Quick-Wittedly Offering Treasure

Her voice was sweet and crisp, every word ringing clear.

It was as though she had not offered a top-tier Innate Immortal Island of the Prehistoric World,

but a basket of freshly picked Spirit Fruits she could not finish eating.

The air froze once more.

The smile on Tongtian's face instantly stiffened. He blinked, then dug at his ears.

Give... give them the island?!

An Apprenticeship Ceremony gift?!

Did this little one even know what she was saying?!

This Fangzhang Immortal Island had been born from the innate.

Its Spiritual Veins were immensely powerful, its foundations incomparably deep, and it was protected by an Innate Grand Formation. Its value was enough to drive any Great Expert in the Prehistoric World mad!

And she wanted to use it as a meeting gift?!

After a brief shock, an uncontrollable burst of laughter surged up Tongtian's throat.

Unable to hold it in any longer, he erupted into booming laughter.

"Hahahahaha! Giving us an island?!

Little One!

Your Apprenticeship Ceremony gift truly is... truly one of a kind in the Prehistoric World!

Generous! Far too generous!"

He laughed so hard he doubled over, thinking this little one was simply the most delightful person in the world!

Yuanshi's reaction, however, was completely different.

The instant he heard her declaration, a flash of utter astonishment crossed his handsome face.

Then his usual seriousness and rigidity swiftly returned, even more pronounced than before.

Nonsense! This was utter nonsense!

The proper order between master and disciple must be observed!

Only a Master bestowed Dharma Treasures and Cultivation Methods upon a Disciple, providing protection and the foundations of inheritance.

How could a disciple turn around and give their Master such a lavish gift?

What kind of propriety was that?!

And such a valuable gift, at that!

If word got out, where would the Three Pure Ones' dignity go?

Would people not laugh at them for coveting their disciple's family fortune?!

An indescribable sense of embarrassment rose within Yuanshi.

He instinctively straightened his back, and the cool, lofty, inviolable aura around him suddenly intensified.

A clear flicker of surprise also passed through Laozi's profound eyes,

before turning into faint helplessness and a nearly imperceptible... amusement?

He looked over the Little One, whose face plainly said, "Praise me for being so sensible,"

then glanced at his two brothers beside him, each wearing a different expression—especially that handsome face that was nearly as dark as Kunlun black iron—and understood at once.

This little one had a pure heart and meant nothing by it.

She simply wanted to offer what she believed was best to her Masters, to show her closeness and respect.

Such a Heart of a Newborn Child was rare indeed.

It was only that her method... was rather earth-shattering.

The three brothers were Pangu Orthodox, of noble origins and profound Daoist arts. They roamed the Prehistoric World, and none dared look down on them.

Yet... when it came to family wealth...

Though Kunlun Mountain was also a top-tier Grotto-Heaven, the three brothers had devoted themselves to cultivation all their lives.

They had never deliberately accumulated worldly possessions.

Most of their Dharma Treasures were treasures born alongside them, along with a few casual practice creations in their hands.

They were not even as good as the toys in their disciple's possession.

Now, faced with a disciple who wanted to give them an Innate Immortal Island the moment she opened her mouth,

they experienced, for the first time in their lives, a subtle sense of... poverty?

Yuanshi suppressed the complicated emotions churning within him. His expression turned solemn, and in a deep voice filled with unquestionable authority, he said,

"Nonsense!"

The two words fell like ice striking the ground, making even Tongtian, who was still grinning foolishly, restrain himself somewhat.

Frightened by his stern tone, Su Miao shrank her little head back. Confusion and grievance flashed through her large eyes.

What was wrong?

Was giving a gift wrong too?

People in television dramas always gave Apprenticeship Ceremony gifts when taking a Master. Did I give too little?

Yuanshi continued his admonition in a solemn tone.

"The relationship between Master and Disciple has its own rules.

How can a disciple offer a lavish gift to their Master in return?

This is improper!

We are your Masters in order to pass on the Dao, impart knowledge, resolve your doubts, and protect you. How could we be such vulgar people as to covet your belongings?

Do not mention this again!"

His words rang with the authority and principles of an elder Master.

Tongtian also put away his smile. Though he still found it amusing, he followed Second Brother's lead and added with a grin,

"That's right, that's right! Little Girl, your Masters appreciate the thought!

But this island is your home, your nest. Keep it for yourself, and keep the Treasure inside to play with!

We don't do this sort of thing!"

His tone was relaxed, but his stance was equally clear.

Laozi nodded slightly. His voice was gentle, yet carried the weight of a final decision.

"Indeed.

Now that you have entered our sect, you are the Three Pure Ones' first disciple.

From now on, Kunlun Mountain will have a cultivation Cave Abode for you. We will also expound the Dao for you and forge protective treasures.

There is no need for you to repay us with possessions. Just cultivate peacefully."

The Three Masters were unanimous, refusing her cleanly and decisively.

Su Miao blinked her large eyes, her little face filled with confusion.

Tilting her head, she looked at her beautiful pond, then at the fertile land, and muttered softly,

"Why?

My home... really has lots of space...

I can't live in all of it... Masters can pick any place you like to live..."

Could they be looking down on it? No, that can't be it.

This island is so nice! Or...

Are Masters just being polite?

Mm! That must be it! Big shots are all rather reserved!

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that her Masters were elegant and noble, unwilling to take advantage of their disciple.

Her admiration for them immediately surged like the Three Lights Divine Water!

As expected of the wonderful Masters the Heavenly Dao had chosen for her!

They were of such noble character! They treated wealth like dirt!

This thigh was even more worth clinging to!

She immediately looked at the Three Pure Ones with even more worshipful, sparkling eyes.

In particular, she looked at the handsome Master in silver robes, who had sternly refused and appeared especially principled. She thought he looked even better when serious!

Yuanshi felt somewhat uncomfortable under her pure gaze of admiration.

He gave a light cough. His tone remained stern, though it softened involuntarily as he explained,

"This is not politeness.

This island is the source from which you were born. It is bound to you through Life-Intertwining Cultivation and connected to your Fortune.

How can you speak lightly of giving it to another?

You should manage it well and stabilize your own Dao Foundation. That is the proper course.

When your cultivation achieves success in the future, you may return often to live here."

His words were both an explanation and held a trace of concern.

No matter what, this island was extraordinarily important to her.

Laozi also said gently,

"Kunlun is our Dao Field. Its Spiritual Qi is slightly inferior to this place, but it is still among the top of the Prehistoric World.

It is also more convenient for us to teach you.

Now that you have entered our sect, you should cultivate alongside your Masters."

Su Miao nodded her little head as though she understood. Then she heard the words, "cultivate alongside your Masters."

Do I have to leave this place? Go to Masters' home?

A deep reluctance immediately welled up in her heart.

This was the first home she had had since waking up. Though it could be boring at times,

she was deeply familiar with every blade of grass, every tree, every drop of water, and every stone.

And her little pond, her Experimental Field...

It's fine! Follow the boss and there'll be meat to eat!

Opening up a new map isn't bad either!

Besides, Master said I can come back later!

She immediately beamed and obediently replied,

"Mm-hmm! This disciple understands! I'll listen to all my Masters!"

Her little appearance was both sensible and adorable. Tongtian's hands itched at the sight, and he very much wanted to reach out and rub her softly curled hair.

Seeing that she was no longer fixated on "giving them the island," Yuanshi finally let out a secret sigh of relief.

Faced with a disciple who never played by the rules, he felt it took more mental effort than deducing the secrets of heaven.

However, just as the atmosphere eased and the Three Pure Ones began considering how to take her away,

Su Miao looked at her three peerlessly elegant Masters, who were dressed so simply, and the worry in her heart quietly surfaced again.

Masters don't even want an island. Could it be because...

They actually don't have much in the way of family wealth?

They look like they dress so plainly too...

Ah, it seems this little disciple will have to find a way to help support the household in the future...

She suddenly felt that she bore a great responsibility!

Thus, she spoke up again with great consideration.

She lowered her voice, as though sharing some little secret:

"Masters... um... if you don't want the island, then forget it..."

"But... do you want to take some Three Lights Divine Water from the pond with you?

It's very useful!

And the palaces and Dharma Treasures on the island are really beautiful!

Take whatever you want!

Also... I have lots of shiny Artifact Forging Materials and Spirit Fruits. I'll give them all to you!"

As she spoke, she even gestured with her little hands.

She tried her hardest to sell them on the idea, afraid her Masters would be polite with her again.

The Three Pure Ones: "..."