Chapter 3: Registered Disciple

"Yin Qi itself does not have any spiritual wisdom. It is formed by the residual breath gathering in cold places after some living beings die. However, if left untreated, it might possibly form the lowest-level Evil. As for what you mentioned about turning blue all over, becoming incredibly powerful, and even forgetting what happened during the incident. These are just symptoms of Yin Qi rebounding to the head every once in a while. This is because your body was originally too feeble. If you came across some robust men, these Yin Qi would be directly suppressed as soon as they entered their bodies and they would be no different from normal people. As for what I infused into your body earlier, it was a kind of Small Transformation Yang Skill power that I have cultivated for many years, which at best restrains things like Yin Qi." Master Luo explained.

"I see. I am really grateful for Master Luo's help this time," Shen Luo said, seemingly understanding but not fully comprehending, thanking him nonetheless.

"Since you had a token and gave a heavy amount of gold, it is only right for me to make a bit of effort. It's a pity though, after this ordeal with Yin Qi, I'm afraid you don't have much time left," Master Luo said, nodding his head and suddenly adding this piece of information.

Shen Luo's expression dimmed on hearing this, but he quickly remembered something and bowed again to Master Luo, asking:

"Master Luo, being a true Highly-skilled Daoist priest, must surely know how to extend a life. I won't mention anything else, but the Yang Gang power that Master gave earlier, I feel it should be highly beneficial to the body."

"Yes, yes! Please show mercy, Master Luo, save Luo'er. As long as it can extend my son's life, we can negotiate any terms. The Shen family has some wealth, if nothing else," Shen Yuange looked suddenyl enlightened and repeatedly bowed to Master Luo.

"Heh, heh, for a complete cure, I'm afraid I cannot help. But if it's about improving the constitution of Master Shen and extending his life a little, we in the Spring and Autumn Pavilion do indeed have some ways," Master Luo said, responding half-jokingly and half-seriously.

"I hope Master Luo can show me the way!" hearing this, Shen Luo was overjoyed, again bowing.

Shen Yuange also looked at Master Luo with anticipation.

"Firstly, we in the pavilion have a secret medicine known as 'Red Snow Powder', which has marrow-cleansing properties. If taken for a long period of time, it can gradually improve your constitution. However, this medicine is made from rare ingredients and is not easily prepared. It's not something an ordinary household can afford. Secondly, like Master Shen mentioned, the power of the Small Transformation Yang Skill is indeed beneficial to health. If you cultivate it to its peak level, I cannot guarantee anything else, but living another two or three decades is no problem at all. I wonder, Master Shen, which one would you prefer?" Master Luo looked at Shen Luo, asking leisurely.

"Of course both. I hope Master will fulfill my request!" Shen Luo immediately replied without hesitation.

Shen Yuange on the side kept nodding his agreement.

"Ha, ha... Alright, we can let go of the 'Red Snow Powder'. As long as you can afford it, selling some is not a problem. But the Small Transformation Yang Technique is a secret technique of our pavilion, we can't just casually introduce it to outsiders. Master Shen, you should just let your son buy some Red Snow Powder. It can likewise prolong his life somewhat," Master Luo said, laughing heartily.

The countenance of Shen Yuange changed somewhat, and he repeatedly made a huge number of pledges, but Master Luo still shook his head repeatedly.

After listening for a while, Shen Luo suddenly said:

"Since your pavilion's secret techniques are not passed on to an outsider, then they can certainly be taught to a disciple within the pavilion, can't they?"

Shen Yuange changed his expression upon hearing this, intending to speak but stopping again.

"Are you joking, Master Shen? Are you willing to abandon your current glory and wealth to become an ordinary disciple in our pavilion?" Master Luo's laughter abruptly stopped, his gaze swept across Shen Luo's face, and he took on a serious demeanor for the first time.

"If I don't even have the life left, what's the use of more glory and wealth? Now I just want to ask Master Luo if he's willing to take in this good-for-nothing disciple. The rites for receiving a Master, I believe, will certainly not disappoint the Master," Shen Luo said smilingly to Master Luo.

"Accept you as a disciple directly?" Master Luo seemed even more surprised.

"That's right. I do not know much about the other high people in Spring and Autumn Pavilion, so there is no certainty that they would accept me. Naturally, it's most appropriate to take Master Luo as my teacher now. Moreover, I have personally witnessed Master Luo's skills just now, and I believe that I have not chosen the wrong Master. Master should also have the qualifications to accept disciples, right?" Shen Luo said earnestly.

Master Luo remained silent after hearing this, but there was a hint of interest in his facial expression.

Shen Yuange's face showed a wide range of emotions, but he did not voice any objections.

"Master Shen, there are several things I need to clarify first, I would only consider accepting you as a disciple if you can agree to all of them. The Spring and Autumn Pavilion might not be a great sect, but not anyone can join just like that," Master Luo looked at Shen Luo for a while longer, before finally speaking resolutely.

"Master, please speak," Shen Luo said decisively.

"Firstly, considering your health condition, it, needless to say, does not match the entrance requirements of our pavilion. Therefore, if you come into the pavilion, you can only be a registered disciple, you would not be able to get the secret teachings and treatment of our true disciples. But as for 'Small Transformation Yang Technique', I can ask our sect master to consider making an exception and teach it to you."

"Agreed, thank you, Master!" Shen Luo was overjoyed to hear this and even changed his form of address immediately.

"Don't be in a hurry. There's more. Listen well, as the price for me making an exception to bring you into the pavilion, I need the Shen family to donate two hundred taels of gold to me at once, and afterwards give the pavilion one thousand taels of silver every year in order for you to continue staying in the pavilion. If any year doesn't see enough silver being given, the person in question must leave the Spring and Autumn Pavilion. Also, as for the 'Red Snow Powder', I will also help you apply for it, and one packet will probably also cost around a hundred taels of silver."

Although Shen Luo anticipated this, he was still startled by Master Luo's outrageous demand. He weighed the pros and cons for a moment, intending to say something else, but it was Shen Yuange who spoke up next, the things he said also making Master Luo's face glow with joy.

"Master, you need not worry about the money. The Shen family is willing to pay ten years' fees at once. I only hope that the Master can ensure that Luo'er will not be subjected to any serious grievances in the pavilion."

"Father, why go to such lengths! Such a large sum..." Shen Luo was startled.

"The current wealth of the Shen family originally includes half of your share. As long as it allows you to live longer, what count are these?" Shen Yuange dismissed the concern with a wave of hand.

Shen Luo fell silent.

"Good, good, good! Since the Shen family is willing to pay such a price, I will take Master Shen as a registered disciple," Master Luo clapped his hands together, laughing heartily.

"Shen Luo pays respects to the Master."

Shen Luo let Master Luo sit on the main seat, kowtowed thrice, and then offered him a cup of tea with both hands.

"Disciple, from now you are a disciple under my door. You will also have a senior brother, who I will introduce to you once you reach the pavilion. You already know the location of the Spring and Autumn Pavilion. As long as you bring the token and arrive within a month, you will be able to hold the official initiation ceremony. Remember, only one person can go, and you just need to bring simple clothing. Also, having drunk your disciple-acceptance tea, I cannot leave without giving you anything. I just happen to have a packet of 'Red Snow Powder' handy here. You can start taking it first and see how the effect is."

After Master Luo had drunk his tea, he pulled out a light green small box from his person, and after explaining its usage for a while, he left the Shen Residence, floating out of the hall.

Shen Luo escorted him to the gate of the residence.