'Ping'an suddenly took a master?'
Watching Li Ping'an stand atop that young, beautiful female immortal's cloud as they headed toward the Main Peak together, Li Dazhi was somewhat unable to process it.
This should have been something to celebrate, yet Li Dazhi did not know what was wrong with him. An inexplicable sense of emptiness had risen in his heart.
This Heavenly Immortal was not one he had found.
But...
Ping'an had found a master himself. He truly had not relied on his father for help.
With that thought, Li Dazhi narrowed his eyes and smiled.
Was this not Ping'an's own ability?
Congratulations rang out one after another from all around:
"Congratulations, Ancestor Dazhi! Little Friend Ping'an has found a fine master, and Ancestor Dazhi can finally put one concern to rest!"
"Fellow Daoist Qing Su must rank among the ten fastest people in Myriad Cloud Sect's history to reach the Heavenly Immortal realm! She may even challenge the Golden Immortal realm in the future. Ping'an truly is fortunate!"
"Martial Aunt Dazhi should throw a feast! Hahaha!"
"Easy enough, easy enough."
Li Dazhi returned their salutes with clasped hands, his eyes crinkling into slits as he smiled. Then, as if recalling something, he said with a laugh:
"Ping'an found a master today through his own fate and fortune. He ought to host a banquet himself to thank all you seniors for your kindness. I will not make decisions for him without permission."
An aged Outer Sect elder reminded him, "Martial Aunt Dazhi, Ping'an is about to change his Immortal Registry and enter the Inner Sect. Will you not attend the ceremony?"
"Of course I will, of course!"
Li Dazhi smiled and cupped his hands toward the immortals around him.
"Fellow Daoists, there is no need for you to join this excitement. It is only a minor disciple taking a master, nothing major within the sect. My Ping'an is thin-skinned. I fear he will feel awkward if too many people come."
An immortal said, "In that case, we shall come congratulate him later!"
"Thank you all for your understanding!"
After seeing the immortals of the sect disperse, Li Dazhi stepped forward to support the familiar Outer Sect elder, and the two rode clouds back toward the Main Peak.
Li Dazhi sent a voice transmission. "Should Ping'an prepare any gifts for taking a master?"
"Well, it is fine whether he does or not. The sect has no such particular customs."
The elder smiled.
"Who would have thought Ping'an would take Qing Su as his master? The ways of the world truly are wondrous. Ping'an was the one who saved Qing Su before this."
Li Dazhi pondered for a moment, then asked, "What sort of immortal is this Qing Su exactly? What is her character like?"
"Well..."
The question put the elder in a difficult position. He stroked his beard and pondered for quite some time before finally saying:
"Since Martial Aunt Dazhi asks it that way, I truly do not know how to answer.
"Qing Su belongs to the Peak Master's lineage of Colorful Cloud Peak. Her seniority is not high, but she is a rising talent the sect places great emphasis on nurturing. Her aptitude and comprehension are both exceptional, and she cultivates the Pure Heart Dao.
"I have truly had little contact with her before... Rather, it should be said that not many immortals in the sect have had much contact with her. She is likely the cold and aloof sort who is wholly devoted to the Dao, with nothing but the Dao in her heart.
"Her sudden acceptance of a disciple shocked many immortals in the sect, especially since she accepted a male disciple."
Li Dazhi's eyes lit up. "So this newly advanced Heavenly Immortal has only Ping'an as her disciple?"
The elder smiled. "If I recall correctly, that should be the case. The Qing generation of Colorful Cloud Peak is remarkably outstanding. In the past few centuries alone, four True Immortals have emerged, and none of them have taken many disciples."
Li Dazhi immediately beamed.
That was wonderful. Ping'an could receive all of his master's attention. If this Heavenly Immortal took more disciples in the future, Ping'an would still be the senior brother.
A group of female cultivators from Colorful Cloud Peak appeared on clouds ahead, also heading to the Affairs Hall to observe the ceremony.
"Uncle!"
Mu Ningning waved and called out, and Li Dazhi smiled and nodded.
It was not difficult for Li Dazhi to see that the girl was quite excited at this moment, clearly because Ping'an had found a fine master.
Ningning is such a good girl. I should prepare more bride price for her later.
Several clouds arrived at the Affairs Hall at the same time.
Before Li Dazhi even entered the hall, he used his Immortal Sense to search everywhere for his son's whereabouts.
Qing Su and Li Ping'an stood in a corner while an old immortal wrote rapidly, entering Li Ping'an's name into the register of Inner Sect Disciples.
Upon further thought, Li Dazhi found Li Ping'an taking a master rather amusing.
There had barely been any male disciples in Colorful Cloud Peak's history. When Colorful Cloud Peak held gatherings in the future, Li Ping'an would be the lone patch of green amid a sea of flowers, the only sprout of masculine vigor.
Li Ping'an first changed his disciple registry in the Affairs Hall and received his disciple Jade Talisman. Then he went to the Cloud Nurturing Hall and hung the talisman on one of the large racks reserved for Colorful Cloud Peak.
This represented his joining the lineage of Colorful Cloud Peak.
Li Ping'an could have handled these preliminary procedures alone. He had wanted his master to rest and have some tea, but Qing Su said nothing and followed beside him throughout the entire process.
From her manner, it seemed she feared that immortals within the sect might make things difficult for Li Ping'an.
The final step was to offer tea to his master, and it was held in the Cloud Nurturing Hall.
Qing Su sat upright before the enormous character for "cloud," dignified and elegant, calm and detached.
Under the watchful eyes of his father Li Dazhi, dozens of Colorful Cloud Peak disciples, and more than a hundred irrelevant Amusement Immortals, Li Ping'an knelt on a Prayer Mat and respectfully raised the teacup above his head.
Qing Su accepted the tea and took a sip. "Disciple, rise."
"Yes, Master."
Li Ping'an rose while stepping backward, lowered his head, and performed another Daoist salute.
An elder at the side brought over a tray containing three Jade Talismans. One held the general outline of the first half of the Myriad Cloud Sect's core cultivation art, the Myriad Cloud Art; one contained the Inner Sect rules; and the last was Li Ping'an's identity Jade Talisman.
Naturally, an immortal of Colorful Cloud Peak sent Qing Su voice transmissions, telling her what to do.
Qing Su took Li Ping'an's identity Jade Talisman into her hand and used her right index finger to write the two characters "Qing Su" upon it.
The handwriting was square and plain, without the slightest embellishment.
Then Qing Su took the tray and walked before Li Ping'an, placing it in his hands.
Imitating the voice transmission she heard, Qing Su said:
"Cultivate diligently from now on. Ascend the immortal path as soon as possible and contribute more to the sect."
"This disciple shall heed Master's teachings!"
"Mhm." Qing Su nodded, then looked directly at her junior sister Qing Xu nearby.
Qing Xu hurriedly sent a voice transmission. "That is enough. Take your disciple back to the cave abode."
Qing Su thought carefully for a moment, then said, "That will do. Return to your cave abode first. I will select a place and establish a new cave abode, then come take you there."
"This disciple obeys."
Li Ping'an raised his head and glanced at his master. What entered his eyes was her pure, beautiful face, untouched by worldly dust.
"Hm?"
Qing Su seemed to be asking whether he had a question.
Li Ping'an smiled. "Master, you have just broken through. Why not return to Colorful Cloud Peak and enter seclusion first? Once you have absorbed the insights from your breakthrough, you can come find this disciple."
"Alright."
Qing Su answered, turned, and walked toward the hall doors.
Li Ping'an called out again, "Master! I live at Flowing Cloud Temple!"
"Mhm."
Qing Su responded. With a light flash, she had already appeared outside the hall, transforming into a Rainbow Light and flying back toward Colorful Cloud Peak.
Li Ping'an's eyes were full of emotion.
Our master really does everything efficiently!
Then Li Ping'an became somewhat dazed again.
He had taken a master?
Just like that, he had taken a master?
It truly felt like a dream. He had even taken a newly advanced Heavenly Immortal as his master...
A large hand waved before his face.
Li Ping'an looked toward his father, his gaze still slightly vacant.
"Come on, back to your place!"
Li Dazhi bumped Li Ping'an with his shoulder.
"Your father will cook personally and throw you an enrollment feast! We will invite only those immortals you know well! Hahahaha! Your master's cultivation is impressive! Hahahaha!"
Hearing his father's loud laughter, the sense of unreality that had just surfaced in Li Ping'an's heart quietly faded away.
An hour later.
Inside the wooden building of Flowing Cloud Temple.
Li Dazhi prepared a table full of fine dishes and invited Wei Yanzi, Elder Yan Sheng, Wang Xinhui, and two other Outer Sect elders to hold a small celebration for Li Ping'an.
Everyone offered their congratulations, and Li Ping'an thanked them repeatedly.
After several cups of immortal wine, Wei Yanzi looked utterly miserable.
"Ah! Ping'an has taken a master, so my peaceful days at Flowing Cloud Temple have come to an end!"
Wang Xinhui frowned. "It is time for you to work at the Affairs Hall too! There are so many duties in the sect, and everyone wants to enter seclusion to cultivate. There are barely any people willing to work all year!"
Li Dazhi smiled. "Which hall does Fellow Daoist Wei Yanzi wish to join? The most senior Outer Sect elders are all here. If you want to advance, pour them drinks yourself."
Wei Yanzi hurriedly rose, holding his wine cup.
The three white-haired elders exchanged glances, each revealing a smile.
Elder Yan Sheng took a puff from his tobacco pipe and slowly said:
"Do not worry. We have already arranged a position for you. East Sea Market Town has recently been short of hands. Go there and serve as an inspector."
"Huh? I am going to the East Sea?"
Wei Yanzi set down his wine cup, his eyes somewhat blank as he lowered his head and sighed.
Naturally, he knew that every position in East Sea Market Town was extremely lucrative.
It was not that Wei Yanzi would actively demand bribes after going there. So long as he occupied that position, there would be no shortage of offerings from those below him.
This truly was an excellent assignment.
Li Ping'an raised his wine cup and said warmly, "Deacon, thank you for looking after me these past three years."
"Ah, do not say that. Who looked after whom is hard to say!"
Wei Yanzi waved his hand, raised his cup, and drained it in one gulp.
Li Ping'an also lifted his cup and drank deeply.
Wei Yanzi's Dao heart had grown drunk, and he kept muttering:
"This cup should actually be mine to offer you, Ping'an. For me to break through that bottleneck, I lacked only that tiny bit of insight. My master poured so many insights into me, yet none worked. I only lacked that tiny bit... Had you not accidentally awakened me, how could I have my current circumstances? I would probably have grown old and died at Flowing Cloud Temple... I toast you!"
Wei Yanzi poured himself another cup. Ignoring Li Dazhi's attempts to stop him, he stood and raised his cup toward Li Ping'an with clasped hands.
Li Ping'an stood in response, and the two saluted each other.
Wang Xinhui's square face twitched slightly. "Look at that. These two male cultivators are practically swearing brotherhood."
Li Dazhi clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
Wei Yanzi was also a little embarrassed and hurriedly sat down to pick up some food.
Li Ping'an did not sit. Taking the opportunity, he toasted everyone in turn, then claimed he could not handle any more wine and went upstairs to pack his belongings.
As night deepened, the wooden building grew increasingly lively within its barrier.
Li Ping'an hummed a little tune as he sorted the books on his shelves into categories and placed them in a storage artifact.
He did not know when his master would come to take him away, but it was always best to prepare in advance.
At that moment, recalling everything that had happened since he met Qing Su at the mortal Daoist temple, Li Ping'an also felt that the world was truly wondrous.
He had gone to such lengths before, fleeing tens of thousands of miles away, only to save himself a master?
Li Ping'an nearly laughed aloud.
Once he had mostly finished tidying the second floor, the aftereffects of the immortal wine began to hit him. He simply sat behind the desk and closed his eyes to rest.
Noisy voices drifted up from downstairs, their owners drunk on immortal wine:
"I am telling you! Ancestor Dazhi! All your previous methods were wrong! Ping'an lacks earth in his five elements, and earth-element spells cannot make up for that. This old man has a secret recipe passed down to no one. Today, I will violate my ancestral teachings and reveal it to you."
"What? What secret recipe?"
"Earth-element spirit herbs over three thousand years old. Remember, they must be spirit herbs with earth or water attributes. Gently, softly pull them up by the roots, with the soil still attached. Remember, there must be soil on them. Then have Ping'an eat them while they are fresh."
"With the soil?"
"Of course! It is that bit of soil he needs to eat! The soil clinging to the roots of an earth-element spirit herb over three thousand years old—is that ordinary soil?"
"I have written it down, I have written it down. This method sounds like it will work!"
Li Ping'an's forehead filled with black lines.
His father would not actually do that in the future, would he?
Drowsiness swept over him. Li Ping'an yawned, and before long, he fell into a deep sleep.
Li Ping'an had a dream. In it, he climbed a mountain alone and became a disciple of Flowing Cloud Temple. He later entered the Outer Sect to cultivate, eventually returned to the mortal world to take up a post, married and had children, cared dutifully for his father, witnessed all the changes of the mortal realm, and became a renowned immortal master within several hundred miles. He died at the age of four hundred.
When he awoke from the dream, many insights had been added to his heart. He secretly composed a poem;
After reciting it, he flicked his sleeve and put away the long table, then rose and went downstairs.
Of the immortals who had come drinking last night, only Wei Yanzi remained, sleeping soundly beside the table.
Li Ping'an took out a small artifact furnace and placed all the bowls, chopsticks, and leftovers within it. Activating the restrictions on the furnace, it spat out a tongue of flame, like a Spirit Beast giving a satisfied burp after overeating.
--The next time he needed bowls and chopsticks, he could simply have immortals create them directly with immortal arts.
He had intended to clean out the first floor as well, but after taking only a few steps, he caught sight through the window of a graceful figure standing in the courtyard.
An ice-blue long dress, waterfall-like hair, a figure that could not be detected even with spirit sense...
Who else could it be but the master he had taken yesterday?
Li Ping'an straightened his Daoist robe a few times, pushed open the door, and rushed outside.
Qing Su turned to look at him and asked softly, "Can we go?"
"We can. Master, when did you arrive?"
"At midnight, while you were asleep, I met your father and spoke with him for a while."
Li Ping'an cautiously asked, "Master, did someone mention my father to you?"
"Yes." Qing Su nodded slightly.
Only then did Li Ping'an notice that his master's jawline was nearly perfect.
No, why was he looking at his master's face for no reason?!
Li Ping'an silently warned himself. He had taken an immortal maiden as his master, so he needed to pay more attention to such details in the future.
Qing Su said softly:
"While in seclusion yesterday, I quickly recorded my insights.
"Your Grandmaster came to see me and told me your father's identity. He said your father was the Patriarch's last disciple and might even become the next Sect Leader."
Li Ping'an could only smile wryly at this.
"Your Grandmaster asked me what I would think if people outside gossiped about me because of this."
Qing Su said calmly:
"I answered that your disciple's father has nothing to do with me. I am not your disciple's father's master.
"Since I have become your master, I should naturally explain the Great Dao to you and teach you immortal arts and divine abilities.
"Your Grandmaster left after I said that."
There seemed to be a trace of pride in her words.
Li Ping'an smiled. "Thank you for troubling yourself, Master."
Qing Su asked again, "Does the position of Sect Leader benefit cultivation?"
"Probably not," Li Ping'an said with a smile. "It is a responsibility and an office. At most, it lets one carve their name onto the Myriad Cloud Sect's stele. After many elderly Qi cultivators encounter obstacles in their cultivation, they turn their thoughts toward such things—gaining respect, receiving adoration, and prolonging their lives through it."
"Anything short of immortality is merely a minor art."
Qing Su turned around with her hands behind her back, and a white cloud formed beneath her feet.
"Let's go. Before coming here, I had already opened up a cave dwelling."
Li Ping'an glanced at Wei Yanzi, who was sleeping soundly inside the room, then turned and leaped to his master's side, deliberately staying half a step behind her.
His master was actually only an inch shorter than him. She was indeed quite tall... Ahem!
A Heavenly Immortal's cave dwelling—he wondered how grand it would be.
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