Escape Skills, having been injured before fleeing and unlikely to live for long.
"One escaped."
"He was already wounded before escaping, he probably won't live long." "Even if he manages to survive, the Chen Country's royal court will surely capture him."
"Now that this matter is done, we should return to Mount Shu.
After dealing with the bandits at the Mountain God Temple, the Mount Shu disciples gathered around the campfire to discuss the journey back to Mount Shu.
After one year of training, the Mount Shu disciples had grown a lot, not just in cultivation but also in experience.
Chen Yao sat nearby, hugging her knees, chewing on dry food while casting sidelong glances at her junior brother, Lin Qingzhi.
Lin Qingzhi was meditating, seizing every chance to cultivate.
"This blockhead…"
Eight hundred miles away, at a concealed entrance, the escaped raper, badly injured, knelt before a sinister-looking elder: "Master, your disciples were ambushed by a group of Loose Cultivators. All but me were killed, please avenge us, Master!"
The sinister elder flew into a rage: "Who dares to provoke our Joyous Union Sect, one of the four Great Demon Sects? They must be tired of living!" "This, I don't know where they came from, but the highest realm among the ambushers is just the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm."
"A mere Golden Core Realm dares to mess with our Joyous Union Sect, inform all disciples, follow your teacher to hunt them down!"
The realm of this Joyous Union Sect elder was at the second layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and in the Joyous Union Sect, he was among the elders with the least power. But the Nascent Soul Realm was after all the Nascent Soul Realm and was not something for the ninth layer Golden Core Realm Mount Shu disciples to compare.
In his opinion, leading dozens of disciples to hunt down several Golden Core Realm and Qi Transformation Realm Loose Cultivators was as easy as capturing them by hand.
At the command of the Joyous Union Sect elder, dozens of Golden Core Realm and Qi Transformation Realm Joyous Union Sect disciples gathered, fierce and menacing.
Meanwhile, on Mount Shu's Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng, who was meditating, opened his eyes: "It's time to descend the mountain and help my disciple with his Tribulation."
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