Chapter 101: Accepting a True Disciple

Bai Sheng was stunned at first, then his face lit up with immense joy. He quickly stood up, bowed deeply in front of Lu An, and knocked his head on the ground nine times before saying, "Master, I am willing!"

Lu An did not avoid the bowing and accepted the nine prostrations with composure.

"Very well. From this day forward, you are my first true disciple."

"In the future, you will be the eldest senior brother among my disciples. Regardless of whether I accept more disciples or what their cultivation levels may be, you will be their leader."

"Don't become complacent because of this. Remember, on the path of cultivation, if you don't advance, you fall behind. Only by forging ahead can you glimpse the way of immortality. Keep this in mind."

Bai Sheng nodded solemnly, and Lu An showed a satisfied expression. He took out a jade slip and handed it to Bai Sheng.

"This is a method of cultivation in the Extreme Realm that I compiled after gathering insights from various extreme paths during my time in the Extreme Secret Realm."

"Take it and study it daily. It should help you develop towards the Extreme Realm."

Bai Sheng's heart trembled. He had heard of the Extreme Secret Realm and its fame. However, after learning that his master had given the spots for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment to the Prefect of Yongning County, he had given up on that thought.

Previously, there were small-minded people who spoke ill of Lu An, claiming that he was unfair and did not consider Bai Sheng. Though Bai Sheng did not fully believe them, he had been somewhat shaken.

Seeing this now, he realized that his master had never forgotten him as a disciple, and those who tried to sow discord could not be trusted.

After this incident, Lu An's status in his heart was further elevated, and no one could shake it.

Of course, Bai Sheng did not know how precious the method Lu An gave him was. If outsiders saw it, it would undoubtedly cause a storm.

Lu An, aware of the importance of the method, cautioned, "This method must be practiced only by yourself. It is not to be passed on to non-disciples, nor shown to others without my permission. Do you understand?"

Bai Sheng's heart tightened, and he nodded seriously.

Lu An thought for a moment and, still feeling uneasy, reminded him again, "I know you have feelings for Gu Yuer. Though her grandfather is a Core Formation cultivator, your master is also not lacking. When the time comes, I will speak on your behalf."

"But do not leak this method to her or let her deceive you."

He was not distrustful of Gu Yuer but knew that the more people who knew, the more dangerous it could become. In the cultivation world, there are various strange methods like soul-searching techniques, and secrets are hard to keep.

Upon hearing this, Bai Sheng's face turned red, and he raised one hand to the sky, swearing an oath to the heavens.

Lu An was surprised by his reaction but saw that he understood the gravity of the situation, so he said no more.

Lu An then fulfilled his duties as a master, listening to Bai Sheng's cultivation confusions over the past days and offering guidance. With his Foundation Establishment cultivation and insights gained from the Extreme Secret Realm, Lu An's knowledge was vast.

Bai Sheng's confusions were minor in Lu An's view. Often, just a few words were enough to make Bai Sheng realize the answers and dispel his doubts.

They continued their discussion until late into the night before finally dispersing.

Half a month later, Lu An arrived at the Three Talismans Sect headquarters in the Baishi Mountain Range, preparing to return to Yongning County.

It wasn't that he didn't want to stay longer, but the Talisman Hall had sent a notice that the assessments for the other halls had been completed, and everyone was about to head to the capital city of Da Qi.

Qi Jing, also known as Wuan City, was named with the intention of securing peace for the world through martial might. It was said that everyone there valued martial arts, and the cultivation atmosphere was unmatched by other cities.

Yongning County, where Lu An was, was far from there. Even with the help of a major city's teleportation array, it would take about half a year to reach.

This departure would be the longest time he had been away from home. But for the sake of understanding the mysterious stele of comprehension, he had to go.

Moreover, he also wanted to see his master's uncle and master's wife, and appreciate the grandeur of Da Qi's capital.

Upon entering the sect, Lu An encountered no obstacles. The Three Talismans Sect was no longer as unknown to him as it once was. Now, wherever he went, many sect disciples would come forward to greet him.

Due to the large number of Qi Refining disciples, most people addressed him as 'Senior Uncle,' which left him both amused and exasperated.

The sect was much livelier than usual due to the opening of the teleportation arrays. With the addition of various major families, the cultivation methods of the Three Talismans Dao Sect had multiplied exponentially.

Old Beggar Hua had specially ordered the construction of a scripture pavilion at the headquarters to store these techniques and divine abilities. Disciples could exchange their sect contribution points for these techniques once they met the exchange requirements.

This greatly increased the enthusiasm of the sect's disciples, who eagerly went to take on sect missions. Moreover, the materials and items needed by the elders in the sect could also be obtained through missions, saving a great deal of time in collection.

With this cycle repeating, the sect naturally grew stronger.

Lu An arrived at Old Beggar Hua's seclusion area, where Old Beggar Hua was already waiting.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes, Master. This departure will likely keep me away for quite some time. Please take care of the Spiritual Talisman Residence."

Old Beggar Hua nodded and said, "You can leave with peace of mind. With me here, those at the Spiritual Talisman Residence won't be harmed in the slightest."

"For this trip to the capital city of Da Qi, do not mention that you are my disciple to anyone to avoid unnecessary complications."

Lu An hesitated for a moment and then said, "Master, I suspect that Master's wife already knows my identity."

Old Beggar Hua was slightly stunned, his brows furrowing.

"How is that possible?"

Lu An explained the situation regarding the Talisman Hall's assessment and expressed his suspicions, then stood aside and remained silent.

Old Beggar Hua pondered for a while, murmuring, "The Talisman Hall's Master? With her accomplishments, she certainly deserves the position, but how could she know about you? Could it be that that kid Xi Dong let something slip?"

Evidently, Old Beggar Hua was unaware that the person he was concerned about had already become the Talisman Hall's Master.

After a moment, he shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter. This is only our conjecture. Even if she is indeed the Talisman Hall's Master, with her character, she won't do anything to you. At most, she might cause some minor difficulties."

"Just follow my previous instructions and act as low-profile as possible. That monument is of great importance to you, so you must make every effort to obtain it."

Lu An nodded, listened to a few more precautions from his master, and then took his leave.

Before departing, he specifically went to the disciples' quarters to inquire about a disciple named Zuo Mu's cultivation progress and character.

This person was someone he had brought into the sect, born with a powerful spiritual sense. However, after joining the sect, Lu An had not paid any further attention to him.

Since he would be away for a long time and this person had been in the sect for quite a while, he decided to check up on him.

"Zuo Mu? His aptitude isn't very good; he's only at the third level of Qi Refining now."

"But he is exceptionally dedicated to cultivation and has a good temperament. He is a hardworking practitioner. Such aptitude is quite regrettable."

The steward of the disciples' quarters replied.

Lu An rested his chin on his hand and nodded slightly.

"This person's talent in the spiritual realm might be better suited to the 'Yimu Shenghun Jue.'"

With this thought, he found out where Zuo Mu was and headed in that direction.